With news that Sarah Michelle Gellar has a little vampire slayer in the oven and Mother’s Day just around the corner (May 10, if you haven’t already marked your calendars), I got to thinking…how many people actually treat the mothers-to-be in their lives to their first Mother’s Day? MGM Mirage has several spa treatments that are perfect for those who are expecting this Mother’s Day, so why not surprise them to something a little unexpected (but desperately needed) this May–a relaxing spa day?
Spa Bellagio has a soothing, 50-minute Expecting Mother Massage ($130) on its menu for women in their second or third trimester. The luxurious, 55,000-square-foot spa is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 702-693-7472.
For those looking for a quick pick-me-up, The Spa at New York-New York offers a Mommy-To-Be massage in both 25-minute and 50-minute durations ($65 and $115, respectively). The treatment, which allows those celebrating their first Mother’s Day a chance to revel in relaxation before motherhood arrives, uses various positioning and modalities to customize the service in conjunction with the term of pregnancy. Like Spa Bellagio’s Expecting Mother Massage, the Mommy-To-Be massage isn’t performed during the first trimester. The Spa at New York-New York is open daily from 6:30 a.m. until 7 p.m., with services beginning at 8 a.m. Call 702-740-6955 for reservations or simply visit The Spa at New York-New York‘s online reservation page to surprise the mom-to-be in your life this Mother’s Day.
Nurture-The Spa at LuxorMothers are known for being nurturing, so why not treat the new mother in your life to a day at Nurture–The Spa at Luxor (pictured left)? The spa’s 50-minute Mother Nurture treatment ($130) is a complete body massage using specific, prenatal techniques to help moms relax, increase circulation, alleviate tired muscles and reduce excess water retention. It’s just what the doctor ordered for soon-to-be mothers in need of some special attention. Once again, this service can only be done after the first trimester. Nurture is open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 1-800-258-9308 or visit Nurture’s online reservation page to book an appointment today.
Finally, the Grand Spa at MGM Grand offers a Prenatal Massage (50 minutes, $135 Mon.-Thur.; $145 Fri.-Sun.) that’s choreographed to nurture expectant mothers. The Swedish massage is delivered with a special technique that’s perfect for that special mom-to-be. Grand Spa is open to the public Mon.-Thur. from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and to hotel guests only Fri.-Sun. from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 702-891-3077.
Looking to put a little spring back into your step? As if times weren’t hard enough, that hour everyone lost last weekend because of daylight saving time has truly taken its toll on all of us. So why not feel reborn again this spring with a trip to The Spa at New York-New York?
Earlier this week, I reviewed one of the more intimate spas on the Strip and one of its blissful treatments, the Escape Stress Body Escape. For those who are dying to go back (or who still haven’t been), The Spa at New York-New York just announced four new spring treatments available for a limited time, now through April 30. Each treatment includes a free cherry blossom-scented candle guests can take home with them to try and help them escape when they can’t make it back out to the spa. After all, we all need to tighten our purse strings a bit in this economy, right?
For those desperate to get rid of those kinks in their back (and we know you have them!), the Cherry Blossom Massage is just what the doctor ordered. Indulge in your own customized massage with combined elements of Swedish relaxation and therapeutic deep tissue. The refreshing scent of cherry blossoms will accentuate the treatment. The Cherry Blossom Massage is available as a 25-minute service for $70, a 50-minute service for $125 and a 75-minute service for $185.
Or, if you’d rather help rejuvenate your skin this spring, be sure to check out the Cherry Blossom Body Treatment. The 50-minute service ($110) includes a full-body exfoliation with a Cherry Blossom scrub that’s designed to leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, followed by an application of Cherry Blossom lotion for a refreshed, hydrated feeling.
Hydrotherapy Soak at The Spa at New York-New YorkThere’s also the 50-minute Cherry Blossom Soak & Glow ($85) which lets guests relax in a luxurious Cherry Blossom-scented bath while experiencing a mini-facial. Your skin will be ready to glow by the time this heavenly treatment comes to an end! Although I haven’t tried the treatment personally, this one sounds too good to pass up!
Finally, for those who are literally looking to put some spring back into their step, the 50-minute Cherry Blossom Pedicure ($80) lets you enjoy all the classic elements of a pedicure paired with a Cherry Blossom foot and leg exfoliation, followed by a foot and leg massage using a yummy-smelling Cherry Blossom lotion. It’s just what your tired tootsies will be aching for after a long day of walking up and down the Vegas Strip–not to mention the treatment gives you an excuse to check out The Spa at New York-New York’s beautiful manicure/pedicure room.
