Hot stone massage. Chocolate body scrub. Seaweed thalassotherapy wrap. All sound lusciously decadent and expensive.

Even the $10.9 billion spa industry admits prices are inching up, with some massages reaching $250 at the chicest of resorts. But you don’t have to pay full price. Just like the airlines and hotels, spas operate using yield management, meaning that when things are slow and the economy nosedives, prices drop. You can benefit if you learn when and what to book. Here are tips.

Weather your savings. If your destination has a particularly hot summer (Arizona) or cold winter (Maine), off-season specials may be only a thermometer away. Even five-star resorts have an off-season and a busy season. In the off-season, hotels use room discounts to attract guests, then toss in spa discounts to sweeten the deal.

Timing counts. Every spa has off-peak hours of operation: when it first opens, around noon and late in the day. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be slow days. Check if services cost less at some days or times.

Ask and ye shall receive. If you’re a walk-in client, ask about daily specials. Say you’ll come early or are willing to use the newest employee. Many spas offer discounted services to fill unbooked time. Occasionally, day spas slash prices for any first-visit treatment, such as a manicure or facial, in the hope you’ll become a repeat customer.

Or, e-mail spas ahead of time and ask about discounts for business travelers. Julie Gallaher of ThingsYouShould Do.com suggests, “Write something like, ‘I’m going to be in your town next month, but I’m on a budget, so I’m looking for something affordable.’ ”

Also, check for special-occasion discounts. For example, Glen Ivy Hot Springs (www.glenivy.com) in southern California offers free spa admission on guests’ birthdays.

Less is more. Services that require extensive training (Thai massage, Shiatsu, cranio-facial, etc.) cost more. So will a spa’s signature treatments because of the more expensive products used. Among the most overpriced spa services, manicures and pedicures as much as triple what a typical nail salon charges.

Bundle up. Bundling several treatments on one day can reduce the cost 10 percent to 20 percent over à la carte services. If you don’t want a particular service in the package, some spas will substitute.

Cast your net wide. Look off-property or outside resort areas where the facilities are often equal in quality but far less in cost. Within a mile of Honolulu’s Waikiki is Aloha Lomilomi (www.aloha lomilomi.com), which specializes in the Hawaiian lomilomi massage with extra discounts for those older than 65. Ask your hotel concierge if any neighborhood spa offers discounts to hotel guests, advises Mary Hall, author of the Recessionista Blog.

Frequency pays. If you’re in a location for a couple of weeks or visit frequently, you may be able to buy a series of treatments – say, six for the price of five – to be used within a specified time. Some spas offer a frequent-user card. The Spa at Inverness (www.invernessspa.com) in Denver offers a Relaxation Rewards card. After 11 visits that rack up $95 or more each in services, you receive a free treatment of choice.

Show your loyalty. Most spas offer loyalty programs for local or repeat customers. The Relache spa at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine (817-778-1800; www.gaylord hotels.com/gaylord-texan) offers the Preferred Customer program. Participants get 20 percent off all services on Mondays through Thursdays. To make the PC list, share your e-mail address so the spa can send you information.

Maximize a mini. Consider express treatments such as a mini-facial or 30-minute massage. A shorter facial and half-hour spent in the relaxation area may just give you the boost you need. Plus, with most full-service spas, visitors who book a treatment are free to use the entire facility – saunas, steam rooms, swimming pool, relaxation lounge – for the day.

Surf the Internet.  For other spa savings options, search with city name and “spa discount.”

Go back to school. Cosmetology or massage-therapy schools charge a fraction of their spa counterparts. Most offer a student salon or clinic where treatments are performed under the supervision of instructors. Search for schools of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (www.careersinbeauty.org) or the American Massage Therapy Association (www.amtamassage.org).

In Dallas, the Salon Professional Academy (214-222-2436) offers facials for $22. Manicures start at $11.

