Thursday, February 21, 2008
Massage therapy more than pampering
For more information, visit www.bodylogicclinic.com.
By: DAVE PAYNE Sr.
Posted by: Adelaide Massage Therapists - http://knead.net.au
El Silencio Lodge: Relaxation for Body & Soul in Costa Rica
The lodge is a new sister-property to the fabulous and luxurious Hotel Punta Islita on the Nicoya Peninsula. In fact, combining El Silencio with Punta Islita would make for a perfect week-long combo trip for couples or families with older children that enjoy nature, desire luxury, and are seeking the more “untouched” locales of Costa Rica.
El Silencio is a short 1 hour and 15 minute drive from the Juan Santamaria International Airport (perhaps a bit longer if you wish to stop along the way in Grecia or Sarchi to investigate local artisan shops or enjoy some delicious “comida tipica” (local food)). It’s a bit tricky to manuever at night (as my husband and I discovered) so arrival is recommended before 6 PM… however I have to say that one advantage of arriving late was the spectacular view of the San Jose city lights from high above as we drove to the lodge.
Upon arrival we were greeted by the general manager and our “Eco-Concierge” who assisted us with our luggage, parked our car, and showed us to our private cabina via an electric golf cart (the themes of El Silencio, as well as Punta Islita, are environmental consciousness and giving back to the local community, and those values were clearly evident throughout our stay which made us feel even better about choosing this property!).
The cabinas are SO comfy and cozy that you will not want to leave and explore the rest of the 200 hectare property! You will find a king-size bed, excellent linens, gas fireplace, large sitting area for enjoying a good book, large bathrooms, private outdoor jacuzzi, and a sizeable porch with rocking chairs for enjoying the majestic view of the mountains… all decorated with a mountain theme using natural wood and earth-tones.
The fireplace and private jacuzzi were my personal favorite touches. You’ll need the fire as the mornings and evenings are quite cool, and the jacuzzi was perfect after our morning hike to see three amazing waterfalls that certainly rival the falls at La Paz Waterfall Gardens (for those that are familiar with that location). In fact, I found the hike at El Silencio to be more enjoyable than the hike at La Paz, and it’s easy enough that those of any age can manuever the well-built trails without a problem. Accompanying us on our hike was our Eco-Concierge, who was a wealth of knowledge on plants, animals, birds, and insects, as well as the hotel’s future projects and the nearby community of Bajos del Toro. A hike is included as part of your room rate, so be sure to take advantage of this wonderful amenity.
We also made sure to visit the excellent spa at El Silencio. The spa is built slightly away from the cabinas to allow more privacy, and is so peaceful and quiet that I felt I should whisper for fear of disturbing it all. Our experience with the spa was very professional, and I found the prices to be extremely reasonable for the quality of service provided. I was lucky enough to be there at the same time they were offering a special for an exfoliation and aromatherapy massage package for only $100 for an hour and a half treatment. It was truly the best spa experience I have had in Costa Rica because of the staff, quality of treatment, and the atmosphere.
Finally, I have saved the best for last… the food. El Silencio’s per person rates include three meals per day (alcoholic beverages are separate) and, let me tell you, the food is the best quality I have had in Costa Rica to date. Chef Marco uses only the freshest ingredients, many of which come from their organic garden located on property. You can actually TASTE the freshness of the food…it’s like nothing I had ever experienced. The colors of the food are so bright and beautiful that it emphasizes the freshness even more.
With each meal, you have choice of an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert, complimented with tea, coffee, or an array of natural fruit drinks. Of course, alcoholic beverages or the perfect glass of wine are available to complement your meal. The “stand out” favorites in my mind were a delicious Pejibaye Ceviche on the first night, and the best Chicken Parmigiana I have ever tasted with pesto sauce and homemade pasta. The breakfasts are also very unique…they have a hint of the “typical” Costa Rican favorites of gallo pinto, eggs, and fresh fruit, but in creative ways and with creative flavors, plus some surprises like multi-grain pancakes with homemade berry compote. My husband would tell you that his favorite part of all three meals was the out-of-this-world homemade berry jam that accompanied every breakfast. He couldn’t get enough of it…
The staff at El Silencio is extremely personable, kind, and helpful. You can sense the sincerity in their work, and their belief in the hotel’s themes of environmental consciousness and contribution to the local community. It was nice to see the same staff each day as it made the property feel more “home-y” and relaxed, almost like you were visiting friends or family.
