The most successful contemporary spas not only offer unique treatments, they also focus on your health and fitness IQ. You can follow your herbal wrap with a class on anything from power yoga and meditation to stress management and ayurvedic nutrition.
In today's work-hard/play-hard world, such healthy escapes seem like less of an indulgence and more like a necessity. And an ever-growing number of spas are meeting this increased demand with programs that build up a sagging psyche as well as a depleted body. In the same way that your local grocery store is likely to carry herbal formulas, healing teas, and homeopathic remedies, most spas now offer treatments once considered far from mainstream --- such as Watsu, an underwater massage during which a therapist moves you through a series of gentle stretches.
Resorts are getting families into the act, too, with creative programs that extend beyond yoga for youths. The choice of activities ranges from family hula-dancing workshops at the Grand Wailea Resort & Spa in Maui to "camel hunts" at Marriott's Camelback Inn in Arizona and teen kayak tours and ropes courses at Sea Island's Cloister in Georgia. But there are also age-appropriate spa treatments, which at the Homestead, in Hot Springs, Virginia, include facials designed for teen skin and a pedicure with a chocolate-milk foot soak. In addition, many resort spas offer deep discounts for children and some throw in complimentary stays.
Spas are embracing the innovations and expanding offerings, but they're not likely to get rid of their more-traditional services anytime soon. One reason: Spa-goers seeking some measure of simplicity have been returning to these tried-and-true treatments, according to the International Spa Association. (And for spa novices, these treatments are a good way to test the waters.) The bottom line is simply more choices for you.
The preceding was excerpted from Fodor's Healthy Escapes, 8th Edition.
Read more...
Showing posts with label Spa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spa. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
How Much Will Spa Cost Me?
The costs of spa vacations vary almost as much as the clients enjoying them. The most opulent spas, such as Golden Door, in Escondido, California, Cal-A-Vie, in Vista, California, and the Greenhouse, in Arlington, Texas, offer weeklong programs in the $6,000 range. But shop around and you may find luxury for less.
Budget-conscious travelers can also find options for less than $200 a day, often including meals, nutritional counseling, and other services. At Tennessee Fitness Spa, in Waynesboro, a week of no frills costs about $675 during the off-season. Mexico, too, offers deals, with a seven-night package at the Hotel Spa Ixtapan costing as low as $1,075 (per person, double occupancy) -- and this is for luxury pampering, not merely the basics.
Most upscale resort facilities, however, also offer inexpensive day passes and may waive access fees when you book spa treatments. And in some regions the off-season brings markedly reduced rates and bargain packages. Simply call ahead.
The preceding was excerpted from Fodor's Healthy Escapes, 8th Edition. Read more...
Budget-conscious travelers can also find options for less than $200 a day, often including meals, nutritional counseling, and other services. At Tennessee Fitness Spa, in Waynesboro, a week of no frills costs about $675 during the off-season. Mexico, too, offers deals, with a seven-night package at the Hotel Spa Ixtapan costing as low as $1,075 (per person, double occupancy) -- and this is for luxury pampering, not merely the basics.
Most upscale resort facilities, however, also offer inexpensive day passes and may waive access fees when you book spa treatments. And in some regions the off-season brings markedly reduced rates and bargain packages. Simply call ahead.
The preceding was excerpted from Fodor's Healthy Escapes, 8th Edition. Read more...
How Do I Plan a Healthy Escape?
The first and most important decision about your spa vacation is where to go. And the most basic choice you need to make is whether to opt for a destination spa or a resort. The differences are critical.
Destination spas are self-contained environments. All guests are there precisely to enjoy the spa experience, and because of that, you'll usually find a sense of camaraderie. If you're looking to start a weight-management program, embark on a fitness regimen, or make other lifestyle changes, a destination spa is best. It immerses you in an atmosphere of wellness along with other like-minded people, away from the temptations found at most resorts.
On the other hand, if you want to spend time with your family on vacation, sneak in a few games of tennis, or simply indulge in a little pampering, a resort spa is a better choice. Exercise facilities and spa services are added amenities at resort spas. And yet many such resorts, including the Marriott Desert Springs, in California's Palm Desert, can be quite extravagant. Boats there ferry you across a lagoon to the spa, where nearly every conceivable treatment beckons.
A few resorts blend both approaches. The Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa in Florida, for instance, offers a rigorous one- to three-week medically supervised program in a beautiful setting overlooking the beach. When you're finished with your nearly three hours of exercise each day, you can stroll on the beach or dip in the ocean.
Certain places also stand out for other qualities. Some, such as the Lodge at Skylonda, in Woodside, California, are known for their tranquility. If your priority is a beachfront spa, consider the Half Moon Golf, Tennis & Beach Club, in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Whatever your special needs, be sure to make them known to any spa you consider: You may be surprised at how many will go out of their way to accommodate you.
The preceding was excerpted from Fodor's Healthy Escapes, 8th Edition. Read more...
Destination spas are self-contained environments. All guests are there precisely to enjoy the spa experience, and because of that, you'll usually find a sense of camaraderie. If you're looking to start a weight-management program, embark on a fitness regimen, or make other lifestyle changes, a destination spa is best. It immerses you in an atmosphere of wellness along with other like-minded people, away from the temptations found at most resorts.
On the other hand, if you want to spend time with your family on vacation, sneak in a few games of tennis, or simply indulge in a little pampering, a resort spa is a better choice. Exercise facilities and spa services are added amenities at resort spas. And yet many such resorts, including the Marriott Desert Springs, in California's Palm Desert, can be quite extravagant. Boats there ferry you across a lagoon to the spa, where nearly every conceivable treatment beckons.
