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Dear Spa Enthusiasts,
I once remarked to a boss that none of our office equipment was ever fast enough to suit him. He was spoiled by speed and always
convinced more was possible, often to the point where it created unrealistic deadlines and unfair expectations of productivity. An old
printer was replaced with a laser printer that we all watched with fascination as it churned out a fresh page each minute. Now we are
impatient with a printer that churns out only six pages each minute. Not fast enough.
The facsimile machine. What a tremendous piece of equipment - and what a burden on the ordinary workday if not used correctly. Ten years
ago, at 4:45 p.m., we were putting away the day's files, locking cabinets, and shutting blinds. Today, at 4:45 p.m. "We have time to fax two
more letters. It'll only take 5 minutes."
We don't notice that our workday extends itself minute by minute over the years until suddenly the ten minutes "extra productivity" gained
by that marvelous fax machine has lengthened our day by thirty minutes. Suddenly a day's work is no longer a day's work. It's two or three
days crammed into one ... courtesy of that magical fax machine, computer, E- mail, voicemail, pagers. Faster, better, more, more.
We've become so accustomed, and even spoiled, by the magic of technology in our lives, that we have all but replaced others forms of magic
that many of us are not smart enough to miss yet.
If the first thing we do each morning is check email, we miss the crunch of leaves underfoot on a forest path, or the way
morning looks when it filters down through leaves. If we bring work home at the end of day, or skip our stop at the health club because
we're simply too tired, we may miss the soft sound of dripping water and steam hissing in a quiet sauna. If we stay up late on the computer,
we may miss the feeling of waking up to the sun, instead of an alarm, actually feeling rested. All of this rushing, working, fast-paced
scrambling to accomplish more in a day robs us of our health, bit by insiduous bit.
With the new year upon us, many of us are compelled to make things truly new. New goals. New routines. New you.
To meet these goals, to restore balance and harmony in our lives, we must eat and sleep well, exercise, and maintain a positive frame of
mind -- and some of us need to learn HOW to do just that. One of the best ways to to do so, in a beautiful and enriching environment, is to
visit a spa. Whether it's a destination spa with luxurious amenities and opulent surroundings, or a simple yoga retreat with clean food and
air, or a rocking chair on the porch of a weight loss retreat, Spa Index can help you find the perfect place. In this newsletter, we
offer you several recommendations. We wish you health and energy in 2004. -- Editor, Spa Index
Miraval: Life in Balance (Arizona)
Miraval services integrate and enhance the enlightening and meditative effects of mindfulness. The famous health
Spa at Miraval offers massage and hydrotherapy suites, a complete range of facial and oriental body treatments and a full service salon.
Ayurvedic treatments, acupuncture, Chi Nei Tsang, Shiatsu, Jin Shin Jyutsu and Trager are just the start of more than 100 treatment options.
Miraval provides the space - physically and spiritually - to reconnect with oneself. The clearly articulated choices in
diet and exercise, and the serenity that meditation, yoga and other stress-prevention techniques provide, can reduce tension and promote a
healthful focus. The choices and combinations are limitless.
Activities at Miraval are an invigorating blend of simple pleasures and extraordinary experiences. At our desert resort
and spa near Tucson, Arizona you will do things you never thought possible - invigorating fitness activities, horseback riding, rock
climbing, tennis, golf, perhaps even meditation & yoga techniques to help prevent stress. All this and more awaits at Miraval.
Miraval is pleased to offer a Mother/Daughter Special through May 15, 2004. Mother will pay full package rate, $520++ and
the daughter receives 50% off the nightly rate, $260++ (age minimum is 17). This rate is exclusive of tax and service charge, based on
double occupancy on a 4 night stay and includes a total of (4) four, $95.00 spa services to be shared plus the following: - Luxury
casita-style accommodations - Three gourmet meals daily and all non-alcoholic beverages - Access to all scheduled group programs and
activities - Use of swimming pools and fitness center - Round-trip Tucson Airport transfers.
Zagat Survey 2003 Hotel, Resort & Spa Edition, Voted Top Spa in United States. Travel & Leisure Magazine, October 2003, Voted #1 Destination
Spa - The World's Best Awards.
