Spa Blog: Getaways, Features, Tips, Best Recipes, More

Parchment Baked Trout and Potatoes

Baked Trout with Potatoes This  guest recipe for Parchment Baked Trout by Lia Huber is made en papillote, a classic French technique which is easier than it sounds — it simply involves wrapping food in parchment paper so that the food gently and delicately steams in the oven.
April 3, 2019 |

Skyterra Wellness Simple Fruit Crepes

Skyterra Crepes This crepe batter recipe will yield a soft and tender Simple Fruit Crepe. Skyterra’s tip: it is tempting to try and mix your batter until it is completely smooth, but you’ll get a better result if you take the extra step to strain out the large lumps, then allow the batter to rest. This method keeps your crepes light, thin, and soft. The filling is up to you — but we serve it with diced fresh fruit and chopped nuts, and then top with 100% pure maple syrup. A light and clean breakfast crepe ready to be filled with your favorite…
April 1, 2019 |

Rough Creek Lodge Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup Rough Creek Lodge in Texas Hill Country is known for its family friendly resort and its beloved recipes for Texan cuisine, thanks to Chef Gerard Thompson’s modern interpretations of rustic American classics, which makes use of the areas fishing and hunting.  Here, he shares his recipe for a creamy Tortilla Soup, a warm and heart soup popular with guests.
March 21, 2019 |

Cranberry Orange Cardamom Infused Spa Water

Cranberry Orange Cardamom Infused Spa Water There are many known health benefits of infused water, including appetite control, weight control, blood sugar management, hydration, and immune support and defense.    You’ll soon find that having a pitcher of Cranberry Orange Cardamom Infused Spa Water sitting out on a lovely tray, will make an inviting refreshment station, and you’ll reach for a glass more often.
January 1, 2019 |

Pomegranate Pear Infused Spa Water

Pomegranate Pear Infused Spa Water There are many known health benefits of infused water, including appetite control, weight control, blood sugar management, hydration, and immune support and defense.    You’ll soon find that having a pitcher of Pomegranate Pear Infused Spa Water sitting out on a lovely tray, will make an inviting refreshment station, and you’ll reach for a glass more often.
January 1, 2019 |

Grapefruit Coriander Infused Spa Water

Grapefruit Coriander Infused Spa Water There are many known health benefits of infused water, including appetite control, weight control, blood sugar management, hydration, and immune support and defense.    You’ll soon find that having a pitcher of Grapefruit and Coriander Infused Spa Water sitting out on a lovely tray, will make an inviting refreshment station, and you’ll reach for a glass more often.
January 1, 2019 |

Pecan Dijon Encrusted Salmon – Hilton Head Health

Dijon Pecan Encrusted Salmon Hilton Head Health This dish tastes like something you’d order at a 5-star restaurant. This recipe is quite versatile. Feel free to substitute salmon with chicken, turkey, pork tenderloin or another type of fish, like tilapia. Although salmon offsets the pecan and Dijon mustard crust wonderfully, the pecan can be omitted if needed.
October 9, 2018 |

Canyon Ranch Buffalo Chicken Salad

buffalo chicken salad Canyon Ranch Corporate Chef Scott Uehlein shows you how to create a delicious, easy, healthy game-day party dish, Buffalo Chicken Salad.   Who needs those messy bones and sticky fingers and fat calories? This has all of the flavor of wings, plus flavor and sophistication.
July 24, 2018 |

Pritikin Slow Roasted Citrus Fennel Salmon

Pritikin Roasted Citrus Fennel Salmon This Pritikin Slow Roasted Citrus Fennel Salmon is not complicated, and always a rich and delicious meal.   The healthiest animal food choices are omega-3-rich fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, and trout, advises the Pritikin Eating Plan. Enjoy fish tonight with this yummy recipe.
June 30, 2018 |

Pritikin Better For You Ice Cream Cake

Pritikin Better For You Ice Cream Cake This Better For You Ice Cream Cake recipe is the brainchild of the award-winning chefs at the Pritikin Longevity Center in Miami. For 40 years, the renowned health resort has helped tens of thousands worldwide adopt healthy lifestyle habits that dramatically reduce cholesterol levels, blood pressure, excess weight, and other heart disease risk factors. This healthier ice cream cake recipe is a much better choice than regular ice cream cakes, which are typically a mash-up of white flour, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and artery-clogging cream and egg yolks — but they still warn us this isn’t an every-night is…
June 16, 2018 |

Pritikin Raspberry Mango Sorbet

Mango Raspberry Sorbet Craving ice cream but don’t want to mess up your weight? This guilt-free all-fruit Raspberry Mango Sorbet is a guest favorite frozen treat at the Pritikin health resort in Miami, but you can whip it up yourself at home!   This sorbet is vibrant, sweet and sour (depending on the berries) and lovely to look at, too.   ABOUT PRITIKIN The Pritikin Eating Plan is proven in more than 100 peer-reviewed studies to have life-saving benefits like lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Plus, you aren’t losing your mind while losing weight. There’s no calorie counting, no hunger. Just plenty of…
June 1, 2018 |

