Two Major Spa Organizations Join Forces!

February 8th, 2010

The International SPA Association has just joined forces with the popular SpaWeek event and spa organization. Since 1991, the International SPA Association has been recognized worldwide as the professional organization and voice of the spa industry, representing more than 3,200 health and wellness facilities and providers in 83 countries. The Spa Week Media Group Spa Week was founded in 2003 by Cheryl Reid, with the vision of building a successful national organization that works hand-in-hand with a constantly evolving industry. ISPA and SpaWeek share the vision of bringing the health and wellness benefits of the spa lifestyle to the world at large, and together are looking forward to accomplishing this goal.

As a kick off to ISPA’s 20th anniversary celebration, Spa Week Media Group will recognize ISPA as the exclusive spa association sponsor of the Spring and Fall SPA WEEK® events which take place in: Arizona, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Florida (Gold Coast), Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minnesota, Nashville, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto (Canada), Virginia Beach, and Washington D.C. The partnership will aid both organizations in spreading their visions of health and wellness to the masses.

A word from ISPA President Lynne McNees: “The spa lifestyle is accessible to everyone. Through our partnership with Spa Week Media Group we’ll be able to reach many potential spa-goers and inform them that the spa is the place to go to educate yourself on how to lead a more healthful and balanced life.”

A word from Spa Week Media Group CEO and President Cheryl Reid: “The joining together of Spa Week Media Group and ISPA brings together for the first time the two most significant players in the spa industry. This historic alliance between our companies will further our mutual goal to spread the wellness lifestyle to the masses.”

Read more at www.experienceispa.com and at the Spa Week blog www.spaweekblog.com to learn more about their wealth of resources and information that they bring to the spa industry.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Hotels Resorts Day Spas | No Comments »

Dorchester Spa Ranked Best Spa in UK

February 8th, 2010

If you are one that enjoys glamor, Art Deco Designs, 1930’s elegance and the relaxing, unrushed, cup of tea sipping environment at your spa then The Dorchester Spa in London is perfect for you. The hotel regularly receives raving reviews and accolades such as the recent announcement two weeks ago by Michelin’s 2010 Guide for Great Britain and Ireland that Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester was awarded three Michelin stars, making it the only hotel in the UK to hold this coveted accolade. But now the spa has been voted the ‘ Favourite UK Hotel Spa 2010′ by Condé Nast Traveller readers, with an overall world-wide ranking of 12th in the World, and having the the top ranking in the UK.

Here are a few images of this beautiful spa:

Dorchester Spa London

Dorchester Spa London

Dorchester Spa London

Dorchester Spa London

Dorchester Spa London

Dorchester Spa London

Dorchester Spa London

Dorchester Spa London

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Hotels Resorts Day Spas | No Comments »

Bathrooms to Become More Spa-Like in 2010

February 5th, 2010
Spa Like Bathrooms

Spa Like Bathroom

According to the Star Gazette’s Home trends for 2010 article, they are reporting that they are continuing to see the trend of bathrooms becoming more spa-like, continuing through the 2010. This reinforces our own reports on home spas, and how we see this trend continues to become more popular (see home spa blog posts here).

We have also seen a return to a more “comfortable style” which is a broader topic and also very evident, nothing is more comfortable than a home spa if you ask us! The Star Gazette article goes on to say:

“The transformation of bathrooms into spas, complete with whirlpools and multiple body sprays in the shower, will continue next year. ‘We want to bring that spa feeling into the bathroom,’ says Tammy Altilio, co-owner of Kitchen & Bath Gallery in Horseheads. ‘That’s the way people want to enjoy the space in a relaxed environment.’  Glass tiles are a popular decorating accent in the bathroom, especially in hues of blues and greens. For the rest of the bathroom, Altilio says lighter colors will predominate next year as darker hues will make the room seem smaller.”

Some of the best ways to turn a bathroom into a luxurious home spa include installing a steam shower, whirlpool tub, sauna as well as using materials such as quartz, tile, colored glass and acrylic. We are sure we will see many more spa-like bathroom designs in the coming months as this trends continues to expand.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Home Spa | No Comments »

Top 5 Spa Resources

February 4th, 2010

Here is a short list of the top 5 spa resources we’ve found that will help spa owners and spa goers alike find the right treatments, products, services, research findings, jobs, information and more! If you ever have a question about anything spa related and we don’t have the answer, one of these websites will!

  • International Spa Association - This organization is a great source of information for people in the spa industry, as well as for people that are looking to get into the spa industry. This organization has been online since 1991, and has been recognized worldwide as the professional organization and voice of the spa industry. On their website a few of the very valuable features include the ISPA Job Bank where you can search for job openings or list your own; ISPA Conference & Expo; Spa Industry Events; Education & Resources and more. We love the research and reports that ISPA puts out about the industry and read and write about them often.

