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Spa Industry Awards Top Spas in US
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- Published on Tuesday, 04 September 2012 09:22
- Written by Elaine Ing
At the gorgeous Gotham Hall in NYC, The International SPA Association (ISPA) hosted its 18th annual ISPA Media Event. ISPA is the leading source for all things related to the spa industry ranging from gathering key statistics (revenue, spa visits, the number of spa locations, total employment in the industry and square footage) to helping those in the spa industry promote their latest innovations. These annual statistics have become essential for many of those in the hospitality business. The shift towards spa services is growing with such huge momentum that it’s one of the key promotional highlights for many resorts.
In its latest 2012 survey (for 2011 year-end), the spa continued its upward trend with an increase in all areas – revenue rose +4.5% YOY, spa visits +4.1% YOY, total employees +0.2% YOY (remarkable considering that the official overall national unemployment rate has yet to abate). Square footage for spas increased +0.8% YOY.
The annual gathering included trained personnel from ISPA member spas and resource partners who provided a sampling of their latest and unique innovations to members of leading beauty, business and travel media.
“ISPA is thrilled to bring together the spa industry and the media to one location to showcase the spas’ cutting edge and innovative treatments,” said ISPA’s President Lynne McNees. “We know that spas are creating great experiences, relieving stress and improving wellbeing and we are excited to help tell that story.”
Miraval Resort and Spa
Miraval is known for its one-of-a-kind spa treatments. It continues this reputation by introducing The “Naga Thai Massage” is probably the most innovative treatment I have yet to in the US. The massage evolves from the healing principals of the Thai massage which involves stretching and deep massage. The Naga Thai Massage starts off like a traditional massage, basic stretches but then becomes so much more. The therapist uses strands of richly colored silk suspended from above, sort of like a pulley system, as both as an extension of their body and wrapping and supporting your body, taking you deeper into stretches and releasing restrictions that impair full movement. For someone like me who chronically suffers from back and shoulder pain, it brought instant relief. (http://www.miravalresorts.com)
Clarins
French-origin and world-renowned Clarins is found at better spas. The exclusive Clarins-inspired treatments at Miraval uses Clarins’ PRO Formula products. The energizing leg “Path to Renewal” treatment uses aromatherapy to balance and restore energy. (www.clarins.com)
Aspira Spa
Is located in Wisconsin and was named #4 USA Spa in 2011 by Spas of America. “The Indigo Journey” is their latest specialty treatment consisting of a body mask of clays and creams, a balancing massage using chromatherapy and ending with their signature Elderberry facial. (http://www.aspiraspa.com)
Massage Envy Spa
The spa is available in a number of cities. The “Sugar Foot Scrub” is a foot massage featuring towel cleansing, a lavender sugar scrub exfoliation and a moisturizing body butter finish. (http://www.massageenvy.com)
Kohler Waters Spa
As I learned the most effective way for moisturizers to penetrate the skin is through regular exfoliation. The “Lavender Parfait Hand Treatment,” a hand exfoliation uses a honey-lavender salt scrub that is soothing, calming and healing – all at the same time. (http://www.americanclubresort.com/spa/spa_index.html)
Mohonk Mountain House
Just named #2 Resort Spa in the US by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine 2012
If the spectacular view of the Lake Mohonk still doesn’t lull you into a tranquil sleep, try Mohonk’s “Solutions for Modern Living: Attainable Sleep!” an aromatic massage followed by a customized Dead Sea salt bath soak. (http://www.mohonk.com)
The Spa at Regent Palms
With a picture postcard tropical setting, it’s hard not to be swept away. Those who prefer to be pampered an try The Spa’s “Oriental Essence Foot Ceremony” treatment, an exfoliating spiced marmalade scrub followed by an energizing massage using smooth pebbles wrapped in fragrant bags soaked in warm oil. (http://www.regenthotels.com/EN/Palms)
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
Offered its unique “Australian Spirit of Sound,” a meditation treatment that incorporates basalt stones, massage techniques all while choreographed to indigenous Australian music and sounds of nature. (http://www.gwinganna.com)
Deborah Lippmann
For the woman on the go, the “Mini-Mani” treatment is an express nail service. (http://lippmanncollection.com/)
HydraFacial by Edge Systems Corporation
Is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that delivers instant results. The machine is a resurfacing treatment that provides cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration for your face with a cocktail of antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. Hydrafacial treatment uses a uniquely designed spiral tip to gently exfoliate with water based serums to cleanse, exfoliate and rebuild, leaving skin perfectly cleansed and hydrated, without the need for harsh mechanical exfoliants.
