ItalyTraveller experience.

Mediterranean wisdom

Ancient thermal springs and a five star resort in Tuscany's Val d'Orcia.

Ever since the times when the Etruscans and, a little later, the Ancient Romans discovered the place, San Casciano dei Bagni, on the hills of Tuscany's Val d'Orcia, has been famous for its hot springs; springs which provide a constant supply of water rich in fluoride, sulphur, magnesium, and calcium. Set in one of the most enchanting landscapes in the whole of Tuscany, the Fonteverde thermal springs, the waters of which surface at a temperature of 42°, are the well-known "secret" of one of the region's most exclusive spa-hotels - the Fonteverde Natural Spa Resort.

Relaxing at this destination spa is easy: there are numerous thermal pools, including two indoor treatment pools, a Bioaquam pool (with some 22 different types of hydromassage), and, surrounded by magnificent views of the Tuscan countryside, there is an outdoor pool, lined in travertine and filled with cold water, which offers welcome relief from the heat of summer.

Fonteverde Resort's "Ancient Mediterranean Spa" area combines the therapeutic properties of typically Mediterranean elements, with wellness techniques of oriental origin. The Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all used olive oil for its excellent moisturizing, purifying and protective properties. At Fonteverde, Tuscany's extra virgin olive oil is employed in a series of face and body treatments and as a principal ingredient in the resort's exclusive "Mediterranean Line" products.

The spa's "Five Elements theory" is inspired by an ancient tradition of Chinese medicine; based on the principle that human beings, like all things in nature, are regulated by five essences of energy: fire, water, wood, metal and earth. Five Elements treatments exploit the energy obtained from each element in order to restore natural balance. The "Salidarium", for example, is based on the element of Fire and involves the immersion in crystals of sea salt to stimulate the circulation and free the body of toxins. The Thalaquam massage uses the properties of water to release the energy of the meridians.

from:http://www.italytraveller.com/en/x/time-to-relax/e/mediterranean-wisdom

Monart Destination Spa Voted Second Best in the World

It is great to see Monart Destination Spa, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, being voted second in the Best Spa in the World Awards hosted by Conde Nast Traveller magazine. Its a remarkable achievement considering Monart is only in business for 4 years and as recently as 10 years ago, the site where Monart is located used to be just an old house outside Enniscorthy town.

So congratulations to Liam Griffin and the Griffin Group for having the vision and ambition to transform the local area into an internationally recognised destination for Spa holidays, while also providing the local area with jobs.

from:http://www.irenses.ie/2010/02/17/monart-destination-spa-voted-second-best-in-the-world/

Choosing a destination Spa

When you a planning a holiday for a couple a spa is a great idea. You can choose between a destination spa, resort spa and also spa villas. Destination spas are solely dedicated to well being and treatments to facilitate health. Resort spas pack in everything from massage treatments, to golfing, swimming and may be a game of poker!

Spa villas are ideal for couples on a holiday. The offer luxury accommodation and you are waited on and all the therapies take place in the comfort of your room. So what are the things to keep in mind while on your spa vacation? Let’s find out.

• If you have only a couple of days in hand or just a weekend, make sure you choose a spa that is close by and doesn’t require too much travelling. On the other hand if you have a week or two at hand you can explore more options and really travel far!

• What is the purpose of the spa holiday? Is for detoxification, weight loss or just pure relaxation? Some spas only offer weight loss treatments which don’t make for a great couple’s holiday, so make sure you know everything you need to know about the spa before you make the booking.

• Everything comes at a price, you may opt for a spa vacation but the final bill may just give you palpitations! Find out if the treatments are included in the package offered to you. Also make sure the price is inclusive of taxes and don’t forget to count the cost of meals and other expenses.

• Assess the other amenities and facilities offered by the spa. The spa should have the basic amenities like a swimming pool, gymnasium, recreation facilities and other activities to keep you entertained. Having yoga classes, meditation, and Pilates is also a bonus.

