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Spa Index News - March-April 2004 |
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Spa News, Specials, Cuisine, and more ... for the
Spa Enthusiast |
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Where would you go on a romantic
getaway with your loved one? A bustling city with restaurants, theatre, shopping, and fine dining? A rugged cabin in the woods with a
private hot tub for two? A seaside Inn with the ocean just outside your door? Or perhaps a tropical getaway on an Island, with palms and
white sand beaches stretched out in front of you?
At SpaIndex.Com, we are frequently asked to make recommendations for romantic spa getaways for couples. However, we all define a "romantic
getaway" quite differently. For many of us, nostalgia plays a big part in defining romance - recreating a honeymoon experience from years
ago, or, returning to a favorite spot year after year. For others, experiencing new destinations together, never returning to the same place
twice, is romantic adventure.
We also seek out different types of spa facilities based on our own preferences, comfort level, and experiences. Some spa-goers prefer a
high-end spa where every element exudes luxury, while others prefer a cozy environment which feels like home - only better.
We have several romantic spa getaways for you - with both luxurious spas in upscale resorts and cozy, natural spas, which we hope will
appeal to just about everyone. One very special destination in New Orleans is our spotlight spa this month. The Olde Victorian Inn and
Miss Celie's Spa Orleans is one of the most popular facilities on SpaIndex.Com, with readers regularly sending in words of
praise. We are very pleased to announce that a New Orleans Spa Getaway Sweepstakes will be launched by SpaIndex.Com and the Olde
Victorian Inn on May 1, 2004. We'll bring you all the details in our next issue - but by summer's end, one couple will be readers will be
paying a visit to beautiful, exciting, historic New Orleans, courtesy of the Olde Victorian Inn and SpaIndex.Com!
Olde Victorian Inn and Spa Orleans (New Orleans, LA)
When you step into the Olde Victorian Inn in the French Quarter of New Orleans, you have taken the first step into the elegance
and romanticism of the 1840's. High ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, long staircases and ruffles and lace are all in evidence here.
Upon arrival and after you are all settled into your beautiful period room and bath, you will be invited to freshly made tea or special
home-made lemonade and goodies in a beautiful tropical courtyard.
Wonderful aromas will surround when you awaken the next morning. The Olde Victorian Inn is the only bed and breakfast Inn in the French
Quarter which still serves a full gourmet breakfast. You will be treated to hot homemade breads, biscuits or coffeecakes, fresh fruit and
juices, eggs, home fries, bacon or ham or perhaps crepes. Have a second or third cup of coffee as you plan your day. You're in the south now
- no need to hurry.
You'll definitely want to devote an entire lazy afternoon in our full service Salon and Day Spa -- Miss Celie's Spa Orleans. Miss
Celie's Spa Orleans also offers its guests the only "Courtyard Cabana Spa" in New Orleans' French Quarter. The lush outdoor courtyard -- a
hallmark of New Orleans -- is used as a quiet outdoor waiting area for guests awaiting services and treatments. The spa experience begins
before the treatment, as guests relax to the murmuring of a bubbling water fountain, take in cool air from outdoor fans, and listen to soft
backyard music. The Cabana Spa also allows guests to enjoy massage therapies under a private and elegant tented ceiling. Creative touches
expand beyond the design and management of the spa. The owners created a signature treatment -- the Face·ssage®, a Miss Celie's Spa
Orleans proprietary treatment. A facial and massage in one -- the Face·ssage® is a deeply relaxing treatment. Even the most harried visitors
will be infused a bit of Southern laziness when they enjoy a simultaneous skincare facial combined with a full body massage, which lasts
more than an hour. The facial portion of the treatment features ASTARA Conscious Skin Care products, an energetic and ecologically correct
botanical line, while the massage is performed with Miss Celie's own lavender and citrus massage cream.
Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? SpaIndex.Com readers think so too. Olde Victorian Inn and Miss Celie's Spa Orleans receives many
glowing testimonials, all in evidence on our Reader Reviews page. The Inn has also received the "Best Breakfast" 2004 Award from Frommers,
and, a poll sponsored by Citysearch.com resulted in the Citysearch 2003 Audience Winner award going to Miss Celie's Spa Orleans for "Best
Day Spa in New Orleans." The Citisearch 2003 Editorial Winners included Miss Celie's Spa Orleans in the top picks for day spas for the city,
ranking Miss Celie's right up against some of New Orleans' long-established institutions. The Olde Victorian Inn ranked just as popular with
Citysearch readers, receiving the Citysearch 2003 Audience Winner award for "Most Romantic Hotel" and was also one of the top picks for the
Citysearch 2003 Editorial Winners.