Precor Fitness Equipment
Demonstrated their new innovation, the “AMT® with Open Stride,” (Adaptive Motion Trainer) which helps you burn calories at a higher rate than any other cardio equipment. (http://www.precor.com/vertical)
With the kids now in school, give yourself a treat!
Travel to Spa Week Spectaculars
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- Published on Monday, 16 April 2012 10:43
- Written by Elaine Ing
There's no better way to slough off the dull skin of winter to reveal shiny, tanned skin and the matching mani/pedi than the bi-annual Spa Week taking place From Apr. 16th - 22nd, 2012, at many spas across America.
Spring is in full bloom. So shed the down coats and snow boots to reveal your gorgeous self with the coming warm weather.
This national program allows consumers from East to West Coast to take advantage of great savings. Why do it yourself when you can be pampered and primped for Spa Week’s special reduced rate of $50 a treatment?
Ava and Frank's Story Attracts Visitors to Festival in Smithfield, NC
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- Published on Tuesday, 25 October 2011 13:49
- Written by Filmfestivaltraveler Staff
The Ava Gardner Museum celebrated its seventh annual Ava Gardner Festival this month, Oct. 7-9, 2011. The event spotlighted Frank Sinatra, whom Ava considered the great love of her life.
An estimated 800 visitors from across the United States experienced an exciting weekend of Hollywood history and glamour in Smithfield, NC.
On Friday evening some 200 attended a gala that began with Sinatra music by Wilmington, NC, crooner Phil Bruschi in the historic Howell Theatre. The evening culminated with an exhibit opening and reception in the museum.
The two key centerpieces of the evening were a "Frank and Ava" cake from Carlo’s Bakery in Sinatra’s hometown, Hoboken, NJ, and an original, never-released recording of "You’re My Thrill" which Sinatra reportedly made in 1949 as a gift to Ava.
Henry Miller Library Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Summer
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- Published on Sunday, 17 July 2011 16:27
- Written by Film Festival Traveler Staff
Who is Henry Miller and why does he have a library dedicated to him?
As Wikipedia explains:
Henry Valentine Miller (December 26, 1891 – June 7, 1980) was an American novelist and painter best known for breaking with existing literary forms and developing a new sort of 'novel' that is a mixture of story, autobiography, social criticism, philosophical reflection, surrealist free association, and mysticism, one that is distinctly always about and expressive of the real-life Henry Miller and yet is also fictional.
His most characteristic works of this kind are Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn and Black Spring. He also wrote travel memoirs and essays of literary criticism and analysis.
In Big Sur, California, where he lived for many years, is the Henry Miller Memorial Library, which houses a collection of his works and celebrates his literary, artistic and cultural legacy by providing a public gallery as well as performance and workshop spaces for artists, musicians, students, and writers.
This story begins in the 1960s, when painter and Miller-confidant Emil White bought a piece of property in the heart of Big Sur, 35 miles south of Carmel. It was here that he built his house, which in 1981 he converted into the Henry Miller Memorial Library, a space devoted to the incalculable artistic legacy of his friend who passed away the previous year.
Emil died in 1989 and bequeathed the Library to the Big Sur Land Trust; in 1998 the Library became an independent 501 (c)3 organization. All the while, it stayed true to Emil's vision, serving as a retreat and cultural center for artists, musicians, and writers from all around the world.
And what of the space itself -- and a tiny one at that?
It contains most of Miller's in-print work, rare books, vinyl, and healthy doses of the old stand-bys: Beats, the classics, Eastern philosophy, and the occasional best-seller about the emotional lives of an animal.
The front lawn serves as a stage for live performances with a capacity of 300 (hence the Spin article that Arcade Fire played a "backyard show." Though technically, it's the front yard.)
But that's getting ahead of things. Something happened in 1993 that, over time, transformed the library from a cozy little bookstore to the beloved sanctuary that its fans come to love. That would be the ascension of Magnus Toren to role of Library Executive Director.
