Listen Up…

My coworker and good friend (I won’t name names here) has a habit of cracking her knuckles quite often. Although I love her dearly, every time I hear her doing this, it drives me crazy. Like everyone, there are just certain sounds that are close to intolerable to me. But last evening when I came across a book on one of the shelves in our office called 100 Sounds to See (Health Communications, 2010), I was intrigued. Upon looking through it, I realized that, although I am quick to recognize the sounds that drive me batty, I take for granted the sounds that soothe my soul and put a smile on my face. As author Marsha Engle began slowly losing her hearing, she decided to collaborate with photographer William J. Huber to capture her favorite sounds through photographs, and the results are breathtaking. From the image of a flag unfurling in a breeze to the shuffle of a deck of cards, each stunning photograph is a reminder to the reader to take some time to appreciate the gift of hearing. Experience the power of this amazing book for yourself by clicking here.

Rancho Bernardo Inn Helps Spa-goers Spring Forward

Although it doesn’t feel like it here today in New York City where it is snowing once again, Sunday was the official start of Spring, and to kick off the season, The Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn (San Diego, CA) is offering some irresistible offerings. Now through May 31, guests can choose from the following options:

• Spring Made Fresh Daily ($150, 80 minutes) includes a strawberry body scrub, a strawberry body wrap, a grapefruit oil massage, and, as an added treat, a strawberry daiquiri to top it all off

• Sunday Funday Spa Package ($150, 80 minutes) includes two mini bite-sized treats, two sandwiches, and two desserts, and a beverage, plus the choice of three mini treatments (facial, massage, and manicure or pedicure) either before or after the tasting

Both options offer the perfect way to ring in Spring!

OPI Adds New Shades to the Glam Slam! Collection

OPI added four new shades to the Glam Slam! collection. Launching in May in conjunction with the French Open, the first Lacquer set includes Spark de Triomphe (a silver glitter) paired with White Shatter. Once applied over completely dried Nail Lacquer, Shatter begins to crackle, leaving behind a two-texture pattern on each nail. The second Lacquer set features Rally Pretty Pink paired with Red Shatter. “We are very excited to continue working with tennis superstar Serena Williams to launch the next Glam Slam! shades,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, executive vice president and artistic director of OPI. “France is a country with a rich history in fashion and setting trends. These four new color options are ideal for showcasing your own personal style, à la Serena, whether worn alone or overlaid with Shatter for instant nail art.” New shades in the Glam Slam! collection will be introduced to coincide with each of the four major tournaments, beginning with the Australian Open in January 2011, followed by launches in May 2011 for the French Open, June 2011 for Wimbledon, and August 2011 for the US Open.

Ritz-Carlton Dallas Helps Guests Run & Recover

I don’t like to run. At all. A few years ago, my team and I ran a half-marathon for charity. While I was thrilled with the funds we were able to raise, at the end of the race, I was equally thrilled to be able to stop the training and return to my regular fitness routine. But I just heard about a new package from The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dallas, that makes running seem a bit more palatable—in fact, it makes it sound downright enticing. Run and Recover ($205 to $235) is an interactive experience during which a hotel guest can enjoy a run along Dallas’ famed Katy Trail near The Ritz-Carlton, accompanied by a hotel Running Buddy who is familiar with the area, its running terrain, and trail options. After an accompanied run of up to one hour, the guest will return to The Ritz-Carlton Spa for a 50- or 80-minute Fitness and Sports Massage, a customized athlete’s therapy that addresses pain and trigger points related to muscle stress and sports injuries. It’s the perfect solution to treat the perils of running with the pleasure of spa. Where can I sign up?

Finding Birthday Bliss at Hotel Le Toiny in St. Barths

Those who know me well know I generally dread my birthday. This year, however, I decided to try and embrace the passing of another year. Fortunately, it wasn’t too difficult considering that I was spending my birthday weekend at the beautiful Hotel Le Toiny in St. Barths. There, I got a taste of the good life in my own well-appointed villa with a private pool (seen here). I also experienced two decadent treatments in the property’s inviting Spa Cottage, which served as the perfect cure for my annual birthday blues. Stay tuned for more on Le Toiny’s charming Spa Cottage in a future issue.