International Spa Association

International Spa Association

  • Spa Finder - This global spa resource and spa finder works hand in hand with thousands of spas across the country to gather information about specific spas including their rates, reviews, amenities and more. This information proves to be a very valuable resource for those looking for a specific spa experience. You can find spas, spa deals, buy gift certificates and even book your spa treatment through this website. They also have a very good blog that they update as often as we update our own, so definitely check it out as well.

Spa Finder

Spa Finder

  • Wahanda - Wahanda is a website that focuses on health, beauty and happiness. The site is the equivalent of a social network, Etsy style superstore, global directory and article library all rolled into one. They have a large emphasis on spas and categorize their spas into these sub-categories: day spas, destination spas, medical spas, dental spas and mobile spas. As with spa finder there are a vast amount of reviews on Wahanda, but their reviews also include product reviews and even allow their members to upload their own pictures of the spa, treatment or product being discussed.
Wahanda Spa Social Network

Wahanda Spa Social Network

  • SpaWeek - Many of you will already be familiar with Spa Week as it is a major event that is held twice a year and works with spas across the country to offer spa-goers a deal on all spa treatments from participating spas with a flat rate of $50 per treatment. Since its conception in 2003 SpaWeek has grown immensely in attendance with its new found popularity. The website now offers a variety spa deals, gift cards, contests & giveaways, Spadcasts, a spa directory, a blog and even a bridal section. Recently SpaWeek has really stepped up their giveaways and have been sending out a lot more free stuff to their members other websites or spa organizations.
Spa Week

Spa Week

  • Spa Magazine - Spa Magazine is the leading print magazine for spa-enthusiasts and spa industry members alike. With excellent editorials and a circulation of over 100k, this is a great spa resource. The Spa Magazine website offers a wealth of well written articles, as well as other spa resources such as a spa finder, spa basics resource, spa contests and even spa recipes.

Spa Magazine

Spa Magazine

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Spa Reflections - Experiences, Rituals, History | No Comments »

Aromatherapy Corner – Why Choose Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils

February 3rd, 2010
Therapeutic Grade Oils

Therapeutic Grade Oils from Provence, France

Most essential oils on the marketplace are traded through distributors or brokers and pass through many hands before reaching a retail store. These oils are often adulterated with substances that “boost” or “extend” one or more of the fragrant properties in the oil. One liter of pure, organic Lavender is sold for around $300. On the other hand, a liter of synthetic or adulterated oil is sold from $10 to $60. One can see why boosting and extending a true oil to increase profit margins might be a seductive choice.  Adulterated oils can also cause short term side effects such as rashes, burning or other irritations. It is unknown what long term effects synthetically treated oils have on human physiology.  In short, use only pure therapeutic grade essential oils, shipped directly from the producers that grow and distill them organically.

For a variety of Therapeutic Grade aromatherapy essential oils, precious reserve oils and hydrosols visit the TheramSol aromatherapy store at ThermaSol.com

Tags: , ,
Posted in Aromatherapy Chromatherapy Sound Therapy | No Comments »

ThermaSol Releases Series of Informational Videos Featuring “Sol”

February 2nd, 2010

We just saw this new series of Sol videos showing exactly how ThermaSol steam showers are different than other brands’ products. Very interesting and entertaining videos with great information!

Take a look:

Steam Shower Sizing

Steam Shower Warranties

Steam Shower Smart Steam

Steam Shower Digital Technology

Steam Shower PowerFlush

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Steam Showers | No Comments »

Aromatherapy Corner – The importance of organic

February 1st, 2010
Organic Essential Oils

Organic Essential Oils

Plants make essential oils to protect themselves from pests, bacteria and environmental stress. By carefully distilling plants like lavender (it takes about one tone of lavender plants to produce only four liters of essential oil!), we can use their healing oils for our own ailments. But if you spray a plant like lavender with pesticides and herbicides, the lavender will not produce its own natural healing chemicals, because the pesticides are doing that job for the plant.  It is also common to find adulterated essential oils in the market place. Adulterated or synthetic oils can cause short-term side effects like rashes, burning or other irritations. When an essential oil is labeled organic, this certification ensures that the plants were farmed, harvested, distilled and distributed according to organic methods.  So it is very important that we choose organic essential oils when we are using them for their therapeutic qualities. I suggest looking to reputable health food stores and cooperatives. Ask the folks who work there if the essential oils they offer are certified organic, and if the essential oil company sources its oils directly from the distilleries where they were made.  You’ll find that essential oils are like fine wines. It may take a while for your nose to recognize a great lavender or roman chamomile. But have patience, because learning to care for yourself with natural healing and beauty products is a self-empowering gift.