A few resorts blend both approaches. The Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa in Florida, for instance, offers a rigorous one- to three-week medically supervised program in a beautiful setting overlooking the beach. When you're finished with your nearly three hours of exercise each day, you can stroll on the beach or dip in the ocean.
Certain places also stand out for other qualities. Some, such as the Lodge at Skylonda, in Woodside, California, are known for their tranquility. If your priority is a beachfront spa, consider the Half Moon Golf, Tennis & Beach Club, in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Whatever your special needs, be sure to make them known to any spa you consider: You may be surprised at how many will go out of their way to accommodate you.
The preceding was excerpted from Fodor's Healthy Escapes, 8th Edition. Read more...
Living the Spa Life in the Riviera Maya
Beauty and the Sea
Gleaming lanterns line the ground of sheltered mosaic walkways that run from either side of an enormous palapa. Light winds blow in from the ocean, skimming across the swimming pool. Candles flicker, roof thatch rustles, and goose bumps rise. The chill is more from breezes brushing sun-kissed skin than any real drop in temperature. The air smells and tastes of salt; tequila and beer aren't far away. It's the end of another languorous day, and your biggest dilemma is whether to amble left for a pre-dinner cocktail or wander right and to the restaurant for a Maya feast.
Such self-indulgent choices are the rule at the Presidente Inter-Continental Paraíso de la Bonita Resort and Thalasso. Should you have a massage or an algae wrap? Order a margarita from a poolside chaise or from your balcony's hammock? Snorkel just offshore or explore archaeological ruins down the road? This intimate paradise is in the Riviera Maya, less than 20 miles south of Cancún, yet it's a universe away from Cancún's rowdy stereotype.
Eclectic Extravagance
An air-conditioned van with ice-cold bottles of water and chilled washcloths awaits you at the Cancún airport. Nimble staffers greet you with bix a bel (Maya for "welcome," roughly), and if they don't immediately address you by name, they soon will, as will the general manager, who gets to know all his guests. The employee-to-visitor ratio is extremely high, so assistance is never far away. Yet the staff manages to be not only warm and helpful but also unobtrusive.
The main entrance is guarded by a pair of large, wooden Balinese lions; a hand-carved, Brazilian baroque angel hangs on a stucco wall nearby. The Spanish colonial-style resort is filled with such artifacts, which were collected by the owner on his travels to Asia, South America, Africa, and India. All this art (in fact, the entire property) is a gift from the owner to his wife. It doesn't get more romantic than this.
The suites are also eclectic and extravagant. Rather than being numbered, each is named for a place. Creamy marble floors and stucco walls are neutral backdrops. Fabrics, accent furnishings, and objets d'art evoke Rajasthan or Jamaica or Bali. Bathrooms encourage excited inhalations over their sunken tubs, glassed-in showers, Bulgari soaps and creams, and Frette robes and slippers. Plump couches and expansive hammocks invite deep, relaxing sighs. A complimentary bottle of premium tequila, with the proper glasses and condiments, rests on a shelf by the door. A woven beach bag (yours to keep) sits on a trunk at the foot of the bed, awaiting towels and sunblock. DVDs, TVs, and VCRs promise further distractions. There's a desk and Internet access, too, but work comes hard here.
The landscaped grounds are edged on one side by the Caribbean and white, powdery beaches and hemmed in elsewhere by a dense mangrove jungle. Turkeys, jaguars, and sea turtles are among the wilder visitors; parrots in enormous cages and goldfish in well-tended ponds are tamer residents. An international group of fashion designers and film stars, affluent professionals and splurging honeymooners, have all signed the guest book. Everyone is looking for elegance, quiet (children under age 13 are not allowed here), and pampering.
A Spa Worth its Salt
It's not just any spa, and not simply because it's so large (22,000 square feet) and labyrinthine. Its signature approach is thalassotherapy, meaning that all of its treatments use marine elements. You can soak in a saltwater jet bath or be scrubbed with salt, wrapped in algae, or plastered in maritime mud. You can have a rubdown while warm seawater gently rains on you or be expertly and deeply massaged by a powerful, salty spray.
Although seawater has been used for health treatments since Greco-Roman times, thalassotherapy as it exists today is really a French innovation, one that traces its origins back to the turn of the 20th century. The world's best thalasso spas, including Paraíso, are certified and overseen by the Paris-based Fédération International de Thalassothérapie, which sets the standards for the hiring and training of staff, the types of products and treatments, and the saltwater itself. Before a spa can even be built, the water is tested to be sure that it has the right content of algae and minerals. At a certified spa, special equipment pumps the water into tanks, where it's held at a very specific temperature for only two hours. After that time the water loses potency and is pumped back out to sea.
Thalasso treatments are said to help with stress, circulation, muscle cramps, detoxification, and, according to some devotees, weight reduction. At Paraíso, several of the packages even include a medical consultation to determine the most appropriate regimen. But you can set aside the health-related claims and just enjoy, letting one blissful day dissolve into the next. The therapies will certainly help to reduce your stress, if not your cellulite.
The Way to Go
Stays and treatments at Paraíso aren't cheap, but the resort offers several incentive packages. You should also look into special offers from Inter-Continental. For example, in the summer of 2003 the chain had a special promotion that slashed prices by 50 percent at its properties all over the globe.
By Laura Kidder Read more...
Gleaming lanterns line the ground of sheltered mosaic walkways that run from either side of an enormous palapa. Light winds blow in from the ocean, skimming across the swimming pool. Candles flicker, roof thatch rustles, and goose bumps rise. The chill is more from breezes brushing sun-kissed skin than any real drop in temperature. The air smells and tastes of salt; tequila and beer aren't far away. It's the end of another languorous day, and your biggest dilemma is whether to amble left for a pre-dinner cocktail or wander right and to the restaurant for a Maya feast.