Overall, my experience at El Silencio ranks as one of my top hotel stays in Costa Rica. I have stayed at many excellent hotels here through my work, but very few have successfully combined service, atmosphere, luxury, and beauty, AND have a mindful eye on doing right by the environment and the Costa Rican people. Felicidades to El Silencio and Grupo Islita for establishing such a fabulous hotel! If you are reading this article, please be sure to visit El Silencio (and Punta Islita for that matter!) on your next trip to Costa Rica or your next weekend getaway from San Jose. You won’t be disappointed!
Written by katiehigh
Resource: http://www.costaricapages.com/blog/hotel-reviews/el-silencio-lodge/628
Posted by: massage adelaide - http://knead.net.au/
$6 million spa launches at Hotel Galvez
Galveston, Texas (Feb. 13, 2008) - Gracing the Texas Gulf Coast since 1911, Hotel Galvez - A Wyndham Historic Hotel is proud to announce the March 15, 2008 opening of its $6 million, 9,736 square foot Spa at Hotel Galvez, with accompanying salon and fitness center.
Visitors of the Mediterranean-inspired spa will experience treatments in one of seven ocean-themed rooms that will promote nature and wellness, indulge in signature spa cuisine and unwind post-treatment in the tranquil oases of the Spa's Relaxation Room or Meditation and Water Wall Garden.
Dedicated to total well-being, the Spa at Hotel Galvez will go beyond the "pampering experience" to offer a full sampling of treatments that provide a variety of healing benefits. Services will range from massages and facials to body therapy treatments, manicures and pedicures. The signature Galvez Stone Massage will combine the elements of massage with the therapeutic qualities of hot and cold stones to stimulate and detoxify the skin while promoting healing through muscle pain alleviation and body awakening.
The tagline "A Coastal Sanctuary for the Senses" suggests that the focus of the spa will be to restore balance and exceed guests' expectations through providing a quality level of service in a soothing atmosphere. Combining Phytomer's 104 trace seawater minerals with warm essential oils, an aromatic body gel will replenish moisture and nutrients to spagoers' skin during a Remineralizing Body Wrap. The spa will feature France-based Phytomer and Yon-Ka spa products.
"The Spa at Hotel Galvez is intended to serve as an integral piece of the historic hotel and enhance its reputation as a premier Gulf Coast property," says Spa Director, Vanessa Harris. "The newly-conceived spa will be unlike anything else available on Galveston Island. It will capitalize on the growing demand for more closely-integrated spa amenities throughout the luxury hotel and resort segment."
Executive Chef Jerry Helminski will present a spa cuisine menu that creates a balance of health and decadence. Spa guests will have the chance to indulge through a tempting range of creations, including inside-out cous cous rolls, curried shrimp cappuccino and a dessert course that begs the question, "Is chocolate a sin?" Like the spa, the cuisine will be inspired by the ocean, with courses like "The Cure" incorporating various sea salts and "Revitalize," featuring pan roasted sea bass, served with blue lip mussels and roasted beet puree.
Post-treatment, a Spa Meditation Garden will be available for spa guests, featuring chaise lounge chairs, a rock garden, water wall and juice and smoothie bar. Group yoga and meditation instruction will also be offered in the garden. For those opting to stay indoors, a large, softly-lit Relaxation Room will provide individual seating and music selection, using sheer curtains to allow the utmost privacy and reflection.
As Hotel Galvez is a premier wedding venue on Galveston Island, the spa has designed bridal packages to meet the needs of brides and offers a private lounge for intimate bridal parties. Special events coordinators will be available to assist in planning and executing all group events at the spa.
Half-day and full-day spa packages will also be available for visitors interested in an extended retreat. The Galvez Oasis full-day package will feature five hours of treatments including: a relaxing bath, Grand Classique facial, Vichy body polish, Galvez manicure and raw earth pedicure and touch of color application.
