Every single day we make choices—from what to wear to which treatment is best for a particular client. But, can you honestly say that each day you make a concerted effort to choose success?

I was recently in New York attending the 11th International Congress for Salon & Spa Professionals presented by Repêchage for its spa owners and distributors, of which Skin Inc. magazine was a sponsor. For two full days, I existed in a room filled with professionals who, quite clearly, did choose success on a daily basis. And I must admit that it was quite inspiring.

Skin Inc. magazine’s editorial team was bestowed the honor of judging this year’s Repêchage Spa de Beauté Award of the Year contest, and the congress culminated in a gala presentation event at Tavern on the Green in New York City’s Central Park West. Marian Raney, group publisher, delivered an inspiring keynote titled “What a Difference a Year Makes: Innovative Retailing Drives Revenue Recovery.” Then she and I, alongside Lydia Safati, president and CEO of Repêchage and Shiri Sarfati, vice president of sales and marketing for Repêchage, announced this year’s award winners.

* Colonial House Day Spa of North Easton, Massachusetts, was the winner of the Best Skin Care Spa category and will be featured as Skin Inc. magazine’s “Spa Snapshot” for the November 2009 issue.

* Tatewari Spa at Villa Del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort & Spa of Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico, was the winner of the Best Destination Spa category and will be featured as Skin Inc. magazine’s “Spa Snapshot” for the December 2009 issue.

* Body Sense Day Spa of Hyannis, Massachusetts, was the winner of the Best Day Spa category and will be featured as Skin Inc. magazine’s “Spa Snapshot” for the January 2010 issue.

Lydia also presented two President’s Awards to Oasis Day Spa of South Weymouth, Massachusetts, and Three-13 Salon, Spa and Boutique in Atlanta.

At the culmination of the congress, Lydia stated, “There is no such thing anymore as ‘fake it until you make it.’ You need the skills. It takes tenacity and skill. But you need to trust yourself—you know more than you think you do.”

I’ll close with Lydia’s recommended steps so that you, too, can choose success every day.

1. Ask
2. Believe
3. Receive

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Voted “Best Spa in Pittsburgh” by Citysearch. Spa Uptown has recently undergone positive changes that we would love to share with you. We want you to make our spa your urban retreat, where you can relax, rejuvinate and renew your spirit.

Geri Mataya, President Spa Uptown

Letter to our Clients:
I would like to extend a Thank You to all of the wonderful guests we encounter on a daily basis.

Spa Uptown has recently undergone positive changes that we would love to share with you. We want you to make our spa your urban retreat, where you can relax, rejuvinate and renew your spirit.

We understand the financial restraints our economy has put on many families and we know that it is more important than ever to feel good in a down economy. We want you to continue treating yourself and we want to help…During the coming months, we will be offering e-mail specials and incentives for your favorite services. We hope they will make a difference in your lives. Be sure you give us your e-mail, if you are not already signed up….. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to continue to pamper yourself. 

We hope together we can get through these slump times to a bright new future. Thank you again for your patronage.

Geri

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Two Hawaii hot spots have been named to Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot list for 2009.

The Royal Hawaiian hotel has been named a hot hotel and the spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on Maui made the hot spas list.

The list features hotels, restaurants, spas and nightclubs chosen by the travel magazine’s editors. Most are new establishments.

The Royal Hawaiian has “reclaimed its past glory” with its recent $50 million renovations, the magazine said.

The Ritz-Carlton spa was noted for its large number of treatment rooms and private areas, so the spa never feels crowded.

Full reviews of each hotel, restaurant, nightclub and spa will be in the May issue of Condé Nast Traveler, available April 21.

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Forty-four North American hotels, 20 restaurants and eight spas have garnered Mobil Five Star Awards for 2009, the guidebook publisher announced Thursday. That’s 11 more than last year, when 41 hotels, 17 eateries and only three spas received top honors.

Headlining the pack are Georgia’s Sea Island Resorts, which earned four five-star kudos — for the Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club on St. Simons Island, its sister property, The Cloister on Sea Island, its restaurant, the Georgian Room, and its spa. Similarly, the Tower Suites at Wynn Las Vegas, its restaurant, Alex, and its spa received five stars. The Trump International Hotel & Tower in New York re-gained a fifth star five years after losing it. And the Ritz-Carlton Chicago (a Four Seasons Hotel) dropped to four stars after a six-year five-star run.

