Articles by Kate Phillips

Medical evidence about the benefits of spas‘ wellness therapies – massage, acupuncture, meditation, etc. – is on the rise. Consider the recent New York Times report on a Cedars-Sinai study stating a 45-minute massage resulted in a decrease in stress hormones and boost in immunity, or even SpaFinder’s 2011 Spa Trend Report™, where our own […]

He’s probably best known for his role as Julia Roberts’ Prince Charming in Pretty Woman, but Richard Gere is now taking on a new role: 2011 ambassador of Relais & Châteaux, an exclusive international collection of luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants. The casting comes on the heels of Relais & Châteaux’s newest addition, the Bedford […]

Oh the weather outside may be frightful, but these getaway spa destinations are so delightful…if you plan to escape the cold this upcoming winter season, or just need a place to escape period, check out the SpaFinder 2010 Readers’ Choice Award winners in the Top Ten Best for Water Sports category. These spa resorts cater to the aqua enthusiast, allowing you to spa and splash in the surf all at the same time.

Trim the tree, spin the dreidel, hit the spa…whatever your seasonal plans pertain, be sure that taking time for yourself is at the top of your holiday wish list. Following the lead of all those stores that have had their Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa decorations up since the beginning of October, SpaFinder is finding one amazing reason to rush the holiday season: holiday-inspired spa treatments!

  Waterbury, Connecticut just got a bit sweeter with the recent opening of Sundae Spa, dishing up a delicious treat that ensures that spa-ing doesn’t just cater to the adults, but it’s for kids, too. With vibrant cupcake and cherry decor, the family owned, kids’ spa serves yummy-sounding cotton candy pedicures, fruit loops manicures, glitter […]

Enter for a Chance to Win $15,000 – SpaFinder-Real Simple Sweepstakes

In need of a little extra cash for this upcoming holiday season? Check out the SpaFinder-Real Simple Holiday Giveaway sweepstakes – your easiest way to have a chance of winning $15,000.

Enter daily until December 31, 2010 for an opportunity to nab the grand prize – plus, you could be a winner of one of 61 daily prizes!

Pumpkin pie, orange, sweet potato, spices…sounds like a grocery list to prepare for your upcoming Thanksgiving dinner, but instead, these delectable items are being served on spa menus from coast to coast. Autumn is the season of bounty, and it’s never been more evident than in the spa world – savor quiet moments while indulging in yummy treatments -a pumpkin pie pedicure or yam facial, need we say more? – that are sure to feel as good as they sound! Get a taste of these Flavors of Fall spa treatments.

Spa-ing this season makes for plenty to be thankful for, with bountiful relaxation options before the upcoming holiday hustle and bustle. Whether your Thanksgiving plans call for staying local or a quick trip to a destination spot, numerous spas near and far are stuffed with amenities and all the trimmings that cater to families, couples, winter enthusiasts, and more.

    Is northern Michigan the next place to spa? A coalition of eight spa resorts in the area says yes. Midwestern charm and hospitality is at its best this month as the Northern Michigan Spa Tour, a collaboration of spa resorts from Thompsonville and Traverse City to Mackinac Island and Bellaire and beyond, preps […]

This year is flying by (where have all the months gone?), but there’s still time to sneak in a spa getaway before the end of 2010. Save this season with SpaFinder’s top ten picks for November spa deals…discounts so good, there’s much to be thankful for. Canyon Ranch, Massachusetts Resort Save 15% per Guest – […]

Manhattanites will dash to Clarins Skin Spa for a Clarins Signature Facial.

If you’ve never suffered a migraine, it’s hard to appreciate what a disabling headache it can be in everyday life. But for those who do suffer from chronic migraines, there now may be some relief, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved Botox injections to prevent chronic migraines in adults. Chronic migraines are […]

The acclaimed SpaFinder’s 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards event is making the media circuit, most recently appearing on ever-popular The Huffington Post. Check out our six Crystal Award winners, deemed the favorite on its continent, on the famed blog’s Travel page:

Introducing the “Naked Table Project,” coming to a getaway spa resort near you. No, it’s not how it sounds. It’s actually a hands-on team-building activity where a group constructs an entire table from scratch and then shares a meal together. Vermont-based spa properties such as Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa and Woodstock Inn and Resort have implemented The Naked Table Project into their itinerary of group/corporate recreational activities in an effort to encourage social responsibility, sustainable environment, and community camaraderie.

Recent studies have shown that Botox® is more than a wrinkle-filler that also aids sufferers of migraines, hyperhydrosis, and chronic pain. Now it seems it can help those struggling with weight loss.

Need to get away before the holiday hoopla begins? Start making plans to head to Cal-a-Vie Health Spa – the Vista, California-based retreat.

The Spoil Me Spa & Salon in Mountain View, California, will play host to a ladies-only Spa Day Benefit November 7. Proceeds will go to nonprofit organizations such as the American Red Cross, Humanity First, and Islamic Relief to assist victims of the recent flooding in Pakistan. Spoil yourself with one (or both!) spa packages […]

Far from the red carpet (though not from the paparazzi), Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt recently embarked on a family spa outing in Budapest, taking their brood to a thermal spa originating from the 12th century. The celebrity couple and two of their little ones, Zahara, age five, and Pax, age six, made a splash […]

Since ancient times, aromatherapy has been known for its therapeutic powers, celebrated as a natural aid that’s integrated into spa treatments and beauty products. How it works, what it’s used for, how to get the benefits – the vast offerings of aromatherapy can all be a bit overwhelming. But just calm down – our friends at NewBeauty make sense of it all:

We’ve tallied the votes, we’ve notified the winners, and now it’s time to present to you (drum roll, please)…the winners of SpaFinder’s 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards!