Interested In A Spa Vacation?

Today Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel & Bookpleasures interviews Susie Ellis, President of Spa Finder Inc.

Norm:

Could you tell us a little about yourself and your expertise in spas, and why you became interested in them?

Susie:

I was athletic in my youth and naturally gravitated toward being as healthy as possible. After college in the mid 70's, I began working at the Golden Door Spa which, unbeknownst to me at the time, was the top spa in the country. After spending many years on staff, I became enthralled with how people's lives were transformed after just a one-week stay at this famous place. I decided to make spa my life's work, and the combination of movement, good nutrition, spa therapies and a mind/body/spirit approach to wellness became a passion. And lucky for me, the spa industry, which was just emerging at the time, was poised for explosive growth.

Norm:

Why have spas continued to grow and have become popular over the past several years?

Susie:

I see three general trends that have come together to precipitate the popularity of spas.

1. The aging baby boomer. This demographic wants to maintain youth and vigor. Spas are a perfect place to achieve these goals.

2. Stress. The non-stop bombardment of information and connectivity is creating a need for people to have places to decompress, de-stress, slow down and pay attention to their body, mind and spirit.

3. A troubled health care system means people of all ages must become more responsible for their wellness and health.

Norm:

How do you go about identifying top-notch romantic spas in terms of quality of treatment, fitness, relaxation, location, atmosphere, and staff?

Susie:

Truly the best way to identify romantic spas is to consult the romantic/honeymoon spa category on http://www.spafinder.com. There are almost 50 romantic spas listed. Spa Finder's mission is to connect people with their ideal spa experience, and we also present spas in 20 other categories such as: weight loss spas, spas for horseback riding, hiking spas, spas for yoga, etc.

Norm:

As a follow up which ones would make the top ten on your list?

Susie:

Here are a few of my favorite romantic spas in the U.S.:

Mirbeau, New York

Chateau Elan, Georgia

Miramante Resort & Spa, California

Silverado, California

Emerson, New York

The Spa at Sundance, Utah

Hampton Retreats, New York

Mana Lani , Hawaii

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, Arizona

Westglow, North Carolina

Outside of the U.S.:

Brenner's Park, Baden Baden, Germany

CuisinArt Resort & Spa, Anguilla

El Santuario, Mexico

Samas, Park Kenmare Hotel, Ireland

Echo Valley Ranch Resort, Canada

Norm:

What are the benefits of spa treatments for honeymooners and romantic getaways for couples in search of de-stress?

Susie:

There are many ways to de-stress and spas specialize in this. Exercise is an excellent de-stresser. Bathing in hot water is a de-stresser. Massages are for many the ultimate de-stresser. At spas people typically leave their outside world behind, they slow down and their bodies become more relaxed. A spa has nurturing staff and there is lovely food that doesn't intoxicate but rather revitalizes. I think that what spas do is help us get back to who we really are and connecting at that level is always romantic.

Norm:

What spa treatments are especially recommended for those new to the spa experience?

Susie:

I think a good place to start for a newcomer is with a Swedish Massage and a facial. These are still the most favorite spa treatments because people love them. Although there are many wonderful treatments on most spa's menus, such as hot stone massage, Ayruvedic treatments or even body scrubs and wraps, I would not recommend them for the first time spa-goer.

For a first time romantic experience, I would suggest choosing a "couple's massage" where both of you are in the same room for your treatment. Sometimes this can include a bathing ritual for the two of you together before or after...very romantic!

And finally, if a spa has a "signature treatment" that might also be a good place for a first time spa-goer to begin. Often this is an experience with more than one element - like a scrub and a massage, or a foot ritual and massage, etc.

And I do suggest that a person let the receptionist know that this is their first time spa experience so that the attendant and therapist can be a bit more thorough about explaining procedures and protocol.

Norm:

What is meant by "destination spas," and how do you differentiate them from other spas as well as between themselves?