Pritikin Banana Berry Cottage Cheese Salad

Banana Berry Cottage Cheese Salad Here’s a delicious and super-easy Banana Berry Cottage Cheese Salad that hits the spot just about any time of day, from breakfast to snacks to a nighttime dessert.   The tartness of berries. The creaminess of cottage cheese. The wonderful sweetness of bananas. You get it all in this little gem of a salad! And so easy to make!  Thanks to the award-winning chefs at the Pritikin Longevity Center in Miami. For 40 years, the renowned health resort has helped tens of thousands worldwide adopt healthy lifestyle habits that dramatically reduce cholesterol levels, blood pressure, excess weight, and other heart disease risk…
May 1, 2018 |

Cheery Coco Chia Parfait

Sugar Free Cheery Coco Chia Parfait This little pot of tasty goodness consists of chia seeds soaked over night in coconut water with a splash of rose water.  It’s topped with coconut cream whipped together with Greek yogurt and topped with cashews and desiccated coconut.  
March 12, 2018 |

No Bake Oatmeal Cookies

No Bake Oatmeal Cookies Recipe These no bake cookies are made easily, and quickly in the microwave, combining oatmeal, peanut butter and cocoa.  We tried this recipe, courtesy of Conagra Brands, with both sugar and Splenda Baking Blend®, to save on additional calories.
January 23, 2018 |

Chocolate Almond Meringue Cookies

Chocolate Almond Meringue Cookies Meringue Cookies are fun to make with children and for cookie trays because they are fairly easy and attractive to look at.  Only patience is required, letting the cookies “bake” in a passive pre-heated oven, with the door closed, as the temperature cools over night.  The appeal is the crispy chewy texture and the low-fat calories.
January 15, 2018 |

Kiwi Astringent for Oily Skin

DIY Kiwi Astringent for Oily Skin Kiwi is very mildly acidic and acts as an astringent for oily skin without being as drying as others.   It also contains several skin-friendly nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin E and antioxidants. These elements are terrific for boosting and rejuvenating skin health, and this recipe for Kiwi Astringent for Oily Skin is a breeze to make. Vodka is an excellent preservative for Spa DIY recipes. Kiwi is very mildly acidic and acts as an astringent for oily skin without being as drying as others.  
December 12, 2017 |

Grapefruit Sugar Scrub

Grapefruit Essential Oil This simple grapefruit sugar scrub takes advantage of commonly available table sugar as an exfoliant and the properties of Grapefruit Essential Oil (an astringent) and Jojoba Oil (skin conditioner). 
November 1, 2017 |

DIY Pumpkin Body Moisturizer

DIY Pumpkin Body Moisturizer This is a terrific and so-simple (3 ingredients!) DIY pumpkin body moisturizer recipe to calm and sooth wintery dry skin. This treatment keeps well in the refrigerator to get you through the dry winter skin phase.
October 29, 2017 |

DIY Silky Rose Dusting Powder

Rose Dusting Powder Roses are so commonly associated with Valentine’s Day, we are sharing this recipe to either get a head start on sweet smelling Valentine’s Day gifts for your BFFs, daughters, and mothers, or, for those of you lucky enough to receive a dozen roses from your beloved — a project using those wonderful rose petals after the blooms have faded.   This DIY  recipe for Silky Rose Dusting Powder relies on both rose petals and Rose Essential Oil. Around 1000 A.D., Avicenna, a physician is believed to have been the first person to incorporate the process known as distillation to distil the…
October 28, 2017 |

Red Mountain Spa Pumpkin Mousse

Red Mountain Pumpkin Mousse Did you know that the majority of fat and calories in a slice of pumpkin pie actually comes from the crust? If this holiday treat is one of your favorites, cut the calorie count down a few notches by whipping up this flavorful, velvety, light and airy Pumpkin Mousse.
October 14, 2017 |

DIY Pumpkin Papaya Exfoliating Enzyme Mask

Pumpkin Papaya Mask If you have visited spas and resorts in exotic locales such as the Pacific Rim, Bali, Hawaii, and Tahiti, you’ve probably been lucky enough to have an aesthetician select and mash fresh fruit in front of you for a fresh-on-the spot enzyme mask. This is our DIY recipe for Pumpkin Papaya Mask with Exfoliating Enzymes.
October 13, 2017 |

Pumpkin Creme Brulee

Pumpkin Creme Brulee Hockey Valley Resort Looking to serve your guests a sweet treat this holiday season? Give our Pumpkin Crème Brulée a try! Hockley Valley Resort in Ontario serves this guest-favorite treat in its restaurant.
September 23, 2017 |

Fat Free Peach Ice Cream

Fat Free Peach Ice Cream Fat Free Peach Ice Cream features a summer treat — fresh fruit. Using calorie-free sweetener and fat-free milk cuts calories, without cutting any of the sweet taste. Plus, the almond extract adds a nutty flavor that goes perfectly with the tangy peaches. It’s great served alone, or with an almond biscotti. 
July 24, 2017 |

Low Fat Bechamel Sauce

Low Fat Bechamel Sauce The Canyon Ranch Kitchen crafted this low fat version of Bechamel Sauce for healthy and satisfying dishes. In this version, the lightened white sauce can stand in for the more caloric Bechamel. The texture is so similar it stands in well for your heartier casseroles and gravies.
July 16, 2017 |

Fruity Spa Popsicles

frozen fruit popsicles Taking a cue from nature, Lake Austin Spa has perfected these recipes for healthy spa popsicles to include summertime ingredients of fresh herbs, yogurt, fruit, coffee and avocados. They are simple to make and free of high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors and dyes that are typically found in store bought varieties.
July 8, 2017 |