A six-station hair salon will offer Bumble & Bumble hair products and La Bella Donna cosmetics. Four pedicure chairs and a three-station manicure bar will complete the salon. A retail boutique and lobby will be located on the main level of the spa, as well as a full-service fitness center, equipped with Precor® machines, mp3 and i-Pod docking stations and flat screen televisions.
The AAA four-diamond Hotel Galvez defines seaside luxury and historic elegance. The hotel showcases 224 guestrooms and seven distinctive suites, Bernardo's Restaurant with celebrated Sunday Champagne Brunch, 13,000 square feet of function space and tropical pool with swim-up bar and hot tub. For additional information about Hotel Galvez, call 409-765-7721, 800-WYNDHAM or visit www.wyndhamhotelgalvez.com.
For more information on the Spa at Hotel Galvez, please contact Vanessa Harris at Hotel Galvez at (409) 765-7721 ext. 2161.
The hotel is operated by Wyndham Hotel Management Company. Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), offers upscale hotel and resort accommodations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. All hotels are either franchised or managed by Wyndham Hotels and Resorts or an affiliate.
For more information about Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, visit the company's Web site at www.wyndham.com.
CONTACT: Michelle Kelly or Melanie Vigliotti/ The Zimmerman Agency/ 850.668.2222/ mkelly@zimmerman.com
Feb 20, 2008
H&MM Week In Review
Posted by : Massage Therapists Adelaide - http://knead.net.au
Massages to suit your therapeutic needs
Ever been to a spa and you are presented with a dozen different treatments to choose from? Don’t know what the heck those names mean? Been recommended a therapy that made your body ache more? The thing is different massages are intended to fit different needs. Here are 10 of the most common massages with brief descriptions to help you decide which physical therapy would suit you the most.
1. Swedish massage is a classic full body massage that relaxes and stimulates at the same time. This technique helps in de-stressing sore muscles, reducing tension points and increasing blood circulation.
2. Shiatsu massage is a Japanese-style pressure point technique. Using the ancient concept of acupuncture, this massage focuses on critical energy points, applying pressure on them. This achieves a balanced life force energy, called chi.
3. Deep tissue massage is an invigorating technique that bears some similarities with the traditional hilot. This energizing massage provides deep pleasure as it works on deeper tissues and integrates elbows and forearms in coordinated movements.
4. Twin massage is just as the name implies. It provides the pleasurable synchronized movements of two therapists simultaneously. Promoting mental and spiritual solace, not only does this one-of-a-kind experience releases tension and relaxes, it also balances the body’s center.
5. Thai massage is a massage previously practiced in Thai temples. This technique is similar to yoga as it focuses on stretching and working on pressure points with gentle assistance from the therapist. This unblocks energy and releases tension.
6. Herbal massage is a Thai technique that encourages the absorption of energy using herbs. Prakop, as the Thais call it, is a steamed pouch consisting of herbs indigenous to Thailand. This hot compress helps in normalizing circulation and energy flows. Using the shiatsu technique, the prakop is pressed along the meridians of the body. The relieving experience results in comfort and healing.
7. Aromatherapy massage makes clever use of aromatic essential oils. This is a gentle and soothing formula designed to aid the functionality of the body’s equilibrium and improve mental and physical health.
8. Volcanic rock massage is the answer to aching muscles. It uses hot basalt stones with two purposes. One is to treat sore knots while the second is to achieve deep relaxation through the help of the warmth.
9. Indian head massage is also called Champimassage. This system has been practiced for over 1000 years in its native land. This is purely a scalp massage using Indian herbs that is guaranteed to stimulate and activate inactive energy and balance the energy points, called chakras.
10. Aromascalp and shoulder massage fuses the use of aromatherapy oils with brisk massaging movements. This energetic technique offers relaxation and stress relief. Stimulating blood circulation, it also encourages hair growth.
The best way to enjoy the massage and maximize its benefits is taking a contrast therapy bath before the session. This entails dipping in two tubs (hot and cold) alternately for about five minutes each for half an hour. Only then will you be ready to fully indulge in the rejuvenating experience that is your massage of choice.
