July 27th, 2010
Congratulations are due to Susan Harmsworth, the CEO and founder of ESPA International! Recognized as part of the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honors, Sue was cited for her outstanding services in the spa and beauty industry. Sue now proudly holds the title of MBE, which stands for Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
Sue founded ESPA International in 1993; the company now operates spas in 55 countries internationally and has an ever-expanding line of naturally effective skincare products and spa treatments. Her work with ESPA has made Sue the premier expert in the spa industry – she now sits on a number of international spa and hotel boards.
Despite her new grand title, Sue is always available to offer the best expert spa and skincare advice. From diagnosing skincare issues to creating your very own at-home spa, Sue can guide you through the ins and outs of spa and skincare. Let us know of any questions you have and we’ll find out what Sue would do!
July 9th, 2010
The Wauwinet’s serene Spa by the Sea has introduced four new Nantucket-inspired spa treatments to infuse the spirit, history, and natural beauty of this classic New England destination.
Cobblestone Massage
60/90 minutes – $155/$225
Cobblestones can be a pain in the neck – but not when they are used to soothe pains in your neck. Smooth, rounded basalt stones are heated and then used with essential oils in a deep muscle tissue massage. The treatment reminds us why cobblestones can be so charming! (more…)
June 28th, 2010
While some fortunate folk are racing off to the Hamptons or flying to Nantucket, the hoi polloi are often stuck steaming in the city. This summer, take a mini-break and find refuge from the heat in an urban oasis, no travel required.
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June 21st, 2010
What do you get for the kid who has it all? How about a spa treatment in Bali? Anantara Spa Seminyak has designed a menu of spa treatments for those 2-12 year olds in need of some pampering. (Don’t worry, those under two can get a pre-bedtime baby massage with olive oil to smooth the skin, strengthen growing muscles, and relax that little body.) No kid will be able to resist a chocolate massage after a day of cannonballing into the resort pool. After being slathered with chocolate, your little princess gets a mani-pedi followed by a fresh strawberry hand and food massage. Don’t worry, your little prince won’t be left out – he can have one too, along with a chocolate butter hand and foot massage. This is the one time teens might lie and say they’re younger…
June 17th, 2010
The sought-after slim physique of the French certainly can’t be courtesy of buttery croissants or sumptuous cream sauces. Parisians spend their lives walking, an underrated way to burn off those Ladurée macarons. This September, La Réserve Ramatuelle is offering two boot camps with a French twist for those wanting to shed some pounds commes les françaises. Set in a sundrenched hillside near St. Tropez with views over the cobalt Mediterranean Sea, La Réserve is the ideal spot for hiking through the Côte d’Azur countryside.
The Boot Camp is a five-day (four-night) program. Upon arrival, each boot camper will get a medical assessment to measure physical aptitude. The next day, after an hour-long yoga session and a healthy breakfast, a guide will lead the way on a fast-paced walk through the countryside and along the coast. While the hilly terrain is sure to raise heart rates, the pace and distance of these walks are determined on an individual basis. After the walks, guests can relax for the rest of the day at the spa, enjoying a program of treatments such as balneotherapy, body wraps, or the La Réserve Better Aging body treatment. While strenuous, this boot camp is hardly roughing it; walks through the Mediterranean countryside, spa treatments, and delicious (and healthy) local flavors cooked up by Chef Eric Canino. Designed for groups of 4-8 people, it’s the perfect opportunity to take along some friends.
Example of a typical day’s activities – day 1
6:30am Yoga session (1 hour)
7:30am Breakfast
8:30am Leave for walk
1pm Lunch at the hotel
2:30pm Balneotherapy
3pm Body Wrap
3:30pm Jet shower
4pm La Réserve Better Aging body treatment (50 minutes)
6:30pm Relaxation session (1 hour)
Dates:
Wednesday September 15-Sunday September 19
Monday September 27-Friday September 31
Price: €3600, accommodation in a Deluxe room and full board
June 9th, 2010
Big news for those who LOVE facials! ESPA spas worldwide are offering complimentary Firming Eye Treatments with any facial booked during the months of June and July. So that’s an extra 15 minutes of bliss FOR FREE at luxury spas like the Peninsula Spas by ESPA in New York and Chicago, and ESPA at Acqualina in Miami.
The Firming Eye Treatment is a blissful firming and hydrating treatment using specific products rich in seaweed extract, green tea, and vitamin C. These help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, circles, and puffiness. It’s great for contact lens wearers and those that struggle with eye-strain – so for the many office workers who stare at computer screens all day long, this one is for you!
May 19th, 2010
Ever dream of experiencing a soothing Ayurvedic spa treatment in a gorgeous luxury tent on the shores of a majestic lake? It may sound like a fairytale, but it is the reality at the new ESPA at The Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur, which opened February 2010 in the Rajasthan region of India. The first branded ESPA in India, the spa comprises treatment rooms and suites ensconced in traditional Rajasthan-style tents with interiors by Jeffrey Wilkes. The treatment tents are accessed by paths that wind through gardens designed by famed landscape architect Bill Bensley. Set on beautiful Lake Pichola, the spa is separated into two distinct areas, the Haveli Spa and the Lake Spa.