No matter which spring treatment you end up choosing, remember to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to enjoy The Spa at New York-New York’s private sauna and steam room. There is also a whirlpool in the men’s lounge and two private hydrotherapy soaks in the women’s lounge, which female guests can use even if they don’t book the Cherry Blossom Soak & Glow for an additional fee ($45 for 30 minutes).
The Spa at New York-New York is open daily from 6:30 a.m. until 7 p.m., with services beginning at 8 a.m. It is located on the third floor of the hotel near the Empire Elevator. Call 702-740-6955 for reservations or simply visit The Spa at New York-New York’s online reservation page.
It’s the beginning of another long week, and admit it: the only thing getting you through the day is daydreaming about the weekend ahead. By the time “hump day” comes around, you’ll probably be in desperate need of a quick pick-me-up if you want to make it to Friday.
Maybe it’s about time you started a new ritual.
Ritual Spa and Salon has just what you need to get you through the work week: its Wednesday night Spa-Ritual Party. From 6 to 10 p.m., you can receive up to four mini-treatments for just $65–and that includes a $10 gratuity! Spruce up your chipped nails with a mini-manicure; help relieve some of the tension in your back with a mini-massage; soothe aching tootsies with Ritual’s three-step lemongrass foot treatment; or simply get ready for a night on the town with a mini-makeover. The options (which also include mini-facials, mini-hairdos and hair and makeup consultations) seem almost endless. Bring a couple of your coworkers along and unwind together, and enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and complimentary beverages while you wait for your treatments to take place (guests sign up for the services of their choice when they arrive, so appointments are made on a first-come, first-served basis).
Once guests get a taste of all Ritual has to offer, it’s not uncommon for them to want to come back and book a full-length treatment. That’s why, as an added bonus, anyone who attends a Wednesday night Spa-Ritual Party and books an appointment for the following day will receive 30% off the price of their treatment. Guests who attend the party and book an appointment for another day will receive 10% off their service, so even if you can’t think of an excuse to leave the office early on Thursday, you can still save some money!
Ritual Spa and Salon is located at 9480 Eastern Ave., Ste. 125, in the Park Place Center and features 11 luxury spa/salon rooms. It is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesdays from noon to 5 p.m.; and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Mondays). For a complete list of spa and salon services, click here, and call 702-254-2900 to RSVP for this Wednesday’s Spa-Ritual Party
The much-anticipated Eleven plans to open at Town Square this week. Ever since the shopping mall opened in November 2007, Eleven has been in the building stages with first a March launch, then a Nov. 11 opening slated. But it seems the 20,000-square-foot store is on the brink of becoming a reality.
Inside sits a small retail area that will contain the likes of designers such as Black Halo, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent and T-Bags. “There will be nothing like Eleven in Vegas,” said Nikki Oden, owner of the boutique and spa. “I am literally pulling out all the stops to make it the most decadent, indulgent spa experience you could ever imagine having.”
In addition, the location will include a spa with Eleven’s own organic skin-care line, a deejay booth, butlers on staff and waterfall chandeliers shaped like the curves of a woman. The spa will include a signature brow bar by Damone Roberts.
One treatment room, called Bungalow 69, features only old Hollywood treatments and a jetted bath for two. A private VIP room gives celebs and groups some privacy to indulge in services. And the uber-rich can get to Eleven by landing on the helipad.
The whole place can be rented for events. Mirrors in the makeup bar retract to give the place a more open-air feel when it’s filled with up to 750 guests.
Some of the spa’s treatments include the Champagne and Caviar Facial, Eleven Mink Massages, the Eleven Diamond Manicure and Pedicure and the Flamingo Glo, an exfoliating treatment with a finishing massage.
And world-renowned hairstylist Ken Paves, whose Beverly Hills salon caters to the who’s who of LA, has joined forces with the ElevenSpa Vegas.
Carrie Bradshaw on “Sex and the City†once declared that she felt like walking sex after she had a Brazilian. “I’m very aware of down there now,†she quipped after visiting one of Los Angeles’ premier waxers to the stars.