Magnus is from Sweden, and in addition to circumnavigating the globe in his tiny schooner, has built boats in Seattle, drove a truck out of Fresno, and as a teacher, he made his students dress up like Hells Angels. ("But," Toren says, "my favorite job of all time was to be coat-check at the Opera House in Stockholm.")
As his tenure progressed, events at the Library became more frequent and impressive in their diversity and scope. In 2004, Patti Smith played the Library's first official show. It was orchestrated by Toren with help from Jesse Goodman.
"What am I doing here?" Smith asked from the stage.
Then a few years later, something else happened. Magnus began partnering with Britt Govea, a Monterey County/ San Francisco-based promoter who goes under the guise (((folkYEAH!))) Presents.
It was then that the Library entered its first Golden Age (2005-present): Henry Rollins, DJ Spooky, Band of Horses, Al Jardine, Tallest Man on Earth, Edward Sharpe, Cat Power, Animal Collective, Pegi and Neil Young, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, Chris Robinson, The XX, Arcade Fire - as well as Jesse Goodman-produced shows from Laurie Anderson, Yo La Tengo and Marianne Faithful, and the list goes on.
But the Library is far more than "big" events. It hosts writing workshops, the renowned International Big Sur Short Film Screening Series (now in its 6th year), children's art shows, the Big Big Big Sur Fashion Show, book and poetry readings, and so much more.
It also hosts one of the largest archives of Henry Miller's work in the world, and houses a handful of carefully selected interns to help digitize and manage it.
Which brings us back to the present. Thirty years on, with the help of countless selfless and talented individuals, Magnus has transformed the Henry Miller Memorial Library into one of the most dynamic and unique art spaces in the world and a great travel destination to boot.
The Library has been 'doing' a lot over the years. "Doing for the sake of beauty, literature and art, 'doing' to nurture the things that arguably makes life worth living; that's the 'doing' we understand," Miller said. "To live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware."
We like to think he's egging us on when doing what we do.
And with no sign of slowing down, we happily encourage all intrepid souls -- music-lovers, wandering poets, Parisians, restless spirits, aspiring writers, unfulfilled bankers, clove-cigarette smokers burning with wanderlust, Miller disciples, laid-off Silicon Valley yuppies, refugees from bourgeois society, aspiring gurus, and even over-worked lawyers from New York's Upper West Side - to come join in the celebration.
"It was sublime to play in the mist under the gigantic trees.One of the most beautiful and spiritual places in the world."
-- Philip Glass
-- Gillian Welch, as told to SFGate, July 6, 2011
2011 Calendar of Events
- 07/07/11 - Big Sur International Short Film Series
- 07/08/11 - Author Colleen Morton Busch: Fire Monks: Zen Mind Meets Wildfire at the Gates of Tassajara
- 07/09/11 - Theatre & Music w/ Rose, Razowsky & Hunicutt
- 07/14/11 - Big Sur International Short Film Series
- 07/16/11 - Book signing w/ Andy Couturier
- 07/21/11 - Big Sur International Short Film Series
- 07/28/11 - Big Sur International Short Film Series
- 07/30/11 - Film screening: My Suicide
- 07/31/11 - Woodsist Festival
- 08/04/11 - Big Sur International Short Film Series
- 08/10/11 - MGMT
- 08/11/11 - Big Sur International Short Film Series
- 08/13/11 - An Evening with John Waters
- 08/13/11 - Big Sur International Short Film Series
- 08/25/11 - Big Sur International Short Film Series
- 08/26/11 - Big Sur International Short Film Series w/ The Dodos
- 08/31/11 - Poetry Night presented by Philip Glass
- 09/01/11 - Dradcula: Music by Philip Glass; string quartet & piano
- 09/05/11 - Explosions in the Sky
- 09/06/11 - Little Dragon
- 09/11/11 - Fleet Foxes
- 09/24/11 - Twin Shadow
- 10/10/11 - Gang Gang Dance
Remember, it's not a lending library -- it's a bookstore. The Library exists solely thanks to in-store and online book sales, income from events, and -- most importantly -- tax-deductible donations, which can be made at: henrymiller.org
Opening hours:
Every day 11 AM - 6 PM
(Closed Tuesdays)
The Henry Miller Memorial Library
Highway One
35 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea
Big Sur, CA 93920
831-667-2574
