From Sea Bright to Cape May, landlords and business owners have spent weeks readying the Jersey Shore for Memorial Day weekend, the summer season’s dress rehearsal.

Public works crews have dragged lifeguard stands and trash receptacles onto the beaches almost around the clock. Long Beach Island has put its traffic lights into full operation for the first time since fall. And bright spring blooms bob in freshly painted flower boxes everywhere.

In Surf City, on Long Beach Island, officials just this week completed a cleanup of unexploded military munitions that began to show up on the beach after a sand-replenishment project two years ago. Nearly 2,000 munitions later, the Army Corps of Engineers swears it has carted off the last of them.

Road crews have been busy, too, with workers wrapping up projects on the Atlantic City Expressway, Garden State Parkway, and other major roads in Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean Counties.

Last Memorial Day weekend, 882,407 vehicles traveled the expressway, and 7.6 million used the parkway. AAA has predicted a slight decline this year, but with gasoline about $1.50 less a gallon now than it was a year ago and good weather forecast - mostly sunny with passing thunderstorms, highs between 75 and 80 degrees - tourism officials hope to prove the club wrong.

Until this week, most of the Shore’s traffic had been lines of delivery trucks carrying fresh linens, tortilla chips, suntan lotion, and other beach essentials to hotels, motels, restaurants, and shops.
In a rush

It takes a lot of work to get the resorts shipshape for their first big wave of visitors. And no one may be in more of a race than Mike Popdan and his small crew.

“I don’t know of anyone who’s in a rush like we are. We have to be out here from sunup to sundown to get this place together,” said Popdan, general manager of the private Club at Diamond Beach, just south of Wildwood Crest in Lower Township.

“We basically have three weeks to start from scratch to build our entire club,” he said.

Though a group of investors owns the 600-foot-wide beachfront - one of few such arrangements at the Shore - state law prohibits Popdan from placing anything on the property until May 1.

His crew has three weeks to install walkways, two bars, a restaurant, decks, cabanas, restrooms, outdoor showers, a children’s playground, and all of the club’s electrical wiring and plumbing. Each year, it carts in a small forest of palms and other tropical plants to give the place a Caribbean-South Seas feel.

The property, at the end of Raleigh Avenue, got a bad rap a few years ago when it was the Atlantis Beach Club and its then-owner charged tenants of adjacent condominium complexes exorbitant fees to use the beach. The state Supreme Court ruled in 2005 that the property must provide public access at a reasonable rate.

Under new ownership, the Club at Diamond Beach charges $5 for a daily beach tag and $300 for the season. An additional $40 buys membership to the club, which sells alcoholic beverages. Lunch, beach chairs, umbrellas, and other amenities are extra.

“It’s really cool when it all comes together, to see that nothing was here but the sand and ocean, and then there’s this little slice of paradise for people to come, bring their families, and enjoy a beach day,” Popdan said.
Finishing touches

Almost as busy as Popdan’s crew is Robert Duzy’s painting operation. The Core Painting Co., of Marmora, spends each spring primping more than a dozen Cape May businesses, rental properties, and amusements owned by Cape Advisors Inc., a company whose holdings include the venerable Congress Hall hotel.

“We do work all over Cape May County, in Ocean City, Avalon, everywhere. But this time of the year, we do nothing but work in Cape May. Because of weather and other conditions, spring is the only time we can do it here,” Duzy said.

All the recent rain has left his crew working overtime to brush, spray, and dapple the resort’s Victorian treasures. The contractor also has helped put finishing touches on a luxurious spa opening at Congress Hall this weekend.

“You never get it all finished by Memorial Day,” said Denney Mayberry, manager of the Southend Surf Shop on the beachfront in Cape May.

The holiday is the “soft opening” of beach season, which doesn’t really hit its stride until around July Fourth, Mayberry said. “You have to see what you need and get your personnel in order. . . . Memorial Day is a good barometer for all that.”

Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, hears that from her membership every year, she said.

