Luxury Spas: The first tip you get that you’re somewhere special is right at the spa’s entrance, when you are asked to take off your shoes and put on sandals in order to enter. It is a glorious 20,000-sq-ft. edifice, filled with light, outfitted all in white, and accented with bouquets of roses, Mercury glass and crystals.

One step in and you’ll breathe a sigh of relief – you have arrived, in more ways than one. The Garden Room, where you’ll wait for your masseuse, features walls of windows overlooking glorious greens (which must be magnificent in late Fall, when the leaves change their colors). It’s a lovely place to wait, filled with magazines and art books.

Adjacent is a room where you can dine on a spa lunch, or munch on trail mix, raisins, and all kinds of tea. Eight treatment rooms (actually, seven treatment rooms plus a couples suite) provide sybaritic spa treatments- the most decadent being the four-handed Floating Moonflower Ritual, a 90-minute, $500 combination of exfoliation, Red Flower products, performed on water-filled cushions. Here you’ll also find an indoor pool, whirlpool, scented thermal sanctuary, fully equipped exercise studios, a private Pilates studio, yoga and meditation gardens, and a salon.

“We offer a high degree of intimacy; it’s a custom experience,” says Helen Brown, the Spa Director, who explained that all guests fill out a thorough questionnaire before their visit, detailing, if they want to detox, lose weight, or simply de-stress. “And because it’s so personalized, people return again and again. Many people come several times a year, or once a month, or every other weekend. We obviate the necessity to have a country home,” she said. Ms. Brown added: “You can turn up with sneakers and a swimsuit – we offer complimentary apparel you can use, as well as contact lens solution and other amenities, and MP3 players,” offering the utmost in convenience. “We’re also a huge couples destination,” Ms. Brown said. “Many men have proposed here,” and added to that, the inn does a brisk wedding business.

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Luxury Spas

Fans of Oregon’s renowned pinot noirs finally have a luxury resort, with a full service spa, in the heart of the Willamette Valley wine country.

The 85-room Allison Inn & Spa officially opened on Sept. 26 in the foothills of Newberg, the gateway to the wine country, for visitors arriving from Portland – as most do.

Locals celebrated the resort’s much anticipated arrival with a soiree that included a peek at guest rooms, tours of the 15,000-square-foot spa, tastes of chef Nathan Lockwood’s “locavore” cuisine, sips of valley pinots – and a salute to local artists, whose work dresses the hotel in serene Northwest style.

The four-story hotel is a mélange of wood, glass, stone, copper and water features. It’s backed by a five-acre vineyard and forest. The scent of cedar permeates the resort’s 35-acre grounds.

The hotel’s smallest rooms measure 490 square feet and are loaded with amenities such as gas fireplaces, luxury linens, Bose sounds systems, deep bathtubs that open to fireplace views, private terraces or balconies. Rates start at $295.

The Spa

The resort’s spa is a haven of sensory tranquility: Flooring cushions footsteps; woven wall-coverings swallow sound. Dark woods and colored glass give the spa’s 12 treatment rooms a distinct northwest feel – as do three outdoor terraces, fireplaces and trickling water features. On cold and rainy northwest days, floor-to-ceiling glass doors can be closed, keeping out the damp chill – but still allowing the sense of outdoors inside.

Spa patrons will know they’re in the Northwest wine country – indulging in crushed-grape-seed scrubs, honey-and-wine wraps and even an “Oregon Rain Shower,” a light massage under a waterfall.

Jory

The hotel’s 84-seat restaurant, Jory, is named for the reddish soil predominant in the wine country. Executive chef Nathan Lockwood left Fork in Marin to launch the restaurant. (He also cooked at One Market, Acquerello and Fleur de Lys in San Francisco.)
San Diego: Works by local artists, including Ramona Youngquist, give the resort a distinct Northwest feel.

Works by local artists, including Ramona Youngquist, give the resort a distinct Northwest feel.

One of Lockwood’s first moves was planting a ¾-acre vegetable garden at the resort. Next he established relationships with local shepherds, who provide him with vineyard-grazed lamb; he gets eggs from nearby ranchers, fruit from local orchards. The 33-year-old chef will offer house-cured meats; his dishes will incorporate local products including black truffles and mushrooms, locally ranched duck, quail, rabbits and pork , Oregon-made cheeses — and of course local wines.