Visit the Olde Victorian Inn, online
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Half Moon, Montego Bay
(Jamaica) |
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Tranquil blue waters, white sand
beaches, lush tropical gardens, and warm island breezes make Half Moon, Montego Bay one of the finest luxury
resorts in Jamaica, featuring elegant suites and villas, golf, tennis, water sports, and more. The Bodywork Spa offers a
truly unique combination of traditional European treatments and old-world Jamaican and Indian techniques and ingredients
presented in a state- of-the-art facility, and offers body wraps, aromatherapy massages, facials, Thalassotherapy and
even a cure for jet lag. Half Moon has also created an all-inclusive Spa Day Package allowing guests to experience
various spa services, personal training, several dining options, entertainment, and sporting activities and facilities.
For spa-goers seeking the perfect wedding and honeymoon spa destination, say "I Do" in paradise. Enjoy a
complimentary Half Moon Wedding when you book 25 or more rooms for the wedding: 8 days/7 nights complimentary stay
for the bride and groom in a Royal Suite. Or, book 50 rooms and the Bride and Groom receive a spa treatment in the new
"Heaven for Two" Spa Suite. For couples only, Heaven for Two is an exclusive Half Moon spa experience offered in the
privacy of a luxuriously appointed room in the Wellness Centre. Upon entering this sensual retreat, couples are offered
chilled champagne and fresh fruit, massages for two, and a languorous soak in a pulsating Jacuzzi. Relax, unwind and
enjoy a slice of Heaven on Earth, together.
Visit Half Moon on our Jamaica
Stay Spa page » |
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Stormking Spa and Cabins,
Mount Ranier (Washington) |
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 Located just one mile from the main entrance to
Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, this intimate spa is your escape in the mountains. Couples at Stormking
Spa and Cabins may treat themselves to a massage or spa treatment, enjoy the ten acre property by walking on shady
trails, listen to the rippling water of Goat Creek while soaking in the private hot tub, or indulging in spa treatments
in our three spa treatment rooms, each with beautiful Northwest woodlands decor. Spa services include hot tub soaking,
Swedish aromatherapy massage, aromatherapy facials with massage and mask, salt glow body polish, seaweed wrap, clay
wrap, foot soaks and massage, and hydrotherapy treatments in a candle-lit claw foot tub. Stormking welcomes overnight
guests in two romantic and private cabins, which both offer a private hot tub and fireplace. Cabin accommodations at
Stormking Spa are among the finest in the Mount Rainier area. Visit Stormking on our Washington Stay Spas page »
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Sam Jakes Inn and Village
Spa (Ontario) |
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 Overlooking the Rideau Canal, this heritage limestone jewel is the highlight of two-hundred-year-old Merrickville. The popular and
photogenic Merrickville was named Canada's Prettiest Village in 1998 by Communities in Bloom, and offers a host
of activities including canoeing, boating, bird-watching, cross- country skiing, theatre, romance, and spa escapes.
Merrickville is also a popular touring spot for bicyclists, who enjoy uncrowded country lanes. Furnished and
decorated in period style, the 33 bedroom Sam Jakes Inn is a reflection of more tranquil days. Three luxury
suites offer Jacuzzi tubs, and two suites offer fireplaces. Elegant verandahs, a fireside library lounge, sauna and
exercise room and day spa, each provide ample opportunities for romance and relaxation in a totally non-smoking
environment.
Visit Sam Jakes Inn on our
Ontario Spa page » |
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Meadowood Resort & Spa
(Napa, California) |
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 Meadowood is an exquisite property
which reflects the grace and beauty of California's extraordinary wine country. Cottages, suites, and lodges with 85
rooms are nestled into the private wooded setting. Stone walls define walkways; tame and wild landscape blend
seamlessly. The service, which is attentive, professional and personal, exemplifies wine country hospitality. The Health
Spa at Meadowood is an environment dedicated to overall health and wellness. For the ultimate in personal pampering,
indulge yourself with soothing skincare; body treatments and massage therapies. When invigoration is what you seek,
inquire about our schedule of daily fitness classes or request a session with a personal trainer or private yoga
instructor. While you are a guest on the estate, allow a balance of rest and exercise to bring a sense of vitality and
well-being. Visit Meadowood
on our California Spa page » |
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Red Rock River Resort
(Black Hills, South Dakota) |
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Couples will enjoy one of the really interesting
and deeply relaxing features of a spa in South Dakota -- the Korean-style Heat Rooms at the Red Rock River
Resort, in South Dakota.
