2013 Trend Report Spotlight: Mindfulness Massage

Our first spotlight highlighting the Top 10 Global Spa & Wellness Trends gave an insiders’ look at Healthy Hotels, and now we’re moving on to the increasingly popular Mindfulness Massage. Any preconceived notion that a massage is simply lying on a table while you attempt to release the incessant stresses flooding your mind will go out the window: The Mindfulness Massage fuses two approaches—mindfulness and bodywork—to create a deeply relaxed, profound experience using breath work and techniques like “body scans,” so every body part and the action of the therapists’ hands’ are thoughtful, attended to, and paid close mind. Here we touch upon eight spas, highlighted in our 2013 Global Spa & Wellness Trends Report that take mindfulness massage to heart and, well, mind. Image courtesy of Miraval Resort & Spa

The Third Space’s Mindful Massage U.K. fitness/spa club chain The Third Space features the “Mindful Massage” on its menu, which, during the 60-minute session, combines guided mindfulness meditation (with an emphasis on breathing and body scan relaxation) and a personalized massage that keeps you present and teaches you to recognize emotions in a non-disruptive way. Pricing available upon request

One Wellness+Spa’s Pathways to Engagement Alberta’s One Wellness+Spa was among the first spas to offer a mindful massage under its Pathways to Engagement collection. These customized experiences begin as you choose a focus that best suits your need, from sleep, release, clearing, transition, and joy. Pathways to Engagement Bodywork $195, 90 mins; $225, $120 mins
Pathways to Engagement Facial, $165, 90 mins Image courtesy of One Wellness+Spa

Miraval’s Mindful Massage When one thinks of mindfulness and spa, one thinks of Miraval. The Tucson destination spa recently launched its signature Mindful Massage, which guides guests through elements like core abdominal work, hot and cool stones, and visualization joined with such modalities as thermotherapy, cranio sacral, Chi Nei Tsang, and gentle touch therapy. The result? Complete immersion into mindfulness and body awareness. $215, 75 mins Image courtesy of Miraval Resort & Spa

Mii amo’s Mindfulness Sessions Mii amo, a destination spa in Sedona, Arizona, takes the mind-body experience to a heightened level with a lineup of mindfulness treatments; options include “integrative breathing”; “compassionate communication” classes; and “vision board creation.” Integrative Breathing, $150, 60 mins; $220, 90 mins (shared for two individuals); $300, 120 mins (three or more individuals)
Compassionate Communication, $220, 90 mins (shared); $300, 120 mins (shared)
Vision Board Creation, $220, 90 mins; $300, 120 mins (shared) Image courtesy of Mii amo, a destination spa

Mohonk Mountain House’s “Never Diet Again” Program This New York spa puts its own spin on mindfulness, as its “Never Diet Again” weight-loss program blends meditation and visualization to help you make mindful choices and develop new habits. Pricing available upon request
Image courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House

Heavenly Spa by Westin Massage This spa’s twist on mindfulness rocks: Choose a hope, love, or gratitude stone prior to your signature Heavenly Spa by Westin massage and spend time contemplating its meaning. Prices available upon request; 50 or 80 mins Image courtesy of The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort

Equinox’s “Conscious Movement” Menu Equinox’s “Conscious Movement” comprises a menu of new classes and workshops for the fitness brand; all emphasize mental engagement, breath work, music, movement, community, and “respect to life” that help comprehend the power of the mind-body connection.

You might also like:

• Essay: The Creator of Spa Montage’s Surrender Program on Spa’s Natural Healing
• The Power of Touch: 8 Tips to Embrace the Healing Benefits of Touch
• Knead to Relax? The Physical and Emotional Benefits of Massage
• Spa 101: What is a Couples Massage?