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Las Vegas – Sin City Sanctuaries
Vegas may not seem like the obvious choice for a health and wellness vacation. But look beyond the sea of gaming tables at any of the city’s top resorts, and you’ll likely find a sprawling state-of-the-art spa. Here are (lucky number) seven sanctuaries that hit the spot. [Read more →]
New Beginnings Skin Care & Massage!
…..a place for renewal
Introduces Swe-Thai Massage
Swe-Thai massage combines the passive yoga streteching and accupressure points into a Western style massage, providing the best of both worlds. A highly therapeutic and if needed, deep-tissue massage that will help to allevieate muscle tension and pain, relax and restore, and increase flexibility
Spa Packages to Enjoy!
Renew- Spa Package
Renew yourself with this 1 hour package, a 30 minute massage and 30 minute express facial, and a eyebrow sugaring
Refresh- Spa Package
Signature Facial, 60 minute massage, eyebrow sugaring
Begin - Spa Package
Quickly becoming a favorite, combining the
New Beginnings Facial Journey & the New Beginnings Bare Foot Ritual. Includes a Eyebrow Sugaring
Relax -Spa Package
90 minute Healing Stone Massage with a Signature Facial, Eyebrow Sugaring
Restore- Spa Package
Aromatic Foot Soak, 90 minute massage, signature facial, eyebrow sugaring, professional mineral makeup application
Relax and get away from the hectic world
at New Beginnings. Where you can enjoy a relaxing & therapeutic massage , results oriented skin care, and the ancient art of body sugaring , an all natural hair removal service. You can even take a pilates class, we are conveniently located inside Tree House Pilates
New Beginnings Skin Care & Massage
Call today 775-721-7540
343 Fairview Drive #205
Carson City Nevada 89701
USA
The luscious fig is surely the most sensual of fruits
A symbol of fertility in many cultures, the fig has long been revered as an aphrodisiac. The ancient Greeks believed figs were a gift from Dionysus, aka Bacchus—the god of wine, wanton behavior, intoxication, and ecstasy—and sacred to Demeter, goddess of the harvest and fertile soil. Figs are believed to have been the favorite fruit of Cleopatra, and they reputedly played a crucial role in her suicide; having decided to take her life in 30 B.C.E. after Mark Antony’s defeat and death, Cleopatra asked that an asp be delivered to her, concealed in a basket of figs.
Fig is the first and most mentioned fruit in the Bible, making its entrance in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve cover themselves with fig leaves. Some scholars claim that a fig, not an apple, was the unspecified forbidden fruit. The fig’s healing properties are referenced in the Bible, when Isaiah recommends a poultice made of figs to cure a boil.
The fig is native to Turkey, which remains the largest producer of the fruit, followed by California. The fruit is actually a flower inverted upon itself, and the trees are relatively short, about twenty-feet-high. Fig trees are extremely prolific; they usually produce two crops per year, and some bear fruit for up to 100 years—one of the reasons the fruit symbolizes fertility as well as longevity.
It was one of these impressive trees, growing behind her Atlanta shop, that inspired Jill Jones to add a Cranberry Fig collection to her Bidwell Botanicals line about five years ago. Her research into the fig’s beneficial properties proved fruitful. “Figs have been used both topically and as a diet supplement for ages due to their high vitamin content,” explains Jones. “Figs also have natural AHA properties that were used as far back as ancient Egypt to help refresh and brighten the skin. What they probably didn’t know, scientifically anyway, was that fig fruit contains very high levels of phytochemicals that help fight cancer and filter UV rays, thus protecting the skin.” Jones intended Bidwell’s Cranberry Fig collection to be a seasonal offering, but her customers changed her plans: “We brought it out for the holidays then tried to shelve it, but it was really popular—people were up in arms!”
Indeed, figs seem to fuel a fetish following. Californian Brook Harvey-Taylor, founder of Pacifica, says she was inspired to create her Mediterranean Fig Soap and Body Butter when she first tasted the fruit of a fig tree flourishing next door to her beachfront home about seven years ago. “Once I finally ate a fresh one, I was hooked,” she rhapsodizes. She also fell for the fruit’s intoxicating aroma. “The scent of figs is said to be calming,” she notes. “I can’t think of anything better for skincare than taking time to relax and get rid of stress. The ability to really do this is what leads to long-term health and beauty.”
Yet, it’s not just the fragrance that fosters fig fans. Lynn Shulman, founder of Toronto’s Elixir Spa, uses 100 percent organic fig extract in her most popular treatment, the Exfoliating Fig Enzyme Facial. “The reason I chose fig is because ficin [also known as ficain], the enzyme in figs, is twenty times more powerful than papain (papaya enzyme). It does a fantastic job of exfoliating the skin without irritation.” Skincare leader Dermalogica is also using fig for ficin’s exfoliating properties; its Exfoliating Body Scrub includes powder from the fruit and the tree’s latex (a milky sap), which has a higher concentration of the enzyme.
Los Angeles dermatologist Vicki Rappaport can’t verify the higher potency of ficin: “Papain and ficin come from the same family of cysteine proteases. If ficin is stronger, it’s still weaker than most known exfoliators in skincare.” Noting the perpetual search for the latest, hottest, natural ingredient, she says, “Fig as an ingredient is somewhat untapped but emerging as the sexy new kid on the block. Figs are rich in oils in both the skin and the seeds and they have some mild antioxidant properties, which of course helps reverse damage in the skin. And, most of all, fig as an ingredient usually smells luscious.”