Jory’s wine list includes a 700-bottle selection and 50 wines by the glass – focusing, of course, on the 200 wineries in the Willamette Valley.

IF YOU GO

Getting there: The Allison Inn & Spa is 25 miles from downtown Portland, at 2525 Allison Lane in Newberg.

Staying there: Rooms for two start at $295.

The Spa: The Allison Spa is open to the public. Treatment prices start at $45 for a 45-minute pedicure. For $170, get a 90-minute Grape Seed Cure that includes a crushed-grape-seed scrub, a honey-and-wine wrap and a shea butter massage. Get an Oregon Rain Shower massage for $85 (a 45-minute light massage experienced under a waterfall).

Dining there: Jory is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner – as well as Sunday brunch. A three-course Sunday Family Supper runs $29 per person. A four-course fixed-price dinner runs $53. Free wine tastings and talks featuring local vintners are planned from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays

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Can you duplicate the experience of “The Biggest Loser” without trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels standing over you, ordering you to do one more rep or push-up?

NBC Universal Television, DVD, Music and Consumer Products Group and Reveille, LLC announced today that The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge is now open for business. This destination resort and spa, which is located in Ivins, Utah, has become the newest addition to a growing list of The Biggest Loser health and fitness products that are dedicated to helping people adopt a healthy, “Biggest Loser” lifestyle. The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge will offer guests a comprehensive weight-loss experience that focuses on exercise, healthy nutrition and education, similar to what the contestants on NBC’s hit weight loss series “The Biggest Loser” experience during their time on the Biggest Loser Ranch. The announcement was made by Kim Niemi, Senior Vice President, NBC Universal Television, DVD, Music and Consumer Products Group, and Mark Koops, Managing Director, Co-Head of Domestic Television for Reveille.

Guests at The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge are offered a minimum one-week weight loss program, but they are welcome to stay as many weeks as they wish. The average day consists of at least six hours of physical exercise, which includes a wide variety of aerobic alternatives from hiking in the majestic Snow Canyon State Park, to swimming, to kickboxing, to mat pilates. There is an emphasis on exercise and movement, but the weight-loss resort is also focused on helping people change their lives through education. The fitness program and education series are designed to prepare guests to begin a new, healthier way of living when they leave the resort and the goal is to allow guests to experience the same sort of structured and nurturing environment as the contestants on “The Biggest Loser.”

“Becoming the exclusive resort for NBC’s hit reality series is a natural fit,” said Renee Jarvis, Marketing Director for The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge. “Our philosophies are the same in that we offer a unique weight-loss opportunity in a calorie controlled and structured environment with motivation from professional fitness experts.”

“The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge is an exciting and truly unique addition to ‘The Biggest Loser’ product line,” said Niemi. “So many viewers have watched contestants change their lives and bodies over the years and now they have an opportunity to try it themselves at this incredible resort and spa. We are really proud to be able to offer The Biggest Loser at Fitness Ridge to the public and we look forward to helping viewers at home make changes in their own lives with this spa.”

“This incredible new venture finally allows us to give so many more people access to world class education and facilities to get started on the path to a new healthy lifestyle,” said Koops. “The program offers incredible diversity in training and activity, so whether it’s taking off those final 10 pounds or kick-starting a new change, our fans will now be able to do it with the same level of commitment and quality that our contestants benefit from.”

The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge offers a comprehensive health and fitness experience for its guests. During their stay, guests are treated to three delicious meals a day, prepared by a trained, on-site chef and dietician. The low-fat, low-calorie meals are prepared with an emphasis on creativity and flavor. The total calorie intake is limited to 1200 per day. The delicious offerings include spinach and roasted red pepper frittatas for breakfast, couscous stuffed peppers with white bean and vegetable soup for lunch, and chicken breast with roasted root vegetables for dinner. Dessert is always served, including everyone’s favorite chocolate covered strawberries. Guests also learn how to prepare meals in a flavorful, low calorie way through on-site meal-preparation classes. Guests are offered a wide variety of aerobic activities including step toning and ball works as well as dance and core strengthening classes. In all, there are 20 different classes offered on the rotating schedule.

The weight-loss resort also focuses on training guests in adopting a new way of living, cooking, eating and staying fit. Guests have access to on-site licensed professionals, including a registered dietician and licensed counselor. These experts instruct guests how to approach meal planning and how to best recognize habits such as emotional and intuitive eating. Following the daily fitness schedule, guests are encouraged to relax and pamper themselves in the resort’s full-service salons. All services are geared toward relieving tension and restoring energy, balance and focus.

About The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge

The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge provides one of the most affordable, calorie-controlled, structured programs in the weight-loss spa industry. Designed to give lasting results, guests will experience a boot-camp style program that features incredible hiking, stimulating cardio and stretch classes, delectable, low-calorie spa cuisine and practical education on how to live a “Biggest Loser” lifestyle. Fitness Ridge began in 2002 as collaboration between Tami Clark, Michelle Kelsch and Cameron Kelsch, three experienced entrepreneurs dedicated to health and wellness. Located on 10 acres in southern Utah, just minutes from Snow Canyon State Park, The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge is surrounded by incredible scenery of majestic red bluffs, towering vermillion sandstone and black lava rock. It is a unique resort destination and a perfect place to reclaim your health. For more information, please visit www.biggestloserresort.com.

About The Biggest Loser

The Biggest Loser returned for an eighth season on NBC, September 15, 2009 (Tuesdays from 8:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT). The first reality series where everybody “loses,” The Biggest Loser challenges and encourages overweight contestants to shed pounds in a safe and recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000. Hosted by Alison Sweeney (Days of our Lives), the series provides the contestants with challenges, temptations, weigh-ins and eliminations until the final contestant remains to claim the title of “the biggest loser.” Each team works out under the supervision of professional trainers Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper. The Biggest Loser is a production of Reveille LLC, 25/7 Productions and 3 Ball Productions.

Beyond the U.S. where more than 100 episodes of the show have aired, The Biggest Loser has become a worldwide hit appearing in over 90 countries and produced in 25 countries. Since its debut in 2004, The Biggest Loser has grown to become a standalone health and lifestyle brand by developing tools and products inspired by the show and approved by its doctors and experts. Anchored by the online, subscription-based extension of the show, Biggestloserclub.com, The Biggest Loser Meal Plan, The New York Times best-selling books series, best-selling fitness DVD series, a line of appliances, fitness equipment, protein supplements and countless other health and lifestyle based products, The Biggest Loser consumer products program has generated over $50 million in spending with presence at more than 25,000 major retailers to date. The Biggest Loser was recognized as a top brand of the year in Advertising Age’s 2008 Marketing 50. Check out www.biggestloser.com for more information.

About NBC Universal Television DVD, Music, and Consumer Products Group

NBC Universal is a leader in providing entertainment programming to the domestic and international marketplaces. NBC Universal Television DVD, Music, and Consumer Products Group manages all global ancillary television business endeavors for the NBC Universal Television Group, including third-party home entertainment distribution, consumer products, musical soundtracks, special markets projects and the NBC Universal Online Store.

Reveille

Reveille is a leading independent television studio with a major presence in scripted and unscripted television and digital entertainment, and a world leader in creating integrated marketing opportunities for advertisers. Reveille’s scripted entertainment programming includes “The Office” and “Kath and Kim” (NBC), “Ugly Betty” (ABC) and “The Tudors” (Showtime). The company’s roster of highly successful reality programming includes “The Biggest Loser”, “American Gladiators”, and “Nashville Star” (NBC), “30 Days” (FX), “Parental Control” (MTV) and many more. Through its distribution arm, ShineReveille International, Reveille distributes its extensive library of high-quality programming, along with a broad array of programming acquired from independent producers and U.S. networks, to more than 150 countries. Reveille is part of the Shine Group, one of the world’s foremost multinational entertainment and drama companies. The Shine Group also includes UK independent producers Kudos, Princess, Dragonfly and Shine TV.

Utah Spa, Weight Loss Fitness Ridge

Drawing upon ancient Sanskrit traditions of natural healing, The Setai Spa, New York Spa devotes extraordinary space to your fitness comfort and well being.

Setai’s spa treatments open the door to a world dedicated to the restoration and realignment of the body and the spirit. The exclusive, specially designed suites celebrate the personalization of our treatments. Each suite has ocean and pool views, a private bath and steam room. With room for up to two people to enjoy special treatments in tandem, we are able to craft a unique spa experience for you.

This spa is to create a comprehensive experience by triggering the five senses: sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste. It incorporates not only glass tile, wood and stone, for their visual and tactile appeal, but also waterfalls, which create a pleasing sound cascading into relaxation pools. To address the senses of taste and smell, guests are served warm drinks between treatments.

