New Las Ventanas Uniforms Offer Indigenous Appeal

Uniforms can play a unique role in enhancing the guest experience, and the ones at Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico, do just that. The resort is enhancing its personalized service with its collection of new staff uniforms. Each department at the resort, including the spa, has a distinct uniform that is inspired by the history and culture of Mexico. The color combinations and embroidered designs pervade a special meaning that reflects and symbolizes staff member’s job at the resort and their commitment to providing ultimate service. The symbolism in the new uniforms is revealed in a new booklet exclusively for guests where they can learn about ancient traditions while experiencing luxury. Bellboys, for example, wear an embroidered ear of corn on their shirts-the country’s food of life since early times that symbolizes Mexican hospitality, while the planning committee wears blue and white to reflect the famed serenity of the Las Ventanas experience. The uniforms were created by acclaimed Mexican designers Maria Rosario Mendoza and Alejandro Julian who collaborated to create the fashions for Las Ventanas.

Courtney Akai Lash Boutique
Introduces Add-on Services

While basically everyone on staff here is obsessed with lash extensions, we’re not so enamored with the time it takes to apply them. And apparently, we’re not the only ones. Responding to requests from her clientele, Courtney Akai, owner of the Courtney Akai Lash Boutique (New York City), recently brought on a massage and nail expert to help clients maximize their time. Now while getting their lashes done, they can also indulge in a manicure or a relaxing hand or foot massage. It’s the perfect way to knock a couple of items off that to-do list in record time.

An Inside Look at the August Issue

Spa-Goers Set to Relax Naturally With The Spa at Woodstock Inn & Resorts September Debut

Although known for its natural beauty, the quaint town of Woodstock hasn’t always been a haven for spa-goers. Now, spa-goers can revel in the opening of The Spa at Woodstock Inn & Resort at Woodstock Inn & Resort (Woodstock, VT), the first spa to be opened in the resort’s 218-year history. Even more, The Spa at Woodstock Inn & Resort is offering a Grand Opening Package ($278, per night based on double occupancy) that is sure to please even the most cultivated spa-goers. Available from September 6 to December 23 this inclusive package features accommodations in a charming guestroom, $100 credit towards spa treatments, and breakfast for two. Vermont’s beautiful ambience is incorporated into treatments, which are based upon the four seasons and feature local outdoor elements including pumpkin spice, deep forest, vanilla, and berry bliss. Featuring organic cotton linens and locally crafted organic wool blankets, the 10,000-sq.-ft., 10-treatment-room spa is set to use only organic skin care products from Éminence Organic Skin Care, Naturopathica, and Spa Ritual. Spa-goers will experience the best Vermont has to offer at this soothing sanctuary.

Completely Bare Thinks Ink

I’ve always abided by the ye olde laws established by the iconic Coco Chanel–too many accessories clutter an outfit. Should this maxim also be applied to body art “down there?” In the shadows of the Vajazzle (a service that allows ladies to add a little bling to their…ahem), emerges Bikini Ink. For $75, clients can get tagged with non-toxic body airbrush paint post-bikini wax at Completely Bare in New York. They can choose to get a temporary tat of a flower, sun, butterfly, or a group of letters. With a five-day life span, these waterproof tattoos, which can be easily erased with rubbing alcohol or baby oil, are meant to be a sassy add-on to a fairly standard service without much commitment. What do you think? Is Bikini Ink cheeky or chic? Fun or a faux pas? Tame or tacky? We would love to hear what you’re opinion is on this saucy statement!

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Helps
Guests Have Safe Fun in the Sun

While everyone knows that harmful rays can lead to skin cancer, the serenity of spending a day poolside can make even the most adamant SPF appliers forget their safe sunscreen practices. The new skincare concierges at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay and Marina (San Diego) have got these sun lovers covered with complimentary sunscreen applications. This smart service allows guests to enjoy the resort’s hotel pool deck, all three of the pools, and the private cabanas without having to leave early for fear of sunburned skin. Guests who had a little too much fun in the sun can indulge in the skincare concierge’s soothing after-sun treatments that include an application of aloe vera or vitamin E. “When you’re on vacation, it’s easy to forget your sunscreen because you’re out of your daily routine,” said Kyra Johnson, spa director of the hotel’s Blue Marble Spa. “The new service allows our guests to be freely active outdoors and enjoy all that our hotel and San Diego have to offer without the discomfort of a sunburn and compromising overall health.”

An Inside Look at the July Issue

Six Senses Spa at Hotel Missoni, Kuwait is Sure To Be the Next Haute Thing

For a divinely chic take at spa-ing, luxe-loving serenity seekers will soon be able to kick back and relax at the Six Senses Spa at Hotel Missoni, Kuwait. Slated to open October 2010, the 16,469 sq.-ft. serene oasis is set to be adjacent to the hotel’s pool, which will be tiled in Missoni’s signature bright-and-bold patterns. The contemporary design of the spa will honor its setting by incorporating Arabic touches with a modern twist. Local inspiration will also carry over to the treatment menu, which, in true Six Senses style, will also feature traditional Asian therapies that have made this world-renown brand as reputable as it is. The spa will offer a limited amount of exclusive memberships to local residents, which will give them access to the spa and fitness facilities, as well as to promotional packages and retail offers. Look for more about this stylish spot in an upcoming issue of American Spa.

Aveda Goes Big With Sky High Hair Day

As a child of the ‘80s, there is still a special place in my heart for the days of Dynasty-style big hair and mildly toxic-smelling aerosol hairspray. Even now, when straight hair is much more in style and my colleagues are enamored with silky-smooth blowouts, I still periodically try to sport 80s-style hair, which involves twisting my tresses into hot rollers, flipping my head over, coating my hair with hairspray, and adding a tease or two. Unfortunately, my big-hair look has about 10 minutes of staying power, because I feel bad about purchasing ozone-zapping aerosol hairspray and have to hope for the best with more eco-friendly spritzes. So when I heard news of Aveda’s Sky High Hair Day, which is taking place today, I looked forward to breaking out my hot rollers. To mark the launch of the new Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray, a high-performance, fast-drying, firm hold finishing spray that provides all-day maximum hold, control, and 24-hour humidity resistance, Aveda has invited stylists from across the country to celebrate by crafting their clients’ hair (and their own) into sky-high fashions. Stylists can draw inspiration from Aveda’s Control Force campaign poster and upload their pictures to the Aveda Facebook wall at www.facebook.com/aveda. And while this big-hair blowout is really fun, there’s also some exciting news about the new product—it offer a net-zero impact on the Earth’s climate through Aveda’s funding of renewable energy, making Aveda the first beauty company that offers aerosols with net-zero climate impact. (The same can’t be said about my high school staple, AquaNet). I’m looking forward to checking out the Sky High styles, and I’m even more excited to test out this eco-friendly aerosol spray. Big hair, here I come!

New Fragrance by Bliss is Heaven Scent

Fans of Bliss, take note: you have something sweet to look forward to. (No worries, the signature brownies are staying put.) The beloved brand is actually set to launch its first fragrance in September. The delectable scent is a blend of bergamot, dewy greens, cucumber, lily, and ylang ylang, with a base note of violet. The eau de toilette, priced at $54, was developed in an attempt to bottle up the uplifiting, refreshed, and revitalizing feeling one gets after visiting Bliss. I was lucky enough to sample a spritz last night and they seem to have succeeded–the light scent is truly blissful!