spa

I recently had a massage at a luxury hotel spa and knew beforehand that a 20% gratuity would be added to the bill. When settling my bill, I was asked if I would like to adjust the gratuity percentage. I felt that the 20% was a good tip and left it, however, I got the impression that they were disappointed that I didn’t increase the amount. Do high-end, luxury spas expect more than 20% tip?

Spa-goers around the world trek to properties in Latin America for the amazing food, championship golf courses and wellness experiences set in exquisite ecological landscapes. From Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Peru – the extraordinary SpaFinder spas in these countries let visitors immerse themselves in the natural surroundings of volcanoes, tropical rain forests, hot springs, Caribbean beachfront and more. Check out HOT SPOTS & DEALS IN SOUTH AMERICA.

Did ya know? According to a recent online poll, consumers are SUPER STRESSED! A whopping 61% report they are MORE stressed right now than last year this time. And, while there are numerous spa gifting options on the global market, an overwhelming, vast majority of consumers prefer a card that gives them CHOICE of redemption at a large number of spas and in many areas, verses a certificate for just one spa. The poll showed that 90% prefer that universal gift of spa to a card/certificate for an individual spa. The abridged version? The gift most wanted, and needed this holiday is a SpaFinder gift certificate.

Traditionally, the thing to do after hitting the slopes was always sit around a cozy fire with pals, drinking hot cocoa or noshing on bread bowl of chili. The trend now is spa après-ski. You stay cozy and comfy, but instead slip on your spa robe and relax those tired muscles at the spa. Check out the new TOP 10 SKI SPAS below plus great winter specials.

People who know I work in the beauty and spa industry often ask me for recommendations when it comes to products and treatments. I love to share my experiences and the tips I learned from aestheticians and dermatologists all around the world. And if you ask me to single out that one treatment that is so great and so important and can actually create a measurable difference in the way your skin looks and ages,

I booked two treatments, at FineLiving New York Ayurveda in New York City, (earning me 180 SpaFinder Rewards Points just for booking online!). The first treatment was a type of Ayurvedic massage called Abhayanga (ah-bh-yan-ga) and a traditional (but oh-so-strange-to-me) treatment called Shirodhara (shear-a-dara), an herbal hair and scalp treatment where a warm stream of oil is poured gently on the forehead, to create a state of meditation.

The healing effects of turmeric have been known for centuries. DDF has harnessed the antioxidant powers of curcumin, the key component of the turmeric root, in its new Advanced Protocol products. The Advanced Micro-Exfoliation Cleanser (pictured) accelerates surface cell turnover and eliminates impurities for youthful looking shin. Our product tester found her skin noticeably softer, after just one day!

Many people think of Thanksgiving as a time to gorge yourself silly on the caloric, decadence of holiday fare. Well, it doesn’t have to be! This year, why not escape nearby to a spa? Many spas offer guests healthy and delicious menus for Thanksgiving – and special holiday packages.

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex

We are big fans of SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter, a facial moisturizer for “mature” skin, so we just had to try the eye cream. This three-dimensional treatment contains a unique combination of ingredients to dramatically improve severe signs of intrinsic aging around the eyes. It’s early in our trial period, but we already love it.

Some people fall asleep easily and then wake up at 3 in the morning while others take many hours to fall asleep. These are the two common patterns. Anything less than 7 hours of sleep is considered not enough. Even those of us who are good sleepers may not be getting enough rest.

California is home to some of the best getaway spas in the world. From the legendary, zen-like Golden Door Spa in SoCal, to the majestic hills of the wine country in the north, relaxing by the Pacific, there are some dreamy deals to be had on the West Coast.

Had a lovely lunch with Rudy Tauscher, GM of the Mandarin Oriental, NY and Denise Vitiello who is their spa director extraordinaire. What a privilege to sit at one of the best tables in all of New York City overlooking Central Park on a beautiful fall day talking about my favorite topic – what else? […]

QUESTION: What do you suggest I do when I have had a bad spa treatment at a spa?   ANSWER: All spas should continually strive to improve, so speaking up is important.  Here are my suggestions: 1. Tell your therapist, immediately, what would take the treatment from “bad” to “good.” Mention something to the therapist […]

Spafordable= Spatacular

I recently had the opportunity to experience the new, affordable Red Door spa brand, Simply Face and Body.

The verdict: Simply excellent! $49 a pop for a massage or a facial. Finally, someone has struck the perfect balance between affordability and quality.

Get a great deal on your fall foliage spa excursion

There’s no better time to see the magnificent color change of the seasons and no better place than at a getaway spa in New England. Start planning your first weekend escape and enjoy breathtaking fall foliage along with spectacular savings. Unwind at the spa, plus enjoy hiking, biking, apple picking and more in one of the most scenic backdrops you can imagine.

Discover fantastic deals at premier getaway spas in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont.

Lymphatic drainage massage is a very specialized type of massage used to detox the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes act as the garbage cans of the body and catch all the ‘bad stuff.’ Lymph drainage allows the body to flush out that bad stuff. The technique involved is very unique and the benefits can range from post-operative healing from breast cancer, to allergy and sinusitis relief.

Dr. Andrew Weil and Spas: SpaFinder Visionary Award A couple of nights ago it was our privilege to hand Dr. Andrew Weil SpaFinder’s 2009 Visionary Award. Our Visionary Award goes to one person each year who has made a huge contribution to the field of spa and wellness. (Previous recipients include Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. […]

A Votre santé

I love France for many reasons, the food, the wine, the beauty approach and yes…the fashion. They really get it. Recently the Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa at The Plaza Hotel opened In New York. A glass of wine after a luxurious, fragrant and youth reviving treatment…. Now in my book, that is a recipe for perfection.

Celebrating Asian traditions of hospitality and natural beauty MANDARA SPA is the newest spa brand to be featured on SpaFinder. Offering Balinese-inspired services in luxury resorts, there are more than ten Mandara Spas across the United States now featured on SpaFinder.com. Part of the MANDARA vision is that beautiful surroundings, a serene ambience, and skillful, attentive service are as important as the treatments themselves.More about Mandara Spa

Spas, Wellness and Medical Tourism…Observations from a Medical Student in Europe by Susie EllisSpaFinder Insider My niece from Germany (yes….the third niece this summer) is visiting at the moment and we had a very interesting discussion last evening. Charlotte is a medical student in Germany who will be graduating next year before starting her residency. […]