Visit Miraval, online
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The Chopra Center at La
Costa Resort and Spa (California) |
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The Chopra Center brings to La Costa Resort & Spa (Carlsbad, California, USA) an innovated, yet ancient
approach to health, healing and rejuvenation. Drawing upon the perennial wisdom of Ayurveda, a 5000-year-old traditional
system of natural healing and modern science, Drs. Deepak Chopra and David Simon have created a retreat that provides a
quiet, peaceful and nourishing environment to bring balance and health to the mind, body, and spirit.
The Chopra Center offers an integrated medical wellness program that provides a comprehensive
overview of personal health. We offer mind/body medical evaluations, educational classes that include meditation, yoga,
natural nutrition, daily fitness, lifestyle routine and emotional fulfillment, along with traditional Ayurvedic Spa body
therapies. The Chopra Center Spa offers a unique blend of personalized body therapies that are medically
supervised. Each treatment in The Chopra Center Spa takes you on a journey of nourishment, balance, relaxation and
rejuvenation. We offer daily ala Carte spa treatments as well as 3 and 5-day detoxifying and rejuvenation programs
that include medical evaluations, called Panchakarma. This unique cleansing and balancing program will leave you feeling
refresh and energized.
The Panchakarma 3 and 5 Day Packages: From $900 (includes medical consultation). Panchakarma
is a westernized approach to a traditional Ayurvedic cleansing and detoxification system. The treatment- which enables
the body to release accumulated toxins with the use of body treatments and herbalized oil based enemas-gently cleanses
the upper respiratory and elimination systems, strengthens the immune system and restores harmony in the physiology.
Visit the Chopra Center at La Costa, online
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Birchcreek Health and
Weight Loss Retreat (New York) |
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 Birchcreek Health and Weight Loss Retreat is just 2 1/2 hours from New York City. A private retreat in the heart of the "Forever
Wild" Catskill Mountain Preserve, Birchcreek is dedicated to restoring the healthy and fit body which nature intended.
With an emphasis on healthy yet rapid weight loss, prevention of disease and restoration of health, our guests enjoy
workshops, seminars and practical, hands-on experience from experts who are testimonies to our proven, achievable and
highly successful approach. Sitting amidst 23 acres, and surrounded by streams, slate walls and the Catskill Forest
Preserve, Birchcreek offers the perfect retreat to regain your health, fitness and ideal weight goal.
Although our aggressive program is designed for people who take health and weight loss seriously, our
beautifully decorated mansion and large guest accommodations blend that serious business of health with the feeling of
pampered rest and rejuvenation. Throughout the turn-of-the-century Inn are nine charming guest rooms, filled with a
delightful combination of original Victoriana and contemporary country furnishings. Each room is exceptionally
comfortable, with the thoughtful attention to detail that makes our guests feel pampered and indulged. Relax to the
soothing sounds of running streams and feast your eyes on the forest views from every window.
Sunday through Friday programs at Birchcreak include accommodations, meals, nutrition and exercise,
including seasonal Aquarobics and swimming; clinics and seminars; trail hiking; therapeutic massage; sauna; stretch
exercises and workshops; and holistic services. Day Guests are welcome, with a modest access fee.
Visit Birch Creek, online »
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Green Mountain at Fox Run
(Vermont) |
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 Nestled in Vermont's beautiful Green Mountains,
Green Mountain at Fox Run sits among 26 peaceful wooded acres overlooking Okemo Mountain. In the company of
like-minded women who share similar concerns, you can discover permanent healthy weight loss and fitness. No more
struggling to stop overeating, binge eating or compulsive eating. No more restrictive diets or other weight loss
programs that don't work. No more tormenting yourself with the scale. No more health spa or weight loss spa regimens
that don't work at home. Be a part of the success that other women have discovered at Green Mountain.
Visit Green Mountain at Fox Run,
online » |
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Body and Soul Adventures,
Ilha Grande, Brazil |
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Come join the unique Body & Soul Adventures program on the spectacular island of Ilha Grande, Brazil. If you are looking for
adventure, fitness, and fun we have it all for you. Tone your body in this magnificent setting. Hike and trek through
the lush tropical rainforest, kayak over warm turquoise waters, shower under majestic waterfalls, frolic on any of the
hundred unique beaches that Ilha Grande has to offer. This peaceful waterside ashram is set into the Atlantic rainforest
and is built in a colonial Portuguese village style. It accommodates a maximum of 12 guests in a balance between
sophisticated simplicity and environmental sensitivity.