• Along with massages the spa should include hair and face treatments. Not all people love massages and there should be options so both of you can have a good time.

Check out the accommodation options that are available in the resort. On a couple’s holiday the accommodation should be cosy and comfortable. If you are planning a romantic getaway in Victoria you should visit www.kudosvillas.com.au for spa villas and accommodation options in Daylesford.

from:http://www.xforce.ws/2010/03/choosing-a-destination-spa/

Spas of America Launches 30 Destination Spa Experiences

Spas of America, the fastest-growing spa travel website, today launched listings for 30 destination spas from across North and South America. "Destination spas are the pioneers of the spa industry," says Spas of America president Craig Oliver. "They demonstrate a commitment to total wellness by providing customers with a complete experience encompassing health, fitness and diet."

Hiking and outdoor fitness activities are part of the destination spa experience

The Spas of America website, which features over 650 spas, allows customers to search spas by keyword, region or specific type of spa experience. Categories include City, Mountain, Country, Beach, Desert, Ocean, Mineral, City, Wine -- and now Destination as well. Spas of America features destination spas in Brazil, Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Kathleen LeSage of Vermont's New Life Hiking Spa, one of the new listings, says: "It is no wonder 'preventive health lifestyles' are popular. Obesity and diabetes are on the rise, and with those come a myriad of other health issues. Leading a healthy lifestyle, staying at a healthy weight, and keeping your body active and flexible have enormous health benefits, from keeping diabetes at bay to lowering cancer risks to alleviating depression."

Adds Craig Oliver: "Preventive care even made its way into President Obama's speech this week. He called it 'one of the best ways to keep our people healthy and our costs under control.' The spa and wellness industry has been long-time advocates of preventive health. Destination spas, in particular, provide customers with the ability to experience holistic health, but also to take many of the health, fitness and diet learnings home with them."

Destination spa experiences featured on Spas of America include:

Fitness Ridge Spa Resort, Utah

Located amidst the beautiful red rocks of southwestern Utah, the Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa is a one-week-minimum, results-oriented health, fitness and weight loss resort. The spa strives to empower each guest and help them jumpstart lasting lifestyle changes through education, exercise, accountability and self-awareness.

Heartland Spa, Illinois

Nestled in Illinois farm country around a spring-fed lake, this unpretentious 32-acre destination spa focuses on fitness and well-being. True to its name, the Heartland Spa emphasizes "heart health" through its nutritious cuisine, personalized programs, and full range of fun and challenging fitness activities.

Hills Health Ranch, British Columbia

With a leading reputation for wellness, health and weight loss, the Hills Health Ranch, set on 20,000 acres in British Columbia's scenic Cariboo region, offers a unique combination of rest, relaxation, education and adventure. Guests may hike rangelands dotted with peaceful lakes or challenge themselves in diverse classes to reach new fitness goals.

New Life Hiking Spa, Vermont

Renowned as an affordable destination spa with some of the country's best hiking and fitness programs, New Life Hiking Spa is located in the heart of the aptly named Green Mountains. This distinctive spa focuses on a mixture of hiking, yoga, other forms of exercise and healthy eating to help guests make lasting lifestyle changes.

Red Mountain Spa, Utah

Framed by towering cliffs and the red rock formations of southwest Utah, Red Mountain Spa offers a wide selection of quality activities for fitness enthusiasts, in addition to all the pampering, luxury and relaxation you expect from a full-menu spa.

For a complete list of destination spas on Spas of America visit:

http://www.spasofamerica.com/experience/destination

About Spas of America:

Spas of America is a global online media company focused on healthy living and travel. The Spas of America website showcases over 650 of the best day, resort, hotel and destination spas in North and South America to spa travelers around the world. Since the site launched in 2005, more than half a million customers have visited spasofamerica.com. Spas of America also operates the websites Spas of France, Spas of Italy and Spas of Ireland and the weblog Spas of Life.

from:http://healthosp.com/archive/jalna35126067o3a/archives410589

Medi Spa's and Destination Spa's Have a New Supplier

JeuneFusion, Inc. developer, manufacturer and seller of bath and body and skin care systems for medical, aesthetic, and destination spa’s, announced today it officially launched the J2 national sales team.