“They kind of use Memorial Day to feel out how they think the summer might shape up,” Gillian said. “But even with all the work they might still have to do, they all tell me they are very ready to see the visitors come back.

“Even if they don’t have all the painting finished or every single item in yet, after a long, hard winter, they’re definitely ready for the season to start.”

Full Article and Credits

Spavelous South Jersey Picks

Aquamedica Long Branch NJ

Cape May Day Spa - Cape May NJ

New Jersey Day Spa, New Jersey Day Spa Events, Spa Openings Jersey Shore Spas

The Greenbrier’s new owner and Marriott International have reached a tentative agreement that allows the hotel giant to market the historic resort.

In exchange, Marriott won’t challenge the resort’s sale, said Jim Justice, who purchased the Greenbrier’s stock earlier this month.

Justice worked out the deal with Marriott executives late Friday night at the Greenbrier Valley Airport.

“It can be a wonderful marriage,” Justice told the Gazette this morning. “Marriott will be an integral player in sending us guests. There are so many advantages that can come from this.”

Two weeks ago, Marriott questioned The Greenbrier’s sale, saying it had a contract to purchase the resort from Jacksonville, Fla.-based CSX.

Under the tentative deal struck Friday, Marriott will receive a special fee for every Greenbrier guest booked through the hotel chain’s marketing network.

Justice would have to pay Marriott a $7 million “break-up fee” if he ends Marriott’s marketing partnership.

Justice said no written agreement has been signed, and many details must be worked out.

On Tuesday, a U.S. Bankruptcy judge in Richmond, Va., is expected to consider whether to dismiss The Greenbrier’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy case.

“I’m cautiously optimistic that the dismissal of the bankruptcy is imminent,” Justice said.
Also today, Justice announced he has reached a new collective bargaining agreement with The Greenbrier’s union workers. The union overwhelmingly approved the new contract. The agreement includes significant improvements in health benefits for employees, Justice said.

Full Article and Credits

Spa Business, Spa Legal Issues, Spa Openings, West Virginia Spa Resort body fusions, Facials, hydrotherapy, Massage, The Greenbrier Spa, White Sulpher Springs

Promises to Hire Back Furloughed Workers, Plans to Build a $20 million Casino. Resort’s new owner hopes to build a $20 million casino and hire up to 600 new workers by the end of this year.

Jim Justice, who purchased the historic resort last week, said Monday that the resort would offer “tasteful gaming, but in an aggressive way.”

Justice also plans to start hiring back Greenbrier employees who were furloughed in January by the end of the week.

The Greenbrier now has 1,280 workers, but Justice plans to have 1,600 to 2,000 on staff by December, he said Monday.

“We’re going to have to spend some money to get this place in a position to make money,” said Justice, who bought the resort last week for $20 million. “We’re going to make this hotel flawless. It’s going to be first-class beyond belief.”

A May 19 court hearing has been scheduled in Richmond, Va., to consider Justice’s request to dismiss The Greenbrier from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

There’s still a possible hitch in Justice’s plans.

Hours after Justice announced he purchased the hotel last week, Marriott International said it still had a “purchase agreement” to buy The Greenbrier from Jacksonville, Fla.-based CSX Corp. Marriott said it planned to honor its contract.

In a bankruptcy court filing last Friday, Justice’s lawyers noted that CSX had the right to sell the White Sulphur Springs resort to Justice — despite the previous deal with Marriott — provided Justice pays a $2.6 million “break-up fee” to Marriott, according to a termination clause. Justice said he plans to pay the fee — and move on.

“I hope this all gets worked out,” Justice said. “I don’t want a confrontation with the Marriott. [The resort's employees] don’t deserve more of a cloud, more uncertainty.”

Marriott’s lawyers have yet to respond to Justice’s request to dismiss the case from U.S. Bankruptcy Court. A Marriott spokesman declined Monday to comment on what specific steps the company may take.

“We’ve seen the court filings, are reviewing the documents, and will respond in court at the appropriate time,” said Thomas Marder, Marriott’s vice president of global corporate relations.