Shop Costco. Another great deal dug up by Consumer Reports’ Shop Smart magazine: Discount warehouse Costco sells two $50  gift certificates for $79.99 (a 20 percent savings). Use the certificates for treatments (even discounted ones) at any spa in the  network.  Make sure you have a local spa that accepts them ands use them right away.

Join the club. Consider a national or regional massage chain. The chains are prone to staffing turnover, and it may take a few visits to find the ideal masseuse, but savings can be significant. For example, Massage Envy has more than 500 storefront clinics nationwide and employs only certified therapists. Members get one massage for $49 to $59 per month (depending on location) with any extras $39 to $49 each.

Hiatus Spa and Retreat in Dallas (214-352-4111; www.hiatusspa.com) offers a similar membership program. Customers pay $59 a month for a 12-month platinum membership or $69 for a six-month gold membership, which gets them one core service such as massage, facial or wrap each month plus unlimited core services priced at the monthly fee. Memberships may be shared by four people in the same household.

Full Article and Credits

Affordable Spa, Cheap Spa Deals, Day Spa, Spa, Spa Deals, Spa Finder, Texas Day Spa Spa Deal, Spa Discounts

Find a Massage Therapist Spa Locator

Recession blues are so not pretty, and increasingly, consumers have been cutting back on life’s little luxuries. That definitely includes spa visits and appointments for facials, massages, and manicures.

Well, here’s a treat for frugal fashionistas and budgeting beauties who want to stack paper and still look fabulous.

From April 13 to 19. Over 750 spas nationwide will be offering up to three spa services, normally $100 or more, for a discounted price of $50. And you need to book an appointment ASAP if you want to get in on this sweet deal! Trust me – speaking from personal experience, these spots get filled up fast.

All kinds of establishments will be offering the discounted deals — day spas, med spas, and fancy-pants resorts. This year’s list of participating venues ranges from West Palm Beach and Boca, Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale, to Miami Beach, Coral Gables, and downtown. Here are the local offerings, so all you need to do is pick up the phone and dial!

Beach beauties, check out:
Luca Spa (110 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-534-7546)
Laser Cosmetica (400 Arthur Godfrey Rd., 888-341-9674)

The Standard (40 Island Ave., Miami Beach; 305-673-1717)

Uhma Spa (726 6th St., Miam Beach; 305-695-0996)

Downtown:

The Spa at the Sports Club/LA (in the Four Seasons Tower, 1441 Brickell Ave.)

 mySpa at the InterContinental (100 Chopin Plaza, 305-372-4444)

BodySense Holistic Spa and Wellness Center (2292 Coral Way, 305-854-3100)

Skin Therapie Spa (31 Almeria Ave., Coral Gables; 305-448-0555)

Up north in Aventura, there’s the Sleek MedSpa (19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura; 877-629-SLEEK)

If you’re new to the practice of pampering yourself, visit the website for tips on what to expect, how much to tip, and whether or not you should strip buck naked before entering the steam room or not.

Full Article and Credits

Affordable Spa, Facials, Florida Day Spa, Florida Spa Resort, Spa Deals $50 Spa Treatments Florida, Florida Spa Week, Spa Deals, Spa Discounts, Spa Specials

With the economy slumping and fuel prices soaring, facials and massages may not be a top priority for consumers on a budget.

“You can still go and have a spa experience without spending a ton of money,” says Veronica Cole of the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa in Ojai, Calif. “Many spas, like ours, offer use of our facilities with one treatment, so you can come spend hours relaxing.”

In other words, if you can’t afford a weekend or overnight stay, consider booking one massage or scrub at a destination spa, which usually entitles you to use the pool, steam room and other facilities for the day.

The Ojai Valley Inn, located not far from Los Angeles, is a destination spa known for its blooming lavender gardens and an approach that draws on Native American traditions. Cole said carving out an hour or two and hanging out at the spa can be relaxing enough to make you feel like you’re on a mini-vacation.

Jaime Huffman of the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville, N.C., said more 50-minute massages have been made available recently instead of more expensive 80-minute massages.