Other new five-star hotels: The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, N.C., and Skylofts at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. New five-star restaurants are Kai in Chandler, Ariz.; Lautrec in Farmington, Pa.; Studio in Laguna Beach, Calif.; and Addison in San Diego. Other new spas on the list are Spa Gaucin at the St. Regis Monarch Beach, Dana Point, Calif.; The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami; and The Mayflower Spa at The Mayflower Inn, Washington, Conn.

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Spas of America’s Top 30 Spas for 2008

1. 100 Fountain Spa at the Pillar & Post, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
2. The Homestead
3. Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa
4. Abhasa Spa, Royal Hawaiian Hotel
5. Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Mexico
6. Mohonk Mountain House
7. The Tides Zihuatanejo, Zihuatanejo, Mexico
8. Living Waters Spa
9. Turtle Cove Spa, Mountain Harbor Resort
10. The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa
11. Aspira Spa, The Osthoff Resort
12. Willows Lodge & Spa
13. Bernardus Lodge
14. Secret Garden Spa, Prince of Wales, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
15. Red Mountain Spa
16. Anara Spa, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort
17. Crystal Springs Resort
18. Miraj Hammam Spa, Vancouver, British Columbia
19. Pala Casino Spa & Resort
20. Grotto Spa, Tigh-Na-Mara Spa Resort, Parksville, British Columbia
21. Spa Terra, Meritage Resort at Napa
22. Chrysalis Inn & Spa
23. Park Hyatt Toronto, Stillwater Spa, Toronto, Ontario
24. Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa
25. Ancient Cedars Spa, Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, British Columbia
26. The Heartland Spa
27. Spa Avania, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort
28. Health Spa Napa Valley, Inn at Southbridge
29. Temple Gardens Mineral Spa, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
30. Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa

Annual customer ranking of resort, hotel and destination spas across North America

Spas of America, announced their annual ranking of the Top 30 Spas of 2008, based on consumer traffic. Spas of America president Craig Oliver says, “This year’s list is a unique cross-section of Spa & Wellness experiences from across North America, including resort, hotel and destination spas from the United States, Canada and Mexico.” Top 30 list represents the top 5%.

“Many of the spas making our list for 2008 are long-time established properties, with a solid track record of providing extraordinary Spa & Wellness experiences to spa travelers around the world. For 2009 we expect this trend to continue, with consumers attracted to unique experiences, well-earned reputations and value. Even — perhaps especially — in economic downturns, consumers realize the value of Spa & Wellness as a benefit to their overall well-being”.

This year’s list is a unique cross-section of Spa & Wellness experiences from across North America, including resort, hotel and destination spas from the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Topping the list for 2008 is the 100 Fountain Spa at the Pillar and Post set in charming Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The 100 Fountain Spa is located in the heart of Niagara’s wine region, a year-round destination offering a wide range of cultural and recreational activities, only minutes from majestic Niagara Falls.

Number two is the Homestead, situated in the scenic Allegheny Mountains of Virginia. Built in 1892, the Homestead Spa is one of America’s most historic luxury spas, still fed by the original hot springs that have attracted travelers since the 1700s.

Third place honors go to the Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa in Ivins, Utah. Set amidst the remarkable red rocks of southwestern Utah, Fitness Ridge is categorized as a “destination spa,” offering a one-week-minimum, results-oriented health, fitness and weight loss program.

Spas of America’s Top 30 Spas of 2008 are ranked by unique page views generated by customers visiting our website in 2008.

Spa Awards, Spa Business

Hairstylist Patty Lorton won’t be cutting, coloring or styling any hair locally next week. The co-owner of Reflections Salon and Day Spa is one of five finalists who will compete in the Biolage Stylist of the Year contest in New York City.  Shelly Emmanuel is the salon’s other co-owner.

“Our supplier encouraged us to enter the competition,” Lorton explained. “We had to enter photos to show our work, and I met a girl who I thought would be just perfect as our model. She agreed to have her hair cut, colored, styled and a makeover done. We sent in the photos showing her in different hairstyles. Of course, we never expected to hear anything from them.”

