Living Well
The Pioneer Spas: Rancho La Puerta
Originally named Essene School of Life, the 3,000-acre Baja California retreat looked to the Essenes, a Jewish Sect, as the model for returning to the simple life.
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Spa 101
Living Well
The Pioneer Spas: Esalen Institute
According to Gordon Wheeler, president of Esalen Institute, Esalen’s mission is still in line with what it was when it was founded 50 years ago: to “further the human potential for creativity and evolution, through opening a venue for the exploration of all that was excluded from mainstream universities and research institutes, on this remote
Living Well
The Pioneer Spas: Canyon Ranch
When Canyon Ranch first opened its doors on a former dude ranch in Tuscon’s Sonoran desert in 1979, cofounder Mel Zuckerman’s business card read “President & Bell Captain.”
Living Well
The Pioneer Spas: Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
Built from the ground up in 1986, Cal-a-Vie was envisioned from the start as a luxury destination spa offering a comprehensive plan integrating health, nutrition, fitness and spa treatments.
Living Well
The Pioneer Spas: Champneys Tring
Still situated in its original location of Hertfordshire, England, just 45 minutes from London, Champneys Tring was established in 1925 by naturopath Sir Stanley Lief. “Sir Stanley Lief was a daring and pioneering healer,” Sharon Scott, spokesperson for Champneys Health Resorts, told SpaFinder. “He developed a considerable following with his idea of alternative medicine. This approach
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The Pioneer Spas: Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa
“The resort was founded in 1872 as a pure and grand hotel,” says Hans-Peter Veit, current spa manager for the majestic Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, which has been located for the past 139 years next to the Lichtentaler Allee, a gorgeous arboretum and park in the spa town of Baden-Baden, Germany. While Brenners Park still
Living Well
Words of Congratulations from our "Pioneer Spas"
“We wish SpaFinder well in their 25th year, and we look forward to many more years of a mutually beneficial relationship. I think Pete and Susie have done a great job with SpaFinder and taking it to the next level.” —Deborah Zee, Cal-a-Vie “Champneys would like to congratulate SpaFinder on reaching this significant anniversary
Living Well
The Pioneer Spas: Spa Evian Source at the Hotel Royal
In the heart of one of the famous spa town’s finest hotels, the Spa Evian Source was founded in the early ’80s, when its visitors became interested in spa options beyond taking the waters. Still, we really admire how the Source has drawn its inspiration from the healing power of its nearby springs and has
Living Well
The Pioneer Spas: Mohonk Mountain House
Owned and operated by the same family since 1869, the Mohonk Mountain House is the American resort in our celebration that has been open the longest. Since its inception, it’s been committed to recreation and renewal in its beautiful natural setting, and Mohonk’s spa, opened in 2005, has wonderfully brought that concept into the 21st
Living Well
The Pioneers Spas: Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
The award-winning Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, with its geothermal hot springs, has been serving its loyal guests for years, and still maintains its place as the preeminent spa destination in the county.
Living Well
The Pioneer Spas: Gurney’s Inn
Just a jitney away from New York City, the spa at Gurney’s Inn has always been a SpaFinder favorite for its true passion for the ocean and its creative use of the sea in its treatments. As the only Thalasso spa in the continental U.S., we salute them for their continuous innovation.
Living Well
The Pioneer Spas: Red Door
“To be beautiful and natural is the birthright of every woman,” said Elizabeth Arden, who in 1910 opened the very first day spa in New York City. Now serving clients across the country in 31 locations, we adore Red Door Spas for being true to its foremother’s mission. Consider this: In 1910 Elizabeth Arden opened