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

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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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Wink Eco Beauty Bar proudly announces its Grand Opening, set for Tuesday April 7, 2008 in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. W!NK is an eco-chic parlor offering clean, friendly, and healthy professional beauty services to enhance one’s life. From the product lines carried, to the service protocol and sustainable storefront design, W!INK Eco Beauty Bar has created an environmentally conscious and social environment for treatments and beauty services designed for men and women alike.

Tani Chambers, Owner of W!NK Eco Beauty Bar states “While Greening my lifestyle, I realized that would have to include my beauty products and regimens as well. Shockingly, there was no place in Brooklyn to accommodate my needs where I didn’t question sanitation and the safety of the products used. Not to mention that every place looked the same, so I decided to create W!NK Eco Beauty Bar, a place that addressed all those needs.”

For the environmentally conscious consumer, W!NK offers Brooklyn’s first Green beauty bar. While the list of green practices and sustainable design elements at W!NK is very long, some highlights include the usage of reclaimed & surplus wood for construction and custom furniture, energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Lights, water conservation rules, biodegradable salon slippers & toe separators, materials printed on post-consumer recycled paper w. plant, soy or vegetable based ink, and personal care products free of parabens, phalates, synthetic fragrance, toluene, formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals. The Apothecary Bar gives customers the option to select from natural, vegan, and/or organic products to create custom blended body care products for use at W!INK or at home. W!NK utilizes products from Farmaestethics, Spa Ritual, OPI, Zoya, Stript Vegan Cosmetics and much more to comply with their Green protocol.

Located on the now historically-landmarked Vanderbilt Avenue amidst some of Brooklyn’s most beautiful neighborhoods, W!NK’s clients are treated to a warm, cozy haven where discriminating beauty and rejuvenating needs are met. The fresh sea blue walls are contrasted by copper accents, espresso furniture and floors. A 12-foot bar table accommodates five clients at a time for manicures and blending sessions from the Apothecary Bar. The Pedicure lounge accommodates up to three clients at a time in unique relaxing loungers along with beautiful hammered copper foot baths not found in your typical nail salon. The Brow Bar is accented with two stunning 6ft mirrors and fully reclining styling chairs for the utmost in client comfort. The treatment room offers plenty of sunlight and a view of the garden. W!NK also invites clients to visit the boutique area where beauty products, cosmetics, fashion accessories and gifts are available to complement the eco-friendly services. With eco-minded features and plush, inviting furnishings, Brooklyn’s neighborhood nail salon and beauty treatment destination has a whole new feel to it.

W!NK Eco Beauty Bar provides over 40 signature services and treatments reflecting a natural, eco-friendly, and fun experience! Come for everyday beauty maintenance like a manicure, pedicure, eyebrow design and hair removal via wax, thread or sugar. When in need of some extra care or rejuvenation, W!NK offers massages, body scrubs, wraps, and detox treatments as well as makeup application. Spa treatments are crafted with clays, salts, sugars, herbs, essential oils, rich body butters, lotions and balms. Some of W!NK’s signature treatments include Acrylics Anonymous, W!NK’s nail restoration program, The Athlete – a series for men who need some attention after a rigorous exercise routine, Four Hand (Tandem) Massage, Green Glama Facial, W!NK’s signature facial and the preferred facial for the eco-fabulous, and Beau-T-Full Brows a treatment that’s more than just a shaping. There are also seasonal Apothecary Treatments, which for spring include “Soul Shine” a body polish & herbal wrap, “Citrus Foot Splash” pedicure and “Awakening” essential oil massage. Even more is in store at W!NK including weekly events such as MANic Mondays, when W!NK is open exclusively to Men and Thursday’s “Girls Gone Green”- an after work social, plus other special promotional events. W!NK is also available for private party bookings.

W!NK Eco Beauty Bar is located at 602 Vanderbilt Avenue. Brooklyn, New York, 11238 Regular Hours of Operation begin with the Grand Opening on April 7th and will then follow the schedule: Mon(By Appt -Men Only)Tues (closed), Wednesday-Friday (11a-8p), Saturdays (10a-7pm), and Sundays (11a-5pm).

There will be a Soft Opening March 28th, W!NK will be open from 10a-7p, Sunday (11a-5p), and Thursday & Friday (11a-8p).