The Setai Spa

40 BROAD STREET
3RD FL
NEW YORK, NY 10004

212.363.5418

Spa Openings New Spa in New York, Spa Opening in New York

Erin has never been girly. She likes dolls and the color pink, but if there’s ever a choice between a football and a pair of ballet shoes, she goes for the pigskin every time. So when we were invited to her cousin’s 7th birthday party last week at this brand new boutique nail spa that’s exclusively for kids, I thought she’d be entertained, but not excited. But when we arrived, there were butterfly stickers and tiny pedicure stations. A karoke machine that played Bippidy-Boppidy-Boo. Ten minutes in, my little tomboy was air-waving her pink fingernails and having a pillow fight with cotton strips laced between her toes.

The place? Spa-di-da, a newly opened, very pink day spa in Staten Island that completely caters to kids’ parties and mother-daughter days of beauty. A two-hour party starts at $359. The girls get manicures, pedicures, pizza and cake. They can be-dazzle their own T-shirts, snack on cupcakes and sparkling cider and really experience a true trip to the salon. A tiny purse full of pink and purple nail polishes and glittery emery boards is the take-home favor.

Just enough pink accessories to turn Erin off football for good.

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Sedona’s Mii amo Luxury Spa Named for World’s Best Spa Therapists

Mii amo wins 2009 ‘Best Therapists’ award from Tatler Magazine. Mii amo at Sedona’s luxury Enchantment Resort is a haven for the Best Spa Therapists in the World.

Tatler, one of Britain’s most prestigious magazines, named Mii amo, a destination spa at Enchantment, as having the best therapists in the world at its third annual spa awards ceremony. The award was presented in London at The Dorchester, Park Lane on May 5th by Melinda Stevens, Tatler’s travel editor.

Since opening eight years ago as the first destination spa within a world class resort, Mii amo has attracted highly trained and gifted spa therapists who are drawn to Boynton Canyon’s sacred energy and the spiritual nature of Sedona. Mii amo was also the first spa to offer full 60- and 90-minute treatments; additional time was built into the appointment to allow for pre- and post-treatment interaction between guest and therapist.

“Each Mii amo therapist brings unique qualities to the spa, and we are able to support and nurture our spa staff in order for them to thrive in Mii amo’s healing environment,” said Mark Grenoble, president of Enchantment Group, Mii amo’s management company. “Our guests continually tell us how their lives have been transformed during their Journey. You find what you are looking for at Mii amo, and our therapists are the key factor in positively affecting our guests’ lives.”

Tatler, a stylish and indispensable guide to Britain’s high society since 1901, visits over 100 spas in the world to find the winners of their five annual awards. Categories include Spa of the Year, Smartest Escape, Most Exciting Discovery, Hardcore Turnaround and Best Therapists.

Mii amo, a Yuman word for “passage” or “journey,” promotes personal transformation through mind, body and spiritual therapies, which range from Ayurvedic Balance to Watsu. The 24,000-square-foot spa in Sedona, Arizona, designed by Gluckman Mayner Architects, harmonizes with the Native American aesthetic and the surrounding red rock canyon, which are both integral to the Mii amo experience. The intimate Mii amo spa village, which offers 3-, 4- and 7-night all-inclusive packages, features 14 guest rooms and two suites; 25 treatment areas, many with views of Boynton Canyon; private outdoor treatment areas; indoor and outdoor pools; library; retail boutique and Mii amo cafe.

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Tips for Getting the Best Spa Experience

Anyone can schedule a massage or make an appointment to get a toenail touch-up. Coming away from every spa trip relaxed and ready to face the world requires a little preparation. Here are a few tips to help you master the pampering process.

* 1. Leave the kiddies at home. Most spas are considered an adult environment and do not permit children to tag along for spa services. When developing your spa budget, consider the cost of a babysitter. Some spas, such as Cloud 9 and Spa Royale, offer mini-services for kids. Contact each spa for age limits and the services they have available for kids.

* 2. Silence your cell phone. Just as you would at the movies or in church, don’t forget to turn off your cell phone; no one wants their massage-turned-nap interrupted by the outside world by your BlackBerry. Better yet, many spas recommend leaving the cell phone at home.

* 3. Arrive early. Getting into relaxation mode early can be important for every spa-goer, particularly first-timers. Showing up to your appointment ten minutes ahead of time gives you a chance to meet your therapist or spa technician, fill out paper work and get comfortable in a new environment. Being late, however, will often result in cancellation, although you’ll still be charged for the appointment. Check with each spa for its late arrival policies.