Vegas now has its own spa that caters solely to waxing and takes its name from that classic female friends show. Wax in the City devotes all of its services to the art of hair removal. Owner Kelly Knapp says that the aforementioned Brazilian (where all of the pubic hair is removed) and eyebrows are the two most popular services. “You name it, we wax it,†she proclaimed. Knapp has a City Slicker that leaves a landing strip down there, and she can design triangles and hearts or use hair dye for the truly artistic client. Every client who receives a Brazilian or City Slicker walks out with a new thong, compliments of the spa.
The spa removes hair with Caron hard wax, which requires no cotton sheets and hardens quickly to be taken off. For those afraid of the pain of having hair ripped out by the root, Knapp recommends some ibuprofen beforehand, or attending one of her special girls night out parties where she brings in her best clients in for discounted services and cocktails. Its upstairs location makes it private, and customers rarely have to wait long to get in.
And the main reason clients want a Brazilian? Says Knapp: “Sexually, it’s so much better.â€For more info:
Wax in the City
9555 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 290
Las Vegas
702-889-2727
Las Vegas – Sin City Sanctuaries
Vegas may not seem like the obvious choice for a health and wellness vacation. But look beyond the sea of gaming tables at any of the city’s top resorts, and you’ll likely find a sprawling state-of-the-art spa. Here are (lucky number) seven sanctuaries that hit the spot. Read more…
Swe-Thai massage combines the passive yoga streteching and accupressure points into a Western style massage, providing the best of both worlds. A highly therapeutic and if needed, deep-tissue massage that will help to allevieate muscle tension and pain, relax and restore, and increase flexibility
Spa Packages to Enjoy!
Renew- Spa Package
Renew yourself with this 1 hour package, a 30 minute massage and 30 minute express facial, and a eyebrow sugaring
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Relax -Spa Package
90 minute Healing Stone Massage with a Signature Facial, Eyebrow Sugaring
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Aromatic Foot Soak, 90 minute massage, signature facial, eyebrow sugaring, professional mineral makeup application
Relax and get away from the hectic world
at New Beginnings. Where you can enjoy a relaxing & therapeutic massage , results oriented skin care, and the ancient art of body sugaring , an all natural hair removal service. You can even take a pilates class, we are conveniently located inside Tree House Pilates New Beginnings Skin Care & Massage
Call today 775-721-7540
343 Fairview Drive #205
Carson City Nevada 89701
USA
The luscious fig is surely the most sensual of fruits
A symbol of fertility in many cultures, the fig has long been revered as an aphrodisiac. The ancient Greeks believed figs were a gift from Dionysus, aka Bacchus—the god of wine, wanton behavior, intoxication, and ecstasy—and sacred to Demeter, goddess of the harvest and fertile soil. Figs are believed to have been the favorite fruit of Cleopatra, and they reputedly played a crucial role in her suicide; having decided to take her life in 30 B.C.E. after Mark Antony’s defeat and death, Cleopatra asked that an asp be delivered to her, concealed in a basket of figs.
Fig is the first and most mentioned fruit in the Bible, making its entrance in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve cover themselves with fig leaves. Some scholars claim that a fig, not an apple, was the unspecified forbidden fruit. The fig’s healing properties are referenced in the Bible, when Isaiah recommends a poultice made of figs to cure a boil.
The fig is native to Turkey, which remains the largest producer of the fruit, followed by California. The fruit is actually a flower inverted upon itself, and the trees are relatively short, about twenty-feet-high. Fig trees are extremely prolific; they usually produce two crops per year, and some bear fruit for up to 100 years—one of the reasons the fruit symbolizes fertility as well as longevity.
It was one of these impressive trees, growing behind her Atlanta shop, that inspired Jill Jones to add a Cranberry Fig collection to her Bidwell Botanicals line about five years ago. Her research into the fig’s beneficial properties proved fruitful. “Figs have been used both topically and as a diet supplement for ages due to their high vitamin content,” explains Jones. “Figs also have natural AHA properties that were used as far back as ancient Egypt to help refresh and brighten the skin. What they probably didn’t know, scientifically anyway, was that fig fruit contains very high levels of phytochemicals that help fight cancer andfilter UV rays, thus protecting the skin.” Jones intended Bidwell’s Cranberry Fig collection to be a seasonal offering, but her customers changed her plans: “We brought it out for the holidays then tried to shelve it, but it was really popular—people were up in arms!”
