American Spa Blog » Nanci McArdle, Managing Editor

The Spa at The Hotel Hershey Embraces The Spirit Of Autumn with Pumpkin-Inspired Pampering

Nanci McArdle, Managing Editor — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 15:46:14 +0000

In addition to myriad treatments featuring its famous chocolate, The Spa at The Hotel Hershey (Hershey, PA) offers guests seasonally themed treatments, as well. And what more appropriate way to celebrate autumn then with three services featuring pumpkin? Available only throughout October and November spa-goers “fall back” into relaxation by choosing one of the following:

• Pumpkin Spice Scrub ($65, 30 minutes) Created to help clients exfoliate their skin and smooth away dullness, this scrub is ideal prior to receiving a body wrap or massage.

• Pumpkin Body Cream Wrap ($125, 50 minutes) This treatment includes a dry body brush exfoliation, an application of Pumpkin Body Cream, and a light massage using Spice Soufflé Butter.

• A Very A-Peeling Pumpkin Facial ($125, 50 minutes) This facial includes the application of a yam and pumpkin puree to help remove dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of fine lines, sun damage, and hyper-pigmentation.

To learn more ideas on how to incorporate pumpkins into your spa menu, be sure to check out “The Power of Pumpkin” in our October issue.

The Spa at Four Seasons Westlake Village Helps Guests Have Sweet Dreams

Nanci McArdle, Managing Editor — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:26:04 +0000

For the past few years, I have been dealing with major sleep issues, meaning, I don’t really sleep. This is not by choice. For some reason, my body refuses to let me sleep for more than 3 consecutive hours (on a good night). I realize that lack of sleep takes it toll mentally and physically (not to mention how frustrating it is), so I am definitely in the market for suggestions on how to remedy the situation. It seems I’m not alone. In fact, the Spa at Four Seasons Westlake Village (CA) has introduced the Sleep Well program for guests just like me. Partnering with wellness experts at California Health & Longevity Institute, the spa offers several in-room or in-spa services that are recommended to promote rest and relaxation. Complementary sleep therapies, such as acupuncture, clinical hypnotherapy, meditation, and guided imagery are also available. And although I can’t make it to California by tonight, luckily the experts offer the following tips for promoting sleep at home:

• Create a sleep environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable, and cool.

• Try not to eat less than two hours before bedtime, If you can’t eat early, a bedtime snack that is high in carbohydrates stimulates serotonin, which aids in sleep.

• Avoid caffeine after 2 P.M.

• Try not to watch television or use your computer at least 30 minutes before bedtime.

• Establish a bedtime routine, such as drinking a cup of herbal tea, taking a hot bath, reading, or listening to soothing music.

• Don’t stress if you think you aren’t getting enough sleep. Try not to look at the clock throughout the night.

• Refrain from strenuous exercise two hours prior to bedtime. Instead, try relaxing stretches or yoga moves.

• If you lie awake for more than 20 minutes, get out of bed and engage in a relaxing activity, such as reading. Return to bed when you feel tired again.

I plan on trying all of these tips tonight. Wish me luck!

Bringing Fitness Home

Nanci McArdle, Managing Editor — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:44:41 +0000

While doing research for our September supplement, “ An Exercise in Fitness,” we came across some fun workout DVDs to take the monotony out of exercising. Here is a sampling:

• Losing It and Keeping Fit! This 60-minute DVD features Valerie Bertinelli and celebrity trainer Christopher Ross Lane. It offers a beginner’s routine, a bikini-ready workout, and a bonus abs sculpting segment.

• Tara Stiles Yoga Anywhere: The New York Sessions From tunnels in Central Park to the famous Flatiron Building, Stiles goes on location in The Big Apple while teaching viewers yoga basics, as well as more advanced moves in this 60-minute DVD set to rock music.

• The Pursuit of Happy Hips Featuring routines varying in length from 25 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes, this DVD from Canadian yoga instructor Eoin Finn features a series of alignment-based yoga moves for hip and shoulder opening, core strengthening, and breathing and centering practices.

• Exhale: Core Fusion Thighs and Glutes Five 10-minute workouts demonstrated on this DVD by Core Fusion creators Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp focus on lifting your buns, toning your legs, and trimming your waist.

• Black Belt Golf: White Belt Lesson Martial artist, golfer, and certified fitness instructor Ryan White teaches viewers some guided meditations using martial arts to help improve their golf game by helping them warm up, stretch, and increase stamina.