That luscious smell was apparent when I recently previewed the new Cranberry Fig Conditioning Body Scrub at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts. “We were tired of the traditional lavender- and citrus-type scrubs,” explains Spa Director Colleen Stiers of her decision to introduce this treatment. “I was looking for something different but still effective. After doing some research we found the fig was Cleopatra’s favorite fruit and has been used for over 2,000 years for its health and skincare benefits. This antioxidant-rich fruit revitalizes the skin by fighting the damaging effects of the sun and environment.” The treatment begins with a full-body exfoliation using Bidwell’s creamy Cranberry Fig Shea Butter Sugar Body Scrub, which is removed with warm towels, and continues with a relaxing soak in a hydrotherapy tub, followed by a light application of cranberry fig moisturizer. The rich fragrance turned heads—everyone I passed wanted to know what smelled so good—but better than that was the long-lasting benefit of moist and smooth skin.
While the Mediterranean pairing of fig and olive is prevalent—as in fig soaps from Israel-based Noveya and Australia’s Mor Cosmetics— cranberry is another popular partner. Unlike Jones’s experience at Bidwell, Bella Lucce founder Lela Rain Barker hasn’t been swayed by customer demand; spas offer her Cranberry Fig Antioxidant Wrap only as a holiday-season special. That won’t be the case at a new spa concept she is helping develop for Marriott properties in the Middle East, North Africa, and India. Sarray Spa, the first of which will debut at the new Marriott resort in Doha late this year, will offer treatments full of fig extract, fig powder, and fig concentrate. “We chose figs as a key ingredient primarily because of their importance in Arabic culture,” says Barker, noting that her new fig formulations will be available in the United States only via internet sale.
Cranberry Fig Conditioning Body Scrub
Canyon Ranch, Lenox, MA
(800) 742-9000
Cranberry & Fig Body Smoother
Canyon Ranch Spa Club at the Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
(877) 220-2688
Fruits of the Shore Body Treatment
Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, TX
(800) 847-5637
Make it at home
Moisture Mineral Mask
Courtesy of Brook Harvey-Taylor, co-founder, Pacifica
“This (facial mask) recipe is very Santa Barbara—the lavender, figs, and avocado are all very important here. At the farmers market, all of these ingredients are available almost all year.”
Ingredients
Preparation
Puree ingredients together and apply to face for at least 10 minutes. This will be sticky but well worth the results. Honey provides moisture and acts as a carrier for the nutrients in the fig. Avocado oil is full of skin-loving essential fatty acids. The fig will also act as a very mild AHA and will leave your skin smooth.
just calm down spa’s At-Home Fig Scrub
Courtesy of Tara Oolie, founder, just calm down spa
This facial scrub can also be used on the body if you increase the amounts of the ingredients, retaining the same proportions.
Ingredients
Preparation
Mix ingredients together, then massage onto skin for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly
Montbleu’s New Onsen Spa Features All-Organic Aveda Products & Services Along With Eclectic Treatments
This spa deal is brought to you by Spavelous.com.
It’s so good it had to be part of the name – MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa. Onsen Spa, an Aveda Lifestyle Salon, uses all organically plant-derived products and world-renowned services, along with a menu of eclectic treatments.
“Our staff is trained in Aveda rituals, and we’re proud to have earned this prestigious partnership,” said Ginger Dunn, Onsen manager. Aveda Lifestyle Salon technicians must undergo rigorous training and adhere to policies established by the company.
The name Onsen originates from Japan and means hot springs . Providing a comprehensive experience, Onsen offers facials, 25 to 80 minute massages and a tempting menu of body services. Methods include Deep Tissue massage to target stressed areas with muscle tension; Fusion Stone Therapy, utilizing plants and herbs combined with hot and cold stones to balance and soothe the senses; Elixir Body Wrap, a massage with essential oils and a warm blanket cocoon; and Elemental Nature, personalized aromas paired with massage.
All treatments include a day pass to the spa with grotto-style pool and hot tub, state-of-the-art fitness center, locker rooms with private saunas, whirlpool baths and eucalyptus steam rooms along with forest views just outside. Located away from the casino floor, Onsen’s relaxing atmosphere is on property yet worlds away.
Facials, manicures and pedicures are also offered at Onsen, including the Revitalizing Eye Treatment which diminishes fine lines, puffiness and dark circles; Elemental Nature facial treatment with tailored products to match all skin conditions; and Caribbean Therapy, an exfoliating paste with seaweed masque to smooth hands and feet. Waxing techniques utilize Aveda natural plant wax, essential oils and ingredients to ensure smooth skin.
Men’s and women’s hair care from Up Dos for special occasions and birthdays to simple shampoo and cut are available in the salon. All hair services include a soothing scalp massage. Aveda’s Full Spectrum, damage-free color, is 97% naturally derived and maintains the condition of the hair leaving it looking natural and vibrant.
A full array of services awaits men at Onsen, such as the Sport Facial, which restores moisture to close-shaven faces. The Ultimate Experience begins with a Sport Facial; then a Rosemary Mint Awakening treatment: body exfoliation with aromas and massage; followed with an Executive Manicure: hot towel exfoliation and trimmed, masculine nails.
Couples or friends can relax together with an Elemental Nature or Deep Tissue massage in a private room. Mothers-to-be Massage can also enjoy a massage that focuses on the specific stresses and tensions of pregnancy.
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