Indeed, figs seem to fuel a fetish following. Californian Brook Harvey-Taylor, founder of Pacifica, says she was inspired to create her Mediterranean Fig Soap and Body Butter when she first tasted the fruit of a fig tree flourishing next door to her beachfront home about seven years ago. “Once I finally ate a fresh one, I was hooked,” she rhapsodizes. She also fell for the fruit’s intoxicating aroma. “The scent of figs is said to be calming,” she notes. “I can’t think of anything better for skincare than taking time to relax and get rid of stress. The ability to really do this is what leads to long-term health and beauty.”
Yet, it’s not just the fragrance that fosters fig fans. Lynn Shulman, founder of Toronto’s Elixir Spa, uses 100 percent organic fig extract in her most popular treatment, the Exfoliating Fig Enzyme Facial. “The reason I chose fig is because ficin [also known as ficain], the enzyme in figs, is twenty times more powerful than papain (papaya enzyme). It does a fantastic job of exfoliating the skin without irritation.” Skincare leader Dermalogica is also using fig for ficin’s exfoliating properties; its Exfoliating Body Scrub includes powder from the fruit and the tree’s latex (a milky sap), which has a higher concentration of the enzyme.
Los Angeles dermatologist Vicki Rappaport can’t verify the higher potency of ficin: “Papain and ficin come from the same family of cysteine proteases. If ficin is stronger, it’s still weaker than most known exfoliators in skincare.” Noting the perpetual search for the latest, hottest, natural ingredient, she says, “Fig as an ingredient is somewhat untapped but emerging as the sexy new kid on the block. Figs are rich in oils in both the skin and the seeds and they have some mild antioxidant properties, which of course helps reverse damage in the skin. And, most of all, fig as an ingredient usually smells luscious.”
That luscious smell was apparent when I recently previewed the new Cranberry Fig Conditioning Body Scrub at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts. “We were tired of the traditional lavender- and citrus-type scrubs,” explains Spa Director Colleen Stiers of her decision to introduce this treatment. “I was looking for something different but still effective. After doing some research we found the fig was Cleopatra’s favorite fruit and has been used for over 2,000 years for its health and skincare benefits. This antioxidant-rich fruit revitalizes the skin by fighting the damaging effects of the sun and environment.” The treatment begins with a full-body exfoliation using Bidwell’s creamy Cranberry Fig Shea Butter Sugar Body Scrub, which is removed with warm towels, and continues with a relaxing soak in a hydrotherapy tub, followed by a light application of cranberry fig moisturizer. The rich fragrance turned heads—everyone I passed wanted to know what smelled so good—but better than that was the long-lasting benefit of moist and smooth skin.
While the Mediterranean pairing of fig and olive is prevalent—as in fig soaps from Israel-based Noveya and Australia’s Mor Cosmetics— cranberry is another popular partner. Unlike Jones’s experience at Bidwell, Bella Lucce founder Lela Rain Barker hasn’t been swayed by customer demand; spas offer her Cranberry Fig Antioxidant Wrap only as a holiday-season special. That won’t be the case at a new spa concept she is helping develop for Marriott properties in the Middle East, North Africa, and India. Sarray Spa, the first of which will debut at the new Marriott resort in Doha late this year, will offer treatments full of fig extract, fig powder, and fig concentrate. “We chose figs as a key ingredient primarily because of their importance in Arabic culture,” says Barker, noting that her new fig formulations will be available in the United States only via internet sale.
Courtesy of Brook Harvey-Taylor, co-founder, Pacifica
“This (facial mask) recipe is very Santa Barbara—the lavender, figs, and avocado are all very important here. At the farmers market, all of these ingredients are available almost all year.”
Ingredients
1ripe fig, peeled
1tbs. honey, preferably local and organic
1tsp. avocado oil
a few drops of lavender essential oil
Preparation
Puree ingredients together and apply to face for at least 10 minutes. This will be sticky but well worth the results. Honey provides moisture and acts as a carrier for the nutrients in the fig. Avocado oil is full of skin-loving essential fatty acids. The fig will also act as a very mild AHA and will leave your skin smooth.
just calm down spa’s At-Home Fig Scrub
Courtesy of Tara Oolie, founder, just calm down spa
This facial scrub can also be used on the body if you increase the amounts of the ingredients, retaining the same proportions.