Susie:

That's a great question and I'm glad you asked. In the world of spas we segment them into various categories. The most general categories are resort/hotel spas, day spas and destination spas. The resort/hotel spa is part of a hotel or resort where there are also activities such as golf, tennis, fine dining, etc. The spa is one of the amenities. A day spa is a place where people go for a spa experience but do not stay overnight - this can be for one spa treatment or for several or even for an entire day. Then there is the destination spa. Think of them as places to stay overnight with programs that makes it a full immersion spa experience. In other words, everyone is there for the spa experience. Canyon Ranch Health Resorts and the Golden Door are good examples of a destination spa. La Costa or The Doral are examples of resort/hotel spas and Bliss or Elizabeth Arden's Red Door are examples of day spas.

Norm:

Can you tell us something about the new developments and trends in the spa industry, particularly as it affects those couples seeking romantic getaways together with spa treatments?

Susie:

We are seeing a variety of trends in the spa industry. I will share with you the 10 trends that we predicted in January of this year:

Medical spas (medicine and spas coming together)

People mixing business and spas

The arrival of the "destination day spa"

More affordable spas and more inclusive

International treatments and unique and inviting spas internationally

Spa cuisine going mainstream

Travelers deciding on where to go and stay depending on the spa

Pets are welcomed at some spa

More men are going

More families, including teens and preteens

Of these I think one of the interesting trends for couples is that more men are going to spas. This means that it is becoming easier and easier for a woman to get her guy to go with her to a romantic spa get away. Increasingly, they already want to go!

Norm:

I have come across the term "quality assured" spa, what does this imply, and why should we believe the spa when it has this designation?

Susie:

To be honest, I am not aware of any such designation on a large scale. There are over 10,000 spas in the U.S. and no one has been to all of them or able to rate them in terms of quality. There is no easy way to conclude the level of a spa's service. In fact, sometimes quality comes down more to an individual therapist than it does a facility.

That being said, there are some ways for the consumer to have more information that could help them make an informed decision. There is an association called the International Spa Association (ISPA) that has a "voluntary standards and practices designation" that spas may choose to apply for if they wish. This could be of some help. But even here, many spas don't know about this so I wouldn't necessarily rule out selecting a spa if they don't have this designation.

It is also helpful to look at what awards a spa has won. For example the Spa Finder Readers' Choice Awards lists the top 10 spas in almost 20 categories. Since this award is voted on by readers, it is a good indication of quality.

Of course, word-of-mouth is always a good way to learn about a spa.

Norm:

Could you give our readers some suggestions as to tipping?

Susie:

Tipping policies differ among spas but in general it is customary to leave a gratuity of between 15% and 20% for the therapist or technician providing your service. In some cases, the gratuity is already added on to the final bill and in some very rare cases, tipping is discouraged. Most spas have their tipping policy printed on their brochure I often ask, "What is your tipping policy?" when I arrive at the spa and check in. That usually clears things up right away!

Norm:

I have read that the destination spa concept is evolving as some brands expand their product through other outlets. Could you give us some examples and explain why this is taking place?

Susie:

we are seeing brand extension from destination spas such as Canyon Ranch and The Golden Door. Canyon Ranch Health Resort began as a destination spa in Tucson, Arizona in the late 70's. They then opened in Lenox, MA and then opened their first Spa Club in Las Vegas. They are now the spa on the QM2 and are part of a retirement condominium spa facility being built in Miami. They have also added a Canyon Ranch product line and I hear there are more things in the pipeline.

The Golden Door branched out from its origins as the U.S.'s top destination spa...there are now Golden Door spas at resorts in Arizona, Colorado and Puerto Rico. There is a Golden Door product line.

But I am also seeing another type of brand expansion; that is product companies opening "retail spas". Jurlique comes to mind, Givenchy, and to a certain extent Elizabeth Arden's Red Door could be considered a spa extending from a product. And there are day spas which have become as well known for their products as their spas, such as Bliss and Nichel.

Norm:

What should we expect in the future from spas?

Susie:

I think that medicine and spas coming together is a very exciting happening. We are seeing prevention/wellness as well as aesthetic/cosmetic medical spas now. Doctors and spa therapists working together is resulting in some very nurturing, comfortable medical settings with the best results possible. In addition the entire arena of complementary and alternative (CAM) medicine is finding a home in the medical spa environment. Consumers are increasingly interested in being proactive when it comes to their health and well being. (They increasingly need to take responsibility for their own health.)

