wellness

As anyone who has tossed and turned or sprung from sleep in the wee hours knows, quieting a chattering mind doesn’t necessarily mean resting in silence. Sometimes we need sounds to relax and guide us into a peaceful, deep slumber. Here are some easily accessible audio sleep aids that just might become part of your […]

In recent years melatonin has gained popularity as a natural alternative to prescription sleep aids. However, for all of its popularity, it seems that many people haven’t educated themselves completely about its uses, benefits and side effects. So, what is melatonin?

The opposite of energy drinks, sleep drinks are designed to help you achieve the relaxation level necessary to be able to fall asleep, giving you the rest you need to support a healthy lifestyle. With natural ingredients like lavender and chamomile, these bed-time beverages are full of the things we know are proven to aid relaxation!

The once-popular practice of soaking in thermal waters is staging a comeback, as spa-goers rediscover the benefits of “taking the waters.” It’s a tradition that has as of late taken a backseat to weight-loss, beauty, and fitness — and even the world’s most famous couple Brad and Angelina are part of this renaissance. (Talk about trend-setting!)

This past week we’ve focused on ways to de-stress, covering everything from de-cluttering to unplugging to wellness in the workplace. Our de-stress week may be winding down, but before it does, we want to share just a bit more expert advice. Charlotte Prescott, director/spa & fitness and her dedicated staff at Canyon Ranch Hotel & […]

Someone once told me that meditating for 20 minutes is comparable to a two-hour nap. Whether actually true or not, I was willing to try. I sat myself down, legs folded, closed my eyes…but within exactly two minutes into trying to clear my mind, all sorts of thoughts littered my head – work, rent, just […]

I have a friend who is so addicted to her BlackBerry that she once checked her emails during a massage (unbeknownst to the therapist, she had sneakily tucked her phone in the pocket of her spa robe). Suffice to say it wasn’t the most relaxing spa experience. It’s okay to check your email while riding […]

With many of us spending more time in the office than anywhere else in our lives, it’s important to do what you can to make the most of your office time – whether it be through developing relationships, managing your stress, or exercising in your cube. A healthy workplace plays a huge role in maintaining […]

Massage isn’t just a luxurious treat to pamper yourself; there are many other healthful reasons to get a massage on a regular basis, including the big one – stress. Since stress can translate in different ways for different people, from aches and pains, to muscle tension, to both physical and emotional exhaustion, massage can actually […]

We all know that a good balance of a variety of vitamins is important in maintaining a healthy mind and body. But, since everyone has a unique genetic makeup, different food habits, varying health conditions and other lifestyle variables, how can you be sure you’re taking the right vitamins for you? We’re loving Dr. Andrew […]

We’re officially into the first week of the Year of the Rabbit, and besides the abundance of significant foods, lion dances, and red envelopes, other traditions and superstitions on how to start Chinese New Year off right also surround health and wellness…and a little pampering – nothing wrong with that! From cutting your hair, to […]

Savvy spas are rethinking everything to address the needs of the growing “over-65” cohort. From facilities to equipment to programming, not to mention just plain old pain relief, spa menus are changing to meet the needs of clientele with back, neck, knee and mobility issues.

The Wellness Week™ pledge is your chance to take steps toward a happier and healthier lifestyle by simply pledging to make a change to your routine—be it taking the stairs instead of the elevator or quitting smoking.   Making these lifestyle adjustments will not only help you to become a healthier you, but you’ll also encourage your community to work toward an improved life!

A dear friend of mine wants to spend a month at a spa to set himself up thoroughly for the ‘second half of his life’ (he’s just turned 50). He would like somewhere that combines high end testing with natural solutions and also offers a complete mind, body, and soul refresher. What would you recommend?”

A recent study reports that mindfulness, stemming from the Buddhist meditation tradition, is as effective as antidepressants in protecting against a relapse of depression. Learn more here.

All of us at SpaFinder want to wish you and yours a very happy New Year. From all corners of the Earth, we thank you for being part of the SpaFinder community and seeking to make wellness a part of your life.

We will be working hard in 2011 to give you fresh ideas and inspiration to help you live healthier and happier – from spa recipes and fitness tips to beauty at home and innovative spa treatments and retreats.

Some of the year’s hottest spa trends.

Massage can do more than just work out the kinks

On Thanksgiving weekend, legendary fitness expert Mari Winsor, who had much to do with the publicizing and popularizing of Pilates, making it accessible to the masses, will be leading a four-day Pilates workshop at Four Seasons Resort Maui, November 25-28. The luxurious resort in paradise took it a step further and has been offering a […]

I am busy doing research for our annual SpaFinder Top 10 Spa Trends for 2011 that I will announce this year in November.  As always, I get very excited about what is on the horizon and I think you will agree that there are some interesting developments! However, before we turn to 2011, I thought it might be fun to review each […]