All 10 massages mentioned and more (including the contrast therapy bath) are available at many spas around Metro Manila. I recommend going to The Spa, where they also do traditional hilot, moor spa hair and scalp treatment and other foot, nail and paraffin treatments. They also provide access to gym facilities and sauna, steam and vanity amenities
By Ed Biado
Resource: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife2_feb19_2008
Posted by : Therapeutic Massage Adelaide by http://knead.net.auMassages, spa treatments offer chances to de-stress
Dolores TropianoThe Arizona RepublicFeb. 7, 2008 10:21 AM
Massage is going mainstream with the opening of a Hand & Stone Massage Spa in northeast Phoenix.The stores offer a menu of massage options that are rubbing the regular crowd of relaxation seekers the right way. Resort spas are often out of reach for most massage lovers.Reasonable prices and long hours of operation combine to distinguish Hand & Stone from other specialized spas. The spas have nearly 3,000 available monthly massage hours.
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"It's an affordable luxury opened to most people," said Jill Fleming, who, together with her husband, John, is opening the Phoenix store. Three Hand & Stone centers currently operate in Scottsdale, Anthem and Chandler. The new one opens in March at Cactus Road and Tatum Boulevard.Three more are expected to open in north Scottsdale, Ahwatukee and Chandler over the course of the year.The spas offer many options to de-stress, including Swedish massage, couples massage, foot massage and facials. The signature massage is the 50-minute hot stone massage, which features hot river stones applied to the body. The stones allow for deeper massages, which traditionally require more pressure."The stones and the heat allow the masseuse to get deeper into the layer of muscle," said Fleming, 46, a Moon Valley resident. "Tension just melts away."Cold stones are used in facials and are combined with lavender oil to reduce inflammation and treat sinuses, headaches and other problems.A hot towel foot exfoliation and massage features hot towels and intense hydrating foot cream.• Membership at the center is $49.95 a month and includes a monthly massage and discounted rates on other services • A 50-minute hot stone massage is $59.95 for members and $89.95 for non-members.• The center offers an introductory relaxation massage for $39.95. Hand & Stone Spas feature relaxing stone waterfalls, contemporary furnishings, subdued lighting, candles and soft music.The spas were founded by John Marco, a physical therapist who saw a need in the marketplace for high-quality, convenient and affordable massage spa services under one roof.The company expects to have 100 franchise locations throughout the country by the end of 2008. Hand & Stone differs from other spa centers in that it has a greater selection of services. The Flemings are opening the store after years of devotion to other passions. Jill was a stay-at-home mother to her two children, who are now in their teens. John was a computer programmer.Both believe that today's fast-paced world makes massage more essential to a balanced life."More and more people are taking better care of themselves," John said, "and they realize the health benefits of massage."
Resource: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0207phx-retail0206massage.html
Posted by: Massage Service Adelaide from http://knead.net.auGiving Massages to Loved Ones Relieves Stress
Christine Webb, Health and Fitness Report
A soothing massage can help you unwind after a hard day at work.
Research has shown massage has many health benefits, including alleviating stress, but you don't need to go to an expert to get a good massage.
Not everyone can afford a massage. That's why Eli Akotia, a massage therapist, offered these tips on what you can do for your loved one if they are in need of a stress reliever.
"Just make sure you warm up the tissue before grabbing the skin and muscle," Akotia said. "You might cause pain."
Three tips to keep in mind:
Warm up the tissue.
Use nice, long strokes.
Use lotion.
"Then grab harder and harder, and then squeeze and roll up the skin," Akotia added.
Besides being a great stress reliever, there are more reasons to consider giving your loved one a massage.
It can also cause the body to release natural painkillers, and it boosts your immune system.
"It's good pain management and relaxation, and relieves anxiety," Akotia said.
Getting a massage is generally safe, but it may not be right for everyone under certain health conditions. So if you do have any questions, it's best to always consult with your doctor.