Such self-indulgent choices are the rule at the Presidente Inter-Continental Paraíso de la Bonita Resort and Thalasso. Should you have a massage or an algae wrap? Order a margarita from a poolside chaise or from your balcony's hammock? Snorkel just offshore or explore archaeological ruins down the road? This intimate paradise is in the Riviera Maya, less than 20 miles south of Cancún, yet it's a universe away from Cancún's rowdy stereotype.
Eclectic Extravagance
An air-conditioned van with ice-cold bottles of water and chilled washcloths awaits you at the Cancún airport. Nimble staffers greet you with bix a bel (Maya for "welcome," roughly), and if they don't immediately address you by name, they soon will, as will the general manager, who gets to know all his guests. The employee-to-visitor ratio is extremely high, so assistance is never far away. Yet the staff manages to be not only warm and helpful but also unobtrusive.
The main entrance is guarded by a pair of large, wooden Balinese lions; a hand-carved, Brazilian baroque angel hangs on a stucco wall nearby. The Spanish colonial-style resort is filled with such artifacts, which were collected by the owner on his travels to Asia, South America, Africa, and India. All this art (in fact, the entire property) is a gift from the owner to his wife. It doesn't get more romantic than this.The suites are also eclectic and extravagant. Rather than being numbered, each is named for a place. Creamy marble floors and stucco walls are neutral backdrops. Fabrics, accent furnishings, and objets d'art evoke Rajasthan or Jamaica or Bali. Bathrooms encourage excited inhalations over their sunken tubs, glassed-in showers, Bulgari soaps and creams, and Frette robes and slippers. Plump couches and expansive hammocks invite deep, relaxing sighs. A complimentary bottle of premium tequila, with the proper glasses and condiments, rests on a shelf by the door. A woven beach bag (yours to keep) sits on a trunk at the foot of the bed, awaiting towels and sunblock. DVDs, TVs, and VCRs promise further distractions. There's a desk and Internet access, too, but work comes hard here.
The landscaped grounds are edged on one side by the Caribbean and white, powdery beaches and hemmed in elsewhere by a dense mangrove jungle. Turkeys, jaguars, and sea turtles are among the wilder visitors; parrots in enormous cages and goldfish in well-tended ponds are tamer residents. An international group of fashion designers and film stars, affluent professionals and splurging honeymooners, have all signed the guest book. Everyone is looking for elegance, quiet (children under age 13 are not allowed here), and pampering.
A Spa Worth its Salt
It's not just any spa, and not simply because it's so large (22,000 square feet) and labyrinthine. Its signature approach is thalassotherapy, meaning that all of its treatments use marine elements. You can soak in a saltwater jet bath or be scrubbed with salt, wrapped in algae, or plastered in maritime mud. You can have a rubdown while warm seawater gently rains on you or be expertly and deeply massaged by a powerful, salty spray.
Although seawater has been used for health treatments since Greco-Roman times, thalassotherapy as it exists today is really a French innovation, one that traces its origins back to the turn of the 20th century. The world's best thalasso spas, including Paraíso, are certified and overseen by the Paris-based Fédération International de Thalassothérapie, which sets the standards for the hiring and training of staff, the types of products and treatments, and the saltwater itself. Before a spa can even be built, the water is tested to be sure that it has the right content of algae and minerals. At a certified spa, special equipment pumps the water into tanks, where it's held at a very specific temperature for only two hours. After that time the water loses potency and is pumped back out to sea.
Thalasso treatments are said to help with stress, circulation, muscle cramps, detoxification, and, according to some devotees, weight reduction. At Paraíso, several of the packages even include a medical consultation to determine the most appropriate regimen. But you can set aside the health-related claims and just enjoy, letting one blissful day dissolve into the next. The therapies will certainly help to reduce your stress, if not your cellulite.
The Way to Go
Stays and treatments at Paraíso aren't cheap, but the resort offers several incentive packages. You should also look into special offers from Inter-Continental. For example, in the summer of 2003 the chain had a special promotion that slashed prices by 50 percent at its properties all over the globe.
By Laura Kidder Read more...
Healthy Escape Lingo
A
abhyanga. Herbalized-oil massage performed by two therapists, sometimes followed by hot-towel treatment.
acupressure. Ancient Chinese massage technique intended to restore the flow of qi (pronounced "chee"), or energy, by stimulating pressure points on the body.
acupuncture. Painless ancient Chinese medicine during which needles are inserted into key spots on the body in order to restore the flow of qi and allow the body to heal itself.
aerobic exercise. Physical activity, such as walking, running, swimming, or dance, that employs the large muscle groups of the body and boosts the heart rate.
Alexander Technique. A massage system created in the 1890s by the Australian actor F. M. Alexander and designed to improve posture and correct physical habits that cause stress.
aquaerobics. Aerobic workouts in a pool that combine water resistance and body movements.
aromatherapy. Massage and other treatments involving plant-derived essential oils intended to relax the skin's connective tissues and stimulate the natural flow of lymph fluid.
asana. A posture used in yoga.
ashram. Devotional retreat center dedicated to the study of yoga, meditation, eastern philosophy, and spirituality.
ayurveda. A 5,000-year-old Indian philosophy of well-being that uses oils, massage, herbs, and diet and lifestyle modification to restore perfect balance to a body.
B
Bach flower remedies. Alternative healing method based on distilled floral essences and oils developed in London in the 1930s by Dr. Edward Bach.
balneology. Traditional water-based treatments using geothermal hot springs, mineral water, or seawater to improve circulation, strengthen immunity, and relieve pain and stress.
bhakti yoga. Yoga of devotion. One of the traditional monastic forms practiced at yoga ashrams.
bindi. An ayurvedic treatment in which herb-infused oils are applied to the face and body.
body brushing. Dry scrubbing of the skin to remove dead cells and stimulate circulation. Also called dry brushing.
body-composition test. Analysis to determine percentage of an individual's body fat.
body conditioning. A combination of resistance training, stretching, and other exercises that's designed to improve the body's overall condition.
body polish. Use of scrubs, loofahs, and other exfoliants to gently cleanse the body and remove dead skin cells.
boot camp. Grueling cardiovascular and strength training under the guidance of a drill sergeant.
boxaerobics. High-energy aerobics incorporating boxing movements.