Ginger Basil Limeade

Ginger Basil Limeade If the heat gets you beat, try this enlivening Ginger Basil Limeade chilled to feel light and bright. Refreshing sour lime mixes with spicy-sweet fresh ginger. Fresh basil cuts through with its light, bright pungent herbal taste. This limeade will clear your mind, stimulate digestion, take care of a gassy stomach and even cool you down.
June 13, 2017 |

Cinnamon Banana Chips

Cinnamon Banana Chips Steer clear of purchased banana chips which are usually coated in sugar (for a fruit already sweet on its own!) and preservatives. Instead, try this simple recipe for Cinnamon Banana Chips. They are great way to satisfy sweet and crunchy cravings at the same time.
June 6, 2017 |

DIY Apple Cider Witch Hazel Toner

Apple Cider Witch Hazel Toner on Spa Index Intended for slightly oily skins, we’re told by skincare experts this Apple Toner is an excellent substitute for rubbing alcohol (a real no-no for oily complexions, as it actually stimulates the oil glands to produce more oil). Witch hazel is a gentle astringent, apple cider vinegar will help restore your skin’s natural pH balance, and lavender soothes sensitive skin.
April 21, 2017 |

Zesty Black Bean and Veggie Wrap

Green Mountain Black Bean Wrap Whether you’re brown bagging it, or making a quick lunch to enjoy at home, this tasty Black Bean and Veggie Wrap wrap will delight you and your family. Once they take a bite, they won’t even notice it’s chock full of good-for-you fruit, veggies, beans and brown rice!
March 25, 2017 |

Peanut Butter Ricotta Spread

peanut+butter+and+ricotta+spread Peanuts and Peanut Butter are strongly flavored foods so a little goes a long way in flavoring this spread, which makes use of low fat or fat free ricotta cheese as another protein source. Together, they make a fluffy peanut spread which is terrific on rice cakes or used as a dip for celery sticks and apple slices — and it’s popular with children and teens.
February 25, 2017 |

Pritikin Caesar Salad

Pritikin Caesar Salad Get all the deliciously tangy goodness of a Caesar but for about one-tenth the calories with this Pritikin Caesar Salad, always a hit in the dining room at the Pritikin Longevity Center.
February 1, 2017 |

Turkey Burgers with Fig Salsa

Summer Turkey Burgers - The Oaks at Ojai Christine Denney, the chef for the Oaks at Ojai health spa in California, created this guest-favorite Turkey Burgers with Fig Salsa entree. This is a versatile recipe — it can be used to make a hand-held burger, or as meatballs with dip for a nice snack and appetizer, or even as a tasty salad with fig dressing.
August 19, 2016 |

Rancho La Puerta Strawberry and Herb Salad

Strawberry and Herb Salad Chef Dan Richer was nominated by Rancho La Puerta guests to teach at La Cocina Que Canta. When he came to The Ranch, Chef Dan offered hands-on culinary experiences where guests prepared farm-to-table dishes under his direction. Dan’s clean cut and approachable teaching style kept the evening light and fun. Dan Richer is known for his fresh assembly of succulent salads and mouth-watering pizzas at his popular New Jersey restaurants, Razza Pizza Artigianale and Arturo’s Osteria & Pizzeria. He considers himself the anti-chef, trying to do less to the ingredients while allowing the meals he prepares to represent his philosophy of curating dishes of…
July 6, 2016 |

Sanivan Summer Miso Soup

Sanivan Summer Miso Soup This summer Miso Soup recipe is popular with the guests of Sanivan Holistic Retreat, a relaxing bed and breakfast retreat amid the beautiful surroundings of the Catskill Mountains in New York, where guests relax, learn to cook healthy meals, practice yoga, and explore the Catskills.
June 17, 2016 |

Rancho La Puerta Strawberry Risotto

Strawberry Risotto Inspired by a book of summer recipes from Italy, this savory Strawberry Risotto is surprisingly delicious, not at all cloying as one might suspect. The berries impart a pleasant tannic quality, as in wine-like, staining the risotto a pale rose color. Rice is traditional, but this is also delicious made with farro, an ancient wheat grain popular in Italy. The recipe was created by Nani Steele, a featured guest during Rancho La Puerta’s Culinary Week, La Fiesta De La Cocina Que Canta, The recipe was created by Nani Steele, a featured guest during Rancho La Puerta’s Culinary Week, La Fiesta De La…
May 6, 2016 |

Turkey Meatballs Al Forno

Turkey Meatballs Al Forno This recipe for Turkey Meatballs Al Forno is a perfect cold weather comfort food dish. Courtesy of California Health & Longevity Institute® near Los Angeles, the Institute offers a holistic approach to healthy living that unites renowned experts in the fields of Medicine, Nutrition, Fitness, Life Balance and Spa.
March 7, 2016 |

Honey Oatmeal Facial for Oily Skin

Honey Oatmeal Facial Honey is a natural antiseptic and is used here to bind with the yogurt (or buttermilk). The oatmeal will absorb excess oil from acne-prone skin and serve as a gentle exfoliant.  Together, this Honey Oatmeal Facial is great for oily skin and easy to prepare. This Honey Oatmeal Facial is great for oily skin and easy to prepare.  
March 1, 2016 |

