SPA STORY

New Quay West Resort for Queenstown

Traci Reid — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:19:34 +0000

Leading hotel and resort management company Mirvac Hotels & Resorts has entered into a hotel management agreement with Melview Developments for the management of a Quay West Resort in Melview’s Queenstown Kawarau Falls Station development, in the South Island of New Zealand.

Under the agreement, Mirvac will manage the apartment style resort under the group’s luxury 5 star Quay West Resort brand which will become part of the Mirvac Hotels & Resort chain.

To be known as ‘Quay West Resort Queenstown’, the hotel comprises 195 one, two and three bedroom apartment style guestrooms, extensive meeting space, an up market all day dining restaurant and bar, as well as a Day Spa, gymnasium and swimming pool.

The announcement of Quay West Resort Queenstown brings the total of five star hotel rooms at the Kawarau Falls Station development to 593 with Mirvac’s property joining the already signed Westin and Inter Continental international hotel brands.

The new Quay West Resort Queenstown development is a significant step in the market for Mirvac, one of Australia’s leading developers and pioneers of the Quay West apartment style hotel accommodation, becoming one of the first Quay West branded property not designed and built by Mirvac.

Mr Andrew Turner CEO of Mirvac Hotels & Resorts said, “Quay West Resort Queenstown is an important part of our overall expansion program and complements our plans to manage high quality resorts in prime locations. We are delighted to again partner with Melview for this exceptional project, having built a very solid relationship with the development of our “Sebel” property in Auckland”.

“Quay West Resort Queenstown will be our first Quay West resort outside of Australia and we have been very particular about the location, the developer and our branding. I am confident this partnership will deliver a stylish new resort experience to Queenstown, which will further enhance the South Island’s standing as one of New Zealand’s premier holiday destinations”.

“The Melview Kawarau Falls Station development fits perfectly into every category of our 5 star resort brand with Quay West Resort Queenstown joining the very successfully positioned sister properties, Quay West Resort Bunker Bay (in the Margaret River wine region of Western Australia) and Quay West Resort Magenta Shores (on the central coast of New South Wales)” upon completion”. said Mr Turner.

Recent research commissioned by Melview from industry leaders Horwath HTL Ltd quantifies Queenstown’s profile as an international tourism destination. The research also established that Queenstown will reap significant benefit from the development of internationally branded hotels such as Quay West and their affiliated chains, bringing unprecedented exposure to the area from their worldwide hotel network of sales and marketing.

Construction of the overall Kawarau Falls development is currently running on schedule in what will be a four year project expected to be worth in excess of $1 billion. At its peak, the project is expected to be the single largest employer in Queenstown, with some 880 people working on, and off the site.

Quay West Resort Queenstown will begin construction in 2008 and is expected to open January 2011.

The Kawarau Falls Station development in Queenstown, on a landmark seven hectare waterfront site, is the only true North-facing “High Density Residential” zoned development site in Queenstown and, on completion, the development will feature 13 individual buildings nestled into the landscape with boulevard-style streets, restaurants and parks.

World Largest Cruise Ship Ready to Set Sail

Traci Reid — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:11:40 +0000

The world’s largest cruise ship, the Independence of the Seas, is ready to begin passenger services.

The 160,000-tonne vessel is owned by Royal Caribbean International (RCI) and based in Southampton, UK. It will set off on its maiden voyage on 2 May, following an official naming ceremony on 30 April.

The ship, built by the Åker shipyards in Turku, Finland, is 1,222ft (372m) long and able to carry 3,600 passengers.

It is larger than rival Cunard’s flagship liner, the 150,000-tonne QM2, which until now has held the title of the largest in the world.

Specialist facilities onboard the Independence of the Seas include a 126-station ShipShape health club, a health spa and cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112ft above the ocean in the adults-only Solarium.

Other onboard attractions include an ice rink, a FlowRider surf simulator; a 43ft-tall rock-climbing wall; a H20 Zone-branded water park with an interactive sculpture garden for families and a full-size boxing ring.

There are also a wide range of restaurants and bars.

RCI currently owns and operates 21 ships with two further vessels under construction.

Spas of America Goes Underground to Launch 600th Spa Listing

Traci Reid — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:24:59 +0000

Spas of America, the fastest-growing spa travel website, showcasing North and South America’s best resort, hotel and destination spas, today announced their 600th spa listing and their first underground cave spa experience: Spa Terra within The Meritage Resort and Spa.

Forty feet below the iconic grape crusher statue that graces its southern end, Spa Terra is the first spa in the world to be developed entirely underground. Nestled nel cuore della terra (”in the heart of the earth”), the spa features steam grottos, soaking pools, water walls and lavishly appointed private treatment rooms for individuals and couples. Its sumptuous decor reflects the resort’s Mediterranean theme. The Meritage Resort is located only an hour from San Francisco, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.