Justice reiterated Monday that he owns The Greenbrier.

“CSX had the right to sell the property to me,” Justice said. “I purchased it. I paid for it. I have the stock.”

In November, Greenbrier County voters narrowly approved a measure to allow casino-style gambling at the luxury resort. Last week, Gov. Joe Manchin signed legislation that allows The Greenbrier to set aside a portion of casino wagers to help recoup the cost of employee benefits.

Justice estimated that the new law will allow The Greenbrier to pump up to $5 million more annually into employee benefits.

Justice expects to have an architectural drawing of the casino by June. The new facility, which would cost between $15 million and $20 million, could be completed by December, he said.

“I hope with a full blitz, we’ll get it done,” Justice said. “You’re going to have a whole lot of construction jobs.”

In January, The Greenbrier furloughed nearly half of its 1,350 employees. The resort was struggling to fill its 720 rooms amid the recession.

All but 70 of those workers have returned. Justice promised to hire back the remaining furloughed workers quickly.

“We’re going to be significantly calling people back by the end of the week,” Justice said.

Justice believes The Greenbrier’s bankruptcy filing jeopardizes the resort’s ability to remain competitive in the luxury resort industry, according to his company’s request to have the bankruptcy dismissed. The “stigma of bankruptcy” inevitably drives away guests and undermines The Greenbrier’s ability to book conferences, which generate a substantial portion of the resort’s business, the filing states.

Justice’s request to end the bankruptcy includes new information about his purchase of the resort.

Justice started talking with CSX in late April and purchased The Greenbrier’s stock May 6.

Under the agreement, Justice promised to operate The Greenbrier for at least two years “at standards consistent with maintaining a AAA Five Diamond rating.”

The Greenbrier has held the American Automobile Association’s five-diamond rating for 33 years. AAA awarded its top rating to 103 U.S. hotels last year.

“People forget how wonderful steward [of the resort] CSX has been for a long time,” Justice said. “They wanted a guarantee from me to carry on the tradition.”

In an interview Monday, Justice said he would also work with resort employees to improve The Greenbrier’s four-star Mobil Travel Guide rating. The resort lost its five-star Mobil status in 2000.

“I want to bring The Greenbrier back to where it was a long time ago,” Justice said. “I want it to be profitable. I can’t possibly let it fail.”

Justice scoffed at critics who question his ability to operate a resort.

The former coal company executive acknowledged he has never owned or managed a hotel. But he said he has a master’s in business administration and extensive experience in marketing and advertising.

He vowed to prove his critics wrong.

“I have the resources behind me, and the love of the people who work there,” Justice said. “I’ll set this place on fire. You wait and see.”

 

Full Article and Credits

Casino spas, Destination Spa, Resort Spa, Spa, Spa Resorts, West Virginia Spa Resort body fusions, Facials, hydrotherapy, Massage, The Greenbrier Spa, White Sulpher Springs

Among the many wellness strategies Dutch Hollow Medical Day Spa has to offer, now it features a Weight Management and Healthy Lifestyle Program.

“We can teach you healthy ways to manage your weight,” said owner, medical esthetician and wellness expert Mirka Figueroa, who coordinates with her husband and physician Samuel Figueroa, whom many refer to as “Dr. Sam,” for Dutch Hollows’ clients. “We can help you shed those extra pounds and bring a healthy energy level back into your life.”

The new program includes weekly consultations, daily meal and nutrition suggestions, vitamin B12 and B6 injections each week to increase metabolism and weight loss medication under the supervision of Dr. Figueroa. Dr. Figueroa is a staff physician at Saint Anthony’s Health Center in the anesthesiology department.

Dr. Figueroa does a complete physical consultation with each client before starting any nutritional or exercise changes. Mirka Figueroa weighs clients once a week and records what they consumed and when and how much exercise they did.

She also educates clients about supplements, colon cleansing and European weight-management practices.