Kiwi Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin

DIY Kiwi Astringent for Oily Skin Kiwi fruit is an anti-oxidant and enzyme rich fruit and an excellent source of Vitamins C,  A and E which contribute to toned and supple skin.  The honey is antimicrobial, and the yogurt contains lactic acid.  The almonds exfoliate.   Together, using this Kiwi Facial Cleanser will help exfoliate dry skin, tighten pores, moisten, calm, and nourish your complexion. Best for normal to dry complexions.   First published on Spa Index in February 2007; updated 2016
February 21, 2016 |

Spicy Kale with White Beans and Garlic

Greens and Beans (c) Jeremy Keith This quick and flexible vegetarian Spicy Kale with White Beans and Garlic serves just you or entire family! Garlic and Parmesan cheese provide savory flavors and balance the bitterness of Kale. Beans provide a source of protein. Vinegar, kale, and red pepper flakes all help in to digest the heaviness of beans.
February 13, 2016 |

Quick Egg Drop Soup

Egg Drop Soup Recipe The groaning table of Thanksgiving has been cleared, the leftovers are hopefully gone, and the question what do fix that’s light, flavorful, quick and easy — Quick Egg Drop Soup is the answer.
November 27, 2015 |

Helpful Hints to Prevent Overindulging this Holiday Season

Pumpkin Pie for Thanksgiving Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas — the holidays where we tend to snack on candy, toast with cocktails and punch and eat bountiful snacks and meals is upon us. Temptations will be plentiful this time of year: dinner parties, goodie trays, bountiful buffets—how do we enjoy ourselves yet keep our caloric intake at a reasonable and healthy level?   In this post, Sharon Rekieta, Fitness and Wellness Director at Lake Austin Spa in Texas, shares some helpful hints and tips. Concerned about drinking too many calories? Realize that some of the popular holiday beverages are loaded with calories and fat: Starbucks 16 oz.…
October 13, 2015 |

Grilled Turkey Tacos

Turkey Tacos This is a very satisfying turkey based taco, with enough density of high quality calories and flavors to make a complete meal at lunch or dinner. Some of the healthy fats come from the nutrient rich avocado.
September 2, 2015 |

Biggest Loser Salmon Burger

Salmon Burger Try this recipe for Biggest Loser Salmon Burger with canned or fresh salmon or even tuna (yes!) — formed into a savory patty. It’s a wonderful seafood sandwich best served with a crunchy vegetable salad and a small bowl of fruit.
August 28, 2015 |

Asparagus Ricotta Bruschetta

Asparagus Ricotta Bruschetta This colorful Asparagus Ricotta Bruschetta appetizer is full of color and has a flavor terrific for brunch, spa party, or light lunch. It can made with soft ricotta cheese, or consider a fat-free herby substitute, like Laughing Cow or Boursin.
August 2, 2015 |

Chilled Avocado Cucumber Soup

Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup Cucumber Avocado Soup is a quintessential menu item for a Spring spa party, reception, or to take to work when it’s overly warm outside. This version has creamy avocado so you feel just a bit more sated than you would without it.
July 22, 2015 |

No Mayo Deviled Eggs

No Mayonnaise Deviled Eggs This is a simple Mayonnaise Free Deviled Egg recipe from The UltraMetabolism Cookbook 200 Delicious Recipes That Will Turn on Your Fat-Burning DNA. Dr. Mark Hyman, The UltraWellness Center.   A perfect little treat, good protein, good fat, and very satisfying.
July 19, 2015 |

Miraval Caprese Flatbread

Miraval Caprese Flatbread You can streamline this recipe by skipping the fresh dough and instead splitting open pita bread rounds at the seam, separating each into an entire round of 1 layer. These bake up very crisp. We’ve also used 1 sheet of lavash, which also gets very crisp.
June 14, 2015 |

Greens and Herbs Frittata

Spinach Greens and Herbs Frittata Savory, aromatic, and light, the Greens and Herbs Frittata is a rustically nourishing way to begin your spring morning. Transport yourself to a wide, tiled-floor kitchen overlooking lush Italian countryside as you dig into this hearty, yet light dish.
May 24, 2015 |

Afterglow Almond Butter Dressing

Mountain Trek Afterglow Almond Butter The right food combinations at the right time of day can create high energy and metabolic levels. Mountain Trek chefs and nutritionist together create meals that work, including this Mountain Trek Gluten Afterglow Almond Butter Dressing served with salads or as a veggie dip.   This is the most requested recipe at Mountain Trek and for good reason: it’s delicious and makes you want to eat salads! The most requested recipe at Mountain Trek!   Mountain Trek has two beautiful locations to welcome guests who seek wellness adventures. The first is nestled above a pristine mountain lake in a private secluded…
May 3, 2015 |

Smoked Turkey Hummus Wraps

Turkey Wrap This recipe for Smoked Turkey Hummus Wraps is courtesy of Everyday Recipes by Ste Anne’s Spa in Ontario, Canada. Feel free to doctor this wrap with your favorite vegetables, taking advantage of seasonal offerings (for instance, thinly sliced raw zucchini in place of the peppers, and even shaved carrot and celery makes a delightful “crunch.”
April 21, 2015 |

