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Jet Fresh

Tanya Schliff — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 21:51:22 +0000

Delayed again?

With one of the worst years on record for delayed flights and with less flights departing from small cities, layovers and plane changes are happening more frequently. Thank goodness for companies like d_parture Spa, XpresSpa and Oasis Day Spa NYC for letting us forget about our travel woes. I am “all in” for stepping into the spa for a little pampering during my down time.

Next time you have a layover at a major city airport forget about the President’s Club, your email can wait, instead dip into a facial or foot soak. Not enough time? A 10 minute chair massage might be all you need.

Casa Del Mar Resort & Spa Chakra, San Jose Del Cabo

Tanya Schliff — Tue, 15 May 2007 22:22:40 +0000

Just back from Casa Del Mar near San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico where I visited their newly refurbished property and spa. Set in a stunning scene where desert meets the glimmering sea, the recent multi-million dollar renovation is evident, offering a much more pleasing element to the already beautiful setting this property endures. Cobbled courtyards, rock waterfalls, teak outdoor furniture and lush gardens lead the way to one of the most beautiful white sand beaches on the Sea of Cortez. With a location only 15 minutes south of San Jose, it is far enough away from the touristy, litter-strewn beaches and pestering vendors of Cabo San Lucas. The property is also next to the award winning Cabo Real Golf Course, where guests receive 25% off green fees.

Upon arrival, a welcome margarita presented by a professional and courteous concierge that recommended some wonderful restaurants throughout the stay was warm and hospitable. The rooms were outfitted in dark woods, marble floors, flat-screens, eastern king beds with crisp white sheets, Jacuzzi tubs, Aveda miniatures, free WiFi, and sea views. Unfortunately, the bathroom design was one of the worst I have ever experienced. With the shower glass door, way too close to the sink, allowing for only half a swing. After each shower, I would annoyingly (and fearfully) hit the marble countertop. Ugh! The ample storage and dreamy bed made up for the lacking bathroom ingenuity, but only slightly.

The 10-room Spa Chakra is part of the Guerlain Skincare Group providing a place of serenity, health and wellness while integrating holistic methods with a sensory experience. The brightly lit reception area was well balanced with a single smiling professional awaiting my arrival. Whisked away by the esthetician to a personal treatment room, I changed into my robe and slippers and was escorted to the relaxation lounge. Next was the complementary foot bath and questionnaire with a series of questions regarding cell phones and computer use that definitely left me wondering what kind of facial I was about to encounter. The Spa Facial left me feeling fabulous, this exclusive therapy detoxifies, firms, extracts, cleanses and even added little touches such as eyebrow shaping and tinting. Separate changing facilities with steam & sauna and a beautiful co-ed spa completed the facilities. A small, non air-conditioned fitness center was located near the lobby and had not been remodeled.

The hiccups encountered during room service and breakfast dining at El Tapanco told me this resort would never be on par with the elitists of the world. Hand and foot just isnâ€™t in their vocabulary. This is too bad really, because the natural beauty of the property and what I encountered in the spa was top notch. I will say, that the price of this resort does reflect the service, as their older more attractive neighbor (Las Ventanas) is a significantly higher cost per night. Overall, a good experience. Room rates are seasonal from USD 350.

Just Opened: Cavalli Island Retreat, New Zealand

Tanya Schliff — Tue, 08 May 2007 19:16:34 +0000

Cavalli Island Retreat is a private island hideaway tucked away on Motukawaiiti Island in New Zealand. This secluded island is home to an endless supply of lobster, abalone, and shellfish.

The six-person super-luxurious, modern, wood and glass house comes complete with a 20-person staff, dive-master, spa therapist, 72-foot yacht, and an award-winning chef with a promise to take this ‘exclusive’ getaway to the next level.

Vine Escapes: Vinotherapy in Bordeaux, Les Sources de Caudalie

Tanya Schliff — Wed, 02 May 2007 21:52:06 +0000

Vinotherapy = Wine and Spa

Two of my very favorite pass times rolled up into one fine experience.