“When you help the weight get under control, you feel better and have more energy and are happier,” Figueroa said.

Comments from clients inspired Figueroa to add a weight and lifestyle program to Dutch Hollow’s menu.

“Clients would come for skincare and say ‘My clothes don’t look good, I’m not happy with my body, nothing fits, I’m depressed,’” Figueroa recounted. “I’ve always been interested in nutrition and I have the knowledge and my husband’s background.”

So Figueroa studied and did more research before starting the program a month ago.

Figueroa also encourages weight management clients to have massages to rid their body of toxins while helping ease cellulite and stress.

“With massage, you don’t even realize what benefits you are receiving,” she said. “You feel like a different person and like going home and cooking a healthy meal.”

Figueroa shares healthy recipes, shopping lists, snacks and fresh produce containing less sugar. She also focuses on specialized diets for clients who are diabetic, gluten-free eaters or have other health considerations.

“All diets are approved by Dr. Sam. He tells them about their needs and explains why,” Figueroa said. “He helps them understand fruits and vegetables and what each one does.”

The Figueroas also discuss dairy, alcohol and how foods and beverages interact as well as how to pick a personal trainer whom they also can recommend.

“We teach discipline first,” Mirka Figueroa said. “Then to reward themselves, we give them a (spa) treatment. We want to heighten mental awareness of why and how to adjust your body.”

Figueroa said that the younger generation wants to adjust their lifestyle with organic and natural solutions instead of chemicals.
“People need education,” she said. “It’s not a quick fix anymore. I want long-term happiness for you, which is my happiness. You have to understand that maintenance is the key to life.”

Even if someone has a facelift, Figueroa pointed out that humans still age and without proper care for the body and mind, a facelift would be money wasted.

“You have to know how to rest, take care of your skin and body to be happy,” she said.

Clients can join the program for either one or three months.

Full Article and Credits

IL Day Spas Beauty, Botox, Face Lift, Facial Peels, lipo-dissolve, Luxury Gift Packages, Medical Day Spa, Permanent Makeup, Restylane, Spa

TRAVEL TIME 1 hour 30 minutes by train

WHY? This once nothing-special town has reinvented itself as an upscale oceanfront resort.

MUST DO What makes this Jersey Shore town different from so many others is Pier Village, a massive complex of hotels, stores, restaurants and rental apartments along the ocean. Since its opening in 2005, Pier Village has become the unofficial town center, with an attractive boardwalk that more resembles South Beach than the Shore. Get gussied up at Pier Village’s sleek AquaMedica Salon and Spa, voted best day spa in the state. Start off the evening with a glass of Chardonnay at the upscale wine bar the Wine Loft (32 Laird St.; [732] 222-7770), then enjoy a fancy Manhattan-style dinner (at Manhattan prices) at Sirena Ristorante, a nouveau Italian seafood spot overlooking the ocean (27 Ocean Ave.; [732] 222-1119). For an aprés dinner drink and dancing, the groovy Avenue Nuit, designed by renowned London architect David Collins, is the place to see and be seen–at least on the Jersey Shore (23 Ocean Ave.; [732] 759-6700). Escape the “Village” and dial things down a notch in old-school Long Branch — Tuzzio’s has been around since the mid-’60s; three courses run as little as $9.95 and there’s live music on Fridays and Saturdays (224 Westwood Ave.; [732] 222-9614).

STAY HERE The just-opened Bungalow at Pier Village is billed as the Jersey Shore’s “first authentic boutique luxury-lifestyle hotel.” We don’t know what most of those words mean, and why they’re being used together in a sentence, but the hotel is mod and fab, with a champagne bar. Guests have access to the members-only Le Club, a beach club complete with cabanas, a roof deck bar, lounge and pool (from $339, two-night minimum; [800] 889-4361). On the boardwalk and just north of Pier Village, the 254-room Ocean Place Resort & Spa has a private beach and indoor and outdoor pools (from $169; [800] 411-6493).