888-Spa-Team will manage and operate JeuneFusion’s internal and external sales activities and services for a period of up to 8 years at all existing sites. The agreement provides for the employment of JeuneFusion employees by 888-SPA-TEAM; for the operation, maintenance and upgrade of existing marketing and sales efforts.

Paul Meek, JeuneFusion’s Vice President and Chief Operational Officer, commented, “Our new relationship and cooperation with 888-SPA-TEAM, a world renowned and experienced marketing provider, will allow us to retain the expertise and knowledge of our employees, better manage costs, and provide 888-SPA-TEA with platforms to support our growth.

JEUNEFUSION

Jeunefusion's "core" business as a manufacturer of cosmetic grade bath & body products is only the "tip of the iceberg." We currently have two manufacturing factories in Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa, FL. We specialize in creating custom packaged amenity programs for the resort & spa industry. When it comes to a "cosmetic grade" IN-ROOM amenity program, a coordinating retail program or an operational BULK program, Jeunefusion knows how to keep your guests pampered from room to spa to retail, and ultimately at home.

JeuneFusion is a manufacturer. From the basic "4 core" items such as Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel & Body Lotion to other complimentary items such as Bath Salts, Massage Oil, Sun Care Products, Bath Oil, Body Scrubs and more. We also specialize and inventory ANY and ALL Salon items. Please call for a free catalog or just send us your "wish list" of items needed and one of our customer service agents will assist you.


from:http://healthosp.com/archive/jalna35126767o3a/archives464052

weight loss destination spa

Once upon a time when a star would put on a few too many pounds for the camera to see them in the same light, they would be whisked away to an exclusive spa resort that would cost a fortune but also do the trick of getting them back in shape and looking like a million bucks once again.

Now it’s not just the Hollywood elite that get to go to these special weight loss havens. In recent years, the affordability of weight loss spas has become more within the reaches of the general public. Now many people can also attend sessions at these fabulous resort destinations such as Hawaii and Baja, and partake in healthy foods and activities, and stress-lowering events.

If you were to decide to take part in one of these spa experiences you would likely arrive to be greeted by a weight loss personal coach. The two of you would spend time together sorting out just what you want to get out of your visit and what your immediate and overall weight loss goals may be. Once that has been decided on, you will create an exercise and food program specifically geared towards your needs. Instead of feeling like you are forced to stuff down diet foods, mealtimes will be a much more glamorous, yet healthy, event, often created by very talented resort chefs.

Some spas have the added services of a registered dietician who will sit down with you before you leave to make sure you know how to continue on your healthy track when you’re back in your normal day-to-day world. This will include menu planning, meal advice, and exercise and supplement schedules.

If nothing else you will likely be able to learn some cooking techniques from the chefs at the spa. You will be amazed at how tasty the food is when they are not using a number of fattening things to give it that taste. Instead they will use a wide variety of spices and flavorful low-fat or fat-free ingredients so you can have the entire flavor, without the calories.

If you are wondering what is on the menu at a weight loss spa, you can expect to spot a lot of high fiber foods. There is a simple reason, these are foods that you can eat more of and yet take in fewer calories. They are called complex carbohydrates. The benefits of this type of carbohydrates is that they are very filling, and are a wonderful tool that will help your body get extra calories out of your system. In addition, complex carbohydrates contribute to regular bowel movements.

Among the food offerings will be a number of colorful fruits and vegetables. But they may look a bit different than you are used to seeing them. Instead of salads being covered with globs of creamy high-fat and high-calorie dressings, you will find them with healthy dressings made from items such as garlic and lemon. Other differences will be seeing bowls of bean dips such as hummus served with whole grain crackers instead of typical cheese dips and white crackers.

Even if you can’t afford to put all that money out to go to a weight loss spa, you can use the same low-calorie and low-fat ingredients in your home meals to get the same weight loss effects.