Amidst the vines of the Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte located near Bordeaux, the 1st Vinotherapie Spa created by CAUDALIE and ONLY spa on the grounds of Vineyard, offers a program of exclusive treatments based on the benefits of vines and grapes in an environment of rare beauty.

In order to be named a ’spa’ in France, you must have mineral springs or seawater treatments. Lucky for Caudalie, water is piped in from a hot spring 540 meters underground for treatments and the indoor mineral spring pool.

A purveyor to the science and art of antioxidant skin care, it was Caudalie that first discovered resveratrol (a polyphenol in red-wine grapes) to aid in slowing the aging process. Antioxidant rich treatments use polyphenols (taken from the grapeseeds) and resveratrol (obtained from the grape skins) to spur new cell growth and firm up skin. Viniferine (pulled from the sauvignon blanc vines and stalks) is used in another signature treatment named Vinoperfect facial, the ingredient has a brightening and lightening effect which is used to improve the skin tone and slow melanin production.

Les Sources de Caudalie has 49 guests rooms with scrumptious spa and dining packages to choose from. Truly, a special place amidst this lovely region of France.

Personal Fav Caudalie Spa Product:
Face:
Caudalie Beauty Elixir ($49) &
Caudalie VinoLift Face Lifting Serum ($78)

Body:
Caudalie Crushed Cabernet Scrub ($35)

Purchase Caudalie Products

Spotlight: Eminence Organics Skin Care

Tanya Schliff — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 03:17:14 +0000

I was first introduced to this yummy line at the Four Seasons, Manele Bay on the Island of Lanai. The Hungarian purveyor of this home grown, handmade, never heated, food-grade products uses the freshest ingredients including fruit pulp, seeds and real herbs. Packed with antioxidants and fruit enzymes, this product line can give you home facial treatments that are as good as going to the spa.

Best-Seller: Stonecrop Mask

Who: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alicia Silverstone, Jennifer Aniston, Goldie Hawn

Where: Angsana; Four Seasons, Manele Bay; The Palms, Turks & Caicos; Montage Resort, Laguna Beach; Bathhouse spa at THEhotel, Las Vegas

Personal Fav: Eight Greens Phyto Masque, stimulates repair & revitalizes

To find a complete list, visit eminenceorganics.com

Green Luxury: InterContinental Resort & Thalasso Spa Bora Bora

Tanya Schliff — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 15:54:33 +0000

Opened in May 2006, the intimate and luxurious InterContinental Resort & Spa Bora Bora lives in harmony with the surrounding natural beauty and captures the local spirit with chic ethnic decor.

This eco-conscious resort pumps icy seawater from the world’s deepest ocean pipe, 7,874 feet below the sea, to help power the air conditioning system. This saves the resort over 660,000 gallons of fuel oil per year, which is a 90 percent energy savings. In addition, the spa, Deep Ocean Spa Bora Bora, is the first spa in the world to draw the virgin sea water from the depths of the pacific ocean to aid and complement the well-being treatments rich in active marine ingredients.

80 luxurious overwater bungalows overlooking the blue waters of the lagoon and the island of Bora Bora. All bungalows have a private sun deck with outdoor fresh water shower, Sea Water air conditioning, direct access into the lagoon from their split-level decks. Rates from Euro 644 and include breakfast and dinner for 2 persons.

New Opening: Shanti Ananda, Mauritius

Tanya Schliff — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 16:51:53 +0000

Sister to the award winning property Ananda in the Himalayas, Shanti Ananda is a new destination spa located in Southern Mauritius surrounded by lush gardens on 36 acres. 11 private villas with pools and 44 Junior Suites rooms, four units per building, two stories high with views of beach.

TIP: Make sure to request a ground floor unit as the upper units do not have a outdoor garden showers and are without direct access to the ocean.