* 4. Give graciously. Many people are unsure of how to tip for most services, including after a massage or facial. Generally, spas recommend tipping 15-20 percent and can include the tip in your bill if requested. If your spa experience wasn’t everything you hoped for, note your personal preferences to the technician or therapist the next time you make a visit.

* 5. Wear comfortable, loose clothing. When getting ready for your spa time, dress in the spirit of the day: comfortably. Most spas will have you undress for a facial or massage and you’ll spend the rest of your time in a luxuriously fluffy robe. For facials, show up clean-faced or the spa can take off your makeup. If it’s your first time, make your appointment up to a week in advance of a big event to prepare for any unexpected skin reactions.

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The lowdown: Willow Stream Spa — which boasts a Mobil four-star spa award — is clearly designed to be grand. A domed skylight floods the 25,000-square-foot, tri-level facility with natural light, and a bubbling fountain anchors the space, providing a subtle, soothing background sound that’s audible everywhere except the treatment rooms, where guests select their own soundtrack.

Guests make many choices at Willow Stream, where the motto is ”find your energy.” Grounded in the concept of self-directed wellness, spagoers might be asked to select the scent for their massage or a tarot card that might provide a clue to the body’s subconscious needs. But don’t worry — it’s not all up to you. The toughest task is choosing from a broad range of treatments that include seasonal, international, sports-inspired and water-based experiences, most of which can be customized. Once that selection has been made, the staff makes every effort to provide an effortless experience.

The ‘hood: Just minutes from busy Biscayne Boulevard and the Aventura Mall, the 300-acre Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club is a quiet, meticulously landscaped oasis that feels removed from the city. Valet parking is complimentary for spa guests.

The vibe: If walls could talk, these would ask how they could serve you. From the attentiveness of the always-nearby staff to the thoughtful design of the treatment rooms and common areas (where everything from bath products to snacks is copiously and continuously replenished), the entire spa reflects a commitment to enhance the experience and pamper the guests.

The highlights: With packages like the Up To Par Body Experience for golfers (60 minutes, $159) and the Jet Lag Recovery (90 minutes, $209), Willow Stream has a treatment for everyone. Bound to be a hit with just about anyone, however, is the Royal Javanese Lulur (120 minutes, $299). Traditionally performed on brides-to-be from royal families in Indonesia, the ritual begins with an aromatic petal bath, transitions to a yogurt scrub that exfoliates and cleanses the body, and ends with a Balinese massage.

Though less exotic, the customized anti-aging (90 minutes, $239) and deep cleansing (60 minutes, $129) facials provide precise, targeted results. Willow Stream also offers a slew of companion treatments and salon services.

The sweet deal: Book any signature treatment (60 minutes or more, excluding salon) and then select a free express manicure, pedicure, facial or massage. Valid through May 22.

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As part of my adventure in pain relief, I stopped in for a soothing massage at La Papillon Day Spa early last week and, while there, I found out about a nifty package spa owner, LaVerne Mordus, created that combines wine tourism, gourmet food and pampering. And since today marks the beginning of National Tourism Week, I thought it an ideal time to mention it.

Here’s how it works:

1. A limousine picks you up from La Papillon (yes,
Francophiles, Mordus uses “la” instead of “le” to emphasize that the business is woman owned and operated) and whisks you off to our wine country back roads where you will tour and taste leisurely at boutique wineries selected from among Ferrari-Carano, Bella Zichichi Family, Michel Schlumberger, Dry Creek, Lambert Bridge, Twomey, Rochioli Vineyards, Camellia and Rued.

2. During the tour, a gourmet, picnic lunch is provided by local deli and caterer, Sally Tomatoes. Sandwich choices include veggie, roast turkey, roast beef, corned beef or ham. Salads include Italian chicken, chicken Waldorf and balsamic roasted vegetable. Beverages are a variety of soft drinks and water.

3. The limousine returns you to La Papillon, where you end your day with a relaxing massage (Swedish, okazaki, deep tissue, acupressure and more) or facial.

This is a full-day experience priced at $300 per person or $550 per couple, including wine touring via limousine, lunch and spa treatment. This sounds like a superb deal for those who have retained their jobs during this recession; taking part would boost several local businesses, too. 

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