Miraval Trail Mix Cookies

Miraval Trail Mix Cookies This recipe for a hearty and chewy trail mix cookie is courtesy of Mirval Resort in Arizona and appears in Sweet & Savory, the resort’s newest cookbook. This is a family favorite version of a cookie that is packed with ingredients more nutritious than your average chocolate chip recipe, although it does have some chips, too. Each cook has 2 grams of fat.
April 21, 2015 |

Golden Door Four Citrus Salad with Honey and Sherry

Golden Door Four Citrus Salad with Honey and Sherry This four citrus salad courtesy of Golden Door Spa in Escondido is light, lively, and beautiful. We are fortunate to have citrus year round so we don’t need to rely on specific seasons, but the salad is good any time of year if you wish to substitute a few citrus fruits available and supplement with other colorful fruits, including pear and pomegranate seeds.
March 16, 2015 |

Italian Bacon Dumpling Soup

Bacon Dumpling Soup This unique Bacon Dumpling Soup is a favorite of guests at the Adler Thermae Spa Resort in the Tuscany Region of Italy. It is adapted from a favorite regional dish called Tyrolean Dumplings commonly served in the Dolomites, a mountain range located in northeastern Italy.
February 6, 2015 |

Low Fat French Onion Soup

Low Fat French Onion Soup For this Low Fat French Onion Soup, we love Sargento Ultra Thin sliced cheeses because they allow full-fat flavor with paper-thin calorie savings. One slice is approximately 40 calories, but that one slice has much flavor than intentionally low-fat or fat-free cheeses (none of which we actually love).
January 3, 2015 |

Lavender Blister Dust

Lavender Blister Dust A simple remedy for treating blisters with lavender dust. Holiday Shopping is coming and Black Friday is bound to take a toll on your feet, and, you’ve got office gifts to swap with co-workers. Make this as a gift.
December 13, 2014 |

Chocolate Dipped Rice Cakes

Chocolate Dipped Rice Cakes This dessert is so simple, and isn’t restricted to the holidays. With just three ingredients (and sometimes 2) you can have a crunch, sweet, low-fat treat. Use your favorite rice cake or puffed corn cake, melt semi-sweet good quality chocolate chips (or your favorite carob or peanut butter chips), add a drop of two of extract if desired, and you’ve got a light, satisfying dessert.
November 23, 2014 |

No Bake Avocado Chocolate Pie

Avocado Chocolate Pudding or Pie This is a creamy, delicious and rich avocado chocolate pie recipe courtesy of the Eden Health Retreat Destination Spa in Queensland, Australia. It’s easy as can be with ingredients made in your food processor, and relies on dates and almonds for the crust, and avocados, coconut oil and cacao for the rich filling.
November 2, 2014 |

Kathy’s Peppermint Lip Scrub

Peppermint Lips Chapped lips are no fun, and the drier they become, the more you want to chew on them, worsening the problem. This handy peppermint lip scrub will help fix your chapped lips in a hurry, and was submitted by one of our readers. “I used to have a pot of mint lip scrub which I absolutely adored.  it was really good for my lips and I soon ran out. The scrub was made of sugar so I reckoned I could probably make it again myself at home, and this is what I came up with.” — Kathy S. Submitted by…
October 18, 2014 |

Three Sisters Succotash

Three Sisters Succotash Corn, beans and squash are the principal foods of many Native American tribes. They’re called “the three sisters” because they support one another as they grow. The corn grows tall, allowing the bean vine to twine around her stalk. The bean fixes the nitrogen in the soil, and the squash has big leaves that hold in moisture.
October 13, 2014 |

Rancho La Puerta Spiced Apple Salad

Spiced-Apple-Salad Rancho La  Puerta Executive Chef Bill Wavrin, author of the best-selling Rancho La Puerta Cookbook, comments that this salad is “often requested by returning guests who can’t wait to get back and have it for lunch.” One of our readers notes: “This salad is easily adaptable for one person by just tossing a cut up apple with a handful of the loose ingredients, and then a splash of each wet ingredient, a shake of spice, and you’re there, in a few minutes flat. This healthy salad will also appeal to children.”   Rancho La Puerta Executive Chef Bill Wavrin, author…
September 5, 2014 |

Canyon Ranch Cold Pea Vegetable Salad

Cold Pea Vegetable Salad This unique salad is wonderful for entertaining because it can be made ahead of time. In fact, we like it even better the day after it is made. Because it is so easy to serve it is perfect for buffet-style service, a delightful addition to holiday menus, and great for picnics and tailgate parties.
August 19, 2014 |

Beach Sand Scrub

Beach Sand Scrub for Feet and Body The next time you decide to spend the day at the beach, take advantage of the “on location foot treatment” with Beach Sand Scrub. Brazilians, particularly, are known for scrubbing their entire bodies, particularly the feet, deep into the sand while they relax on the beach.
July 31, 2014 |

Summer DIY Tips from Lake Austin Spa Resort, Texas

Peppermint Essential oils can help with many of the problems we encounter in summer months. Treating sunburn and insect bites, repelling insects and controlling fire ants are all possible with plant derived oils. Here are some recipes courtesy of Lake Austin Spa Resort in Texas to help you have a more fragrant and enjoyable summer season.
June 22, 2014 |

Strawberry Parfait with Orange Custard Sauce

Strawberry Parfait with Orange Custard Sauce Spring and Summer is the time for strawberries. One glamorous way to show them off is in a parfait. You can make a Strawberry Parfait with frozen yogurt, ice cream, pudding or custard — all relatively easy and pretty to serve. This version calls for a made-from-scratch soft custard.
June 7, 2014 |