The Red Rock River Resort is located in the charming Black Hills of South Dakota. Couples will enjoy the comfortable
luxury of modern hotel rooms in an elegant historic sandstone building, will wine and dine on-site at Blue Vervain
Restaurant featuring fresh and adventurous cuisine prepared by CIA-trained chefs, and can relax and rejuvenate in Spa
Minnekahta, which includes a sauna, hot tub/whirlpool, and tranquility room. The spa offers facials, body
treatments, massage and other spa services. Guests are encouraged to enjoy Wellness Packages, which combine lodging,
meals, spa use, wellness treatments and invigorating activities such as Yoga, biking and hiking with wellness education
classes on topics ranging from healthy cooking, nutrition, acupressure and reflexology, herb-based body salves and
journaling.
The Spa's Granite Heat Room lets you soak up healthful Far Infrared Rays (FIR) as you sit, lie or lounge on
South Dakota Granite heated to approximately 105-110° F. As you feel yourself deeply relax, enjoy the rainbow of
brilliant colors cast by lead crystal chandeliers on the earth-toned walls and deep blue ceiling.
The Spa's Sand Heat Room (pictured at right) lets couples experience an in-spa "beach" as you both nestle down
and lounge on warm sand. Sink your hips and bones into a 4-inch deep layer of Cheyenne River sand covered with cloth and
heated to approximately 115-120° F.
Since FIR energy wavelengths are so close to the heat wavelengths of the human body, they're easily absorbed into the
body. This promotes a state of deep comfort and relaxation with benefits for muscles, bones, joints, internal organs and
glands.
Visit Red Rock River Resort on
our South Dakota spa page » |
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Spa Cuisine: Miss Celie's
Bananas Foster avec Chocolate |
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Bananas Foster avec Chocolate was created by Miss Celie Brune, the namesake of Miss Celie's Spa Orleans at the
Olde Victorian Inn in New Orleans, Louisiana. This old Creole recipe was served by Miss Celie in 1893 to her rooming
house dinner guests (many of them New Orleans prominent Madams and prostitutes). It is still served at the Olde
Victorian Inn bed & breakfast and Miss Celie's day spa. The Olde Victorian Inn was awarded "Best Breakfast" from
Frommers Travel Guide. This recipe can be found on the Inn's website, in the new cookbook "Chocolate French"
(pictured at left). Print this recipe by clicking on the link, below.
Print the Recipe » |
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Spa at Home: Aphrodisiac
Bath Blend |
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Whip up an Aphrodisiac Bath Blend to relax the mind, while the properties of the essential oils stimulate sexuality and euphoria. Mimic a
luxury amenity offered in high-end spa resort hotels by being a "bath butler" for your loved one. Float rose petals in
the bath, light plenty of candles, and stir the bath blend into the water. Open a bottle of champagne or wine. When the
bath has ended, present warm towels fresh from the dryer. The recipe, below, is sufficient for a regular bathtub. Double
it for large or very deep tubs for two.
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons fresh cream
4 drops ylang ylang essential oil
3 drops neroli essential oil
2 drops bergamot essential oil
Combine all ingredients in warm bath water and soak.
Get more Spa at Home Treatments
from SpaIndex.Com »
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Product Spotlight: Body
Sense Aromatherapy Products |
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 From time to time, the staff of Spa Index is fortunate to be able to try spa products being offered in spas and salons, spa
at home accessories and equipment, and other products designed to enhanced the spa and wellness experience. We are then
able to spotlight our favorites for you, our readers. This past winter season, we were happy to try two BodySense
Aromatherapy Hot and Cold Products: The NeckEase Moist Heat Therapy pillow, which contains a wonderful blend
of spices which are therapeutic and restoritive (particularly clove, a wonderful scent), and, the Sinus Pillow
with Peppermint, Sage, and other herbs and spices formulated to bring comfort to sinus sufferers.
BodySense products combine the benefits of Moist Heat and Aromatherapy. Each product contains aromatic herbs
and spices, carefully selected for their healing properties, and rice for its moisture content and weight. Inside the
herbal products are strong, natural and non-prescriptive painkillers which gently help in relieving pain, stiffness, and
tension. We thought the products were wonderful, and we're certain you will, as well.
"This is the best smelling neck wrap I've ever used. I've always enjoyed aromatherapy-based products, but this
blend of spices is perfectly represented by those two words: Aroma and Therapy. This is what aromatherapy
is really about." Karen S., SpaIndex.Com.
Shop BodySense » |
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