The 50,000 sq ft spa with 17 treatment rooms, offers and extensive menu of treatments integrating the traditional methods of Indian Ayurveda, Yoga with Thalassotherapy and International treatments. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a doctor to discuss specific treatments to enhance your ‘healthy living’ experience including food menus, therapies, fitness and activities. All inclusive health & wellness spa packages available with standard rates from Euro 450 to 7000.

TOP 10: Beach Bag Must-Have’s for 2007

Tanya Schliff — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 20:08:46 +0000

Be prepared for the sun with my top 10 guide to this seasons beach bag must-have’s. Pictured is Hable Construction’s jade fig picnic $165

1. Sunscreen – As we move into a new era of preserving our youth women and men alike need to know their sunscreen is working to protect. Look for a sunscreen with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Oxide which contains UVA & UVB protection. My pick: Blue Lizard Baby SPF 30 or SolBar SPF 50

2. Lip Balm – Often forgotten is the protection of our delicate skinned lips. My pick: MenScience Advanced Lip Protection SPF 30

3. Oil-blotting Papers – Absorb oil and banish shine. My pick: Boscia in Green Tea $10

3. Hat – Avoid those harmful rays by using your head. With style, of course. Easy to pack and washable is key. My pick: Physician Endorsed From $40

4. iPod – Solo or with a group, music is a must for relaxing. My Pick: iPod Shuffle – so light, wearable and it is great for running on the beach. $79

5. Waterproof Speakers – Music is key to enjoying your day in the sun and protecting your music is a must. My Pick: Ego iPod Sound Case – compact waterproof, shatterproof polycarbonate body that floats in the water, high powered speakers, 30 hours of playtime. IPod Video, Photo, 4th Gen, Mini, Nano $199.99

6. Hair – Protect and condition your hair while you are in the sun or swimming. My Pick: Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment – apply the treatment to your hair and let the heat of the sun activate the treatment throughout the day also helps to protect you from chlorine and UV rays. Comes in an 8 Single-Dose Travel Kit $27

7. Beach Cover-up – Move from beach to beach bar with a sexy cover-up. My Pick: Vitamin A Sheer Tunic Hooded Tunic in Chocolate Velvet $138

8. Beach Blanket – Get comfortable, spread out. My Pick: Lands’ End Bright Stripe Beach Blanket $45

9. Travel Backgammon – So much fun to play backgammon on the sand. My Pick: Luxe Leather Wrappable Gameboard $165

10. After-sun Lotion – For sexy legs and erasing any signs of crackle keep your skin hydrated and radiant after sun. My pick: this works – skin deep dry leg oil which is great for after swimming or sunbathing

Grand Hotel Fasano Aveda Concept Destination Spa

Tanya Schliff — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 17:10:20 +0000

The Grand Hotel Fasano located in the northern lakes region of Gardone Riviera in Italy has announced the opening of the new Aqva Spa. The spa is part of Aveda’s elite group of destination spas that offers the full range of Aveda Treatments. With over 10,000 square feet, the spa overlooks Lake Garda and was inspired by ancient roman baths including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, turkish baths, chromo and aroma therapy showers, state of the art fitness and beauty salon.

Temazcal, A Mayan Ritual At Maroma Resort & Spa

Tanya Schliff — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 19:08:54 +0000

Maroma Resort & Spa located on the Mayan Riviera in Mexico is a secluded oceanfront resort and spa where everyone calls you by name. One sip of their house margarita, scented with anise, and you won’t want to leave.

My favorite experience was the Temazcal where I endured an extraordinary ancient Mayan rebirthing ceremony (reminiscent of a North American Indian sweat lodge) where super heated lava rocks doused with herb-infused water create an intoxicating and healing experience. Sitting in the womb-like sanctuary in complete darkness we let go of our stress and faced our fears. We nourished our bodies with fruits and enriched mineral mud. As the mud dried and the Temazcal doors opened, we headed to the sea to cool off, where we reflected on our rebirthing and spiritual adventure.

Temazcal is 90 minutes: $90
Rooms at Maroma Resort from $480