The Cliff House Resort & Spa in Ogunquit, Maine, offers a $99 spa sampler on Sundays.

Booking midweek is usually cheaper than weekend trips, and spa owners suggest asking about specials like a mother-daughter discount or a family discount. Most spas have them but don’t necessarily talk them up.

Cole also suggested asking the therapist or aesthetician for tips on how to continue the regimen at home.

“It’s not that we don’t want you to come and stay with us for days – we do,” she said. “But if it’s a choice between thinking it’s too expensive and skipping it altogether, we’d rather you just come for something small.”

Spas are still growing despite the economy: 138 million people visited spas around the country in 2007, according to the most recent industry figures from the International Spa Association. And spa revenue in 2007 was $10 billion, the organization said, up from just over $9 billion the year before. Data for 2008 shows that spas continue to grow, the association said.

Spa operators also suggest considering a spa vacation as an alternative to going to Europe or taking some other big trip. There’s rarely a need to drive once you’re at a destination spa, so you won’t be spending money on gas. And an all-inclusive booking means that lodging, food, pools, the locker room and other amenities and facilities like hot tubs and steam rooms are included in the cost.

“You can really retreat to a spa, and there are no unaccounted costs because you pay upfront,” said Lola Roeh, general manager of the Osthoff Resort, which is home to the Aspira Spa in Elkhart Lake, Wis. “You can chose to add on costs, like additional treatments, but that’s up to you.”

Destination spas can be pricey – $500 for a weekend or more – but it’s possible to cut other costs if you decide to vacation at one. The Lodge at Woodloch, located about two hours outside of New York in Hawley, Pa., is far enough away from the city that visitors can feel like they’re on a real vacation, but close enough to take a bus or train from Manhattan and save on gas. And you don’t have to stay a week or five days – many spas offer two-night stays that can still be relaxing.

Many other spas are located outside of major metropolitan areas, like Kohler’s newest day spa in Burr Ridge, Ill., outside Chicago. The company, known for its faucets, paired a showroom with the spa so clients can sit in whirlpools or fancy tubs and do shopping for remodeling, too.

Along with tips for spa-goers on a budget, other themes emerged at the Aug. 21 spa meeting. Here are five trends shaping today’s spa experience.

BUSY BEES: Many spas are catering to the stresses on busy workers. The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Va., is offering a Wi-Fi massage geared toward the muscles you use when you’re at the computer. Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, N.Y. offers meditation to help calm nerves.

THE FIRST TIME:

Ginn Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, Fla., offers a clothed massage – for people who are afraid of going in the buff to a treatment. A survey of spa-goers last year found 70 percent who hadn’t tried a massage were uncomfortable with being naked or partially naked. This massage eases people into the treatment – and hopefully allows them to feel more comfortable to go full Monty later on.

COUPLES TOO:

Ginny Lopis of The Lodge at Woodloch says she’s seeing more and more couples booking spa getaways. At least half the guests these days are male, she says. “It’s really not just for ladies anymore,” she said. “We get husbands and boyfriends here who really enjoy it.” Other spas say they are seeing more couples, also.

GO GREEN:

Spas are getting greener, from homeopathic treatments at the JW Marriott Spa Collection to an eco-friendly spa at Mohonk Mountain House that uses organic products made from locally grown ingredients. The Kohler spas are big on water conservation, and use eco-friendly shower heads and toilets.

DISTINGUISH FROM THE MASSES:

With more than 18,000 spas around the country, establishments are distinguishing themselves by offering unique treatments and products. The Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts spas offer a lava shell neck treatment, which uses shells, applied in the same way that heated stones are sometimes used in massage.

The Lake Austin Spa Resort located outside Austin, Texas, offers yoga and spa treatments for those with asthma and allergies.