C
chi kung. See qigong.
circuit training. Exercise regimen combining aerobics and use of weight-resistance equipment.
clay wrap. See mud wrap.
cold plunge. Deep pool used to stimulate circulation after sauna.
colonic irrigation. Enema to cleanse the colon to remove impurities.
contouring. Calisthenics for deep toning of muscle groups.
craniosacral therapy. Massage therapy focusing on the skull and spine.
cure. Course of treatments. Also called kur.
D
Dead Sea mud. Mineral-rich mud from the Dead Sea used to remove toxins, promote healthy skin, and ease muscle and joint pain.
deep-tissue massage. Vigorous manipulation of bodily tissues to relieve knots, tension, inflexibility, pain, and discomfort.
dosha. The term for one of three body types in ayurvedic philosophy: pitta, vata, or kapha.
drinking cure. Medically prescribed regimen of mineral-water consumption.
dulse scrub. A body polish using a skin-sloughing and -enriching mixture of powdered coarse red seaweed and water or oil.
dry brushing. See body brushing.
E
exfoliation. The process of removing a thin layer of dry skin cells with loofah or other lightly abrasive materials.
F
fango. A mud pack or body coating intended to promote the release of toxins and relieve muscular and arthritic pain.
Feldenkrais Method. System developed by Israeli physicist Moshe Feldenkrais in the 1940s to reprogram the nervous system through movement augmented by physical pressure and manipulation.
flotation tank. An appliance filled with about 12 inches of highly salty, mineral-enriched water used to promote deep relaxation and serenity.BR>
G
glycolic exfoliation. A treatment to break down the bonds that hold dry skin on the face and soften and smoothe lines and wrinkles.
gommage. A cleansing and moisturizing treatment that makes use of creams applied with massage movements.
guided imagery. Visualization used to stimulate the body's immune system.
H
hatha yoga. System of yoga that focuses on physical exercise used to achieve bodily control. See asana.
haysack wrap. Treatment with steamed hay intended to detoxify the body.
Hellerwork. A system of deep-tissue bodywork, stress reduction, and movement reeducation developed by educator Joseph Heller.
herbal wrap. The wrapping of the body in hot linens and blankets imbued with herbal essences. The treatment is intended to promote muscle relaxation and the elimination of toxins. Also called aromabath, herbal bath.
herbology. The therapeutic use of herbs in treatments and diet.
holistic medicine. A philosophical approach to health and healing that addresses the body and the mind.
homeopathy. Alternative medicine in which patients consume minute quantities of symptom-causing substances in order to stimulate self-healing.
hot-stone massage. Massage using smooth stones heated in water and applied to the skin with pressure or strokes or simply rested on the body.
hydrotherapy. Underwater massage, alternating hot and cold showers, and other water-oriented treatments.
hydrotub. Underwater massage in deep tubs equipped with high-pressure jets and hand-manipulated hoses.
I
interval training. A combination of alternating high- and low-intensity aerobic activity.
Iyengar yoga. Exercise system developed in India by B. K. S. Iyengar.BR>
J
Javanese lulur treatment. A traditional prenuptial treatment in Indonesia that combines exfoliation, massage, and bathing.
K
kickboxing. A form of self-defense that involves punching, kicking, and blocking.
Kneipp kur. Treatments combining hydrotherapy, herbology, and a diet of natural foods, developed in Germany in the mid-1800s by Sebastian Kneipp.
kripalu yoga. A form of yoga that combines physical postures with meditation.
kur. See cure.
L
lap pool. A pool with swimming lanes for working out.
loofah. A coarse sponge made from a naturally occurring plant fiber and used to exfoliate the skin and stimulate circulation.
lomi lomi. Traditional Hawaiian massage.
lymphatic drainage. Massage technique designed to gently drain away toxins and excess water.
M
magnet therapy. The placement of static magnets on the body, used as a means of treating pain.
massage. Manipulation of body tissue for therapeutic purposes. Types of massage include acupressure, reflexology, and shiatsu.
meditation. Prolonged contemplation of a word, image, or sound as a means of clearing the mind and thereby reducing stress and anxiety.
microdermabrasion. Removing the top layer of skin (usually on the face) by brushing it with tiny aluminum crystals or another abrasive material in order to diminish the appearance of fine lines and even out pigmentation.
moor mud. Natural peat or mud, rich in organic matter, applied to the skin to remove toxins and ease muscle and joint pain.
mud wrap. Body treatment using warm mud to cleanse pores and draw out impurities. Also called clay wrap.
N
naturopathy. Natural healing prescriptions that use plants and flowers.
NIA (Neuromuscular Integrative Action). A low-impact workout program, created by San Francisco dancers Carlos and Debby Rosas, blending elements of yoga, tai chi, and aikido with aerobics and modern dance.
O
ovo-lacto diet. A diet regimen, usually vegetarian, that includes eggs and dairy products.
oxygen facial. A spray of liquid oxygen or an application of oxygen-rich oils as part of a treatment aimed at revitalizing especially dry or damaged skin on the face.
P
panchakarma. A type of massage therapy that uses warm herbalized oils and aims to restore balance to the body.
parafango. Treatment using a combination of volcanic mud and paraffin. See fango.
paraffin wrap. Brushed-on layers of warm wax that help to relax the muscles and soften the skin.
parcourse. A trail, usually outdoors, equipped with exercise stations. Also called parcours, vitacourse.
phytotherapy. Plant-based treatments incorporating essential oils, seaweed, and herbs applied through massage, wraps, inhalation, and other methods.