French Canadian Spring Pea Soup

French Canadian Pea Soup Nothing tastes more like a Spring Garden than a bowl of this Spring Pea Soup with a vegetable sandwich and a light smoothie. It works well as both a warming bowl in colder months, but it’s also the perfect entree for a “Ladies’ Spa Lunch” in the Spring.
April 25, 2014 |

Chicken with Lemon and Prosciutto

Spa Index Chicken with Lemon and Prosciuto High protein chicken breasts sauteed in lite buttery spread and lime juice, with herbs. A simple and lite supper. This is a perfect entree for both a single person and a family because it’s just as easy to make a serving for one, as it is for many.
March 13, 2014 |

Canyon Ranch White Bean Soup with Pesto

Bean Soup with Pesto Both the bean soup and the pesto in this recipe can be served separately. The soup is good served cold with chopped leftover vegetables added to it and the pesto is a wonderful sauce for pasta. This simple faux pesto sauce has fewer ingredients than the recipe for Pesto Sauce in Canyon Ranch cookbooks, which also contains Miso and pine nuts. It can be served for vegan-vegetarian menus at Canyon Ranch because it does not contain cheese.
February 25, 2014 |

Pritikin Tomato Sauce

Tomato Sauce This tomato sauce was created for the Pritikin Eating Plan. The guest favorite recipes have no artery clogging fats like butter and cream and no added salt. Try it with chicken, meatloaf, and even fish!
February 3, 2014 |

Gentle Thyme Fennel Cleanser

Thyme Fennel Cleanser Fennel has been used throughout history as an aid to digestion or as a slight diuretic. As an infusion, fennel seeds can be gently cleansing and toning for the skin, and they can help reduce puffiness and superficial irritation.
January 23, 2014 |

Flourless Oatmeal Cookies

No Flour Oatmeal Cookies It’s hard to go wrong with this classic cookie, and this recipe is especially easy — no flour, and just five ingredients, including sunflower oil instead of butter, which means less saturated fat. Very easy to for kids to make.
November 20, 2013 |

Pineapple Olive Oil Dry Skin Facial

Pineapple Olive Oil Facial This pineapple facial is an excellent exfoliant for dry skin. The citrus fruit contains bromeliad, a protein-digestive enzyme which helps rid the skin of dead cells and dirt. It also counteracts histamines, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is a mild astringent. Olive oil has excellent healing properties and is a good source of vitamin E, which restores the skin’s surface.
October 11, 2013 |

Quick Cucumber Eye Soother

Cucumber Eye Soother DIY Need to de puff your eyes in a hurry? You could purchase a $12.00 bottle of cucumber-lookalike eye pads infused with extract and then kicked up with a list of chemicals — or you can simply use a real cucumber.
October 2, 2013 |

End of Summer Almond Body Scrub

Almond Body Scrub - DIY As the end of the summer season approaches, many of us are sporting that attractive tell-tale sign of fun in the sun: Peeling skin. We have an excellent recipe for an Almond Body Scrub to gently and thoroughly exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells. Body scrubs feel wonderful and relieve the itch of flaking skin.
September 12, 2013 |

Avocado Aioli

Avocado Aioli with Flatbread This creamy, garlicky Avocado Aioli is a topping for a delicious Grilled Prawn Salad, but is a wonderful dip for appetizers, salad dressing, or, as a topping for some of our light taco recipes, and even as a spread on sandwiches. Try it on a BLAT!
September 1, 2013 |

Grilled Turkey Saltimbocca

Grilled-Turkey-Saltimbocca1[1] This delicious high protein and low fat Grilled Turkey Saltimbocca makes a wonderfully quick weeknight supper, and leftovers are a delicious sandwich or wrap the following day. With a few elegant side dishes, it can easily be presented for a romantic meal. The flavor is greatly enhanced by the thinly sliced prosciutto. A little goes a long way, which is so rewarding when cooking light.
August 30, 2013 |

Belgian Hair Potion

orange segments “This hair potion is used on thick hair about once a week” says Beverly Hills stylist Kim Vo. “It helps reconstruct the hair and make it shiny while taking out excessive oils.”
August 23, 2013 |

Make Your Own DIY Hairspray

Sugar Making your own hairspray is a cinch if you’ve got the talent for boiling water, and, your sugar bowl is at hand. This recipe is particularly useful for people with skin sensitivities who would normally breakout from the sometimes harsh chemicals in over the counter hairsprays.
July 23, 2013 |

DIY Sunblock Recipe

DIY Sunblock Sunscreen Recipe - High SPF Our esthetician experts say “If you can see your shadow, you need sunblock.” However, did you know the active ingredients in sunblock often dissipate after the season? You should always use a sunblock, but, don’t purchase it in bulk or save that last little bit in the bottle for the next season. Buy it fresh every season, or, make your own if you don’t have access to your favorite brand.     Read a review and a great “tweak” for this recipe by BellaSugar — adding Essential Oil First publication on Spa Index April 10, 2005
June 10, 2013 |