Full Article and Credits

Affordable Spa, Colonial williamsburg, Day Spa, Green Spas, Massage, Texas Day Spa, Texas Resort Spas, Top Spas Affordable Spa Treatments, Affordable Spas, Green Spas

In late November, a couple of months after the global financial crisis leaped to the top of news reports, spa lovers browsing  were showing new interest in a concept fit for jittery times. Along with the usual search terms, like “day spas” and “massage,” a newly prominent word was typed into the site’s search engine three times more often than it had been in the summer. That word was “stress.”

Interest hasn’t waned since.   Not only is “stress” still showing up often in the site’s searches, but weekly traffic to “stress management”  has doubled since the summer months.

When the economy was good, taking a spa vacation was largely about pampering yourself. It didn’t matter that the afterglow of that $165 carrot-and-sesame body buff lasted only until your next shower. Now, with the sinking economy on most people’s minds, a trip to the spa has become something else — an investment of sorts, in well-being.

The shift in mood is not lost on spa owners, who have long been savvy marketers, convincing people of the purifying qualities of sweat lodges and persuading them that a nightingale cleansing mask, made from sanitized bird droppings, was truly worth $109.

Miraval, the spa resort company based in Tucson, Ariz., is offering a new De-Stress Me package designed for “these trying times,” according to Tracey Anne Latkovic, the vice president of sales and marketing.

The Eldorado Hotel and Spa in Santa Fe, N.M., is running a Stress Bailout promotion to attract travelers looking “to escape the non-stop coverage of the economy,” according to a press release.

And under the usual New Agey marketing jargon that flashes across the sleek home page of Canyon Ranch, the destination spa company that was luring guests for body poundings and weight-loss regimens before the modern spa proliferation was a gleam in marketers’ eyes, there is a new message straight from its founders, Enid and Mel Zuckerman. “Has there ever been a time when you could have used an escape to Canyon Ranch more?” it reads, under the caption “The Vacation You Need” and a proverb about health, hope and happiness.

“No?” the pitch continues. “Then book your healthy, revitalizing getaway today and let us help you re-establish your balance. In times like these, nothing — nothing at all — is more important than taking care of yourself and on focusing on what really matters: Health, hope, love and a tranquil mind.”

During past economic downturns, Zuckerman said in an interview, business had been “very strong, because people need to get away to deal with stress, deal with fear, go to behaviorists, do life management, protect their health.” So far, Canyon Ranch’s revenues are “holding up very nicely” this time, too, he said, despite a dip in occupancy of about 10 percent in Tucson and Lenox in 2008. And the company opened a new luxury spa in Miami in December, just when the recession was proving itself entrenched.

Of course, a little financial incentive also helps. To battle the uncertain economy’s dampening effect on leisure spending, spas are marrying their new emphasis on stress relief with a flood of discounts and deals.

Rancho La Puerta, just over the California border in Tecate, Mexico, explains its decision to keep prices at 2008 levels — starting at $2,795 a person for seven nights, double occupancy — this way on its Web site: “We feel that in these tumultuous times a destination spa vacation is more important than ever.” It has also run Bring a Friend promotions that allow a guests to double up and share $1,500 to $2,200 in savings.

Miraval’s Authentic Remedy package, which starts at $399 a person a night — more than 40 percent off regular rates — includes extras like organic wine tastings and cooking classes. Mii amo, at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Ariz., is holding rates at 2008 levels and offering other discounts.

Not to be outdone, the Golden Door in Escondido has rolled back weekly rates to 2007 levels of $7,750 a person through May 24, down from $8,275 originally planned for this year, and is offering $500 savings if you bring a friend.

Even Canyon Ranch, which has never lowered its published rates — “I could never compromise our standards or cut our programs because we no longer could be who we are,” Zuckerman said — is tinkering with pricing.

Canyon Ranch in Tucson is offering credits of up to $350 for stays of at least four nights (which start at $3,770 a person, based on double occupancy) to out-of-towners, to help offset airfares. Its sister property in Lenox, Mass., has a fifth-night-free deal through April — in effect a discount of as much as $1,000 depending on accommodations and time of week — and is also offering 15 percent in savings when two guests who have never stayed at a Canyon Ranch resort share accommodations.