The benefits of massage, choosing the right therapy
Massage. Ahh... Just the thought of it conjures up visions of seeing yourself on a table, totally relaxed, as knowing fingers and hands of a massage therapist work out the kinks and cares of the world from your body and your mind.Who will turn down a good back, shoulder or neck massage, even for just a moment or two? Those brief moments can be like an oasis of pleasure amidst a hectic, stressful day, and a simple stress-relieving massage at your desk can certainly entice you into a better attitudeMassage in its various forms has many benefits. Along with helping reduce stress and encourage relaxation, massage can also improve posture and your circulation. It lowers blood pressure, relieves headaches, and improves flexibility and range of motion, according to Massage Envy’s Web site.But before deciding massage is just the thing you need to restore your worn body and tired mind, consider knowing exactly what you expect and need in a massage. Most massage therapists will ask you some questions to get an idea of what you may be needing and looking for, but a little research ahead of time will enhance your massage experience.Don Nelson, owner of Massage Envy in Rogers, says there are around 250 different types of massage. Some of those may be of the illegal kind, underscoring the necessity for research and of knowing what massage to ask for.Aside from the research, finding a reputable massage business can also be of help, or talk to friends and acquaintances that you trust for a recommendations.Massage Envy, for instance, offers professional therapists for trigger point therapy; Swedish massage; deep tissue massage; and sports, reflexology and cranial sacral massage as well.The cranial massage can relieve stress and provide relief from migraine headaches, as well as relief from back, neck and certain joint disorders.Trigger point massage involves massage and passive stretching, along with corrective exercises to treat pain. It also involves nutrition and stress management.Sports massage is sought after by athletes to enhance their performance and recovery after an event.Swedish massage, perhaps the most popular of the massage therapies in the United States, is a relaxing, massage designed to energize your body. Deep tissue is another massage offered by Massage Envy that many clients opt for. It is very beneficial for those who develop knots in their shoulders, back or elsewhere. If you are not pain tolerant, though, think twice about this one.Personally, it felt as if the massage therapist’s fingers were going to dig through the back and yank out a rib. The massage did feel good otherwise, but there was not much relaxing going on.But people who regularly get this type of massage swear by it. Becky McNellis of Rogers gets deep tissue therapy because she suffers from fibromyalgia, a bad back and pain from a broken hip sustained two years ago.McNellis says the muscles on the left side of the leg where she broke her hip atrophied, causing her severe muscle spasms. It also has affected her gait when she walks.Since getting deep tissue massages, the Rogers woman says she does not limp nearly as much as she used to, but adds she paid the price at the beginning of her therapy.“It isn’t just touchy-feely good,” McNellis concedes. “It’s almost like a workout. I just can’t tell you how much my legs have improved after just four massages.”Tom Gustafson is another believer in deep tissue massage. He played baseball in college, but says the pain and stiffness he played through magnified in later years.“The pain got to the point where it would literally stop me at times when I was walking, and it would shoot down my legs,” Gustafson says. “I would regularly get cramps in my legs at night from muscle spasms.” Since getting the massages, Gustafson says he has not had muscle spasms since.Call Massage Envy for more information at 763-428-3605.Other massages are more beneficial for relieving stress and rejuvenating your skin. Planet Beach in Albertville has a hydro derma fusion massage that hydrates your entire body with steam and either minerals or vitamins, while gently massaging your legs, buttocks and back.With this massage you lie down in a capsule-like machine that has an opening for your head to fit through once the top is in place. Clients getting this massage can choose the specific blends of tropical liquid vitamins, plant extracts or aloe vera they want to have used in their hydration massage. The liquid is poured into a receptacle inside the capsule. As the infrared heat begins warming, these blends are released in the steam that penetrates deeply into every pore in your body, reaching a sustained 118 degrees.Personally, this treatment was incredibly relaxing, making every pore feel deeply cleansed, leaving a tingling, energizing sensation.Owner Susan Hasler says the hydro derma fusion massage “increases collagen and your skin’s elasticity while improving skin tone and texture as well.”It also relieves stress and gives you better range of motion.