Sunday, December 30, 2007

Skip the slopes, slip away to the spa

Here’s how to soak up the many advantages of being a nonskier

The soothing heat from the gentle rubbing of hot stones on my back elicits a long sigh and a serious release of muscle tension. Is this heaven? No, it’s River Stones Therapy, a hot-stone massage at the spa in the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch.

I follow this bliss with a leisurely swim in warm water of the coed (bathing suits required), rock-lined grotto.

Skiers used to pop in for a sports massage after a day on the slopes, but now they’re staying in the spa for hours. Lazing in spa pools after a body scrub or indulging in a pedicure, massage or other pampering is an increasingly popular way to spend a half-day in ski country during winter.

Just ask Angie Primmer, director of the Spa at Cordillera in Edwards, CO. “We definitely get people up here scheduling a spa day instead of skiing,” she says. She also says nonskiers book spa treatments while companions are on the slopes.

“Another trend we are seeing,” she continues, “is more people are scheduling body treatments. They want something that is relaxing, but also helps improve the feel and look of their skin.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, in Beaver Creek, Colo., offers Mountain Spa Mornings, which include a snowshoe hike, yoga and a massage. Add a vanilla bourbon milk bath and a pedicure, then soak in the grotto pool, to make it a full day. Spa Mornings are $250 per person, plus 20 percent service charge (minimum two people; maximum, four). The Ritz-Carlton also offers overnight spa packages.

Keystone Resort, in Keystone, Colo., wants travelers to experience its newly renovated and expanded RockResorts spa. The Get Hooked couples package includes a guided winter fly-fishing tour, a couples massage and a night in a loft suite at the Keystone Lodge & Spa. Fishing equipment, yoga classes and wine tasting are included as part of Keystone’s free Adventure Passport lodging program.

A large mineral swimming pool with a cascading waterfall is the heart of the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs, in Banff Springs, Canada. Daily guided snowshoe hikes are offered through the hotel’s fitness facility, and it’s easy to link one to an extended visit to the spa, perhaps for a Willow Stream Facial to soothe the windburn from the hike, a Wildflower Body Polish or a Ritual of Two. During the two-hour ritual for couples, a therapist teaches how to give a spa treatment. Participants choose from muds, masks and baths to practice on each other. The ritual also includes side-by-side aromatherapy massages.

Tune in to your inner self while enjoying a Symphony at the Aria Spa & Club in the Vail Cascade Resort & Spa, in Vail, Colo. The six spa packages offer lively movements such as a private Pilates session, a yoga class or a guided snowshoe hike, followed by adagios such as a five-minute organic body wrap, a target massage or a mini antioxidant facial.


Cordillera, a RockResort on a mountaintop in Edwards, Colo., has overnight and day spa packages. The $330, three-hour program includes a Gentle Rain body scrub, a Mountain massage and a Radiance facial.

The $365, four-hour Relax and Restore includes a 25-minute Sole Connection, High Altitude Rescue body wrap, Twilight facial and spa lunch

North America’s top ski destinations have many excellent spas. If you’re heading to Jackson Hole, Wyo., consider the Bear Necessities and the Special Request packages at the Snake River Lodge & Spa

Spa Gift Certificate

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Massage may help ease pain and anxiety after surgery

This article brought to you by Spavelous

A 20-minute evening back massage may help relieve pain and reduce anxiety following major surgery when given in addition to pain medications, according to a report in the December issue of Archives of Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Many patients still experience pain following major surgery despite the availability of pain-relieving medications, according to background information in the article. Pain may be under-treated because patients fear becoming dependent on medications, are concerned about side effects, believe that they should endure pain without complaining or worry about bothering nurses. Physicians and nurses may administer ineffective doses of pain relievers because of personal biases, cultural attitudes or a lack of knowledge.

Allison R. Mitchinson, M.P.H., N.C.T.M.B., of the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Mich., and colleagues conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 605 veterans (average age 64) undergoing major surgery (chest or abdominal operations) between 2003 and 2005. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups for the five days following surgery: 203 received routine care; 200 received a daily 20-minute back massage; and 202 received 20 minutes of individual attention each day from a massage therapist, but no massage.

“The purpose of this group was to assess the effect of emotional support independent of massage,” the authors write. Patients were asked daily to rate the intensity and unpleasantness of their pain, plus their level of anxiety, on scales of one to 10.

“Compared with the control group, patients in the massage group experienced short-term (preintervention vs. postintervention) decreases in pain intensity, pain unpleasantness and anxiety,” the authors write. “In addition, patients in the massage group experienced a faster rate of decrease in pain intensity and unpleasantness during the first four postoperative days compared with the control group.” There were no differences in long-term anxiety, length of hospital stay or the amount of pain-relieving medications used among the three groups.