Be sure to check out other fitness tips and trends in our September issue, which you can view digitally here.

Spa Week Predicts Top 12 Fall Treatment Trends

Nanci McArdle, Managing Editor — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:44:01 +0000

For years, I have been a huge fan of Spa Week, the event where spas across the country offer some of their most exclusive services for the discounted price of $50 during the designated week. This year, Spa Week will take place Sept. 13-19th on the West Coast and Oct. 11-17 throughout the rest of the country. To prepare potential spa-goers for the event, executives at Spa Week have compiled a list of the top 12 spa treatment trends for the fall:

1. FIGHTING ALLERGIES: Sinus massages, breathe-easy facials, and other treatments featuring eucalyptus, humidifiers, and lymphatic drainage techniques are a just few of the services being offered to help clients suffering from allergies.

2. BIKINI GLAMOUR: Post-Brazilian waxing rituals are taking center stage, such as vajazzling, vattooing, and airbrush painting.

3. SLEEPING AND DREAMING: Services designed to promote a good night’s sleep, such as stress solution facials, private yoga sessions, and meditation are becoming hugely popular.

4. LASH EXTENSIONS: Techniques that promote eyelash thickness, length, volume, and color are high on the priority list of spa-goers this fall.

5. INSTANT INCH LOSS: Colon hydrotherapy, Ionothermie, and other treatments that give immediate weigh-loss results will be in high demand.

6. REIKI AND ENERGY WORK: The demand for holistic healing and energy work that deliver health benefits ranging from spiritual growth to injury recovery are on the rise.

7. ACUPUNCTURE: For both the face and the body, this technique is recommended for the treatment of more than 40 conditions ranging from anxiety to pain by the World Health Organization.

8. BOTOX ON-THE-GO: Reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines hassle-free is at the forefront of many spa-goers’ beauty lists.

9. HOT AND COLD STONE MASSAGES: Instead of using only hot stones for a massage, the application of cold stones will be a popular request, adding multi-dimensional stimulation.

10. CHAMPISSAGE: Also know as Indian Head Massage, this technique is now being interpreted as a custom ritual at many spas.

11. EVERYTHING SEAWEED: Treatments incorporating seaweed and seawater to detoxify the body, eliminate excess fluids, and increase blood circulation will be in more demand than ever.

12. SIMPLY OXYGEN: Spa-goers will be looking for more treatments, such as oxygen facials, that incorporate this life-sustaining molecule.

To find out a complete list of participating spas, visit www.spaweek.com.

Yoga-Paws Redesigns the “Yoga Mat Your Wear”

Nanci McArdle, Managing Editor — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:00:37 +0000

Although I love doing yoga, it is no secret that I am not coordinated at all. So when I originally learned about Yoga-Paws about five years ago, I was so excited. Touted as the “yoga mat you wear,” Yoga-Paws are lightweight mini-mats worn on the hands and feet to provide slip control so that yoga can be practiced safer and more comfortably (and mat-free, if you choose). Originally launched in 2003, the company has recently compiled feedback from fans and instructors and invested in research and development to improve the product. Available this fall, the new Yoga-Paws hand units will feature eco-friendly TPE material with a curved ergonomic design and external seams, similar to driving gloves, for added comfort and mobility. The foot units will feature a heal strap to prevent movement, as well as a smooth, Lycra-spandex material that adjusts to provide a closer fit for various foot sizes. With accessories making it this easy and comfortable, there is no excuse not to say “om.” Check out the products here.

Spilo Worldwide Announces The Passing of Rosalyn A. Barton

Nanci McArdle, Managing Editor — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:29:42 +0000

On July 26th, 2010, the professional beauty industry lost an icon with the passing of Rosalyn (Roz) A. Barton. Roz joined Spilo Worldwide, a manufacturer, international distributor, and importer of professional beauty products, more than 40 years ago. She served as the right hand to Charles G. Spilo, the company’s founder, and acted as a guiding influence to the entire company. Throughout her career, Roz was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of Spilo Worldwide. She also served as executive vice president, becoming involved in purchasing, special projects, and general management. In 2005, Roz was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), honoring her work ethic, compassion, and enthusiasm for the industry.