Watermelon Toner

watermelon Our popular Watermelon Toner is made with the juice of this summer’s melon,  plus vodka and witch hazel. After your cookout this summer, save some of the juice which would otherwise be all over the table, and have fun with this refreshing face cocktail. Watermelon Juice is very hydrating for the skin, removes excess oil without drying skin, and is a natural moisturizer. Witch Hazel is a gentle astringent ad reduces puffiness. Vodka is a preservative. First published June 8, 2007
June 8, 2013 |

Chocolate Facial Mask DIY

DIY Chocolate Facial Mask Our popular Chocolate Facial Mask is made with cocoa powder and cottage cheese. It’s more than just fun and funky — it’s an excellent moisturizer (recommended for normal complexions) which leaves your skin baby soft.
May 11, 2013 |

Coffee Body Scrub

DIY Coffee Body Scrub This is a wonderful way to repurpose used coffee grounds from your coffee maker. We’ve tried this with both fresh ground and with used coffee grounds from our coffee maker and both worked equally well. After all, you’re after the exfoliating effect and the fact you’ve used the grounds to brew coffee doesn’t lessen this effect. In fact it makes the grounds a tad softer.  
April 12, 2013 |

Chicken Tenders DiSpirito

Chicken Tenders DiSpirito Chef Rocco DiSpirito shows how to make this Southern favorite Chicken Tenders, without the fat.   Your family will love this recipe, and it totes well to pot lucks, lunches at work, picnics in the park, and road trips.  No one doesn’t love chicken fingers.
March 1, 2013 |

Cranberry Savory Face Wash for Oily Skin

Savory Cranberry Face Wash Did you know the acidity in cranberries works as a mild astringent and toner? Did you know that the Greeks originally considered Savory to be an aphrodisiac? Cranberry and Savory posses antiseptic properties similar to those found in oregano and thyme, and help cleanse the skin of excess oils, making Cranberry Savory Face Was perfect for oily skin.   Cranberry and Savory posses antiseptic properties similar to those found in oregano and thyme, and help cleanse the skin of excess oils,
February 22, 2013 |

Vanilla Rose Bath Bombs

bath bomb If you don’t have sphere molds, fear not!  Mold these vanilla rose bath bombs in a muffin tin, ice cube tray, or with your hands and enjoy a nice warmly scented bath whenever you desire.  We prefer standard ice cube trays so that we can use smaller amounts, and even better — mix and match our scents for greater variety. Mold these vanilla rose bath bombs in a muffin tin, ice cube tray, or with your hands and enjoy a nice warmly scented bath whenever you desire. 
January 27, 2013 |

DIY Winter Hand Therapy Mask

Winter Hand Therapy Winter often means dry, cracked, chapped hands — a seasonal hazard. Our hands are first exposed to indoor dry heat and then exposed to harsh outdoor conditions. Often, your favorite or regular moisturizer seem less effective. Here are some tips to help your hands this Winter, and a recipe for a Winter Hand Therapy Mask.
January 16, 2013 |

Bathtub Tea Bags

Bath Tea Bags by Rad Megan Make your own bathtub tea bags for a relaxing spa treatment in your tub. Perfect for gift giving as well. We are fond of giving these to clients and customers rather than typical holiday fare. Everyone loves them.
November 27, 2012 |

Biggest Loser Breakfast Sausage

Biggest Loser Breakfast Sausage This recipe for healthy breakfast sausage is courtesy of Chef Devin Alexander and The Biggest Loser Cookbook. You’ll truly be surprised how easy it is to make your own pan sausage. Lower fat, higher flavor, easily customized to your liking with more or less spices, and no mystery nuggets or gristle bits.
October 4, 2012 |

DIY Bubble Bath Jelly Cubes

Bubble Bath Jelly Cubes DIY Bath Jelly Cubes and Bath Jams are a fun way to make soft, wiggly cubes of bubble bath, particularly appealing to children.  This recipe also makes for a fun craft activity for a group of moms, children, and friends.   This recipe also makes for a fun craft activity for a group of moms, children, and friends.
January 27, 2012 |

Old World Black Bread

Old World Black Bread This is a dense, whole wheat dark bread which stands up well to veggie toppings. A slice of this bread, toasted, is excellent with a topping of blended cottage cheese, herbs and vegetables. Avocado Toast is a natural. It’s also good mixed with a lighter whole wheat dough recipe to make a swirl bread.
December 20, 2011 |

Low Fat Citrus Pots de Creme

Citrus Pots de Creme Choose your favorite citrus flavors — tangerine, orange, lemon, lime, pineapple, or grapefruit for your perfect “Citrus Pots de Creme.” Keep in mind that orange and pineapple juices are sweet and you’ll need less sweetener. Perhaps none!
April 4, 2011 |

Bubba Q Low Carb BBQ Sauce Recipe

Low Carb BBQ Sauce I originally created this recipe for my Dad, who was diabetic but loved his barbecue. The key ingredients are the low-carb ketchup, and brown-sugar Splenda. Most of the rest can be tweaked to your liking. I’ve passed this recipe along to several friends and family members who were trying to eat healthier, or were diabetic as well, and it always gets rave reviews.
February 19, 2010 |

Cucumber Hair Drench

Sliced Cucumbers If you swim or soak in a chlorinated pool or Jacuzzi on a regular basis, the same damage you’ve noticed happening to your skin and bathing suit, is happening to your hair, as well. Drench your hair with some nutrients to get it in Olympic form.
April 17, 2009 |

