Chilling Out at The Chatwal New York

Like most New Yorkers, I’m not a giant fan of Times Square. In fact, I tend to avoid it at all costs. But, with the recent opening of The Chatwal New York, which is located smack dab in the middle of this bustling neighborhood, I discovered that I may have to change my opinion. The hotel is located in the former home of was The Lambs Club, a turn-of-the-century haven for stars like Fred Astaire, John Barrymore, Irving Berlin, Charlie Chaplin, and John Wayne. The new version pays homage to its storied theater history with a very cool Art Deco design, an inviting bar that serves vintage drinks, and an amazing restaurant, called The Lambs Club, that features photos of the original members, a giant roaring fireplace, and a divine menu. Even more exciting? The new Chatwal Spa by Kashwére. I recently met spa director April Greenwood at the hotel for lunch and got a chance to experience this inviting and intimate spa. Located in the hotel’s cellar level, it’s a haven from the madness of Times Square and features wonderful treatment rooms and services, hot and cold saltwater plunge pools, a saltwater lap pool, and a gorgeous relaxation area that includes back-lit art installations that make you feel like you’re in the midst of a forest. All in all, it’s a perfect escape from the urban jungle.

Be sure to check out our March issue, where we’ll be highlighting this cool new spa. And if you are coming to IECSC New York, which takes place March 6 to 8 at the Javits Center, be sure to schedule some time for a treatment. I guarantee, you won’t be disappointed.

Mii amo Offers Unique Experiences
To Suit All Interests in February and March

No matter what a guest’s preference, Mii amo, A Destination Spa at Enchantment Resort (Sedona, AZ) offera something for every interest in February and March. Unique offerings will be on the menu for those who long for adventure, the arts, and overall well-being. The events and retreats at Mii amo include:

Calligraphy of the Heart, February 8-15: Renowned Zen calligraphic painter Alok Hsu Kwang-han will create portraits in private sessions for individuals, couples and families in time for a Valentine’s Day celebration. Alok will also show his work on February 9 and 13. ($1,450-$1,650 per portrait session)

A Loving Alchemy: Aromatherapy Blending for Valentines, February 11-12: Botanical Scientist Nick James will introduce the benefits of aromatherapy blending to couples in a session taking place on February 11. In a two-hour session on February 12, couples can create customized blends of massage oils, bath salts and perfumes just in time for Valentine’s Day ($220 per couple)

Partner Yoga for Conscious Connection, February 12: Wendy Lindahl, MA, will teach a complimentary two-hour yoga class created especially for couples who want to strengthen bonds.

Apache Exodus, February 26: During this complimentary event, guests are invited to join the Yavapai-Apache tribe for a ceremony to commemorate and honor their history.

Capturing the Light of the Southwest, March 18 – 19: On March 18 professional photographer Larry Lindahl will present a slideshow of the southwest where guests are also invited to a signing and discussion of his book Secret Sedona: Sacred Moments in the Landscape. On March 19, a complimentary three-hour workshop will be held that will include an exhibit and presentation. Guests are encouraged to bring cameras to get the most out of the workshop.

Adventures in Everything: ‘Adventures in Everything’ is a three-night workshop hosted by life coach Matthew Walker, MA, and includes accommodations at Mii amo, three meals a day, 2 spa treatments per day, and complimentary activities including red rock hikes, mountain biking, fitness classes, cooking demonstrations and visual presentations to bring adventure and inspiration to everyday life. (Rates begin at $2,505)

Oasis Helps Guests Celebrate Valentine’s Day All Month

While everyone knows that February 14 is Valentine’s Day, Oasis Day Spa (Various Locations) is helping its guests celebrate this holiday of romance throughout the entire month of February with a selection of specials, services, and packages designed to get spa-goers in the mood for love. Among the options:

BE MY VALENTINE SIDE BY SIDE FACIAL ($230, 60 minutes) During this pampering ritual, romantic aromatic oils (Rose Garden or Chocolate) will fill the senses while couples can each enjoy a customized facial without the irritation of extractions that is paired with scalp massages and foot rubs.

CUPID’S TOUCH FACIAL ($130, 60 minutes) A hydrating organic seaweed mask provides the skin with instant radiance while brightening and toning the skin for a healthy and refreshed complexion.

