Fun For the Whole Family

Spas can be for the whole family. Kids like the fancy spa experience while parents like that their kids are learning about taking care of their skin. Families are also enjoying spas together as quality time to bond and relax. Many families either vacationing at resorts will schedule time at a spa or even just go to a spa in their neighborhood. Either way, it’s a shared activity that adds new dimension to the family.
Spas, once only accessible to the rich and famous, are now becoming more accessible to people of all budgets and are springing up everywhere, even in airports. Spas can really be a great, relaxing experience for the whole family promoting peace in the home. If you have never been to a spa promise yourself that this year you will sample the stress-relieving, relaxing and restorative treatments that are so inviting at a spa, and bring the fam!

Marine Life Trend 2

Keeping with the marine life theme, here's a strange trend for you. Dead skin munching fish give pedicures. Yes, the tiny fish are known as garra rufa or "doctor fish". You put your feet in water filled with these tiny fish and they nibble at your feet, removing the dead skin. The desired effect is smooth, soft skin. Customers say that is does tickle as expected. The positive thing about this procedure is how natural it is. No chemicals involved. It's the completely natural way to get a pedicure. But the only problem is, you have to put your feet in with little fish that suck off your dead skin.

What's an Algae Wrap Anyway?

I always thought algae was just the green stuff at the bottom of a pond. It feels good between the toes and sometimes I would slip on it but I didn't know the stuff could actually help me out. What's algae really? Algae are living, aquatic organisms that are famous for having multiple miracle qualities such as the ability to filter pollution and toxins, high-nutritional value, and potential as energy sources. Their role in water is to clean it and provide food and energy to larger organisms. Fish have always known algae was good for them but humans are finding out the health and beauty benefits of algae and it's gaining in popularity by the minute. At the @-ease spa in New Jersey, you can receive an algae wrap and allow it to naturally remove toxins from your circulatory system and replace them with nutrients and minerals. The algae even supplies extra detoxifying assistance to other parts of your body. So, the next time you notice algae in a pond, give it a second thought.

Glow Like the Stars

One of life's mysteries is how celebrities get themselves looking so good for the Oscar's. We now all know, thanks to tabloids, that they are not always looking 100%. So, how do they do it? How do we do it?
One month before a big event, get your micro-dermabrasion or glycolic peels. They will remove the skin's outer layers and leave you glowing, but the month will allow your skin time to recover.

One week before: Get a gentler facial to cleanse and exfoliate your skin and neck. The week will allow any extractions and outbreaks time to heal.

Two days before: If you're wearing a revealing gown, get some sort of body treatment like a sugar rub or warm algae wrap. Then, follow this up with a body massage or warm stone massage. Be sure to drink lots of water as well to cleanse and hydrate your body.

One day before: Get your manicures and pedicures to ensure they don't chip for your big day.

Now, you'll glow like the stars. Spas will not only help make your skin and body look better but you'll feel better from the inside-out with stress-relieving treatments.

The Value of Relaxation

A weak economy may have temporarily slowed the demand for any extravagances like expensive clothing, spa services, dining, etc. However, the spa industry continues to grow. Maybe it's because people need to relax more than ever. Things are pretty stressful right now and getting a massage or a facial can relax you. Small pleasures in life like these are often justifiable. Rather than spending money on material possessions, they're investing in their own well-being. The relaxation received from a massage lasts much longer is be worth much more. People feel they get more from the money. It feels more rewarding to receive a massage than buy a new dress sometimes. For me anyway, with things so tight right now, a massage is the only thing that can work the kinks out.

Chemical Peels for Bridesmaid

I recently found an article about a bride-to-be giving an unconventional thank you present to her bridal party. She's 35 and rather than giving her bridesmaids the typical bracelet or earrings, she gave them spa treatments! “Giving them something for themselves — as opposed to something that they’ll never wear again — is more meaningful.” So, the bride took her closest female friends and family to the spa where their skin was assessed and they were given the appropriate treatment ( a quick chemical peel, say, or an injection of a wrinkle-filler.) Each woman was given something to help them feel more confident about their appearance for the big day. I personally, think it's important for the bride to pick up the tab for such things. Maybe a quick facial would be appropriate to pay for a few days before taking part in a wedding. But, anything more than that, I'm not sure.

Roman Prestige/ New York Bourgeois

Archaeologists unearthed a monumentally large Roman spa in southern Siberia. Roman spas were like today's spas and fitness centers. But only the wealthiest residents of the city could afford or be accepted inside the spa. Prestige was definitely a requirement for entry into the building. Thank goodness, today anyone can go into a spa as long as they're willing to pay for services.
Discovering the spa not only gave historians a closer look into Roman history but also offers a possible nucleus to the city. It shows where the main part of the city once was as it was such an important fixture.
Spas today, also give a glimpse into the economical layout of a city. The location of spas often suggest where the more wealthy residents are. Although there are cheaper spas, they offer extremely different services than those located in say, the West Village.