The Haveli Spa houses the spa reception area. From there, guests may proceed to the five single treatment tents, the crystal and anthracite glass tiled aroma steam rooms, and to separate male and female relaxation areas. Healthy lunches are served on the rooftop terrace, which offers spectacular views of the lake and the City Palace beyond. The Lake Spa features a Couple’s Suite and two Royal Palace Spa Suites, each with its own private pool and walled garden. The tents feature crystal chandeliers, bespoke furniture, and rich fabrics.
Exclusive to the spa menu, the Leela Udaipur Ceremonies combine European principles with the ancient philosophies of Ayurveda. Carried out in the private tents, all ceremonies begin with a welcoming foot ritual of exfoliating rosehip seeds and essential oils of ginger, clove, and lime. Treatments include ‘his-and-her’ Royal Princesses and Royal Knights of Rajasthan ceremonies, complete with massages and scrubs suited to each guest. The menu also features Abhyanga Marma point massage and Dosha-specific body therapies using both ESPA essential oils and traditional Ayruvedic oils containing powerful medicinal herbs. Private yoga and meditation is offered in the tents and courtyard gardens.
Visit the spa’s website at www.theleela.com/hotel-udaipur-spa.html. For more on ESPA spas, treatments, and products visit www.espaonline.com.
April 20th, 2010
For Mother’s Day this year, treat all the mothers in your life to spa products and treatments from ESPA that allow her to maintain her beauty and youth.
Brand-new Mommy
For those ladies who are expecting a baby or not so patiently waiting for their pre-baby body to reappear.
PRODUCT: ESPA Nourishing Bath and Body Oils contain Vitamin E to reduce stretch marks while still safe to use right on the baby bump during pregnancy.
TREATMENT: Pre- or Post-Natal Treatments are designed to improve the tonicity of skin under stress during pregnancy.
Middle-Aged Mama
Help Mom care for the wrinkles that YOU caused!
PRODUCT: ESPA CONCEPT Regenerating Moisture Complex is rich in Vitamin C, Green Tea Extract, and Vitamin E, ingredients that moisturize stressed, mature skin.
TREATMENT: ESPA De-Stresser Body Massage rubs away tension caused by sky-high cell phone bills and teenage drivers.
Working Mom
For the mom who applies mascara while driving and carries band aids in her briefcase.
PRODUCT: ESPA Traveler products are light, plastic, TSA-approved, and, as a bonus for the cost-conscious kid, are less-expensive than standard-sized ESPA products.
TREATMENT: The Ayurvedic-influenced Ama Releasing Abyhanga Treatment is made for those with high levels of stress and poor sleep patterns. AKA those with children!
Good-Ole Gram
Nana has upgraded from a Chevy to a Cadillac – now upgrade her skincare from drugstore to ESPA.
PRODUCT: ESPA Super Active Firming Eye Contour is a concentrate that visibly reduces wrinkles around the eyes without synthetic ingredients.
TREATMENT: ESPA Regenerating Facial with Firming Eye Treatment focuses on the distressed skin around the eye area while intensely moisturizing skin that may see too much of that hot Florida sun.
April 2nd, 2010
This spring and summer, families don’t have to leave the city to spend a fun day together, especially when that can mean sitting on the LIE enroute to the Hamptons for upwards of four hours! Avoid traffic frustration with The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, New York’s “Family Spa-cation,” the new family-friendly version of the popular “Spa-cation” package. The package includes spa treatments for the parents, swimming lessons for the kids, plus a poolside meal for the whole family to enjoy together.
The Package is $620 for a family of four but is valued at $1,187 (quite the deal!). It is valid seven days a week through September 6, 2010, and includes:
- Two 60-minute treatments of choice (Holistic Massage, Intensive Facial or Organic Sunless Tanning Treatment)
- Two 15-minute “Deeper Relaxation” additions with choice of facial cleanse, scalp massage or additional massage time
- One 60-minute swim lesson for up to two children (must be booked in advance)
- Naturally Peninsula Spa Cuisine Lunch for four guests
- Complimentary use of the pool, fitness centre and all yoga and core classes
To secure the “Family Spa-cation,” please call 212 903 3910 or e-mail spapny@peninsula.com.
March 8th, 2010
Going to Miami for Spring Break ’10? Recover from the Miami nightlife with the Vitality Day Package at the ESPA spa at Acqualina Resort in Sunny Isles, just 20-minutes outside of the city. The package, valued at $307 but priced at $225, includes everything you need to feel relaxed and renewed, including:
- Choice of a 80-minute massage of facial
- Additional 15-minutes of guided meditation
- Full use of the spa’s steam rooms, showers, ice fountains, jet pools, roman waterfalls, and relaxation areas
- Valet parking
Choose from ESPA’s Swedish, Hot Stone, or Reiki Massage (Deep Tissue is available for an additional $10). Or, for guests more intersted in a facial, the spa offers three types of Super Active facials; ‘Toning, Lifting and Firming’ for those with maturing skin, ‘Calming and Soothing’ for those with sensitive skin, and ‘Repairing and Restoring’ for sunburned vacationers who might have forgotten their sunscreen at home.
The offer is valid until April 30, 2010. Book in March and guests are invited to participate in a complimentary yoga class hosted Saturdays at 9 a.m.