Last year, at the second-annual Global Spa Summit in New York, Ian Schrager, the trendsetting hotelier who is designing a new spa brand for Marriott, suggested another way spas could improve business — add spaces where spagoers can hang out. “These are places where people can meet and socialize before or after spa treatments,” he said in a keynote address. “People feel good when they come out of the spa and spas can take advantage of that.”

Spa owners have no more insight than anyone else into how long tough economic times will last. “I have no idea whether we got another year or two or three years ahead of us,” Zuckerman said. But recently, Canyon Ranch bookings have been picking up ever so slightly, he said, which he takes as “the message that people still want and need what we have to offer.”

For the nail-biting stress victim who still has enough money left to relax at a spa at all, this may not be entirely the worst of times.

Full Article and Credits

Top Stress Relief Spas and Spa Deals

Spas …The Best Stress Less Step 

Affordable Spa, Arizona Spas, California Spa, Destination Spa, Miraval, New Mexico Spas, Stress Management Spas Canyon Ranch, Destination Spas, ElDorado Hotel, Golden Door, Miraval, Spa, Spa Discounts, Spa Stress Packages, Stress, Stress Management

Blue Salon & Spa

Only a jitney ride away, Blue Salon and Spa is really a diamond in the shopping center rough. The spa is located next to Ann Taylor, just a walk across the parking lot from the movie theatre. This newly opened salon offers high-end goods and services from Aveda, a company known for it’s botanically-based, environmentally- friendly makeup, skincare and hair care products.
Blue Salon was opened in September 2008—a tough time for any fledgling business. However, they have enjoyed a flourishing first few months; owner Lisa McKnight attributes their success to the fact that they are one of the only high-end salons in the area.
Although the spa strives for a luxurious experience, haircuts are very reasonably priced for such a salon. For $30, an associate designer will give you a wash, cut, dry, and even a scalp massage, all using Aveda’s beautifully-scented products. For $40 and up, McKnight, a master designer will put her 22 years of hair-cutting, dying, and styling experience to use perfecting your coif.
Massages and facials are also very popular at the salon. Blue features a “Corrective Elemental Nature” facial for stressed skin, which includes exfoliation, face and neck massage, and addresses your individual skin concerns, whether you have dry, sensitive, or oily skin.
Blue also offers a “botanical skin-resurfacing anti-aging facial,” a “skin- renewing treatment” that improves skin slowly over the course of several treatments, a “plant peel,” to exfoliate skin, and a “rosemary mint awakening body wrap.”
Not one to skimp on the perks, Blue also includes a free footbath with each facial, as well as the scalp massage with each hair service. Additionally, be sure to ask for the Aveda tea. It’s rather pricey to buy—about $14 for a box of 20 tea bags— but it’s complementary at the spa and delightfully relaxing.
The salon’s hours are also quite generous; many salons aren’t open on Sundays or Mondays, and often close rather early. Blue Salon, however, is open 10-9 from Tuesday to Saturday, 12- 5 Sundays and 2- 9 on Mondays.

Full Article

New Hartford Spa, Spas in New Hartford NY, New York Spas, Day Spa in New Hartford, Spa Deals New Hartford

Spavelous  Spa Locator  The Largest Spa Directory and Best Spa Deal Finder

Affordable Spa, Aveda Spas, Day Spa, NY Spas, Spas in New York Day Spa in New Hartford, New Hartford Spa, New York Spas, Spa Deals New Hartford, Spas in New Hartford NY

New Life Hiking Spa, a top destination spa in Killington, Vermont, offers free wedding planning services and banquet room to couples looking to have a wedding with a healthy menu and spa services for the wedding party.