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Source Salon & Spa is Ballard’s one-stop shop for your every pampering need
Enjoy the gamut of treatments from manicures to massages, eco-friendly products and a welcoming ‘mom-and-pop’ vibe many of us have the time or money that it takes to run to one salon for highlights, another for a brow wax and then across town to still another spa for a massage and a quick mani-pedi. Fortunately, Source Salon & Spa has arrived on Seattle’s beauty scene to take care of Read more…

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Stevenswood Spa Resort Launches ‘Recession Buster’ Gift Card
Two-Night Offer Saves Guests 40 to 60 Percent on Stay

Officials of Stevenswood Spa Resort, one of the nation’s leading spa resorts dedicated to creating a more eco-friendly guest experience, today announced the launch of its

“Recession Buster” gift card. Retailing for $299, the promotion provides savings of approximately 40 to 60 percent from the hotel’s rack rate for a two-night stay. The cards are available at Safeway, CVS, Walgreens and other retail stores regionally, with rollout plans to include nationwide Safeway stores, Vons, Pavillions, Randalls, Dominick’s, Genuardi’s, Carrs, Pak ‘n Save Foods and Tom Thumb.

“Not only is Stevenswood the first spa resort to offer such a gift card, we also are the highest value card ever to be displayed,” said Dean Norman, Stevenswood vice president of strategic alliances. “For today’s savvy traveler, it’s not a question of cost so much as it is of overall value. Particularly in today’s stagnant economy,

Stevenswood is aware of the obstacles facing many travelers. We believe this value-added gift card goes a long way in alleviating those concerns by providing a superior guest experience at an incredibly discounted price.”

The resort has an initial distribution of 45,000 cards at regional stores and on-line. In the event of over-demand, Stevenswood has partnered with neighboring properties to deal with potential guest overflow, ensuring that all guest needs will be met. The resort also plans to market the card to corporations and large employers, offering private branding/customization as requested.

Dean Norman also noted that a recent study by the National Retail Federation found that gift cards ranked among the top 10 most wanted gifts nationwide. “Gift cards today account for approximately $30 billion in annual gift spending. They allow shoppers to provide thoughtful, meaningful gifts to loved ones while still providing recipients with a certain amount of leeway in how the money is spent specifically. A stay at one of the nation’s leading resorts is an ideal fit for this type of offer.”
Stevenswood Spa Resort is an idyllic retreat on Northern California’s Mendocino Coast.

Contemporary and secluded, this tranquil resort offers a gracious respite for travelers and locals alike. Located two minutes south of the town of Mendocino in Little River, this AAA Four-Diamond property is surrounded on three sides by State Park, and is a short walk to the Pacific Ocean. Intimate by design, elegant by nature, the lodge features luxury suites, the acclaimed Restaurant at Stevenswood, and the Five-Star Indigo Eco|Spa. A private botanical garden, Jacuzzi hot tub spas, and landscaped grounds enhance the breathtaking setting, with a backdrop of Redwood groves and ocean meadows.

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Niki Bryan “Leapfrogs” Spa Industry with Two US Firsts
 
Niki Bryan Spas – owners and operators of the Grand Floridian Spa at the Walt Disney World Resort, and operator of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Spa – has a reputation for pioneering change in the industry. This year the company is proudly making strides toward the future of eco-conscious products and treatments, introducing a new skincare brand and a new massage method to the US market.
 
“Given the increased awareness of our conscious spa-goers we have had to leapfrog the entire marketplace by ensuring that we have a healthier, cleaner skincare product line than anyone else in the industry, and that our treatments go well beyond the traditional fluff and buff often found in hotels and resorts and be Read more…

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Hotel Los Gatos’ Popular Day Spa Goes Environmental
The New Spa Elia Offers Organic Options for Rejuvenation

Joie de Vivre Hospitality and Hotel Los Gatos announced its newest addition to the growing portfolio of Joie de Vivre resort spas, Spa Elia. With minor renovations, the new Joie de Vivre resort spa, offers a welcoming and organic retreat to Los Gatos locals and visitors.

Blending with Hotel Los Gatos’ Mediterranean theme, Spa Elia whisks guests away to a Mediterranean Garden retreat where treatments are designed to ease the mind … while easing consciousness. With all organic and sustainable products, the intention of Spa Elia is to renew its guests while renewing the planet at the same time … all while offering an extensive menu that invites visitors to enjoy fabulous body, massage, esthetic and nail services.

From an ‘Intuitive Organic Facial’ that uses aloe, rose hips oil and cold-pressed macadamia nut oil to a Mediterranean Lavender Moisture Wrap, guests will relish in the scents as well as the rejuvenating nature of the treatments. All spa experiences can be ’stretched’ into full day retreats with complimentary use of the pool, steam showers, and dry sauna.

Hotel guests interested in a Spa Elia experience have the option of enjoying some treatments in the comfort of their own room. A quick call to the spa with a request for an in-room service is all that is required to make this request a possibility. The friendly staff at the Spa Elia is ready and willing to do anything in order to make the Los Gatos experience a relaxing one.