HAPPENINGS Opening day of the Monmouth Park Racetrack is May 9, but the Haskell Invitational is the racing and drinking event of the summer (August 2). Oceanfest, the city’s annual Independence Day celebration, takes over the promenade with food, entertainment, arts and crafts and a fireworks display (July 4). September 5 is the Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival, an all-day event with music and fireworks. Pier Village hosts concerts and outdoor movies throughout the summer.

HOT TIP Just three miles from the beach, Monmouth University’s 156-acre campus has great classic and modern buildings. Check out Woodrow Wilson Hall, a National Historic Landmark, where Wilson ran his campaign in 1916. It was used as Daddy Warbucks’s mansion in the film version of “Annie.”

Full Article and Credits

New Jersey Day Spa, New Jersey Day Spa Events, Spa Aquamedica, Long Branch Day Spa, NY Summer Spa Getaway

Spas are not typically known as being green with the amount of water and energy used in excess to offer ultimate relaxation for guests’, spas are now finding creative ways to “green” themselves that are not only great for the environment, but great for their bottom line as well.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is a rating system created by the U.S. Green Building Council to help companies design, build, and operate their structures more sustainably.

Certifications are awarded according to points earned for things such as, design, energy efficiency and water conservation. LEED certifications entail different levels of Copper, Silver, Gold and Platinum in which only 118 buildings have received.

Here are a few spa pioneers whom have earned a LEED accolade and are setting a standard that other spas are soon to follow.

The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

Is the country’s largest LEED-certified high-rise building. Set on the Las Vegas strip, this resort opened in 2008 boasting an eco-friendly spa, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub offers an assortment of innovative spa treatments such the 100 minute Neuromuscular Therapy. This treatment is aimed to relieve tension headaches, back pain, TMJ, restricted ranges of movement and other musculoskeletal conditions. The service is conducted by a trained neuromuscular therapist, which includes referrals so you can continue treatments when you return home. All treatments incorporate organic spa products as well.

Other novel features include a 40-foot rock-climbing wall, water efficient showers, and valet bicycle parking.

 

 

Avalon Hotel & Spa, Portland, Oregon

 

Oregon’s first Silver LEED certification was awarded to the Avalon Hotel & Spa last August because of its energy and water conservation, recycling, and ethical purchasing efforts. Other reasons to visit this boutique hotel on the Willamette River are for its wine bar, complimentary breakfast, and 30 treatment rooms with Spa Chakra services.

 

The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia

The Callaway property sits on 13,000-acre preserve as a dedicated non-profit towards environmental education. The preserve consists of gardens, hiking trails and a butterfly pavilion. Receiving the title as a LEED certified property because it was built with recycled materials and has efficient plumbing, lighting, and air-filtration systems. The 13-treatment room spas uses natural, indigenous products inspired from the gardens that are on the property.

 

Gala Napa Valley Hotel & Spa, American Canyon, California

The Gala Napa Valley Hotel & Spa was the first hotel to receive the country’s Gold LEED lodging certification. Housing 132-rooms with a spa that is inspired by the wine region it calls home, offering locally sourced grape seeds for scrubs treatments and a restaurant that features seasonal, local and organic produce.

Its unique features that made this property LEED certified are its skylights that are shaped like magnifying glasses to help light interiors and real-time display of the hotel’s energy use in the lobby.

 

Nusta Spa, Washington, D.C.

The Nusta Spa is the first Gold LEED certified urban day spa in the country. Known as the pioneer for “spa-greening” in an urban environment it received this certification from its energy and water-saving features and waste reduction strategies. Sourcing only organic products along with its signature skincare line that contains sustainable, organic ingredients.

 

Hotel Terra Jackson Hole, Teton Village, Washington

The Hotel Terra has earned a Silver LEED certification by using an advanced water purification system that purifies wastewater and releases it back into the surrounding land, energy-saving fixtures, nontoxic paints and cleaning supplies. The Chill Spa offers organic and restorative treatments along with cotton robes and reusable water bottles for guests.