Pilates. Strength-training movements developed in Germany by Dr. Joseph Pilates during the 1920s.
Piloga. A combination of yoga and Pilates exercises.
pizichilli. Treatment during which a continuous stream of warm, herbalized oil is poured over the body while two therapists perform gentle massage.
polarity therapy. Treatment developed by Dr. Randolph Stone that balances the body's energy through a combination of massage, meditation, exercise, and diet.
pressotherapy. The use of pressure cuffs on the feet to improve circulation.
pressure-point massage. Bodywork using pressure on designated body parts that connect to major nerves.
power yoga. Form of yoga that requires rapid movements.
Q
qigong. Chinese exercises using breathing and body movements to increase energy and balance. Also spelled chi kung.
R
rebirthing. A yoga breathing technique combined with guided meditation to relax and clear the mind.
reflexology. Massage of the pressure points on the feet, hands, and ears.
reiki. An ancient Japanese healing method that teaches universal life energy through the laying on of hands and mental and spiritual balancing. Intended to relieve acute emotional and physical conditions. Also called radiance technique.
restorative yoga. Passive yoga positions during which the body is supported by props such as blankets and pillows. Breathing and relaxation are the focus.
Rolfing. A bodywork system developed by biochemist Ida Rolf that improves balance and flexibility through manipulation of muscles, bones, and joints.
Roman bath. A whirlpool bath.
Rubenfeld Synergy. A method of integrating body and mind through movement, verbal expression, and gentle touch, developed by Ilana Rubenfeld in the 1960s.
Russian bath. Steam bath used to flush toxins from the body.
S
salt glow. Rubbing the body with coarse salt to remove dead skin. Also called salt rub.
sauna. A heated wooden room, usually with benches, where one sits in order to allow the pores to open and to eliminate toxins through sweat.
Scotch douche. A showerlike treatment with high-pressure hoses that alternate hot and cold water intended to improve circulation through rapid contraction and dilation of the capillaries.
seaweed wrap. A wrap using seawater and nutrient-packed marine algae.
shiatsu. Acupressure massage developed in Japan that uses pressure applied with fingers, hands, elbows, and feet.
shiroabhyanganasya. Head, face, and neck massage, followed by herbal steam treatment, heat packs, and herbal drops for nasal passages.
shirodhara. Ayurvedic massage in which warm herbalized oil is poured in a stream or trickle onto the center of the forehead, then gently rubbed into the hair and scalp.
spa cuisine. Low-calorie, -fat, and -cholesterol food that typically relies on fresh produce, whole grains, and fish and is served at many spas.
Spinning. Trademark name for quick pedaling at various resistance levels on special stationary bicycles.
sports massage. A deep-tissue massage to relieve muscle tension, stress, and residual pain from workouts.
step aerobics. Low-impact aerobic exercise involving rhythmic stepping on and off a small platform.
stress management. A program of meditation and deep relaxation intended to reduce the ill effects of stress on the system.
sweat lodge. A natural sauna made of rocks that is the site for a Native American-inspired purifying ritual.
swedana. Herbalized steam treatment aimed at reducing tension and releasing impurities through the skin.
Swedish massage. A treatment using stroking, kneading, and tapping to relax muscles gently. It was devised at the University of Stockholm early in the 19th century by Per Heinrik Ling.
Swiss shower. A multijet bath that alternates hot and cold water, often used after mud wraps and other body treatments.
T
tai chi. An ancient Asian discipline for exercise and meditation combining slow, focused breathing and graceful dancelike movements and postures. Also called tai chi chuan.
Thai massage. A combination of deep-tissue massage and passive stretching that can help to ease stiff, tense, or short muscles.
thalassotherapy. Water-based treatments developed by the ancient Greeks that incorporate seawater, seaweed, algae, and sea air.
Trager massage. A technique developed by Dr. Milton Trager that employs a gentle, rhythmic shaking of the body to release tension from the joints.
V
Vichy shower. Treatment in which a person lies on a cushioned, waterproof mat and is showered by overhead water jets.
Vodder massage. Manual lymph drainage technique developed by Danish-born Emile Vodder in the 1950s.
W
walleyball. Game similar to volleyball but using four walls of an indoor court.
Watsu. A relaxing therapy that blends the techniques of shiatsu and deep-tissue massage with gentle stretches and is conducted in a warm pool.
Y
yoga. Stretching and toning the body through a series of movements or postures, controlled deep breathing, and relaxation.
Z
Zen shiatsu. A Japanese method of acupressure intended to relieve tension. Also called shiatsu.
The preceding was excerpted from Fodor's Healthy Escapes, 8th Edition. Read more...
abhyanga. Herbalized-oil massage performed by two therapists, sometimes followed by hot-towel treatment.
acupressure. Ancient Chinese massage technique intended to restore the flow of qi (pronounced "chee"), or energy, by stimulating pressure points on the body.
acupuncture. Painless ancient Chinese medicine during which needles are inserted into key spots on the body in order to restore the flow of qi and allow the body to heal itself.
aerobic exercise. Physical activity, such as walking, running, swimming, or dance, that employs the large muscle groups of the body and boosts the heart rate.
Alexander Technique. A massage system created in the 1890s by the Australian actor F. M. Alexander and designed to improve posture and correct physical habits that cause stress.
aquaerobics. Aerobic workouts in a pool that combine water resistance and body movements.
aromatherapy. Massage and other treatments involving plant-derived essential oils intended to relax the skin's connective tissues and stimulate the natural flow of lymph fluid.
asana. A posture used in yoga.
ashram. Devotional retreat center dedicated to the study of yoga, meditation, eastern philosophy, and spirituality.
ayurveda. A 5,000-year-old Indian philosophy of well-being that uses oils, massage, herbs, and diet and lifestyle modification to restore perfect balance to a body.