“The effectiveness of massage in reducing both the intensity and unpleasantness of pain suggests that it may act through more than one mechanism,” the authors write. “Massage may ameliorate suffering by helping to relieve the anxiety that so effectively synergizes with pain to create distress.” It could also generate mood-boosting endorphins or create a competing sensation that blocks pain, they note.

Spa Finder

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Chocolat Goodness

At a special grand opening ceremony with family, friends and Mayor Sam Teresi present, Chocolat Day Spa officially opened its doors to the public.

The full-service day spa offers a variety of options for pampering. In addition to capsule or bed tanning, Chocolat also offers professional skin care from a certified esthetician, massage therapy, manicures, pedicures, hair styling and body waxing.

‘‘Jamestown doesn’t have anything like this,’’ Dwaileebe said. ‘‘It’s where luxurious beauty meets sweet chocolate indulgence.’’
Located in the former Sun Capsule building on Washington Street, the entire business has been remodeled from the floor to the ceiling. The walls are varying shades of ‘‘chocolate,’’ as she described it. Each section is semi-private and loaded with top-of-the-line equipment and products.

The owner explained that Chocolat isn’t just for women and provides many services to men as well.

‘‘We’ve been doing a lot of mens hair cuts,’’ she said. ‘‘And most of the tanning business has been men.’’

Among the tanning customers, their reasons for entering the bed or capsule vary.
Chocolat patron Bob Jaffy explained that his physician recommended tanning as a therapeutic treatment to deal with a skin condition.

‘‘The tanning has really helped me out,’’ he said. ‘‘And Mary’s been just wonderful and taken great care of me. People should come on down and see what she’s up to.’’
In Chocolat, there are chocolates from Peterson’s Candies everywhere. Dwaileebe said that the decision to use chocolate from Peterson’s was a choice of conscience.

‘‘I found better chocolate deals online,’’ she said. ‘‘But I felt that as a local business, it is important to support the other small businesses in the area.’’
She also said that Chocolat is offering gift cards and packages geared toward the coming holiday season.

‘‘It’s kind of like a queen for a day package,’’ she said. ‘‘We are here to pamper our customers. People should stop in and see what we have to offer.’’
Chocolat is open daily with the exception of Sunday. Dwaileebe said that walk-ins are welcome but appointments are appreciated. Those with questions about services or looking to schedule an appointment are encouraged to call 716-664-3472. Please let them know you found them on Spavelous.

Spa Gift Certificates

Friday, December 7, 2007

Upscale spa will give downtown a dose of fancy

Nina Ummel, chief visionary officer of Ummelina, an upscale Seattle spa expanding to downtown Yakima, admires a table and sink in the entry of the new spa location on Friday. The sink and table were made from ancient Chinese stone. Ummelina will open its new spa next to the Hilton Garden Inn next week.

Even through the construction crews and paint tape, it’s easy to see that Ummelina Yakima Spa Retreat will be a new experience for the Yakima Valley.

Outside stand large, heavy pots filled with plants from around the world that decorate the spa’s “Temple Garden.” Inside the retail area is a table and sink made from ancient Chinese stone. In the rooms, there are a variety of water fixtures such as a Japanese-style soaking tub.

The Seattle upscale spa will open its second location next week at 399 E. Yakima Ave., adjacent to the Hilton Garden Inn. The spa’s retail store, Global Remedies, opens Monday and will sell the company’s line of skin and body care products. Patrons also will be able to order gift certificates and book appointments.

The full-service spa will open the day after Thanksgiving.

“We’re anticipating (customers’) arrival and we know we have something very special for them,” said Nina Ummel, the company’s founder and chief visionary officer.

Ummel opened Ummelina in downtown Seattle about 20 years ago, when the area was struggling to gain foot traffic. Ummel and her partner, Meghann Lawrence, a 1996 Naches Valley High School graduate, were drawn to Yakima by revitalization efforts in the downtown core.

For people in Yakima, it’s an overdue amenity.

“It’s nice to have spa services done in your hometown,” said Brad Baldwin, owner of Stems, a wine and gift shop that is also adjacent to the Hilton Garden Inn. “It’s nice to be close to home instead of having to run to Seattle for those services.”

Robert Utz, general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn, said he’s confident the hotel’s clientele will take advantage of the new spa. He also wants to work with Ummelina to offer hotel and spa packages.

Ummelina has hired all of its staff. The new location will have two store managers — at Ummelina they’re known as “customs officers” — and 16 other staff members or “guides.” The staff has spent almost two weeks in training, which included a trip to the Seattle spa.

“They’re ready,” Ummel said. “And I’m so pleased with the staff we’ve been able to have.”

In addition to opening the new

Yakima location, Ummel wants to develop skin and body care products made of ingredients grown in the Yakima Valley. She hopes to have the new products ready by early next year.