RED VELVET SUGAR SCRUB ($70, 30 minutes) Guests can indulge on a bed of rose petals while brown sugar and romantic aromatic oils (Rose Garden or Chocolate) are combined to gently smooth away dry skin under our European Vichy Showers, leaving the skin velvety soft to touch.

V-DAZZLE YOUR VALENTINE BRAZILIAN – This Brazilian bikini wax comes with a little extra something special…a  Swarovski crystal design application.  Application lasts up to 7 days. $75.

THE ROMANCE PACKAGE – The ultimate Valentine’s Day treat, this package includes a Side-By-Side Massage and a $120 gift card to Artisanal Bistro (Manhattan) or Red Hat on The River (Westchester) to share a romantic meal with the one you love. $300 (Value $350).

SIDE-BY-SIDE MASSAGE ($230, 60 minutes; $300, 90 minutes) Enjoy an aromatic Swedish Massage next to the one you love, combining long smooth massage strokes with scented oils (Rose Garden or Chocolate) to heighten the relaxation and sensory experience.

MELTING HEARTS MASSAGE ($120, 60 minutes; $155, 90 minutes) This massage melts away aches, pains, stress, and the February chills .  Heat packs placed on the body  help increase circulation and ease muscle tension increasing the effectiveness of the massage.

Oasis is also helping guests create romance at home with deals on gifts such as the Oasis Boca Terry Robe – $50 (Value $60), the Essence of Vali “Passion” Massage and Bath Oil ($16), and Aquiesse Soy Candles in Pink Peony and Sandalwood Vanille ($20). Plus, as a special Valentine’s Day treat, guests who receive a service on Feb. 14 will receive a complimentary glass of champagne. What are you doing to boost your sales this February? Comment here and share your successes with the rest of our readers!

Yon-Ka Conducts Online Sweepstakes

Yon-Ka Paris is conducting an “I Like Yon-Ka” sweepstakes on its website in which participants vote for their favorite products and treatments in order to win 35 face, body and sun products, based on the participant’s skin type. The competition will run until February 28. Another sweepstakes will take place this spring and will promote the launch of Vital Defense, a new anti-age prevention, anti-pollution, anti-oxidant moisturizer and spa treatment. Participants in this sweepstakes will enter to win a free Yon-Ka facial, and will be automatically entered to win a weekend for two in Paris, including flights, hotel accommodations, and complimentary spa treatments at the flagship spa L’Espace Yon-Ka. To find out more about current and future sweepstakes, visit www.yonka.com.

Wynne Business To Offer Management Intensive
For Spa Biz Success

In today’s economic climate, it is important to stay leaps and bounds ahead of the competition. With that in mind, Peggy Wynne Borgman and Lisa M. Starr of Wynne Business Spa Consulting and Education are teaching the Spa Director’s Management Intensive, March 13-16 in Saratoga, CA. This seminar will provide spa owners, managers, and investors with the knowledge and tools needed to run a successful spa business. The overall program will introduce participants to other industry professionals, helping to create a network of knowledge and support, while the small classes will promote a high level of interaction and attention. The seminar includes such relevant topics as financial management skills for directors and managers, sales and marketing, successful spa programs, retail management and leadership, and quality management. Attendees will also receive a take-home textbook to use as an everyday reference guide and will  receive a discount at Preston Wynne Spa during their stay. For more information, visit www.wynnebusiness.com.

Lost Iguana Resort & Spa Introduces the
Perfect Way to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

I must admit, I’ve never been a big fan of Valentine’s Day. It may stem from the fact that I was serially single for my fair share of them. Then there’s the fact that I was on my way to summit Kilimanjaro one February 14^th when a friend I was trekking with came down with altitude sickness and had to be evacuated off the mountain. Concerned about her well-being, I reluctantly trudged down the mountain after her, bidding adieu to my summit dreams. With that said, I think I could come around to this sentimental holiday had I plans to take advantage of the new “Love Birds Getaway” package at Lost Iguana Resort & Spa (Arenal, Costa Rica). The minimum two-night package (starting at $420 per couple) features an in-room welcome flower arrangement and wine basket to immediately set the mood, a sensual couples massage in an open-air massage bungalow at the resort’s full-service Balinese-themed Golden Gecko Spa, and a cozy candlelit dinner. Available throughout 2011, this is one package that could actually make me embrace Valentine’s Day once and for all.