B
Bach flower remedies. Alternative healing method based on distilled floral essences and oils developed in London in the 1930s by Dr. Edward Bach.
balneology. Traditional water-based treatments using geothermal hot springs, mineral water, or seawater to improve circulation, strengthen immunity, and relieve pain and stress.
bhakti yoga. Yoga of devotion. One of the traditional monastic forms practiced at yoga ashrams.
bindi. An ayurvedic treatment in which herb-infused oils are applied to the face and body.
body brushing. Dry scrubbing of the skin to remove dead cells and stimulate circulation. Also called dry brushing.
body-composition test. Analysis to determine percentage of an individual's body fat.
body conditioning. A combination of resistance training, stretching, and other exercises that's designed to improve the body's overall condition.
body polish. Use of scrubs, loofahs, and other exfoliants to gently cleanse the body and remove dead skin cells.
boot camp. Grueling cardiovascular and strength training under the guidance of a drill sergeant.
boxaerobics. High-energy aerobics incorporating boxing movements.
C
chi kung. See qigong.
circuit training. Exercise regimen combining aerobics and use of weight-resistance equipment.
clay wrap. See mud wrap.
cold plunge. Deep pool used to stimulate circulation after sauna.
colonic irrigation. Enema to cleanse the colon to remove impurities.
contouring. Calisthenics for deep toning of muscle groups.
craniosacral therapy. Massage therapy focusing on the skull and spine.
cure. Course of treatments. Also called kur.
D
Dead Sea mud. Mineral-rich mud from the Dead Sea used to remove toxins, promote healthy skin, and ease muscle and joint pain.
deep-tissue massage. Vigorous manipulation of bodily tissues to relieve knots, tension, inflexibility, pain, and discomfort.
dosha. The term for one of three body types in ayurvedic philosophy: pitta, vata, or kapha.
drinking cure. Medically prescribed regimen of mineral-water consumption.
dulse scrub. A body polish using a skin-sloughing and -enriching mixture of powdered coarse red seaweed and water or oil.
dry brushing. See body brushing.
E
exfoliation. The process of removing a thin layer of dry skin cells with loofah or other lightly abrasive materials.
F
fango. A mud pack or body coating intended to promote the release of toxins and relieve muscular and arthritic pain.
Feldenkrais Method. System developed by Israeli physicist Moshe Feldenkrais in the 1940s to reprogram the nervous system through movement augmented by physical pressure and manipulation.
flotation tank. An appliance filled with about 12 inches of highly salty, mineral-enriched water used to promote deep relaxation and serenity.BR>
G
glycolic exfoliation. A treatment to break down the bonds that hold dry skin on the face and soften and smoothe lines and wrinkles.
gommage. A cleansing and moisturizing treatment that makes use of creams applied with massage movements.
guided imagery. Visualization used to stimulate the body's immune system.
H
hatha yoga. System of yoga that focuses on physical exercise used to achieve bodily control. See asana.
haysack wrap. Treatment with steamed hay intended to detoxify the body.
Hellerwork. A system of deep-tissue bodywork, stress reduction, and movement reeducation developed by educator Joseph Heller.
herbal wrap. The wrapping of the body in hot linens and blankets imbued with herbal essences. The treatment is intended to promote muscle relaxation and the elimination of toxins. Also called aromabath, herbal bath.
herbology. The therapeutic use of herbs in treatments and diet.
holistic medicine. A philosophical approach to health and healing that addresses the body and the mind.
homeopathy. Alternative medicine in which patients consume minute quantities of symptom-causing substances in order to stimulate self-healing.
hot-stone massage. Massage using smooth stones heated in water and applied to the skin with pressure or strokes or simply rested on the body.
hydrotherapy. Underwater massage, alternating hot and cold showers, and other water-oriented treatments.
hydrotub. Underwater massage in deep tubs equipped with high-pressure jets and hand-manipulated hoses.
I
interval training. A combination of alternating high- and low-intensity aerobic activity.
Iyengar yoga. Exercise system developed in India by B. K. S. Iyengar.BR>
J
Javanese lulur treatment. A traditional prenuptial treatment in Indonesia that combines exfoliation, massage, and bathing.
K
kickboxing. A form of self-defense that involves punching, kicking, and blocking.
Kneipp kur. Treatments combining hydrotherapy, herbology, and a diet of natural foods, developed in Germany in the mid-1800s by Sebastian Kneipp.
kripalu yoga. A form of yoga that combines physical postures with meditation.
kur. See cure.
L
lap pool. A pool with swimming lanes for working out.
loofah. A coarse sponge made from a naturally occurring plant fiber and used to exfoliate the skin and stimulate circulation.
lomi lomi. Traditional Hawaiian massage.
lymphatic drainage. Massage technique designed to gently drain away toxins and excess water.
M
magnet therapy. The placement of static magnets on the body, used as a means of treating pain.
massage. Manipulation of body tissue for therapeutic purposes. Types of massage include acupressure, reflexology, and shiatsu.
meditation. Prolonged contemplation of a word, image, or sound as a means of clearing the mind and thereby reducing stress and anxiety.
microdermabrasion. Removing the top layer of skin (usually on the face) by brushing it with tiny aluminum crystals or another abrasive material in order to diminish the appearance of fine lines and even out pigmentation.
moor mud. Natural peat or mud, rich in organic matter, applied to the skin to remove toxins and ease muscle and joint pain.
mud wrap. Body treatment using warm mud to cleanse pores and draw out impurities. Also called clay wrap.