Visit Body & Soul Adventures,
online » |
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The Raj: A Premier
Maharishi Ayur-Veda Health Center (Iowa) |
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 Experience the best of Ayurveda. The Raj
offers the world's most time tested and effective system of prevention oriented natural health care, including
scientifically verified programs which address chronic disorders. Our luxurious and powerful purification treatments
help remove the damaging effects of stress, fatigue, impurities, and environmental toxins, thereby stimulating the
body's natural rejuvenating abilities. Visit The Raj online to learn about our full range of programs that allow you to
grow in lasting health. The Raj is now offering special rates and programs for first time visitors. Visit the Raj online
or call 1-800-248-9050.
Visit the Raj, online »
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Spa at Home: Winter Hand
Therapy |
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The Winter season often means dry,
cracked, chapped hands -- a seasonal hazard. Our hands are first exposed to indoor dry heat andthen exposed to harsh
outdoor conditions. Often, your favorite or regular moisturizer seem less effective. Here are some tips to help your
hands this Winter, as well as a winter hand masque.
Drink plenty of water and consider using a humidifier to add moisture to your environment.
Wash Gently. Detergent-laden soaps are drying to the skin, so try a milder herbal soap. Switch Moisturizers.
In the summer when living is easy and humidity high, a light moisturizer is fine. However, when winter arrives, you need
heavy duty hand care to soothe and rehydrate. Keep your hand cream accessible -- in your purse, at your desk, in your
kitchen, on the bathroom vanity, and by your computer monitor and television. Apply often. Pamper your hands with
a few home spa treats. Once a week, try our super-moisturizing treatment: Soak your hands in hot water with a few
tablespoons of baking soda, for thirty minutes. Dry your hands, and apply our Winter Hand Mask as directed, below:
WINTER HAND MASQUE
3 tablespoon oatmeal
2 tablespoons rose water
2 teaspoons almond oil
1 drop essential oil of your choice (optional)
Crush and mix all ingredients in a mortar with a pestle. Then, heat mixture gently -- just to the warm stage, in your
microwave. Carefully apply your mask to your winter sore hands, wrap in cling film, or, a clean towel. Allow to remain
on your hands until cool. Rinse. Stores very well.
Get more Spa at Home Treatments
from SpaIndex.Com » |
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What's New and What's
Coming to Spa Index News! |
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Newly added to our Spa Contests
and Promotions page: Visit Planters online before June 30, 2004 and enter the Nuts In Chocolate Spa Getaway
Sweepstakes for your chance to win the Grand Prize - An Incredible 5 Day, 4 Night Stay At the Beautiful Hyatt
Regency Kauai Resort and Spa! Just follow the on-screen instructions to register and enter for your chance to win the
Nuts In Chocolate Spa Getaway Sweepstakes. This Sweepstakes is open to US residents, 18 years of age and older. Visit
the Spa Index Contests page here: http://www.spaindex.com/contests.htm
What's coming: In our next issue, we'll spotlight some of our romantic spa facilities,
including a popular award-winning bed and breakfast spa in New Orleans.
We have even more spa specials, spa promotions and contests, and spa at home treatment recipes coming your way this
year.
GIRLS' NIGHT IN! It's about midnight on a Friday, and the party at Glorice Sanders's house is
in full swing. Wine, champagne and shrimp are spread out on a table. One sister is feeling so good she's got her head
back, her eyes closed and a silly grin on her face. Another is lying in semidarkness in an upstairs bedroom, enjoying a
strong pair of hands working over her body. The rest of the women are sitting around the kitchen table with their hair
wrapped in towels and their feet in basins of warm, scented water. "Mmm," one sighs. "This is wonderful." Read more from
"Girls' Night In" featured in the January 2004 issue of Essence Magazine, with spa party tips contributed
by Spa Index. Click on the link, below, or pick up a copy from your newstand.
"Girls'
Night In" from Essence Magazine, Jan 2004 » |
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