Think spas are best appreciated by humans? Wonder how show horses look so darn pretty? I found a community of spas specifically catering to Equestrian needs. They provide a rare opportunity to connect horses with a spa environment to enhance wellness, personal awareness, relaxation, team-building and fitness benefits. Co-founder of Equestrian Services, LLC says “The emotional connection between humans and animals has always been supported by anecdotal stories. Now, research studies are showing instances of the human-animal bond that are improving people’s attitudes, assisting in mental health therapies and are linked to better physical health. Being social animals themselves, horses can play a particularly interesting role in helping us not only to relax but also teach us useful communication tools that can be applied to other areas of our lives. WTS shares our vision to bring this rare opportunity to the spa experience.” Some of the Equestrian services include:
Adaptation to Change with Stress Management Techniques
Improved Communication Skills
Emotional Well-being
Physical Strengthening
Enhanced Leadership Skills
Increased Team Effectiveness
Expanded Personal Awareness

I find it very interesting, the idea of going to the spa with your horse. It is also a very beautiful idea; forming a connection with such a beautiful animal.

Why Massage?

The purpose of the massage is to give yourself that all-positive human contact required to properly develop and motivate. It also relaxes away stress and removes toxins. This "healing touch" is a form of art and dates back to ancient days. Modern medicine has just recently re-discovered the healing power of massage and is now used in health centers, hospices, nursing homes, drug clinics, and pain treatment centers. Massage combines the important feeling of relaxation with important circulation renewal. Investing in a quality massage will ease and reduce stress, fatigue, and anxiety. It's worth the price when you go to a place that's knowledgeable and well-maintained. Do your research first to ensure you get the best possible results that will leave you feeling completely renewed.

Confidence

Spas help promote self-esteem in young girls and women. By learning to enhance your own natural beauty you can avoid feeling pressured by impossible standards of beauty. Going to the spa will give you confidence in the beauty of your own skin and body. You can learn more about products that word well for you as well as relieve tension. Have a non-extreme makeover event where you and your friends can receive advice on hair styling, skincare, makeup and stress management to increase your self-confidence. Even younger girls should take a trip to the spa for a non-extreme makeover. It can help build beautifully healthy girls.

Live at the Spa!

People used to go to spas maybe a few times a year. However, now it's becoming more of a daily event. Spa-goers today are living the spa experience in a movement towards integrating more health aspects within the spa experience. Real estate developers are building spas in gated communities, residential communities are adding health and wellness facilities, and existing spas are adding residential components. Having spas nearby your home encourages you to go for not just manicures but for your health. Your neighborhood spa can assist you in finding the perfect program for you. But, there is even a trend developing where you can actually live AT a spa in a residential unit attached to the spa. Instead of a hotel room, you can stay in a unit for $100 per day, where you can enjoy the full spa program plus three healthy meals a day.

Jin Shin Jystsu

Need to redirect your energy? Have aches, emotional stress, problems with your appetite? A Jin Shin Jystsu treatment provides light pressure to the safety energy locks to reduce tension and restore the energy flow balance. This treatment levels you out, making your body feel more at peace and therefore, giving it more energy to accomplish its daily duties.
Jin Shin Jystsu is a holistic philosophy that is helpful in alleviating conditions such as aching muscles and joints, appetite related problems, respiratory difficulties, emotional stress, and reproductive complications. Keep you energy locks open to keep your energy flow level and consistent throughout your body.

Spas Unplugged

There is something about hearing someone else's conversation on their cell phone that raises the blood pressure. But, it seems like everyone is going to have to learn to deal with it as cell phones become more popular than a watch. I haven't had a watch since high school. Spas are trying to deal with the question now of "plugged or unplugged?" Should cell phones and Blackberrys be permitted in spas? If listening to someone else on the phone or constant texting makes someone uncomfortable, should it be allowed in the relaxing spa environment? I guess a spa has to decide whether their mission is to cater towards the electronic/workaholic crowd or those who go to spas for a Zen-like escape. A spa must decide one way or the other.

Spa Benefits?

Hey employers, did you know that offering your employees spa treatment benefits can get you about a $10 return? Employees who attend a spa are less likely to sleep in, get sick, or miss work. So, whether you're an employer looking to improve your employees' health or an employee looking to optimize your own capabilities, visits to the spa can be the solution. According to the American Journal of Health Promotions, for every $1 spent on wellness programs, employers can expect a return of up to $10 through lower medical claims, reduced absenteeism, improved productivity and other factors. It's true. It will help you sleep better and just generally feel better. Spas will make you feel refreshed and ready to tackle your work week. It's nice to know a relaxing visit to a spa can help me wake up and get to work in the morning!