N
naturopathy. Natural healing prescriptions that use plants and flowers.
NIA (Neuromuscular Integrative Action). A low-impact workout program, created by San Francisco dancers Carlos and Debby Rosas, blending elements of yoga, tai chi, and aikido with aerobics and modern dance.
O
ovo-lacto diet. A diet regimen, usually vegetarian, that includes eggs and dairy products.
oxygen facial. A spray of liquid oxygen or an application of oxygen-rich oils as part of a treatment aimed at revitalizing especially dry or damaged skin on the face.
P
panchakarma. A type of massage therapy that uses warm herbalized oils and aims to restore balance to the body.
parafango. Treatment using a combination of volcanic mud and paraffin. See fango.
paraffin wrap. Brushed-on layers of warm wax that help to relax the muscles and soften the skin.
parcourse. A trail, usually outdoors, equipped with exercise stations. Also called parcours, vitacourse.
phytotherapy. Plant-based treatments incorporating essential oils, seaweed, and herbs applied through massage, wraps, inhalation, and other methods.
Pilates. Strength-training movements developed in Germany by Dr. Joseph Pilates during the 1920s.
Piloga. A combination of yoga and Pilates exercises.
pizichilli. Treatment during which a continuous stream of warm, herbalized oil is poured over the body while two therapists perform gentle massage.
polarity therapy. Treatment developed by Dr. Randolph Stone that balances the body's energy through a combination of massage, meditation, exercise, and diet.
pressotherapy. The use of pressure cuffs on the feet to improve circulation.
pressure-point massage. Bodywork using pressure on designated body parts that connect to major nerves.
power yoga. Form of yoga that requires rapid movements.
Q
qigong. Chinese exercises using breathing and body movements to increase energy and balance. Also spelled chi kung.
R
rebirthing. A yoga breathing technique combined with guided meditation to relax and clear the mind.
reflexology. Massage of the pressure points on the feet, hands, and ears.
reiki. An ancient Japanese healing method that teaches universal life energy through the laying on of hands and mental and spiritual balancing. Intended to relieve acute emotional and physical conditions. Also called radiance technique.
restorative yoga. Passive yoga positions during which the body is supported by props such as blankets and pillows. Breathing and relaxation are the focus.
Rolfing. A bodywork system developed by biochemist Ida Rolf that improves balance and flexibility through manipulation of muscles, bones, and joints.
Roman bath. A whirlpool bath.
Rubenfeld Synergy. A method of integrating body and mind through movement, verbal expression, and gentle touch, developed by Ilana Rubenfeld in the 1960s.
Russian bath. Steam bath used to flush toxins from the body.
S
salt glow. Rubbing the body with coarse salt to remove dead skin. Also called salt rub.
sauna. A heated wooden room, usually with benches, where one sits in order to allow the pores to open and to eliminate toxins through sweat.
Scotch douche. A showerlike treatment with high-pressure hoses that alternate hot and cold water intended to improve circulation through rapid contraction and dilation of the capillaries.
seaweed wrap. A wrap using seawater and nutrient-packed marine algae.
shiatsu. Acupressure massage developed in Japan that uses pressure applied with fingers, hands, elbows, and feet.
shiroabhyanganasya. Head, face, and neck massage, followed by herbal steam treatment, heat packs, and herbal drops for nasal passages.
shirodhara. Ayurvedic massage in which warm herbalized oil is poured in a stream or trickle onto the center of the forehead, then gently rubbed into the hair and scalp.
spa cuisine. Low-calorie, -fat, and -cholesterol food that typically relies on fresh produce, whole grains, and fish and is served at many spas.
Spinning. Trademark name for quick pedaling at various resistance levels on special stationary bicycles.
sports massage. A deep-tissue massage to relieve muscle tension, stress, and residual pain from workouts.
step aerobics. Low-impact aerobic exercise involving rhythmic stepping on and off a small platform.
stress management. A program of meditation and deep relaxation intended to reduce the ill effects of stress on the system.
sweat lodge. A natural sauna made of rocks that is the site for a Native American-inspired purifying ritual.
swedana. Herbalized steam treatment aimed at reducing tension and releasing impurities through the skin.
Swedish massage. A treatment using stroking, kneading, and tapping to relax muscles gently. It was devised at the University of Stockholm early in the 19th century by Per Heinrik Ling.
Swiss shower. A multijet bath that alternates hot and cold water, often used after mud wraps and other body treatments.
T
tai chi. An ancient Asian discipline for exercise and meditation combining slow, focused breathing and graceful dancelike movements and postures. Also called tai chi chuan.
Thai massage. A combination of deep-tissue massage and passive stretching that can help to ease stiff, tense, or short muscles.
thalassotherapy. Water-based treatments developed by the ancient Greeks that incorporate seawater, seaweed, algae, and sea air.
Trager massage. A technique developed by Dr. Milton Trager that employs a gentle, rhythmic shaking of the body to release tension from the joints.
V
Vichy shower. Treatment in which a person lies on a cushioned, waterproof mat and is showered by overhead water jets.
Vodder massage. Manual lymph drainage technique developed by Danish-born Emile Vodder in the 1950s.
W
walleyball. Game similar to volleyball but using four walls of an indoor court.
Watsu. A relaxing therapy that blends the techniques of shiatsu and deep-tissue massage with gentle stretches and is conducted in a warm pool.
Y
yoga. Stretching and toning the body through a series of movements or postures, controlled deep breathing, and relaxation.
Z
Zen shiatsu. A Japanese method of acupressure intended to relieve tension. Also called shiatsu.
The preceding was excerpted from Fodor's Healthy Escapes, 8th Edition. Read more...