 

Other Spa’s that are in the process of gaining LEED certifications are:

Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle Washington
Elaia Spa

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Colorado
Spa Anjali

Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville, Michigan
Crystal Spa

Inn by the Sea Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Spa at the Inn by the Sea

Cavallo Point – The Lodge at the Golden Gate, Sausalito, California
Cavallo Point Healing Arts Center & Spa

The Springs Resort and Spa, Pagosa Spring, Colorado
The Springs Spa & Salon

Bardessono, Yountville, California
Spa Therapy Center

Full Article and credits

California Day Spa, California Spa, Colorado Spas, Eco Friendly Spa, Eco Spa Resort, Green Spa, Green Spas, Las Vegas NV Resort Spas, Nevada Spa Resorts Green Spa, Leeds

Spas are not typically known as being green with the amount of water and energy used in excess to offer ultimate relaxation for guests’, spas are now finding creative ways to “green” themselves that are not only great for the environment, but great for their bottom line as well.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is a rating system created by the U.S. Green Building Council to help companies design, build, and operate their structures more sustainably.

Certifications are awarded according to points earned for things such as, design, energy efficiency and water conservation. LEED certifications entail different levels of Copper, Silver, Gold and Platinum in which only 118 buildings have received.

Here are a few spa pioneers whom have earned a LEED accolade and are setting a standard that other spas are soon to follow.

The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

Is the country’s largest LEED-certified high-rise building. Set on the Las Vegas strip, this resort opened in 2008 boasting an eco-friendly spa, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub offers an assortment of innovative spa treatments such the 100 minute Neuromuscular Therapy. This treatment is aimed to relieve tension headaches, back pain, TMJ, restricted ranges of movement and other musculoskeletal conditions. The service is conducted by a trained neuromuscular therapist, which includes referrals so you can continue treatments when you return home. All treatments incorporate organic spa products as well.

Other novel features include a 40-foot rock-climbing wall, water efficient showers, and valet bicycle parking.

 

 

Avalon Hotel & Spa, Portland, Oregon

 

Oregon’s first Silver LEED certification was awarded to the Avalon Hotel & Spa last August because of its energy and water conservation, recycling, and ethical purchasing efforts. Other reasons to visit this boutique hotel on the Willamette River are for its wine bar, complimentary breakfast, and 30 treatment rooms with Spa Chakra services.

 

The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia

The Callaway property sits on 13,000-acre preserve as a dedicated non-profit towards environmental education. The preserve consists of gardens, hiking trails and a butterfly pavilion. Receiving the title as a LEED certified property because it was built with recycled materials and has efficient plumbing, lighting, and air-filtration systems. The 13-treatment room spas uses natural, indigenous products inspired from the gardens that are on the property.

 

Gala Napa Valley Hotel & Spa, American Canyon, California

The Gala Napa Valley Hotel & Spa was the first hotel to receive the country’s Gold LEED lodging certification. Housing 132-rooms with a spa that is inspired by the wine region it calls home, offering locally sourced grape seeds for scrubs treatments and a restaurant that features seasonal, local and organic produce.

Its unique features that made this property LEED certified are its skylights that are shaped like magnifying glasses to help light interiors and real-time display of the hotel’s energy use in the lobby.

 

Nusta Spa, Washington, D.C.

The Nusta Spa is the first Gold LEED certified urban day spa in the country. Known as the pioneer for “spa-greening” in an urban environment it received this certification from its energy and water-saving features and waste reduction strategies. Sourcing only organic products along with its signature skincare line that contains sustainable, organic ingredients.

 

Hotel Terra Jackson Hole, Teton Village, Washington

The Hotel Terra has earned a Silver LEED certification by using an advanced water purification system that purifies wastewater and releases it back into the surrounding land, energy-saving fixtures, nontoxic paints and cleaning supplies. The Chill Spa offers organic and restorative treatments along with cotton robes and reusable water bottles for guests.