For a wide selection of 100% organic aromatherapy essential oils, precious reserve oils and hydrosols visit the TheramSol aromatherapy store at ThermaSol.com

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Aromatherapy Chromatherapy Sound Therapy | No Comments »

Aromatherapy Corner – A pocket-sized first aid kit

January 29th, 2010
Lavender Field

Lavender Field

The Latin root of “lavender,” lavare, means “to clean” or “wash oneself.” Historically used to fight plague and other pestilence, this powerful essential oil is also gentle enough to be applied “neat”, or undiluted, directly on the skin.

Lavender oil is considered to be the panacea of aromatherapy. Keeping a bottle of lavender in your home pharmacy, car or workplace is a must. Because it is used for so many different kinds of ailments, it makes a perfect pocket-sized first aid kit. Pur, therapeutic-grade, organic lavender oil can be used to treat burns, sunburns, cuts, scrapes, insect bites and acne amongst many other applications. It provides fast, soothing relief upon contact. Lavender’s sweet smell is only a secondary benefit!

There are dozens of essential oils that can be used for many treatments. Some favorites of mine are peppermint for nausea, headaches and mental clarity; helichrysum italicum for bruising, swelling, sprains and strains (a great post-workout treatment); Roman chamomile for its anti-spasmodic action; blue chamomile for its anti-inflammatory effects; and tea tree for its strong anti-microbial effects on pimples, athlete’s foot and dandruff.

For a wide selection of aromatherapy essential oils, precious reserve oils and hydrosols visit the TheramSol aromatherapy store at ThermaSol.com

Tags: , ,
Posted in Aromatherapy Chromatherapy Sound Therapy | No Comments »

State of the Spa Address

January 27th, 2010
Rejuvinating in the Spa

Rejuvenating in the Spa

To all our Talk Spas readers; we are here today to address the spa fanatics, members of the spa industry as well as the home spa enthusiasts of the world to let you know that the spa is here to stay. In the past year we may have not seen the spa industry or the number of home spa projects grow in number, but we did see the diversity in services and product offerings expand to a new high. Out of nowhere new markets have become much larger than before for the spa industry, including Medical Spas, Pet Spas, Teen Spas and even Baby Spas. In the past year, outrageous, amazing and extremely expensive spa treatments had their day in the limelight, while more custom, personal and home based spa services have continued to increase in popularity.

Las Vegas continues to be a hotbed for amazing new spas and more and more people are now using the quality of the spa amenities to choose their next resort or cruise vacation. While destination spas are still very popular, the home spa and more specifically the inclusion of a luxury steam shower with advanced technological systems continue to increase home values in these tough times.

Make no doubt that times are still tough for the spa industry as we have seen many close their doors and go bankrupt, but be clear that the surviving day spas, spa product manufacturers and resorts will come out of this downturn stronger than ever before. People across the world are beginning to re-discover how and why it is so important to treat your mind and body to spa treatments that provide relaxation that ultimately improves your overall health and well being. We can assure you that even if the tough times are not yet behind us, the light is visible at the end of the tunnel, and the light will please your senses and rejuvenate your body and soul.

Related Posts:

Spa Trends to Look for in 2010

SpaFinder’s Top 10 Spa Trends in the Past Decade

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Aqua Spas, Aromatherapy Chromatherapy Sound Therapy, Health Beauty Fitness, Home Spa, Hotels Resorts Day Spas, Sauna, Spa Humor, Spa Reflections - Experiences, Rituals, History, Steam Showers | No Comments »

Aromatherapy Corner – Discovering the Power of Oils

January 27th, 2010
Aromatherapy Oil

Aromatherapy Oil

The word “aromatherapy” was originally coined by the French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse in 1920. In a laboratory accident, Gattefosse set his arm on fire and immediately thrust it into the nearest vat of cold liquid, which happened to be lavender oil. Instantly he felt soothing relief and watched as the burn continued to heal quickly, with no inflammation or scarring. The profound healing benefits led him to a lifetime of research in a field that he termed “aromatherapy”.

As a clinical herbalist and aromatherapist, I have seen the profound healing effects of essential oils in my 15 years of practice. Therapeutic-grade essential oils can work to heal common ailments where other medications fail. Essential oil blends can be used to treat many conditions, without the side effects that synthetic chemicals may cause. They work quickly and effectively to soothe pain and inflammation.

For a wide selection of aromatherapy essential oils, precious reserve oils and hydrosols visit the TheramSol aromatherapy store at ThermaSol.com

Tags: , ,
Posted in Aromatherapy Chromatherapy Sound Therapy | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Spa Week Daily Spa Blogs /></a> <a href= Top Blogs TopOfBlogs Home & Garden Business Directory - BTS Local Living Well Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory Blog Flux Yellow Pages - California