Red Mountain Resort Offers the Ultimate Guy’s Getaway

Often when I write about the fabulous treatments, promotions, and packages that spas offer, they have the tendency to focus on women. Beauty and wellness packages for the ladies are always abundant. Well guys, this one is just for you! Red Mountain Resort (St. George, UT) is offering a unique getaway for men only with its Red Mountain Challenge Retreat. Male guests can experience adventure, self discovery, and team building with challenging outdoor activities, while the luxurious spa treatments at the resort’s Sagestone Spa & Salon offer relaxation. Travel can be booked between March 1 and May 31 for a 5-day/4-night stay with rates starting at $280 per person. The package includes:

• Choice of a 50-minute invigorating massage or soothing facial
• Choice of a kayaking or rock climbing adventure
• Daily guided morning hikes
• Three meals daily
• Activities designed to help guests achieve personal awareness
• Unlimited fitness classes
• Healthy cooking demonstrations
• Use of resort amenities including pools, bicycles, walking trails and fitness studio

“It’s important for men to let loose with the guys and take a break from the daily stresses life presents,” says general manager Tracey Welsh, “Red Mountain acknowledges the value of male-vacationing as a time to build camaraderie, deepen friendships, and learn a greater sense of self.”

Four Seasons Celebrates 50 Years

I’m a big fan of celebrating milestones, which is why I’m thrilled to share the news of a big one for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts—50 years. The company is celebrating five decades with the launch of a special website to honor the values that have been the foundation of their success. Inspired by the company’s guiding principle, The Golden Rule, the new Living Values site showcases the company’s global CSR commitment in the areas of, Supporting Sustainability, Building Communities, and Advancing Cancer Research. Stories from more than 35,000 dedicated employees at more than 80 properties in 34 countries illustrate how the Golden Rule has inspired this global company to give back to their communities.

And speaking of milestones, American Spa is commemorating of our 15th year in print with a special anniversary section called “Celebrating 15 Years.” We kicked off this revisit of the magazine from its beginning in February with a look back at 1997 to 2000. In the April issue, we’re focusing on 2001 to 2002. In it, we highlight spa headlines, speak to industry leaders who have been with us since the beginning, and look at the featured years’ world news. I hope you enjoy this special section, and be sure to stay tuned. The story continues in June, August, October, and December. Thanks so much for celebrating with us.

Mandarin New York Provides 24-Hour Detox

The long and bitter cold winter days in New York can be very depressing, which is why I have been seeking solace in red velvet cupcakes. Too often, I find myself on my sofa with the remote control in one hand and my frosted treat in the other. With the warm months right around the corner, though, I have to face the traumatic effect it has had on my waistline. Just in time for spring, the Mandarin Oriental, New York has the perfect remedy for guests like me who want shake the winter blues and shed those extra winter pounds—the Ultimate 24 Hour Detox Spa Package (starting at $1,630 per night), which is available for guests who want to rejuvenate and cleanse the mind and body in a luxurious environment. Upon arrival at the hotel guests will begin their journey of invigoration with a package that includes one night accommodation; a three-hour Himalayan Salt, Sea and Chakra Therapy treatment at the spa, which releases toxins from the body and stimulates detoxification; complimentary take-home products from the treatment to help ensure for long-lasting benefits; a healthy bento box dinner at the Oriental Tea Lounge; and a day’s worth of BluePrintCleanse Renovation Cleanse juices (six 16oz.bottles); and a complimentary copy of the Three-Day Cleanse book by founders Zoë Sakoutisand and Erica Huss.

Szép Élet Donates Skincare to Afghan Women

Szép Élet, exclusive distributors of Ilike Organic Skin Care in the U.S. and Canada, has partnered with Stellar Spa (Corte Madera, CA) in a grassroots project to supply preventative skincare to Afghan women and children who are dealing with chronic skin issues such as extreme sun damage, severely dry, dehydrated skin, and cracked dry lips. An assortment of Ilike Rich Carrot Moisturizers and Apricot Whipped Moisturizers were donated to help spearhead the humanitarian efforts of California’s Stellar Spa. “We are glad that we are in a position where we can provide a few skin necessities to assist with easing the symptoms and conditions of Afghan women and their children,” says Szilvia Hickman, senior vice president of Szép Élet.

Exhale Spas Introduce Core Fusion Boot Camp

Although I generally enjoy working out, I bore easily when it comes to classes. That’s why I eventually cancelled my gym membership and took up taekwon-do.  I found the progressive nature of martial arts appealing, as I was constantly being challenged to learn new things. That’s one of the reasons I was so excited to hear that Core Fusion co-creators Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito had recently created a new approach to Core Fusion training with the introduction of Core Fusion Boot Camp. I attended a preview class earlier this week and found myself challenged in numerous ways. The new class accelerates and enhances the strength and flexibility benefits of traditional Core classes by adding power moves that incorporate core balls and weights to the workout. With summer right around the corner, I’m looking forward to incorporating the class into my own workout regime and even more excited about the lean abs and sculpted legs that are sure to follow. There is even a dvd that I can watch from home. Core Fusion Boot Camp is slated to launch in Exhale spas nationwide in late April or early May.