Killington, VT  New Life Hiking Spa, is offering free wedding planning services and banquet room to couples seeking to have a spa destination wedding in the beautiful Green Mountains of Killington, Vermont and a reception with a delectable spa menu. New Life Hiking Spa is located at the Inn of the Six Mountains which has 3,250 square feet of meeting/banquet space. New Life Hiking Spa is open from mid May – September every year.

Vermont Destination Wedding on the grounds of the Inn of the Six Mountains, location of New Life Hiking Spa.

“By having a wedding at a destination spa, the bride and groom can offer their guests and wedding party relaxing massages, group hiking activities and a menu of healthy alternatives for their reception. Plus, the beautiful Vermont location can’t be beat,” states Jimmy LeSage, owner and founder of New Life Hiking Spa. 

By having a wedding at a destination spa, the bride and groom can offer their guests and wedding party relaxing massages, group hiking activities and a menu of healthy alternatives for their reception. Plus, the beautiful Vermont location can’t be beat

The Inn of Six Mountains, which serves as the headquarters of New Life Hiking Spa, is complete with an indoor and outdoor pool and hot tub, a beautiful courtyard overlooking Killington Mountain, 99 guest rooms, treatment/massage rooms and banquet space. New Life Hiking Spa destination weddings are offered May – September while New Life is open for its season. Weddings without the spa component are offered all year at The Inn of the Six Mountains.

New Life Hiking Spa was chosen by MSNBC.com as one of the top 10 destinations in the world to get in shape, by Shape Magazine as one of the eight best weight loss spas, and by Health Magazine as one of four great weight loss spas. For three years in a row New Life has won Best for Weight Loss and Best for Affordability by SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Awards. New Life has also won Best for Cooking Demos by SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Awards.

About New Life Hiking Spa:
New Life Hiking Spa is a nationally recognized affordable spa located in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont. Known for its exhilarating hiking program, a world renowned weight loss retreat, 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. It 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. One of the most respected spas in North America, New Life has been in business since 1978. 

Full Press Release

Affordable Spa, Destination Spa, Hiking Spas, Vermont Spas, Wedding Day, Weight Loss Spa Romantic Spa Getaway, Spa Wedding Services, Vermont Spa, Weight Loss Spa

Men Flock to NJ Spa To Escape Troubled Economy
Men in NJ are finding that the spa provides some much needed relief from the daily pressures caused by the turbulent economy. Spas in NJ like Aquamedica Salon and Day spa report seeing higher visits from men during the past few months.
Aquamedica Salon and Day Spa in Long Branch, NJ was on to something good when they decided to create an exclusive menu of services specifically tailored to the well being of men. Since the economy has suffered, the ocean front spa in Pier Village says they have seen more men coming in for massages, facials and other grooming treatments.

One reason may be the significant amount of pressure men are feeling to support their families financially and emotionally during these troubled times. With most of the men being the breadwinner of the family, the stress is on to keep their familie’s financials in line.

With the mounting pressure, men are turning to spas like Aquamedica Salon and Day Spa in Long Branch, which has an exclusive menu of services dedicated to the needs of men. With private changing quarters, steam room and a peaceful relaxation Dream Room, men can enjoy an experience all their own and get a much needed break from life’s daily stressors.

The men’s spa services offered at Aquamedica are available online and can be purchased as a gift certificate. Please visit Aquamedica to view the full menu.

In November of last year, Aquamedica launched their ‘Aquamedica Cares’ initiative. The program offers their full service, luxury spa treatments at a fraction of the cost. Consumers can save as much as 50% off massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. Giant savings are announced each week and posted on their website. The big discounts allow men, women, and teens to continue to enjoy their favorite Aquamedica Spa services even on the strictest budgets.

About

AQUAMEDICA Salon and Spa is a full service salon and day spa located on the ocean front boardwalk of Pier Village in Long Branch, New Jersey. Their ideal location, nestled on the boardwalk of New Jersey’s most highlighted lifestyle center for shopping, dining and entertainment, makes Aquamedica a true destination for health, wellness and happiness.

