Rhonda Allison Hosts Corporate Retreat

Celebrating 20 years in business, Rhonda Allison Cosmeceuticals hosted its annual corporate retreat. The retreat was intended to help employees sharpen skills, test strengths, and bring lessons learned back to headquarters. The challenge included team and leadership simulations and action-learning experiences, which helped employees hone critical skills in team development, multitasking, and on-the-job applications. The two teams—Team RAW and Team RA—also learned strategies for improving communication, managing deadlines and stress, and effectively resolving conflict.

Relax With the Drum and Journey Circle at the Bishop’s Resort and Spa

Music plays an integral role in changing my mood. When I am practicing yoga or when I am stressed it’s music that helps to relax and soothe my mind. Recognizing the power of music, and drumming in particular, the Bishop’s Lodge and Resort (Santa Fe, NM), is offering its Drum and Journey Circle. Drumming is an ancient practice that is commonly used in many cultures to reduce stress and re-connect by finding peace through the repetitive rhythms of the drum. During this retreat, not only will participants drum, they are also invited to join the journey circle which allows them the opportunity to share their experiences and connect with one another. Participants are asked to bring meaningful items with them such as photos or letters that will be placed in the circle to keep them inspired and in tune. Sage is used at the beginning of each session to set the mood for offerings to the spirits. Participants in the circle will later find peace and serenity. In addition to the Drum and Journey Circle, the Bishop’s Lodge and Resort also offers many activities including hiking, horseback riding, tennis courts, a skeet and trap range, and a variety of spa and wellness amenities at SháNah Spa.

The Latest Lowdown on Spray Tanning

I recently read an interesting piece in WellandGoodNYC questioning the safety of spray tanning on account of the ingredients used. It seems the safer alternative to the sun might have some issues of its own with ingredients, mainly Dihydroxyacetone, which are not meant to be inhaled. Considering that it’s nearly impossible not to breathe in at least some of the spray, it’s surprising that more people aren’t asking what exactly they’re inhaling. What struck me the most about the article was the fact that so few spa employees had any idea what was in the spray tan formulas they’re using. Do you know what’s in your spa’s spray tan?

SpaBooker Launches Facebook Scheduling Application

Cool social media news from SpaBooker by GramercyOne. The company has launched a Facebook application for spas that provides online booking for their customers without leaving the spa’s Facebook page. Following a completed booking, customers can share the appointment with friends, sending it viral. “We are recognized in the industry for our continuous product innovation, bringing the latest technology and marketing services to our clients,” says Josh McCarter, CEO of GramercyOne. “We see tremendous excitement in the industry for the SpaBooker Facebook scheduling app and eager anticipation of the new business that will be driven to our clients through this social marketing channel.”

So far, spas are excited about the new service. “SpaBooker’s new Facebook app is great, and our customers are going to love it,” says Kristen Haines, owner of Euphoria Spa (New York City). “To us, it means great service and more business. We love communicating through Facebook and now customers can book right then and there. To be able to capture the power of sharing the booking is awesome – we’re now into viral marketing!”

While you’ve got digital directives on the brain, be sure to tune in to American Spa’s September issue, which will highlight the latest and greatest when it comes to technology.

Woodstock Inn Offers Pampering Packages

The Woodstock Inn & Resort (VT) is offering two new packages that promise pampering and relaxation. Available through 2011, the S.O.S. Spoil Our Selves package ($549 per night based on double occupancy) includes one night luxury accommodations, $100 spa credit per person to The Spa at The Woodstock Inn & Resort, a wine amenity in room upon arrival, and dinner for two in the Red Rooster or Richardson’s Tavern restaurants. The Girlfriend Getaway package ($354 per night based on double occupancy) includes one night luxury accommodations, a $50 spa credit per person, and a welcome martini.

Okabashi Celebrates Christmas
Early with a Special Offer

I love a great deal, and apparently, the folks at Okabashi do as well. For one day only, the company is giving spa-goers a dozen 100 percent recyclable shoes in a variety of styles and colors for just $100. For those who want to stock up on their supply of flip flops, casual slides, mid-heels, sandals, and clogs, it’s like Christmas in July. To take advantage of the one-day offer, log on to www.okabashi.com on July 25th, from 12am to 11:59pm. Just fill your cart with 12 of your faves, and they’re yours for just $100. Guaranteed for two years, the shoes are ideal for sharing with friends or stocking up on your locker room supply.