“I was stressed and tired from working nonstop to finish my basement, and I decided to try the hydro derma fusion because I was so sore. The massage bed was amazing, and it felt much better than a hands-on massage. Afterward my stress was completely gone, and I was calmed down and able to focus more productively to get work done.”Planet Beach also offers hydro dry massage that is great for reliving stress as well. Call 763-497-3511 for more information.A third massage personally experienced was a hot stone massage at Orion Wellness Center in Rogers. Owner Kathy McShane, a licensed massage therapist, gave the one-hour massage. This one was uniquely relaxing. The lava stones used in the massage retain their heat far longer than other stones, and as McShane placed the stones of various sizes on different areas of the body, the heat seemed to penetrate deeply into muscles and tissue.The effects on the body are magnified, as it allows the massage to have a deeper, more pronounced difference than other massages like the deep tissue or the hydro derma fusion massages left.Orion Wellness offers other massages as well, such as the Swedish and acupressure massages, relaxation, deep tissue, trigger point and connective tissue massages.But it also offers alternative therapies that use Eastern methods to massage the mind and a person’s energy fields. These and many other therapies are available at Orion Wellness Center. Call 763-428-0088 to learn more.Whichever type of massage you choose, keep in mind that any benefit could be wiped out quickly by toxins if they are not flushed from your body soon after a massage.Manipulations of a massage release high levels of toxins into your body that need to be flushed out with plenty of water. If you fail to do this it can result in a lot of pain throughout your body, or even a stint of sickness.Without flushing toxins, they can go directly into the bloodstream to overload the immune system. Consequently, the body’s ability to fight off sickness can be lowered too far to adequately prevent a virus from taking hold.Of the 250 massages out there, you are sure to find just the right one for your needs. Just drink plenty of water afterwards.
Tuesday, 19 February 2008 by Bob GraweyStaff writer
If you would like to know more on massage services in adelaide, visit http://knead.net.au/
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
A relaxing massage at your service
The UFO shaped massager is designed to give you a relaxing massage when used in a circular movement in a clockwise direction to release the day’s accumulated tension from the base of the neck.
It can be used either as it is, or switched on, for a stronger, more energetic massage function with rotating movements designed to be applied to the upper back.
When switched on, the massager’s vibrations contribute to the immediate release of tension and muscle relaxation.
Source:
http://www.product-reviews.net/2008/02/14/a-relaxing-massage-at-your-service
By: http://knead.net.au
Pampering generates profits, travel industry experts say
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
February 19, 2008
For travelers, a spa treatment – the hot stone massage, the seaweed body wrap – is a luxury, a guilty bit of pampering indulged in during a vacation or business trip.
But to any high-end hotel that hopes to stay competitive, the spa is a necessity.
NELVIN C. CEPEDA / Union-Tribune
Kyra Johnson showed the reception area of the Blue Marble spa at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina.The spa experience is becoming so engrained into American culture that travelers expect a state-of-the-art spa to be part of the hotel experience, like room service or valet parking, industry experts say.
“Hotel spas are now seemingly ubiquitous,” said Mark Woodworth, president of Atlanta-based PKF Hospitality Research, a consulting firm. “Over the past decade, hotels across the nation have added spa operations to meet escalating consumer expectations and to increase revenues and profit.”
Even the almost-100-year-old U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego is getting into the act with the planned construction this spring of a $5 million, 9,000-square-foot spa and fitness room.
The hotel, owned by the Sycuan Band of Mission Indians and managed by luxury hotel operator Starwood Hotels & Resorts, has already undergone a $56 million restoration that helped it earn four stars in this year's Mobil Travel Guide.
Mark Dibella, director of media and community relations for the U.S. Grant, said the hotel is going for the coveted fifth star with the addition of the spa.
NELVIN C. CEPEDA / Union-Tribune
The 3,500-square-foot spa includes five treatment rooms, including a women's relaxation facility.The planned spa amenities include a jazz cafe and reception area, hair and nail salon, meditation area, as many as nine treatment rooms, whirlpools, a sauna and steam rooms. The hotel is also restoring one of two original lap pools in the hotel's basement.
The spa will also be marketed to San Diego residents, Dibella said.
“The U.S. Grant always maintained a reputation in the mid-tier of hotels, but stepping into the luxury tier it becomes part of the international marketplace, and you have to have a spa component,” Dibella said. “The indulgent services – the all-about-you amenities – are expected.”
And for the financial bottom line, those services are desirable, hotel industry experts say. Spas not only help drive consumer decisions in lodging, but they are increasingly becoming an important profit generator for hotels and resorts.