“We are pleased to welcome Meritage’s Spa Terra as a premium member spa,” says Spas of America president and founder Craig Oliver. “Their presence on our website benefits our existing spa listings and provides our customers from around the world with another fabulous option when seeking exciting and rewarding health and wellness travel experiences.”

Michael Palmer, General Manager of The Meritage Resort, says: “Our spa is a perfect complement to the natural beauty of Napa. We’re excited about introducing our one-of-a-kind experience to Spas of America’s targeted, spa travel audience.”

Spa Terra’s signature treatment is Solo Vino. It combines an exfoliating grape seed scrub, an invigorating jet shower rinse, a hydrating body wrap with a wine cave mud mask and a Terra massage. A wine and cheese selection rounds out the two-hour treatment. Visitors can learn more about Spa Terra on the Spas of America website.

Karim’s Favorite Spa is the Elmwood Spa, Toronto

Traci Reid — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:33:48 +0000

Elmwood Spa is a wellness destination that caters to women and men who want stress relief and relaxation in a serene atmosphere. It’s an ideal place to gather with friends, to celebrate life’s milestones, reconnect with a loved one, or to turn to as your very own destination for stress relief and self-renewal.

Elmwood Spa is located in one of Toronto’s historic landmark buildings at 18 Elm Street in the heart of downtown. Our five story building was conceived by Gordon & Helliwell Architects and built by Edward James Lennox who was also the architect of Old City Hall, St. Paul ’s Anglican Church and Casa Loma. Take a look at Lennox ’s signature ornamental faces carved into the pillars at our front entrance!

A multi-million dollar renewal has transformed our facility into a well appointed oasis dedicated to your health and well-being – with four spacious floors of treatment and renewal options for every season, for every reason there is to spa.

Two restaurants, a juice bar, 34 treatment rooms, new change rooms with expanded amenities, and water therapies, including swimming pool, whirlpool and steam rooms, provide comfort, convenience and flexibility to cater to demanding schedules. Guests can be rejuvenated from head to toe.

The Dolder Grand Spa

Traci Reid — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:57:52 +0000

In April 2008 the Dolder Grand celebrates its reopening. Set in a unique location between the pulsating life of the city and a surprisingly natural green zone, the Dolder Grand offers many facets: 173 luxurious rooms and suites, a 4′000 square metre Spa, refined gastronomy as well as spacious banquet and seminar facilities.

European and Japanese influences have shaped this unique, 4000 square metre complex. It comprises a spacious pool with panoramic views, Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Spas, Workout, Movement and Mind-Body Studios, as well as 19 Treatment Rooms and two Spa Suites for exclusive private relaxation.

Visit their website

New Web Site FindAGreatHairstylist.com Provides Expert Tips on Seeking the Savviest of Stylists

Traci Reid — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:04:54 +0000

Your hair: Its the only accessory that you wear with everything, everyday. So if you dont like your do,” that means only one thing: Youve got the bad hair blues”. The good news is that thanks to a brand-new website, FindAGreatHairstylist.com customers can now seek out a hair designer they love and chase away those mean do blues.”

Created by Ron Young, a Newport Beach/Beverly Hills, Calif.-based hairstylist with nearly 25 years in the industry, the site offers a true experts tips on how to seek out the savviest of stylists. In addition, FindAGreatHairstylist.com gives insider advice on everything from getting the best referrals to the questions to ask during a hair consultation and even how to find a stylist who can transform your hair and mood.

There are many tricks to the trade, when it comes to finding a great hair designer, getting an appointment and remaining a good client,” Young says. If finding a great stylist was easy, then you wouldnt see so many people walking around with bad hair. Since I am totally booked myself, Ive specifically launched FindAGreatHairstylist.com to save people from ‘professionals who arent up to par. Everyday, I am asked what the secret is to finding a great stylist, and I believe these tips are so valuable that Im offering them through an online venue, because many people today do much of their beauty research online.”

FindAGreatHairstylist.com is a membership-based site that enables its users to find the right questions to ask a new hairstylist and receive qualified, expert advice, to find that perfect hairstylist, on a pay-per-use basis. The information empowers people to make their own educated choices about choosing a stylist thats right for them.

People need access to this information, so my site offers this in a straight-forward, user-friendly way,” Young says. Im selling very valuable tools and suggestions through FindAGreatHairstylist.com. And whats more, I have decided to give a portion of any earnings to charity. Im a big believer in giving to others however you can.”

For more information, visit http://www.findagreathairstylist.com.

The Body Tub to be Unveiled at Washington Home and Garden Show

Traci Reid — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 02:50:24 +0000

The bathtub can be viewed as a sanctuary, a retreat, an escape, a place of relaxation. While available in different shapes and sizes, bathtubs typically fit a certain mold … until now. A new twist in bathtub design, The Body TubTM was created to provide a comfortable, luxury bathing experience in the privacy of your own home.

