spa

By Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider. Those of you who read my blog regularly know I try not to do too much self promotion. I would rather share with you what I learned at a TED conference that might affect the spa industry than point out a SpaFinder deal or a Global Spa Summit promotion. Afterall, […]

We’re excited to introduce the SpaFinder iPhone app, which finally puts SpaFinder’s leading directory of spas at your own fingertips.  Using our comprehensive database, this app can help you find the best spa treatments and exclusive SpaFinder deals wherever you are (literally). Not only will this app help you find spas nearby and read our […]

Remember when the word luxury was the only term you heard in the spa world? It wasn’t too long ago. But in the last year or so, the meaning of luxury has changed for all of us. What is luxury? In today’s economic climate, luxury no longer just means “opulence” and unnecessary frills have become silly. Smart spas are focusing on giving spa goers two operative words: quality and value.

The 2010 Winter Olympic Games are under way in Vancouver, British Columbia, and as the athletes gear up for their sporting events, spas in the surrounding area are also commemorating the spirit of the Games. These spa services, inspired by the celebrated international sporting spectacle, are tailored toward spectators and athletes alike and will leave you feeling like a champion, even if you’re not on the medal stand.

In honor of the holiday for those in love, SpaFinder and its panel of experts are sharing some of their top picks for weekend spa getaways that celebrate the one you adore. As spas increasingly continue to offer treatments and amenities that cater to couples, these properties take Valentine’s Day to heart, with side-by-side services, starlit dinners, and special romance packages.

Spas do not have to be part of any SpaFinder program to be eligible to win a prestigious Readers’ Choice Award. Any “stay” spa can win – and this year voters can also cast their ballots for day spas in two categories, “Favorite Day Spa” and “Favorite Spa Treatment.” Visit SpaFinder’s Readers’ Choice Awards Awards 2010 site for more information and “Vote Now.”

It’s always a good time to get a deal. And if you’re planning on giving or getting a SpaFinder gift certificate this Valentine’s Day, a great way to spa and save is to use it at one of the spas on our Top 10 Spa Deals for February list.

See all SpaFinder Top 10 Lists.

Find more Spa Deals at SpaFinder.com

What could make your ski vacation more delightful than being able to step right outside your door onto the slope? These ski-in/ski-out resorts boast some of the best ski terrains around the globe, and extensive activities menus offer plenty to do après ski. There are full-service spas to go to, nightcaps in comfy lounges to […]

When my assistant, Dulcy, and I went to Istanbul several months ago to check out places we might want to include for delegates who will be attending the Global Spa Summit, we decided to try out one of their famous and authentic hamams (hammams in Arabic). Dulcy wrote a great blog about it that was […]

Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider.   2000 – 2010 While SpaFinder has been predicting spa trends yearly for most of the last decade, this is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to sum up the top 10 spa trends that developed over the past 10 years. And what a decade it was! From organic to […]

Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider. Chad Smith who owns a fitness club in Maryland Home Team Fitness, writes a popular column called the Fitness Answer Man. Recently he shared his Top Four fitness trend predictions for 2010. Here they are along with my opinion which boils down to: Agree, agree, disagree, and agree. Fitness Trend #1: […]

I just love it when a spa trend we predict (especially one that some people think is “out of the blue”) begins getting buzz. So how fitting that a week ago we predicted the 2010 spa trend “Year of the Hammam” and in today’s USA Today they talk about the new Silversea Cruise ship with […]

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.