A study of resort and urban hotel spas' expense and profit data for 2005 and 2006 found that a 9.7 percent increase in spa revenues resulted in an 11.3 percent gain in spa department profits in 2006, according to a PKF report released in January.
The 9.7 percent increase compared favorably with the 8.2 percent increase in hotel revenues and a 5.9 percent average gain in sales from all other hotel departments, according to the report.
“A spa used to be a support tool for a hotel; now it is really a business driver,” said Rob Sapp, director of marketing for Four Seasons Resort Aviara in Carlsbad. “A destination resort will feature golf and tennis, but we are finding that the spa is also a key reason people come back. They want to rejuvenate and escape the pressures of work.”
NELVIN C. CEPEDA / Union-Tribune
The spa includes an oversized suite designed for couples, with individual rain showers. Aviara spent about $3.5 million to almost double the size of its spa in 2001. The 15,000-square-foot spa, which includes 20 treatment rooms, a solarium lounge, whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms, now generates the highest profit margin of any Four Seasons resort-based spa in North America and South America, Sapp said.
The Aviara, which offers such things as water shiatsu treatments, which involve massage and stretching while the client floats in a heated pool, is also one of only two hotel-based spas in San Diego County that has a four-star rating from the Mobil guide. The other is at The Lodge at Torrey Pines.
With the explosive growth of spas – there are an estimated 14,600 spas in the United States, with day spas making up the largest segment – many hotels are seeking ways to stand out from the crowd, offering increasingly exotic services or finding market niches.
As part of the recent $65 million makeover of the Hyatt Regency Islandia, renamed the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina, the hotel is catering to the environmentally conscious crowd with Blue Marble, its “eco-friendly” spa.
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In this case, eco-friendly means that the treatments and products used are organic, and so are the business practices. The spa embraces conservation, using energy-efficient light bulbs, low-flow shower heads and recycled paper products, and has floors of sustainable bamboo.
The 3,500-square-foot spa has five treatments rooms, including an oversized suite for couples, with individual rain showers. It also has water-efficient steam rooms, a coed relaxation lounge overlooking a saltwater fish tank and a private, outdoor garden.
Kyra Johnson, spa director for Blue Marble, said Hyatt made a societal and corporate decision to go green.
“There is definitely a growing market for people seeking out greener options and ways they can reduce their own negative environmental impact,” said Johnson. “And it is important for hotels to offer these lifestyle choices to guests.”
Visit http://knead.net.au/ for massage in adelaide.
Products and oils for massage in adelaide
Essential Oils
Organic Oils
Organic Linen/Towels
Organic Clothing
Fishermans/Yoga Pants
Yoga Products
Meditation CDs and DVDs
Green Products If there is anything you would like to see on our online store, please send me an email and I will endeavour to add this item to our stock list.These items will ideally be Green, Organic and Health Conscious.Keep an eye on this space and send an email to lisa(at)knead(dot)net(dot)au if you would like to know when we are opening the Online Store!
Lisa Wilson . for more information visit us at http://knead.net.au
Thursday, January 31, 2008
adelaide massage services
Welcome to Knead Me
Knead Me Massage offers a mobile massage service to you in your own home or office. Kned me massage therapists and masseurs offers relaxation massage services, massage services, mobile massage services in Adelaide, Adelaide Hills including Stirling, Aldgate, Bridgewater, Crafers, Mt barker, Mount barker and Woodside.
Massage is an important therapy and can assist in rehabilitation, stress reduction and releasing toxins from the body plus many more benefits. It balances the Body, Mind and Spirit.We like to put our customers and our own health first so we use organic and essential oils for all massage therapies.We offer many forms of
Massage Including
Therapeutic/Relaxation - Relaxation techniques- Sports/ Remedial - Deep tissue and trigger point therapies (firm)
- Intuitive/Spiritual - Powerful Form of Spirit and energy guided massage
- Corperate Massage - Treat you and Your staff in you office We also offer gift certificates and discounts on paid in advance sessions or sporting groups.
We will be stocking essential and organic massage oils "very soon"for you to purchase online.So stay tuned for some fantastic offers on Knead Me "its a massage thing".
Lisa Wilson
http://knead.net.au/