Monday, January 19, 2009
Top 10 Luxury Resort Spas
1. Amangani (Jackson, Wyoming)
Serenity rules at this all-suites resort, where western hospitality complements Eastern simplicity -- high ceilings, platform beds, large soaking tubs (with windows, of course). Just gazing at the mountain and valley views is therapeutic; the spa and fitness programs are icing on the cake.
2. Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa (Phoenix)
Entering the 1929 landmark hotel is like stepping back to a gentler, more refined era. One way to escape from modern-day pressures is to rent one of the private cabanas near the Paradise Pool; they're equipped with mineral water, shower, and phone.
3. Bellagio Las Vegas (Las Vegas)
More than a thousand water nozzles sway and spray to music over an 8½-acre lake in front of the Bellagio. The spectacle continues inside. You can dine at 12 restaurants, including Le Cirque and Olives; ooh and aah watching Cirque du Soleil; and luxuriate at the spa.
4. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Kaupulehu-Kona, Hawaii)
The highly attentive service here combines with a true taste of Hawai'i. Treat yourself to a massage in the spacious spa complex or in the garden. Guest rooms with large lanais facing the ocean make room-service breakfasts in the fresh air almost irresistible.
5. Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia)
The grande dame of spa resorts has a genteel air -- think afternoon tea and dressing for dinner. The old-world grandeur has attracted its share of royalty and celebrities. Tennis and golf are de rigueur; you can also try skeet and trapshooting, even falconry.
6. Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa (Asheville, North Carolina)
The 40,000-square-foot spa of this Arts and Crafts-style resort is a subterranean granite-walled fantasy punctuated with skylights, multiple pools, and waterfalls. Touch screens enable therapists to set the treatment-room temperature, music selection, and lighting level for you. Fireplaces warm all waiting areas.
7. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa (Avon, Colorado)
The feng shui-inspired Allegria Spa is one reason this ski-in, ski-out resort is popular year-round and with nonskiers. Want the feng shui feeling? Try a Balance massage performed by two therapists and then relax by the fireplace in the Sanctuary.
8. Post Ranch Inn (Big Sur, California)
The eclectic structures of this nature-oriented property, atop a ridge on the Big Sur coastline, perch on stilts amid trees and jut out of cliffs. Qigong, Pilates, and yoga are offered, but you may never want to leave your room -- each has a fireplace, massage table, and oversize slate-lined tub.
9. Ritz-Carlton (Key Biscayne, Florida)
The pampering at this oceanside resort extends beyond the spa's creative wraps and "facial elixir" treatments. Tennis "butlers" retrieve wayward balls; pool attendants offer iced towels and spritz mineral water. The inimitable Ritz touch is apparent everywhere.
10. St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa (Dana Point, California)
With luxuriant, fully wired rooms and round-the-clock services, this 172-acre resort mixes modern comforts with the traditional. Pacific Ocean views complement the world-class spa and championship golf course. Can't live without your room's plush robe or Bose Wave CD player? Order them from the Monarch's store. Read more...
Serenity rules at this all-suites resort, where western hospitality complements Eastern simplicity -- high ceilings, platform beds, large soaking tubs (with windows, of course). Just gazing at the mountain and valley views is therapeutic; the spa and fitness programs are icing on the cake.
2. Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa (Phoenix)
Entering the 1929 landmark hotel is like stepping back to a gentler, more refined era. One way to escape from modern-day pressures is to rent one of the private cabanas near the Paradise Pool; they're equipped with mineral water, shower, and phone.
3. Bellagio Las Vegas (Las Vegas)
More than a thousand water nozzles sway and spray to music over an 8½-acre lake in front of the Bellagio. The spectacle continues inside. You can dine at 12 restaurants, including Le Cirque and Olives; ooh and aah watching Cirque du Soleil; and luxuriate at the spa.
4. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Kaupulehu-Kona, Hawaii)
The highly attentive service here combines with a true taste of Hawai'i. Treat yourself to a massage in the spacious spa complex or in the garden. Guest rooms with large lanais facing the ocean make room-service breakfasts in the fresh air almost irresistible.
5. Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia)
The grande dame of spa resorts has a genteel air -- think afternoon tea and dressing for dinner. The old-world grandeur has attracted its share of royalty and celebrities. Tennis and golf are de rigueur; you can also try skeet and trapshooting, even falconry.
6. Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa (Asheville, North Carolina)
The 40,000-square-foot spa of this Arts and Crafts-style resort is a subterranean granite-walled fantasy punctuated with skylights, multiple pools, and waterfalls. Touch screens enable therapists to set the treatment-room temperature, music selection, and lighting level for you. Fireplaces warm all waiting areas.
7. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa (Avon, Colorado)
The feng shui-inspired Allegria Spa is one reason this ski-in, ski-out resort is popular year-round and with nonskiers. Want the feng shui feeling? Try a Balance massage performed by two therapists and then relax by the fireplace in the Sanctuary.
8. Post Ranch Inn (Big Sur, California)
The eclectic structures of this nature-oriented property, atop a ridge on the Big Sur coastline, perch on stilts amid trees and jut out of cliffs. Qigong, Pilates, and yoga are offered, but you may never want to leave your room -- each has a fireplace, massage table, and oversize slate-lined tub.
9. Ritz-Carlton (Key Biscayne, Florida)
The pampering at this oceanside resort extends beyond the spa's creative wraps and "facial elixir" treatments. Tennis "butlers" retrieve wayward balls; pool attendants offer iced towels and spritz mineral water. The inimitable Ritz touch is apparent everywhere.
10. St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa (Dana Point, California)
With luxuriant, fully wired rooms and round-the-clock services, this 172-acre resort mixes modern comforts with the traditional. Pacific Ocean views complement the world-class spa and championship golf course. Can't live without your room's plush robe or Bose Wave CD player? Order them from the Monarch's store. Read more...
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