Beauty & Hospitality Vets Stoup and Boykin
Launch Trilogy Spa Ventures, LLC

Longtime beauty and cosmetic industry exec David Stoup and hospitality veteran Robert Boykin have joined forces to launch Trilogy Spa Ventures, LLC. The new company will offer exclusive access to a variety of iconic beauty brands for use in distinctive properties and will create and manage proprietary spa brands, as well as develop retail opportunities on behalf of their clients.

“There is a great demand to be met in the branded spa business,” says Stoup. “Using my past experience in building beauty brands paired with Bob’s expertise in the hospitality industry, we will redefine the spa category by creating powerful synergies between beauty brands and properties. Trilogy Spa Ventures will stand as the definitive resource to ensure the most profitable experience for the property, spa and beauty brand, as well as an unparalleled experience for spa guests.”

Stoup and Boykin are joined by experienced spa operators with a proven track record of success managing brands such as Bliss Spas, Frederick Fekkai, La Prairie, and Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas, including Julia Petrini, senior vice president of operations, and Debi Foi, senior vice president of merchandising

“Trilogy Spa Ventures works with each partner to establish milestones and continuously maintains accountability,” says Boykin. “Most importantly we consider the alignment of values surrounding guest satisfaction as important as the attainment of financial results.”

For more information, visit www.TrilogySpaVentures.com.

SpaFinder Prepares for March Wellness Week

SpaFinder announced that its popular bi-annual Deal Days will return in March 2011 as SpaFinder Wellness Week. From March 21–27, hundreds of spas, fitness studios, and wellness practitioners across the country will either reduce prices by half, or offer flat-rate $50 deals from everything from massages, wraps, and facials to nutrition counseling, acupuncture, yoga, Pilates, and more. SpaFinder will also offer extensive original content including a full week of healthy spa cuisine menus, daily wellness tips, recipes for DIY spa treatments, and webinars led by leading wellness experts. Confirmed participants include destination and resort spas like Canyon Ranch Miami Beach and The Peninsula Chicago to day spas and salons like Obaji (Beverly Hills, CA), Spahtika (New York City), Ruby Room (Chicago), and Hiatus (Dallas) to top fitness and wellness centers across the country. A full list of participating locations will be announced in early March 2011. “This event has expanded far beyond presenting fabulous deals on spa and wellness options to a comprehensive program dedicated to bringing health and wellness to the entire country.” says Sallie Fraenkel, chief operating officer of SpaFinder. “Our goal is for Wellness Week to be the inspiration for people everywhere to take steps to get healthier, de-stress, eat more wisely, and ramp up their fitness routines.”

Bermuda’s Spas Serve Up Tempting Off-Season Treats

The Spa at Elbow Beach

This past weekend, I had the good fortune to experience Bermuda’s spa scene. Although the island is a bit chilly this time of year, it proved an infinite improvement over New York’s bitter cold. And the weather made the spas seem even more inviting. With a host of special offers designed to entice spa-goers in the off season, The Spa at Elbow Beach features the Midday Escape ($245), which involves a Quintessence Body Scrub, a 50-minute Hot Stone Massage, and a bento box lunch throughout the month of January. That was just one of the many enticing specials I came across. The treatment offerings were also something to write home about. I was especially excited to try the $100,000 Silver TAG shower with 18 showerheads at The Spa at Tucker’s Point. It’s one of only seven in the world. Needless to say, it was quite the experience. Look for more on the spas of Bermuda in an upcoming issue.

KindNotes Offers Hope (or Love,
Or Friendship, or Laughter) in A Jar

A few weeks ago on my way home from work, I went into a Hallmark store to quickly pick up a birthday card for a friend. Forty-five minutes later I found myself at the check-out line with 12 cards, some of which I wasn’t even sure who would be the recipient. They ranged from cheesy puns to inspirational messages, all of which I appreciated equally. So when I recently learned about KindNotes, I was immediately smitten by the concept. A perfect gift for anyone, KindNotes is a beautifully decorated jar containing 31 individual sayings and quotations stuffed into mini-envelopes that can be opened and enjoyed. Customers choose the notes they want to include, or they can choose to personalize all 31 notes with their own words. Even better, KindNotes offers an array of themes to suit any relationship or event, from sisters to children to long-distance couples. Ideal for Valentine’s Day is A Daily Dose of My Love. It’s the perfect way to get your message across, whether it is a serious sentiment, a fun snippet, or a variety, much like my greeting card selection.