About the Author

Brandon H. Masters is a Health Enthusiast, Researcher and Veteran of the Natural Products Industry. He is passionate about educating others on the benefits of wellness solutions through better nutrition and detoxification.

from:http://www.howtoloseweightblog.info/weight-loss-destination-spa/

Destination – Relaxation – Making the Most of a Destination Spa Experience

A trip to a destination spa should be a relaxing, rejuvenating experience, but for those unsure of spa etiquette, it may anything but relaxing. Following are some tips from Spa Finder to make the most of a destination spa experience:

Visiting a destination spa is joining others of like mind who are focused on improving their health through lifestyle changes and self renewal. For the first-timer, a destination spa experience might at first be daunting but a little preparation can go a long way in creating a stress-free vacation.

Destination spas are a total get-away spa experience where guests typically stay for a lengthier period of time – four to ten days are common. Therefore, destination spas ask for an advance deposit and prefer guests make their reservations many months in advance. This helps the property prepare and schedule programs, treatments, rooms, and other amenities. However, destination spas can also accommodate last-minute reservations.

Again, because destination spas build their programming around their guests, if a potential guest must cancel a reservation, to do so as far advance as possible. Cancellation policies will vary, however it is not uncommon for a destination spa to apply a deposit to a future visit in case of a cancellation. Last-minute cancellations may lose a deposit altogether.

Typically located in beautiful scenic environments, the drive to a destination spa from an airport or other location, allows new guests to begin unwinding from the cares of daily life. Some destination spas will provide transportation. Others will provide recommendations for arriving at one’s own expense.

While making a reservation with a destination spa, inquire about pre-arranging spa appointments or other activities. While this is often done after arriving at the destinations, pre-booking is a good idea. Guests usually reserve more strenuous activities for the morning, and spa treatments in the afternoon.

Think casual when packing for a destination spa. Pack the basics, such as workout clothes, warm-up suits, swimsuits, and other necessities. Most importantly, pack appropriate footwear for exercising, including white-soled shoes for gym activities and hiking shoes for outdoor activities such as walking and biking. Leave items such as expensive jewelry, perfume and loads of makeup at home.

Evening attire will vary from spa to spa. Some properties welcome guests in their robes or warm-up suits at mealtimes. Occasionally, guests at a destination spa might wear something more pulled together at dinnertime or the last meal a group is together.

Guests will discover a myriad of things to do at a destination spa. These include hikes, exercise classes, mineral essential spa treatments, cooking demonstrations, education, and more. It’s a good idea to consider the goals for a trip such as this and than plan accordingly. Be careful about overdoing it, especially on the first day. Take the opportunity to try something new. Use the first day or so to ease into the schedule and take on the more challenging activities toward the end of the stay.

Keep in mind that meals vary between destination spas. Some are vegetarian or vegan. Others may serve alcohol and caffeine – but most do not. Some limit the intake of food while others offer guests as much as they want. Inquire about a destination spa’s meal program before deciding which spa to visit. But also go into the experience with an open mind and willingness to improve eating habits.

When scheduling spa treatments, make sure to request a male or female therapist if there is a preference. Feel free to ask questions during the treatment or let the therapist know of any concerns or requests. In community facilities such as a pool, soaking pool or whirlpool, always shower first. Guests taking a sauna or steam use their towels to sit on as well as plastic shoes provided by the spa. Typically guests using the wet rooms do so in the nude with a wrapped towel, but if modesty is an issue, feel free to wear a swimsuit.

Prior to the visit, check which gratuities are included with services and which are not. At U.S. spa destinations, it’s customary to tip therapists, aestheticians, beauty personnel, and others who provide services. Porters and others who help provide services outside the spa should also be tipped. In other countries, customs for gratuities can vary. Make sure to check ahead prior to a visit.

from:http://jilele.com/rickylitteral/2010/04/08/destination-relaxation-making-the-most-of-a-destination-spa-experience/