I think that spas will eventually become a very important part of the solution to health problems in the world.

Thanks Susie for replying to my questions.

______________________________________________________________

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Why Not Stay On A Golf Resort for your vacation?

Many people who look for a holiday in Spain are now book everything yourself. Flight, apartment, villa or farmhouse and rental cars. There was an increase in this type of holidaymakers in recent years, nearly 30% of all package holidays to Spain are now DIY. Too many visitors are tired when they return from their journey with illness and complaints about the hotel or package holiday companies.

In what kind of property is searched for the growing of this variety of DIY Tourists? The offer is huge. Depending on the size of the traveling group, they were able to stay in 4 or 5 bedroom villas, 3 bedroom apartments or in rustic farmhouses, which have been renovated.

But what has this to do with golf resorts? For some reason, non-golfers tend to stay away from booking a vacation at a golf resort. But they offer a wide selection of accommodation, villas and town houses to apartments, from one bedroom to 6 bedrooms. Many of the> Resorts are not far from beaches. The vast majority of people who work around is to rent a DIY holiday book a car, so much easier. Most golf courses are within ten minutes drive from the beach. Many properties are cheaper than beach-side properties. Some are naturally more expensive, especially penthouse apartments in the Marbella and Puerto Banus area. But, as everywhere, is usually the case, the more you pay, the higher the quality of accommodations and is theGolf Resort.

Listed here are just some of the numerous golf resorts in southern Spain. Stretching from near Gibraltar to Denia in the west to the east. Most institutions offer than golf so that the non-golfers can be an equally large as the golfers have. In the west of the Costa del Sol Costa Esuri Golf Resort. The newly opened resort, which offers a variety of activities. With the Spanish and Portuguese Algarve in the vicinity, what a great place to stay.

Los Arqueros Golf Resort isOnly 10 minutes from Marbella. It was the first golf course to be designed by Severiano Ballesteros. They offer a wide range of activities other than golf. Includes sauna, gym, tennis court, swimming pool, restaurant, etc. Los Naranjos, near Marbella, Andalusia Nuevas one of the best golf courses in Spain. World renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. Los Naranjos offers very similar facilities in Los Arqueros. Some properties can be viewed on the other links.

Subsequentlythe coast of Almeria and the Costa Blanca prices can slightly less, both in terms of green fees for golfers and property of the general rates for tourists. Also, most places in this area are just a short drive to beaches. Almeria, Valle del Este Golf Resort - Costa Blanca, Mosa Trojectum - Villa.

Villamartin and Las Ramblas golf resort are well established resorts catering for everyone not just golfers.

Holidays in the golf resort alsoopens up many other possibilities, things, apart from the beach every day to do. How many of them are a little inland, they offer incite into the life away from the beach. A short drive in any direction except to the sea you will find in a quant little village with its small bars. Holidays in the golf resort offers the opportunity to explore parts of Spain that many do not know too many. Remember, DO NOT have a golfer on a golf resort to stay. But if you are the owner of manyYou can arrange your golf for you sometimes at reduced rates.

I hope that this brief article some of you will remain the face of a DIY holiday to Spain to think about it, perhaps, on a golf resort offering for a change. You never know you might even give golf a try! Enjoy your stay, wherever you go.

There are many features available when you are looking for something, you simply click on one of the above links to. Golf resorts on the website at: Los Arqueros, Los Naranjos, Mijas,Alhaurin, Miraflores, Esuri, Sotogrande, La Qunita, La Reserva de Marbella, Riviera del Sol, La Cala, Los Jardines de Santa Maria Golf, Selwo Hills, Aloha Gardens Resort, Valderama, Ribera del Rio, El Saladillo, Valle del Este Alboran, Los Altos, Playa Gol, La Finca, La Manga, Mosa Trajectum, Las Ramblas, Villamartin, Playa Serena, La Torre, Oliva Nova Golf, La Sella

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Interest in a spa vacation?

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel & Bookpleasures interviews Susie Ellis, president of Spa Finder Inc.

Norm:

Could you tell us a little about yourself and your expertise in spas, and why you are interested in them?