Repêchage Lightens Up

Yesterday, I spent my afternoon learning about an exciting new launch from Repêchage—the Biolight Collection. This exciting new offering was created to battle hyperpigmentation and age spots to help reveal radiant skin. The collection was created using antioxidants, botanicals, and seaweed and includes:

• Biolight Brightening Cleanser
• Biolight Brightening Toner
• Biolight Brightening Daytime Protection Cream
• Biolight Brightening Skin Correct Serum
• Biolight Brightening Overnight Cream
• Biolight Brightening Miracle Mask

It also includes an in-spa service—the Biolight Miracle Facial with Glyco-Sea Peel, a treatment designed to brighten the skin, diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and enrich the skin. I’m testing it out next week, and I’ll be sure to report back on the results.

And stay tuned for an upcoming issue of American Spa, where we’ll highlight the new collection.

Sagestone Spa at Red Mountain Resort To Become a Clarins USA Spa

Red Mountain Resort announced exciting news for anyone who loves Clarins’ products and treatments as much as I do. Starting in September, Red Mountain Resort’s acclaimed Sagestone Spa & Salon will be the first spa in Utah to become an exclusive Clarins’ USA spa. The spa has taken on the famed Clarins’ Touch massage technique that was developed in Paris by Jacques Courtin-Clarins in 1954. The technique involves over 80 complex hand movements and rhythmic strokes that balance and renew the body and mind.

Here is a look at some of the Clarins’ treatments that will be offered at the Sagestone Spa:

The Lifting Line Smoother ($120, 50 minutes): This youth recovery treatment reduces the appearance of fine lines by utilizing sunflower phospholipids, bluebutton flower, and hops.

Sea Lily Luminosity Treatment ($120, 50 minutes): Clients will reveal fresh and glowing skin with this treatment that utilizes sea lily flower to reduce pigment producing cells and diminish age spots.

Anti-Ageing Special ($120, 50 minutes): This intensive all-over body treatment is designed to firm and tone the skin while leaving it soft and renewed.

Customized Mud and Clay wraps by Clarins’ ($120, 50 minutes): The customized mud and clay wraps use an array of unique ingredients to tone the body and relax the body and mind.

Exfoliation by Clarins’ ($115, 50 minutes): Each guest will be pampered with this exfoliating treatment that is customized to meet individual needs.

GlyMed Plus Partners with Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas

GlyMed Plus/Advanced Aesthetics has partnered with Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas (multiple locations throughout Illinois) to provide consumers with results-driven, professional skin treatments and homecare regimens. Mario Tricoci will incorporate GlyMed Plus professional-only products into its esthetics services and recommend customized GlyMed Plus homecare regimens to its clientele. Says Christine Heathman, CEO and founder of GlyMed Plus, “This partnership unites GlyMed Plus’s 20 years of producing unprecedented results in the skin with Mario Tricoci’s more than 30 years of affluent status in luxury hair styling and spa services – a combination sure to earn acclaimed and continued success.”

Mojitos are on the Menu at The Mayfair Hotel and Spa

Any spa treatment that contains the word ‘mojito’ is sure to peak my interest. It’s such a refreshing summer drink, so I understand why its ingredients would be the inspiration for the perfect seasonal body scrub and there is no better place to experience it than in Miami. This summer, the Mayfair Hotel and Spa in Coconut Grove, FL, is offering the Miami Mojito Body Wrap ($150, 60 minutes), the ultimate experience for relaxation after a day in the hot Miami sun. Exclusively at the Mayfair’s Jurlique Spa, the body wrap includes a perfect blend of sugar and mint to exfoliate and nourish the skin while stimulating the senses. After the treatment, guests are invited to head up to the breathtaking rooftop pool and lounge for a complimentary Mojito cocktail. Call (800) 433-4555 to book your appointment and mention the code MOJITO to receive this special rate limited to July and August.