 

Other Spa’s that are in the process of gaining LEED certifications are:

Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle Washington
Elaia Spa

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Colorado
Spa Anjali

Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville, Michigan
Crystal Spa

Inn by the Sea Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Spa at the Inn by the Sea

Cavallo Point – The Lodge at the Golden Gate, Sausalito, California
Cavallo Point Healing Arts Center & Spa

The Springs Resort and Spa, Pagosa Spring, Colorado
The Springs Spa & Salon

Bardessono, Yountville, California
Spa Therapy Center

Full Article and credits

Uncategorized

Spas are not typically known as being green with the amount of water and energy used in excess to offer ultimate relaxation for guests’, spas are now finding creative ways to “green” themselves that are not only great for the environment, but great for their bottom line as well.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is a rating system created by the U.S. Green Building Council to help companies design, build, and operate their structures more sustainably.

Certifications are awarded according to points earned for things such as, design, energy efficiency and water conservation. LEED certifications entail different levels of Copper, Silver, Gold and Platinum in which only 118 buildings have received.

Here are a few spa pioneers whom have earned a LEED accolade and are setting a standard that other spas are soon to follow.

The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

Is the country’s largest LEED-certified high-rise building. Set on the Las Vegas strip, this resort opened in 2008 boasting an eco-friendly spa, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub offers an assortment of innovative spa treatments such the 100 minute Neuromuscular Therapy. This treatment is aimed to relieve tension headaches, back pain, TMJ, restricted ranges of movement and other musculoskeletal conditions. The service is conducted by a trained neuromuscular therapist, which includes referrals so you can continue treatments when you return home. All treatments incorporate organic spa products as well.

Other novel features include a 40-foot rock-climbing wall, water efficient showers, and valet bicycle parking.

 

 

Avalon Hotel & Spa, Portland, Oregon

 

Oregon’s first Silver LEED certification was awarded to the Avalon Hotel & Spa last August because of its energy and water conservation, recycling, and ethical purchasing efforts. Other reasons to visit this boutique hotel on the Willamette River are for its wine bar, complimentary breakfast, and 30 treatment rooms with Spa Chakra services.

 

The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia

The Callaway property sits on 13,000-acre preserve as a dedicated non-profit towards environmental education. The preserve consists of gardens, hiking trails and a butterfly pavilion. Receiving the title as a LEED certified property because it was built with recycled materials and has efficient plumbing, lighting, and air-filtration systems. The 13-treatment room spas uses natural, indigenous products inspired from the gardens that are on the property.

 

Gala Napa Valley Hotel & Spa, American Canyon, California

The Gala Napa Valley Hotel & Spa was the first hotel to receive the country’s Gold LEED lodging certification. Housing 132-rooms with a spa that is inspired by the wine region it calls home, offering locally sourced grape seeds for scrubs treatments and a restaurant that features seasonal, local and organic produce.

Its unique features that made this property LEED certified are its skylights that are shaped like magnifying glasses to help light interiors and real-time display of the hotel’s energy use in the lobby.

 

Nusta Spa, Washington, D.C.

The Nusta Spa is the first Gold LEED certified urban day spa in the country. Known as the pioneer for “spa-greening” in an urban environment it received this certification from its energy and water-saving features and waste reduction strategies. Sourcing only organic products along with its signature skincare line that contains sustainable, organic ingredients.

 

Hotel Terra Jackson Hole, Teton Village, Washington

The Hotel Terra has earned a Silver LEED certification by using an advanced water purification system that purifies wastewater and releases it back into the surrounding land, energy-saving fixtures, nontoxic paints and cleaning supplies. The Chill Spa offers organic and restorative treatments along with cotton robes and reusable water bottles for guests.