Ingredients
1cup brown sugar
1/8cup olive oil
1/4cup finely chopped figs
1/8cup oatmeal
1oz. vanilla extract
Preparation
Mix ingredients together, then massage onto skin for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly
It’s so good it had to be part of the name – MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa. Onsen Spa, an Aveda Lifestyle Salon, uses all organically plant-derived products and world-renowned services, along with a menu of eclectic treatments.
“Our staff is trained in Aveda rituals, and we’re proud to have earned this prestigious partnership,” said Ginger Dunn, Onsen manager. Aveda Lifestyle Salon technicians must undergo rigorous training and adhere to policies established by the company.
The name Onsen originates from Japan and means hot springs . Providing a comprehensive experience, Onsen offers facials, 25 to 80 minute massages and a tempting menu of body services. Methods include Deep Tissue massage to target stressed areas with muscle tension; Fusion Stone Therapy, utilizing plants and herbs combined with hot and cold stones to balance and soothe the senses; Elixir Body Wrap, a massage with essential oils and a warm blanket cocoon; and Elemental Nature, personalized aromas paired with massage.
All treatments include a day pass to the spa with grotto-style pool and hot tub, state-of-the-art fitness center, locker rooms with private saunas, whirlpool baths and eucalyptus steam rooms along with forest views just outside. Located away from the casino floor, Onsen’s relaxing atmosphere is on property yet worlds away.
Facials, manicures and pedicures are also offered at Onsen, including the Revitalizing Eye Treatment which diminishes fine lines, puffiness and dark circles; Elemental Nature facial treatment with tailored products to match all skin conditions; and Caribbean Therapy, an exfoliating paste with seaweed masque to smooth hands and feet. Waxing techniques utilize Aveda natural plant wax, essential oils and ingredients to ensure smooth skin.
Men’s and women’s hair care from Up Dos for special occasions and birthdays to simple shampoo and cut are available in the salon. All hair services include a soothing scalp massage. Aveda’s Full Spectrum, damage-free color, is 97% naturally derived and maintains the condition of the hair leaving it looking natural and vibrant.
A full array of services awaits men at Onsen, such as the Sport Facial, which restores moisture to close-shaven faces. The Ultimate Experience begins with a Sport Facial; then a Rosemary Mint Awakening treatment: body exfoliation with aromas and massage; followed with an Executive Manicure: hot towel exfoliation and trimmed, masculine nails.
Couples or friends can relax together with an Elemental Nature or Deep Tissue massage in a private room. Mothers-to-be Massage can also enjoy a massage that focuses on the specific stresses and tensions of pregnancy.
Spa Bellagio has a soothing, 50-minute Expecting Mother Massage ($130) on its menu for women in their second or third trimester. The luxurious, 55,000-square-foot spa is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 702-693-7472.
For those looking for a quick pick-me-up, The Spa at New York-New York offers a Mommy-To-Be massage in both 25-minute and 50-minute durations ($65 and $115, respectively). The treatment, which allows those celebrating their first Mother’s Day a chance to revel in relaxation before motherhood arrives, uses various positioning and modalities to customize the service in conjunction with the term of pregnancy. Like Spa Bellagio’s Expecting Mother Massage, the Mommy-To-Be massage isn’t performed during the first trimester. The Spa at New York-New York is open daily from 6:30 a.m. until 7 p.m., with services beginning at 8 a.m. Call 702-740-6955 for reservations or simply visit The Spa at New York-New York‘s online reservation page to surprise the mom-to-be in your life this Mother’s Day.
Nurture-The Spa at LuxorMothers are known for being nurturing, so why not treat the new mother in your life to a day at Nurture–The Spa at Luxor (pictured left)? The spa’s 50-minute Mother Nurture treatment ($130) is a complete body massage using specific, prenatal techniques to help moms relax, increase circulation, alleviate tired muscles and reduce excess water retention. It’s just what the doctor ordered for soon-to-be mothers in need of some special attention. Once again, this service can only be done after the first trimester. Nurture is open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 1-800-258-9308 or visit Nurture’s online reservation page to book an appointment today.
Finally, the Grand Spa at MGM Grand offers a Prenatal Massage (50 minutes, $135 Mon.-Thur.; $145 Fri.-Sun.) that’s choreographed to nurture expectant mothers. The Swedish massage is delivered with a special technique that’s perfect for that special mom-to-be. Grand Spa is open to the public Mon.-Thur. from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and to hotel guests only Fri.-Sun. from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 702-891-3077.