Gentle Honey Cleanser

Gentle Honey Cleanser DIY This cleanser is simple and effective. The soap gently cleans, the glycerin prevents drying and the honey not only softens the skin, but its antimicrobial properties can help ward off breakouts. A touch of honey is all you need for healthy, glowing skin.
February 21, 2008 |

Avocado Dry Skin Mask

Avocado Dry Skin Mask This Avocado Dry Skin Mask should result in a marked improvement in skin texture, and all-around revitalizing of dry skin.  Avocado balances the skin with “good fats” and the egg yolk has minerals, vitamins and proteins.  
February 21, 2008 |

Thai Beef Salad

Thai Beef Salad JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa in Thailand introduced Ginja Cook, a contemporary learning facility introducing rich Thai cuisine heritage to all age groups visiting the resort and spa. This is Ginja Cook’s recipe for a popular Thai Beef Salad.
June 10, 2007 |

Fingernail Brightener

nail brightener One of our staff members said she regularly purchased a tiny container of “little round manicure soaking balls” at her local beauty supply store, designed to brighten her nails.  She asked if there was a DIY swap for that.  We took her into our office kitchen on our Spa Saturdays and made this version for her, at a fraction of the price.  
April 12, 2006 |

Beer Hair Rinse

Beer Hair Rinse Spa DIY Beer adds protein to make hair shiny and make it feel thicker, and the Essential Oils enhance shine and manageability.  Try the Beer Hair Rinse especially in summer months if you’ve been in swimming pools, which are notoriously hard on our hair.   Beer adds protein to make hair shiny and make it feel thicker, and the Essential Oils enhance shine and manageability.  
April 12, 2006 |

Mushroom Zucchini Frittata

Mushroom Zucchini Frittata This is from the Wooden Door Spa, a working woman’s health and diet retreat (the name was in gentle and fun response to the much more glamorous Golden Door Spa, in California) located on the shores of Lake Geneva, north of Chicago, in the 1980s.
April 4, 2006 |

Cherry Vanilla Foaming Bath

Cherry Vanilla You’ll be surprised just how much aromatherapy can be had in a simple splash of your favorite extract in bath water.  This simple DIY recipe for Cherry Vanilla Foaming Bath really appeals to kids and teens.
February 21, 2006 |

Citrus Salt Glow

This DIY spa treatment Citrus Salt Glow was shared with us after it became a customer favorite during classes for home soap making and crafts, by “Between Friends Too” (now 1 Raw Plant). This DIY spa treatment Citrus Salt Glow was shared with us after it became a customer favorite during classes for home soap making and crafts, by "Between Friends Too" (now 1 Raw Plant). Photo:  Miriam Wickett
December 19, 2005 |

Roman Bath Soak

Roman Bath Soak DIY Recipe The origin of the name is curious. Ancient Romans most certainly didn’t use shampoos or foaming agents in their bathing rituals, but this is a good recipe by any name. This is an easy and indulgent soak ideal for winter dry skin or overly tanned and ocean-dried summer skin.
December 12, 2004 |

Oatmeal Blueberry Mask for Oily Skin

oatmeal blueberry mask DIY This easy Oatmeal Blueberry Mask, used once or twice monthly, will both cleanse and exfoliate your face. It’s particularly beneficial for oily skin, as it has a drying and pulling effect.   This easy Oatmeal Blueberry Mask, used once or twice monthly, will both cleanse and exfoliate your face. It's particularly beneficial for oily skin, as it has a drying and pulling effect.
December 12, 2004 |

Kelp Firming Face Mask

kelp This Kelp Firming Face Mask treatment will help to soften and firm your complexion at the same time.   It has at least 14 vitamins and 18 minerals, including folate, niacin, vitamin K, calcium, zinc, potassium and manganese.
April 4, 2004 |

Lavender Hand and Foot Wash

Lavender Oil for Blister Dust Use this  Lavender Hand and Foot Wash to relieve red and inflamed hands and feet. So refreshing in summer when your feet are hot, and in winter, when they’ve been cooped up in boots. This is a particularly wonderful treatment to use on a bedridden loved one. Wash their feet and hands with this and they’ll feel wonderful and grateful.   Use this Lavender Hand and Foot Wash to relieve red and inflamed hands and feet.
February 1, 2003 |

Reader Inquiry: Can we make our own deoderants and anti-perspirants?

aloe “I like your spa at home recipes — I make them with my Aunt once a month when we house sit together.  This may be a dumb question, but can you make your own deodorant/antiperspirant at home, too?  We were laughing that it’s the only body thing we have not made on our beauty weekend.” — Emily K.  Emily — I’m glad we are contributing to a fun way to spend a weekend.  You didn’t ask a dumb question at all, and yes, you can make your own hygiene care at home — however, let’s distinguish between the two products…
December 19, 2002 |

Spa Index Guide to Day Spas, Resorts, and Destination Spas. SpaIndex.com helps you find the best day spas, medical spas, hotels and resorts, weight loss retreats, weight loss spas, detox retreats, stop-smoking retreats and smoking cessation programs, luxury destination spas, wellness getaways, spa packages, DIY recipes, spa cuisine recipes, and the best spa lifestyle ideas and tips.

© 1998-2024 Spa Index Guide to Spas – Digital Marketing for Spas by Spa Index Media | Disclosures and Disclaimers

Skip to toolbar