Affordable Spa, Day Spa, Long Branch Nj Day Sap Aquamedica, Luxury Spa, Men Spa, NJ Spas, New Jersey Day Spa, Spas for Men, Stress Management Spas

Once an economic sweet spot, spas are aching for business.

Spas are discounting or tossing in freebies “to get people in the door,” says Shelby Jones, an International Spa Association (ISPA) spokeswoman. An ISPA survey found specials at slow times (Monday-Thursday) and more free use of amenities such as pools and hydrotherapy areas.

More hotels (1,646 in the USA had spas as of June, ISPA says) are giving spa credits. When ISPA president Lynne Walker McNees checked into a Lexington, Ky.-area Marriott after a power outage, it gave her a $40 spa credit.

Some soothing offers driven by the stressful economy:

•Through May, Miraval Tucson in Arizona (an Oprah Winfrey favorite) is touting “Authentic Remedy” packages from $399 a person daily to help manage angst. That covers meals and one spa service (up to $125) a day.

•At the Inn at Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina, visitors who book a 60-minute massage ($145-$160) also get a free mini-facial or foot refresher.

•Usually heavily booked Rancho La Puerta across the Mexican border from San Diego is holding rates at 2008 levels and running a “bring a friend for 50% off” deal on slow weeks.

•Pennsylvania’s The Lodge at Woodloch is massaging wallets with savings of 25% for a four-night minimum stay and 20% for three nights.

Even VIP-luring Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is value-minded. It’s doing massages in a cabana at no extra cost, spa director Derek Hofmann says. “And if you’re a Bloody Mary girl, we’ll bring you one.”

Vegas spas deals:

•The Golden Nugget spa gives guests who have 50- or 80-minute services a free manicure or blow dry, based on availability.

•Some packages at The Mirage Hotel & Casino are deeply discounted ($150 for a massage and facial vs. the usual $260).

•The opulent Caesars Palace spa now gives new guests $25 off a service on request; all can get free eye treatments with a facial.

You can tell the industry is hurting  says Lindsey Gockenbach of the Spa Week Media Group. 

More spas with “treatments of $200-plus” are joining in, Gockenbach says. Among the 250 newcomers: pricey The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa in Arizona. “These are spas that never participated in Spa Week because of this discount but now are almost forced to do so.”

Spas also are touting wellness over pampering. But in general, rates for spa basics such as massages ($150-plus hourly at some chic sanctuaries) aren’t sliding.

“The idea is to protect the brands,” says Bernard Burt, co-author of 100 Best Spas of the World. “Historically, the best spas have ridden out recessions.”

Meanwhile, at a time when a good kneading is needed more than ever, he suggests asking for discounts. It can’t hurt, he says.

“The smart shopper will call direct and ask for the best price.”

Full Article and Credits

Affordable Spa, Arizona Spas, Best Spas in the USA, California Spa, Casino spas, Cheap Spa Deals, Destination Spa, ISPA, Las Vegas NV Resort Spas, Lifestyle spas, Massage Deal, Miraval, Oprah, Oprah Best Life, Oprah's Spa, Pa Resort Spa, Spa Deals

Imagine reaping the benefits of pure aloe while enjoying the therapeutic qualities of a massage or facial. Once available only in Spain and Argentina, Aloe-Spa Salute Per Aloe has recently expanded their business to mobile services available to hotels, condos and luxury residences from Ft. Lauderdale down to South Beach Miami. A few of their services and starting price points include: 

• Massages – 40 minutes for $120
• Facials – 50 min $130
• Body treatments – 30 min for $150

Aloe is touted as one of the most healing and soothing plants aptly suited for both health and beauty regimens. Other natural ingredients used in Aloe-Spa’s unique services include: organic brown sugar, marine salt, green coffee, honey, green tea extract, mate extract, açai extract, Andean volcanic clay, and pure caviar. Sounds deliciously restful.

Affordable Spa, Florida Day Spa