Ummel said she has already received several group bookings and several people have purchased gift certificates at its Seattle location to use here.

“They’re just waiting for us to get open,” Ummel said. “We have numerous groups that have already booked. We anticipate with the season, we’ll be pretty busy.”

The spa’s hours will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Baldwin, of Stems, said he may take advantage of the late hours.

“I love a nice massage,” he said. “It will be nice after a long day’s work to go over and have a massage.”

Spa Deal Finder

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Amour Package - L’Auberge de Sedona

Celebrate your special occasion with this package. Upon arrival, chilled champagne and strawberries will greet you in your room. That evening, enjoy our chef’s nightly seasonal tasting menu in our award-winning L’Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek. Wake up to breakfast in L’Auberge Restaurant as you watch the ducks playing in the creek. This will truly be a celebration to remember.
The Amour Package includes:
Accommodations for two
Tasting menu for two at L’Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek
Breakfast each morning at L’Auberge Restaurant for two
Champagne and strawberries delivered to your room upon arrival
Rates from $335 per night*, two night minimum required
*A $25 service charge per night of your stay will be added to cover all gratuities for the bell staff, concierge, guest services, housekeeping staff, wireless Internet access throughout the resort and use of our Business Center. Package prices do not include room or restaurant sales tax, alcohol, or restaurant gratuity. Early departure fee of one night plus tax.

Day Spa Finder

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

A better gift this year

Just one look at the catalogs filling your mailbox, one sound of TV and radio ads, and a glimpse at any store window will tell you that the season of giving is upon us.

You could easily spend your money on the latest gizmo or techno gadget for those on your list. But what if you gave a gift that really tells them you care. How about considering something that gives them the gift of good health?

We are bombarded by the message that many of us do not take care of our physical and mental health the way we should. How can we do better? How can you help the important people in your life to live healthier?

One of the greatest keys to a good life is being physically active. Moving our bodies is important at all ages. Continuing to move is necessary to remain in good physical condition for a lifetime. Even people with physical constraints can generally do some type of physical activity. So what gifts can assist in this goal?

How about a gift certificate to an exercise class — yoga, tai chi, aerobic dance, spinning, Pilates, karate, etc.? Or the gift of relaxation afterward with a spa gift certificate?

The gift could be related to an activity — like a yoga mat or exercise clothing. Maybe the many exercise accessories are the answer for someone on your list — an exercise ball, exercise bands, free weights, hiking gear, a pedometer, jump rope, bike trip calculator, sports-specific shoes or boots, etc.

A larger gift might be a piece of exercise equipment — a treadmill, stair machine, rowing machine, road bike, stationary bike or resistance stands for a road bike to convert it to a stationary one.

A gift of the services of a personal trainer and/or registered dietitian can help them achieve their New Year’s resolutions. Plus, it provides a personalized plan to fit their needs.

For mental health and relaxation, consider some relaxing music CDs. Maybe a gift certificate for a massage, a meditation class, or a day at the spa would be a welcome treat. For a busy mom, maybe give the gift of taking care of her children so she can go to the spa and pamper herself away from the house for the day. Even just a few hours alone to take a bubble bath or read a good book can ease away stress.

The list goes on and on. There are so many possibilities for helping your loved ones healthy and happy for many years ahead!

Spa Finder

Saturday, December 1, 2007

New business offers spa treatments in Salida, CO

This article is brought to you by Spavelous.com.

Clare Duggan, owner of Spa Essene, 339 G St., added a variety of spa treatments about a month ago to massage options already available.


Duggan said she wanted to add spa treatments for a long time but couldn’t because of space limitations. She needed room before the treatments could be initiated.


“I enjoy pampering people,” Duggan said.


Spa Essene has been open three years before being able to increase services.

Duggan added a FIR infrared sauna for therapy treatments. It can be used in combination with scrubs, wraps or massages. The treatments supplement massages.


The sauna heats the body with direct light conversion. It raises the temperature of the body only, not the surrounding air, meaning the body perspires and receives benefits of the sauna without breathing hot air.


FIR saunas dilate blood vessels and capillaries, promoting better blood circulation. Heat rids the body of toxins and metabolic wastes.


“I’m hoping it will help draw more clients using all different treatments,” Duggan said.


The spa offers essential oils, hot stones therapy, reflexology, mud wraps, herbal wraps, scrubs and specialized facials in addition to sauna treatments.


Services, she said, help rejuvenate the body. Blood circulation, exfoliation and detoxifying are goals of the various treatments.


Duggan completed her training at the National Holistic Institute in Berkeley, Calif. She has been practicing for more than 20 years.


The spa is available by appointment only. Gift certificates are available.

Spa Gift Certificates