Contestants were required to submit an essay, as well as photographs of their models. In explaining how colors were chosen for their model, the Reflections hairstylists’ essay states: “Trudy (Spencer) had moved to northwest Arkansas from Hiko, Nev., to make a fresh start and begin a new chapter in her life. As she described her quaint and cozy hometown, she spoke of the rich colors of the mountainsides and warm hues of the Nevada sunsets. We drew parallels from her story and decided to let art imitate life by allowing the concept of ‘fresh start’ to not only apply to her ZIP code, but also to her appearance.”

The essay included details about Biolage products used on the model’s hair to achieve the final look.

As it turned out, the judging organization notified Lorton that she was a finalist. She will fly to New York City on Tuesday. She will be supplied with a model whose hair she will cut and style. A photo shoot will take place the same day, and the photographs will be posted online. Judged by a group of peers, the grand prize winner will be announced Jan. 15.

“I’m the one going to New York to compete, but it’s really been a team effort with help from several people here at Reflections,” Lorton said. “I’m nervous, but looking forward to the experience. We will be at their hair-styling academy, and I think it will really be interesting to see how they do things there.

“This really is an honor, and I’m humbled by it. I feel like I’ve already won because I’m getting a paid trip to New York City and three days there,” Lorton said. “I’m nervous, but I know it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Spas in Arkansas 

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Kent’s Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage Takes Role as “Best Spa” earlier this year, Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage was named the winner in the Kent Reporter’s “Best Spa Services” category, and this fall, it was nominated as “Best Day Spa” in the KING5 Best of Western Washington contest.

Owner Macey Boughter, LA, LMP, who started the business in 2006, takes these nominations and awards seriously by ensuring that her Kent-based skin care and massage studio offers a wide range of personal services. For example, Read more…

Day Spa, Spa Awards, Washington Spas

Palo Alto Day Spa Readers choose their favorite shops, services  

DAY SPA
Watercourse Way Bathhouse Spa is a tranquil oasis inspired by the natural hot springs of Tassajara. It is also Almanac readers’ favorite day spa. Offering eight private hot tub rooms, several types of massage including hot stone, spa treatments and European facials, Watercourse Way has been soaking and soothing away the stress of the Bay Area since 1980.

Spa Gift certificates and discounts are available.

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Runner-up: La Belle Day Spas & Salons 36 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto; 326-8522.

MANICURE
When it comes to elegant hands with glossy nails and well-tended cuticles, Almanac readers say their fingers prefer the attention of manicurists at LaBelle Day Spas. LaBelle offers specialty manicures to treat dry hands and problem nails, coddles customers with snacks and beverages, and offers long hours, seven days a week, to make appointments convenient, says corporate manager Mila Recania.

LaBelle Day Spas 36 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 326-8522; and 95 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, 327-6964.

Runner-up: Touch of Elegance 1150 Crane St., Menlo Park; 321-0679.

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New Life Hiking Spa Wins Four Major Industry Awards

New Life Hiking Spa has been named among the top-10 best spas in the world for Best for Affordability, Best for Boutique Spa, Best for Weight Loss and Best for Hiking.

Founded and directed by Jimmy LeSage, M.S., the renowned destination spa opened in 1978. Since then, New Life Hiking Spa has helped thousands of people shed pounds while having a wonderful vacation.

New Life Hiking Spa was chosen by MSNBC.com as “one of the top 10 destinations in the world to get in shape” and by Shape Magazine as “one of the eight best weight loss spas“, based on its realistic programming.

“After 30 years, we’re still going strong and empowering our guests to make major differences in their lives at an affordable price,” LeSage said. “Each year, people from around the world come to New Life Hiking Spa and learn to take the necessary steps to create overall better lifestyles for themselves, while also enjoying the pristine scenery and fresh mountain air of Vermont.”

New Life Hiking Spa is a nationally recognized affordable spa located in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont. Known for its exhilarating hiking program, delicious healthy meals and a comfortable atmosphere, New Life Hiking Spa offers the chance to experience the peace of the outdoors in a down-to-earth, country inn environment and is ideally suited for small groups, couples or individuals trying to improve their fitness level and eating habits. New Life is open each year in Killington, Vermont from mid May through the end of September. New Life offers a variety of vacation options including a 2-4 day mini-getaway, a 5-10 day Jump Start Program and the 11-day or longer Weight Loss Retreat.

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