According to president Marc Spilo, Roz’s genuine interest in people and her caring nature were the qualities that really set her apart from the rest. “As a friend and mentor, Roz was a unique individual–someone you could count on for honest opinions, thoughtful guidance, and absolute loyalty,” says Spilo. “If one is measured in life by the love, respect, and admiration of the people around them, then Roz Barton was truly a rich woman.”

Migraine Sufferers Hope Botox Isn’t Just For Beauty

Nanci McArdle, Managing Editor — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:27:29 +0000

As a person who suffers from occasional migraines, I am always on the lookout for some sort of relief that I haven’t yet found. I’ve tried every migraine medicine on the market, acupuncture, herbs, and supplements, all to no avail. To date, my only remedy involves lying down in a quiet, dark room praying for relief. So when I recently heard the buzz about Botox possibly gaining FDA-approval as migraine therapy, I was skeptical. But yesterday, Allergan (the maker of Botox) announced that the FDA extended by three months a review of Botox as migraine therapy, which means that Allergan most likely won’t need to conduct more trials to win approval of the anti-wrinkle injectable for migraine relief. In fact, the FDA’s decision is expected in October. If approved, migraine sufferers can find relief with the added bonus of erasing lines and wrinkles—another headache altogether.

African Americans and Hispanics Run A Higher Risk of Dying From Skin Cancer

Nanci McArdle, Managing Editor — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:49:35 +0000

According to recent studies, African Americans and Hispanics are often less likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer in its early stages and need to get themselves checked as often as possible to avoid the cancer spreading. One recent study of 41,072 melanoma patients in Florida found advanced cases in 12 percent of Caucasians, 18 percent of Hispanics, and 26 percent of African Americans. “There is a fairly common misconception among African American sand Hispanics that we do not get skin cancer,” explains dermatologist Marcy Street, M.D. “Because light-skinned and light-eyed individuals are mentioned constantly, minority groups often surmise that the information somehow doesn’t apply to us because we don’t commonly burn or have warning signs of having had too much sun. Everyone, regardless of ethnicity, needs to get checked and often, especially if there is an abnormality.”

So remember to remind your clients of all ethnicities to get screened for skin cancer often, to keep their eyes out for any changes in moles, rashes, or skin discolorations, and to wear sun protection daily.

SpaTerre At Riviera Resort & Spa Offers Guests Tuesday Night Treats

Nanci McArdle, Managing Editor — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:41:17 +0000

Not too long ago, I was fortunate enough to spend a weekend in Palm Springs, CA, visiting Riviera Resort & Spa. I had a blast relaxing poolside, enjoying delicious cuisine, and experiencing amazing spa services. The only way my trip could have been better is if I was able to partake in SpaTerre’s new Martinis & Manicures package. Every Tuesday from 6-8 through Oct. 26th, guest can spend the evening relaxing in the 12,000-square-foot retro-themed spa while enjoying a mini manicure, a complimentary martini, and appetizers. For only $35, it’s the perfect way to wash away the weekday blues. To find out more about the spa, check out our article in March’s issue of American Spa by clicking here.

GlobalFit Helps Promote Healthy Living

Nanci McArdle, Managing Editor — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:30:46 +0000

Living in New York City, it is sometimes quicker to walk places than it is to take a cab or the subway, which I realized is quite beneficial after reading an email from GlobalFit, an online provider of benefits for healthy living. The report listed a variety of popular foods, along with the number of steps it takes to burn off the calories, based on an average calorie burn for a 150-lb person, and the results were surprising to me Here is a sampling:

• One serving of mashed potatoes: 1,540 steps
• One serving of chocolate ice cream: 1,980 steps
• Large French fries: 6,000 steps
• A slice of pepperoni pizza: 4,560 steps
• A Cheeseburger: 3,840 steps
• 16 potato chips: 1,800 steps
• A mug of beer: 1,680 steps
• A chocolate chip cookie: 2,520 steps

Even foods that are considered healthy require a considerable amount of steps to burn off calories, such as:

• A banana: 1,068 steps
• A navel orange: 828 steps
• A hardboiled egg: 936 steps
• 14 baby carrots: 672 steps

Luckily, GlobalFit offers online visitors a variety of options to help them stay healthy and keep the calories offer through education, community support, and incentives, but the benefits are not available to the general public. An employer or insurance provider must belong to the network. If you are interested in offering your staff an added incentive to stay healthy, your company can become a GlobalFit sponsor by clicking here.