Spa Dating

Is the summer heat taking the romance out of your relationship? I know for me, it makes me sluggish and uninterested in going anywhere. (Sometimes even cranky) But you and your significant other still need to get out on the town for some romantic time together. Relaxing together, getting massages is the perfect way to cool down. Go together on a day you're both available and get the kinks out of your neck from your stressful week. You will be able to spend quality time together and you will leave the spa happy and relaxed. You are then able to enjoy a nice, quiet dinner together with lots to discuss after your own private massage/contemplation time.

Retro Revival- best-kept-secret

Right now, young people, (like Brooklyn-ites) are wearing vintage or second-hand clothes. Everyone wants to find their very own Best-kept-secret and unique place. Whether it's a bar that requires a password or a secret thrift store with a great selection, young people are searching for their very own. Same goes for spas. Having one's own secret place to relax seems to be a hot commodity right now. Vintage-style bathhouses and out-of-the way shops are going to make the spa-goer feel more comfortable and hidden. Especially city slickers are going to want their own low-key, private place to go without the busy, sterile environment of some spas. @ease spa, being outside of busy New York, offers the calm sanctuary people are craving. It offers a unique experience that will relax you and help you feel at ease.

Cool Out!

July produces record high temperatures here in New York. Not everyone has AC (including me). So, how do we cool off on the hottest days? A place with AC, cool water, face and body cleansing. A spa! It'll give you a perfect place to cool off and relax. Unless your body temperatures lowers enough, it is impossible for your body to rest. So, take a trip to the spa, relax in the cool air and get squeaky- clean. You'll feel refreshed and ready for the rest of the day. It'll cool down your body temperature and leave you smelling pretty. Everyone else on the subway will be jealous of your freshness. Just talking about it is making me want to split and head to a spa right now.

MineralMakeup

As I sit here, drinking my mineral water, I am reminded of the hot new trend of mineral makeup. About a year or two ago, I remember hearing about mineral makeup and seeing those infomercials on TV. Today, I am wearing it. Personally, I have found that my skin is much clearer and my makeup never draws too much attention to itself. It's horrifying to look in the mirror and see spots of makeup. I don't want anybody to know I actually wear makeup. Also, minerals are obviously a more natural alternative to whatever chemicals are actually in makeup. (Never really thought about it). With mineral makeup, there's no unidentified chemicals seeping into my skin and exploring my blood stream. The makeup does actually work. It's all powder but doesn't clog my pores and immediately covers my imperfections. You don't have to get the expensive high-end brand on TV either, (I got mine at CVS). But, spas are picking up on this as well, using minerals in their makeup, lotions, and other skin care. The Mi Salon and Day Spa says their increased interest in mineral-based makeup comes from the fact that it “contains no talc and is very healthy... [and is] packed with vitamins and minerals that your skin can absorb.”

No Face Facial

I always thought that in order to receive a facial, the face has to be involved. However, I discovered the"Awaken Facial," that "instead of focusing on the face, incorporates different massage techniques over the upper body to get the circulation moving," said Sharon Holtz, spa director at the Mandarin Oriental. So, through massage below the face, the blood flow to the face is revitalized. This seems, to me, like a more natural, organic way to enjoy the spa experience. Rather than relying on creams, you are relying on the physics and workings of the human body.

Modest Medi-Pedis

Everyone is feeling the effects of today's economy. I'm hurtin' and most people I know are hurtin'. But, that doesn't mean no more medi-pedi's. If you're willing to deal with modest accommodations, you can still get some primping in without giving up quality service. There are many spas with a modest price. Here's a list of them, check them out.

Spas Go Green

Now, more than ever, we're all trying act like a tree and go green. We try to buy better and live better and the same should go for our spas. Many spas are in fact, evolving to be more environmentally friendly. Not only will this help the earth but it will also help their business because now, most everyone prefers the green option. From using environmentally friendly beauty products to serving local produce, spas are catering to those who live the green lifestyle. We all need to ensure that protecting our environment is not just a passing fad by making all of our places of work and play move in the green direction.

Hot July Days and Nights

Today, on the first day of July, I begin to think about the approaching summer days at the beach as well as the hot summer nights. During the day it's important to keep your skin protected from harmful UV rays. A visit to the spa can help you learn to take better care of your skin as well as give you beach ready fingers and toes with hot summer colors. I have also heard about a new spa collection of Physician Endorsed skin-savvy hats. The soft, eco-friendly hats are available in several different styles and guarantee sun protection of SPF 30.
Also, as the nights grow hotter I find it increasingly more difficult to fall asleep. There are many programs aimed at promoting healthful sleep using Pilates, yoga, and nutritional guidance. One such program is the "Summer Sunset Slumber" located at SpaTerre at La Playa Beach in Naples, Florida.