Designed by professionals and crafted with care, The Body Tub is the perfect blend of form and function, personalized to fit the natural curves of the human body. The Body Tub is completely customized based on your body and your preferences, limited only by your imagination. It can be created in any size or shape with tile, stone, marble or granite. They also offer a close-to-custom acrylic design, available in two standard adult body sizes which can fit into any standard bathtub space. All Body Tub products have lighting, aromatherapy, air jets, whirlpool jets, and heating options available.

In addition to comfort, The Body Tub also provides numerous health benefits. The combination of warm water and soothing jets helps relieve muscle and joint pain, while colored lights and aromatherapy aid in stress reduction. Having the body in perfect alignment can help relieve back and neck pain.

This unique product will be unveiled at the 48th annual Washington Home and Garden Show in Washington, D.C., March 13-16 at the Washington Convention Center. “I really want to bring the pampered spa experience home to the average person,” stated Scott Greeno, creator of The Body Tub. “I am pleased to be unveiling the product at the Home and Garden Show.” To learn more about The Body Tub and the many options available, visit www.thebodytub.com or call (301) 789-9322.

Sarah’s Lightweight Makeup of Choice

Traci Reid — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 02:37:39 +0000

Sarah Benjamin uses Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers as a lightweight makeup with SPF 30

New Wilderness Spa Concept Revealed

Traci Reid — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 16:44:24 +0000

RELAX - REFLECT - REJUVENATE

That is what this spa is all about. Enjoy your every moment in peaceful serenity. Relax, knowing that all ingredients used in our products are 100% organic and extremely healthy for you, your body and your soul. Of course none of their products (or their ingredients) are ever tested on any animals.

The Eco Spa & Resort has been masterminded by Perfect Earth Tours company and will be located in the Whitehorse region.

The resort will have no permanent structures – it will be dismantled at the end of each season in September and only minimal fossil fuel-related items will be used.

The emphasis will instead be placed on alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal and river power. The spa will be located in two teepees, which will include treatment beds, a fireplace, supplies and a dressing area.

There will also be a separate sweat lodge. Saje natural products will be used as well as Anna Sova organic linen. Some of the ecological guidelines the spa will follow include the support of local organic businesses and running vehicles on bio-diesel.

Pamela Hill Advanced Skincare Products: Perhaps the Right Choice for your Spa Clients

Traci Reid — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:15:49 +0000

Pamela Hill is world renowned as an expert in skin care, and the light of advanced skin care products that carry the Pamela Hill name are a safe bet for quality skin care for your clients. Pamela Hill Advanced Skincare Products include a variety of skin care products to choose from. In order to purchase the products, a clinician must first become an approved wholesaler. When this process is complete, a whole new world opens up of top flight products for your clients, including:

Papaya Cleanser with Salicylic Acid: This product is for morning and night. Apply with clean fingertips or facial cleansing sponge. Massage into the skin for sixty seconds, rinse with warm water and pat dry with clean towel. Avoid eyes.
Papaya Facial Scrub with Grains: With this product apply a small amount of scrub to fingertips. In a circular motion, gently scrub the face. Then rinse with warm water and avoid eye area. For external use only.

Daily Moisturizer with Green Tea: This is an anti-oxidant moisturizer for all skin types. Apply daily for hydration to the face and neck.

Moisturizer Plus with Vitamin E: With this product lift a small amount of product from the jar. Using fingertips apply liberally to face and neck. Do not apply to eyelids. Avoid eyes. For external use only.
12% Glycolic Gel: With this product apply two to three drops to the back of the hand. Lift a small amount with the opposite fingertips and apply evenly to the face and neck. Avoid the eye area. For external use only.

8% Lactic Acid Gel: Apply 2-3 drops to the back of the hand. Lift a small amount with the opposite fingertips and apply evenly to the face and neck. Avoid eye area. For External use only.
Enzyme Exfoliation Mask with Papaya Enzymes: This product should be applied to wet skin. Use a generous layer over the entire face and neck and let it set for 3-5 minutes. Avoid eyes. For external use only.

Hydrating Body Lotion with Lactic Acid: Apply this product to legs, arms and body to lubricate and soften the skin’ avoid the face. For external use only.

Retinol Serum with Replenishing Vitamins: apply one “pump” to the back of the hand. Using clean fingertips of the opposite hand, apply evenly to the face and neck. Rub any residual product onto the back of the hands. DO NOT use Retin A at the same application . Avoid the eyes. For external use only.
Vita Co Enzyme Complex with Antioxidants: Also apply one “pump” to the back of the hand. Using the opposite fingertip smooth the product over the entire face and neck. Give special attention to the crows, ‘ feet ‘ and lower eyelids. DO NOT use glycolic products at the same application. For external use only.

Become a wholesaler of these products and introduce your clients to them and you’ll not only be improving your bottom line, but helping your clients as well.