 

Other Spa’s that are in the process of gaining LEED certifications are:

Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle Washington
Elaia Spa

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Colorado
Spa Anjali

Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville, Michigan
Crystal Spa

Inn by the Sea Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Spa at the Inn by the Sea

Cavallo Point – The Lodge at the Golden Gate, Sausalito, California
Cavallo Point Healing Arts Center & Spa

The Springs Resort and Spa, Pagosa Spring, Colorado
The Springs Spa & Salon

Bardessono, Yountville, California
Spa Therapy Center

Full Article and credits

Uncategorized

Spas are not typically known as being green with the amount of water and energy used in excess to offer ultimate relaxation for guests’, spas are now finding creative ways to “green” themselves that are not only great for the environment, but great for their bottom line as well.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is a rating system created by the U.S. Green Building Council to help companies design, build, and operate their structures more sustainably.

Certifications are awarded according to points earned for things such as, design, energy efficiency and water conservation. LEED certifications entail different levels of Copper, Silver, Gold and Platinum in which only 118 buildings have received.

Here are a few spa pioneers whom have earned a LEED accolade and are setting a standard that other spas are soon to follow.

The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

Is the country’s largest LEED-certified high-rise building. Set on the Las Vegas strip, this resort opened in 2008 boasting an eco-friendly spa, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub offers an assortment of innovative spa treatments such the 100 minute Neuromuscular Therapy. This treatment is aimed to relieve tension headaches, back pain, TMJ, restricted ranges of movement and other musculoskeletal conditions. The service is conducted by a trained neuromuscular therapist, which includes referrals so you can continue treatments when you return home. All treatments incorporate organic spa products as well.

Other novel features include a 40-foot rock-climbing wall, water efficient showers, and valet bicycle parking.

 

 

Avalon Hotel & Spa, Portland, Oregon

 

Oregon’s first Silver LEED certification was awarded to the Avalon Hotel & Spa last August because of its energy and water conservation, recycling, and ethical purchasing efforts. Other reasons to visit this boutique hotel on the Willamette River are for its wine bar, complimentary breakfast, and 30 treatment rooms with Spa Chakra services.

 

The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia

The Callaway property sits on 13,000-acre preserve as a dedicated non-profit towards environmental education. The preserve consists of gardens, hiking trails and a butterfly pavilion. Receiving the title as a LEED certified property because it was built with recycled materials and has efficient plumbing, lighting, and air-filtration systems. The 13-treatment room spas uses natural, indigenous products inspired from the gardens that are on the property.

 

Gala Napa Valley Hotel & Spa, American Canyon, California

The Gala Napa Valley Hotel & Spa was the first hotel to receive the country’s Gold LEED lodging certification. Housing 132-rooms with a spa that is inspired by the wine region it calls home, offering locally sourced grape seeds for scrubs treatments and a restaurant that features seasonal, local and organic produce.

Its unique features that made this property LEED certified are its skylights that are shaped like magnifying glasses to help light interiors and real-time display of the hotel’s energy use in the lobby.

 

Nusta Spa, Washington, D.C.

The Nusta Spa is the first Gold LEED certified urban day spa in the country. Known as the pioneer for “spa-greening” in an urban environment it received this certification from its energy and water-saving features and waste reduction strategies. Sourcing only organic products along with its signature skincare line that contains sustainable, organic ingredients.

 

Hotel Terra Jackson Hole, Teton Village, Washington

The Hotel Terra has earned a Silver LEED certification by using an advanced water purification system that purifies wastewater and releases it back into the surrounding land, energy-saving fixtures, nontoxic paints and cleaning supplies. The Chill Spa offers organic and restorative treatments along with cotton robes and reusable water bottles for guests.

 

Other Spa’s that are in the process of gaining LEED certifications are:

Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle Washington
Elaia Spa

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Colorado
Spa Anjali

Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville, Michigan
Crystal Spa

Inn by the Sea Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Spa at the Inn by the Sea

Cavallo Point – The Lodge at the Golden Gate, Sausalito, California
Cavallo Point Healing Arts Center & Spa

The Springs Resort and Spa, Pagosa Spring, Colorado
The Springs Spa & Salon

Bardessono, Yountville, California
Spa Therapy Center

Full Article and credits

Uncategorized