Susie:

I was athletic in my youth, and of course, dressed in the direction as healthy as possible. After college in the mid-70s, I began working on the Golden Door Spa, which unbeknownst to me at the time was the best> Wellness in the country. After many years, the staff, I learned how people's lives transformed itself inspired from a week at this famous place. I decided to make my life spa work, and the combination of exercise, healthy nutrition, wellness therapies and a mind / body / spirit approach to wellness became a passion. And luckily for me, the spa industry, which was just at the time was set for explosive growth.

Norm:

Why have spascontinued to grow and have become popular in recent years?

Susie:

I see three general trends that have come together to the popularity of spas precipitation.

1. The aging baby boomers. This demographic wants to maintain youth and vitality. Spas are a perfect place to achieve these goals.

2. Stress. The non-stop bombardment of information and links is creating a need for people to decompress to places that have de-stress, slow down and pay attention to theirBody, mind and soul.

3. A troubled health care system means that people of all ages need to be more responsible for their wellness and health.

Norm:

How do you deal with the identification of first-rate romantic baths in relation to the quality of care, fitness, relaxation, location, atmosphere, and the staff?

Susie:

Truly, the best way to identify romantic spas is to consult the romantic / honeymoon spa category on http://www.spafinder.com too. There are almost 50 romantic spaslisted tasks. Spa Finder is to help people with their ideal spa experience come together, and we present spas in 20 other categories such as: weight loss spas, spas for horseback riding, hiking spas, spas for yoga, etc.

Norm:

As a follow-up, which would make the top ten on the list?

Susie:

Here are some of my favorite romantic spas in the U.S.:

Mirbeau, New York

Chateau Elan, Georgia

Miramante Resort & SpaCalifornia

Silverado, California

Emerson, New York

The Spa at Sundance, Utah

Hampton Retreats, New York

Mana Lani, Hawaii

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, Arizona

Westglow, North Carolina

Outside the U.S.:

Brenner's Park, Baden Baden, Germany

CuisinArt Resort & Spa, Anguilla

El Santuario, Mexico

Samas, Park Hotel Kenmare, Ireland

Echo Valley Ranch Resort, Canada

Norm:

What are theBenefits of spa treatments for honeymooners and romantic getaways for couples in search of de-stress?

Susie:

There are many ways to de-stress and resorts which specialize in these. Exercise is an excellent de-stresser. Bathing in hot water is a de-stresser. Massages are for many the ultimate de-stress. Spas can people usually outside of their world behind, they slow down and their bodies more and more relaxed. A wellness care, the staff, and it's nice that foodnot intoxicate but revitalized. I believe that what is helping us again Spas who we really are and the connection at this level is always romantic.

Norm:

What spa treatments are especially recommended for newcomers to the spa experience?

Susie:

I think a good place to start is for a newcomer with a Swedish massage and a facial treatment. These are still the most popular spa treatments, because people love to. Although there are manywonderful treatments on most spa 's menu, such as hot stone massage, would Ayruvedic treatments or even body scrubs and wraps, I do not recommend it for the first time thermal fireworks.

For a first time romantic experience, I would suggest adopting a "couple's massage" where you both are in the same room for your treatment. Sometimes a bath is ritual for both of you together before or after ... Very romantic!

And finally, if a plant has a"Signature treatment" which could also be a good place for a first time thermal fireworks begin. Often this is an experience, with more than one element - like a scrub and a massage or a foot ritual and massage, etc.

And I suggest that a person is doing, let the receptionist know that this is their first time spa experience so that the counselors and therapists a bit more thorough about the procedure and the protocol can be.

Norm:

What is meant by "destination spas," meant, andHow are you different from other spas, as well as each other?

Susie:

This is a great question, and I'm glad you asked. In the world of spas we segment them into different categories. The general categories are resort / hotel spas, day spas and destination spas. The Resort / Hotel Spa is part of a hotel or resort, where it also includes activities such as golf, tennis, fine restaurants, etc. The bathroom is one of the amenities. A Day Spa is a place wherePeople go for a spa experience, but not stay over night - that can be used for a spa treatment or for several or even for a whole day. Then there is the destination spa. Think of them as places to stay with programs that make a full immersion spa experience. In other words, everyone is there for the spa experience. Canyon Ranch Health Resorts and the Golden Door are good examples of a destination spa. Are La Costa or TheDoral are examples of resort / hotel spas and Bliss or Elizabeth Arden Red Door are examples for Day Spas.

Norm:

Can you tell us something about the new developments and trends in the spa industry, especially as it affects the couples seeking romantic getaways with spa treatments?

Susie:

We see a number of trends in the spa industry. I want to share with you the 10 trends that we predicted in January of this year:

MedicalBaths (medicine and spas coming together)

People mix business and Spas

The arrival of the "Destination Day Spa"

Affordable Spas and more inclusive

International spa treatments and unique and welcoming international

Spa cuisine toward mainstream

Travelers decide where they go and stay, depending on the spa

Pets are welcomed in some spa

More men go

More families, including young people andpreteens

Of these, I believe, is one of the most interesting trends for couples that more men go to spas. This means that it is becoming easier and easier for a woman to her husband to go with her to get away for a romantic spa. Increasingly, they already want to go!

Norm:

I have come across the term "quality assured spa, what does this mean and why should we believe that the spa when this term?

Susie:

To be honest, I am not awareSuch a provision on a large scale. There are over 10,000 spas in the U.S. and no one has to include all of them, or in a position to take them off in terms of quality. There is no simple way to close the level of a spa 's service. In fact, sometimes the quality comes down more to an individual therapist, as it is not an option.

That being said, there are some opportunities for consumers to get more information that could help them make an informed decision. There is a link calledInternational Spa Association (ISPA) that a "voluntary standards and practices of the denomination may choose to apply for Spas has if they so wish. This might help a little. But even here, many resorts do not have this so I would not necessarily come from choosing a spa, if they do not have this designation.

It is also helpful, for what a spa has won awards seek. For example, choice of Spa Finder Readers' Choice Awards, the top 10 spas in almost 20 areCategories. Since about this award is chosen by the readers, it is a good indicator of quality.

Of course, word-of-mouth is always a good way to learn about a spa.

Norm:

Could you give our readers a few suggestions, tips?

Susie:

Tipping policies vary between resorts but in general it is customary to leave a tip of between 15% and 20% for the therapist or technician providing your service. In some cases, the tip is already added to the final billand in some rare cases, the deposit will be held. Most spas have their tipping policy on their brochure, I often asked, printed, "What is your tipping policy?" when I come to the spa and approved check is usually things at once!

Norm:

I have read that the destination spa concept will be developed, since some brands expand their product through other outlets. Can you give us some examples and explain why this occurs?

Susie:

We see brandExtension of destination spas like Canyon Ranch and The Golden Door. Canyon Ranch Spa began as a destination spa in Tucson, Arizona in the late 70s. Then opened in Lenox, MA and then opened their first Spa Club in Las Vegas. You are now in the spa on the QM2 and are part of a condominium retirement spa facility built in Miami. They also have a Canyon Ranch product line and I hear there are more things in the pipeline.

TheGolden Door branched from its beginnings as a top U.S. destination spa ... there is now Golden Door spas at resorts in Arizona, Colorado and Puerto Rico. It is a Golden Door product line.

But I'm also here as a different kind of brand expansion, open the product companies' retail spas is ". Jurlique comes to mind, Givenchy and red to a certain extent Elizabeth Arden's Door could be considered a wellness extension of a product. And there are days spas, whichnow are known for their products, as well as resorts, such as Bliss and Nichel.

Norm:

What should we expect in the future of resorts?

Susie:

I think that medicine and spas coming together a very exciting happened. We see prevention / wellness as well as aesthetic and cosmetic medical spas now. Doctors and spa therapists work is a result are very nurturing, comfortable medical settings with the best results possible. In addition to thewhole arena of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) medicine is a new home in the medical spa environment. Consumers are increasingly interested in is proactive when it comes to their health and wellbeing. (You more and take more responsibility for their own health.) Must

I think that spas will be finally a very important part of the solution to health problems in the world.

Thanks Susie for answering myAsk.

______________________________________________________________

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