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Pittsburgh’s Organic Day Spa invited to join the Green Spa Network

The Green Spa Network, the leading association of “organic” wellness institutions and spas in North America is pleased to welcome its newest Cultivator Spa – ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Skincare & Spa, going green in Pittsburgh, PA.

“As an industry leader in greening that has undertaken an impressive agenda which they should be proud of, ESSpa Kozmetika is well-suited to join GSN at the Cultivator membership level and to work with us to bring planetary healing to the forefront of the spa industry. This level of membership is limited to 20 select spas and it is our sincere pleasure to welcome ESSpa Kozmetika as the third member of this group,” said GSN Board Director Michael Stusser. According to ESSpa Kozmetika Founder & CEO, Eva Sztupka-Kerschbaumer, “The decision to join the Green Spa Network was a logical way for us to share our primary mission to combine natural products made with organic ingredients with the traditional skincare that I learned in my native Hungary. We are honored to join the GSN and hope to assist this esteemed group make our industry stronger and more responsible.”

According to the GSN website, A Green spa is a center for healing, aesthetics and wellness where reducing the spa’s environmental footprint is a top priority. To be extended an invitation to join the Green Spa Network, a spa must prove that they not only “talk the talk” but that they “walk the walk” regarding its dedication to environmentally responsible, green practices.

What Constitutes a A Green Spa:
1. Strives to conserve energy and water resources.

2. Is committed to using materials that can be recycled, follows recycling practices, and is always looking for ways to minimize waste.

3. Utilizes natural and organic skin care products.

4. Believes that it has a responsibility to guests and to the planet to reduce exposure to toxic substances and to minimize hazardous waste generation.

5. Is open to learning and adopting new environmentally friendly strategies and techniques.

6. Shares its concern for the Earth’s well-being with guests.

Why should consumers seek out and expect to find when visiting a Green Spa?
1. Green spas naturally healthy – By limiting toxins in their skin care products and in their spa’s environment, green spas provide a healthier experience.

2. Green spas are more relaxing – By putting aside the stressors of modern life – including noise, pollution, toxins and waste – green spas are able to offer a more balanced and relaxing experience.

3. Green spa treatments are more effective – Synthetically derived skincare products may produce quick results, but they might also cause damage. Natural treatments are gentler and help ensure long-term health and beauty.

4. Green spas put the body in harmony with nature – Green spas are attuned to the rhythms of nature as well as the rhythms of the human body. When nature and body are in harmony humans feel healthier, stronger and more attractive.

“It is our goal to bring the time-honored traditions of Hungarian skincare and incorporate them into a contemporary holistic state,” said Mrs. Sztupka-Kerschbaumer. “Combining the ancient techniques of my Hungarian heritage with the environmentally responsible practices embodied by the Green Spa Network will allow ESSpa Kozmetika to educate a much wider audience about the benefits of organic-based spa treatments. I look forward to the challenge.”

ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Skincare & Spa is located within an sustainably restored autobody garage built in 1917 in Aspinwall Borough, just 8 miles north of Downtown Pittsburgh. Eva and her team of Hungarian-trained professionals use only the finest and handmade products in facials, massages, body and nail treatments designed to go beyond mere relaxation and deliver better-looking, healthy skin. It is her belief that a trip to a spa should never be considered a luxury and that regular visits to ESSpa Kozmetika Skincare make great preventative medicine that should be routine for the entire family – even the kids.

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Toxic Beauty: Salon Safety Tips for a Healthy Summer

Award-winning Le Jardin Day Spa offers tips to prevent a luxury spa experience from turning in to an infectious nightmare.

Le Jardin Day Spa and Salon, the most award-winning and credentialed Spas in the Philadelphia-area, today announced tips for looking your best while staying safe at any spa this summer. LeJardin, voted Top Day Spa in Montgomery County four years in a row, recognizes that summer is the height of pedicure and Spa season, and that women around the country should be vigilant when it comes to pampering themselves this summer.

“Too often, women neglect safety when it comes to pampering,” said Stephen Fox, Owner of Le Jardin Day Spa and Salon. “Although there are thousands of reputable and safe salons across the country, we hope that the following information will arm women with the knowledge to stay beautiful and safe this summer,” he continued.

1.   Your Nose Knows – You should avoid salons where you notice strong odors. Salons that practice proper safety procedures should provide proper ventilation and maintain a near odorless environment in all areas. Inappropriate exposure to certain salon chemicals can lead to headaches, respiratory irritation, skin problems and more.

2.   Writing on the ‘Bathroom’ Wall – Like with restaurants, you’ll want to visit the bathroom of any salon you visit. The establishment’s restroom-cleanliness will offer a quick glimpse at their overall hygiene.

3.   Lethal Weapon – Any instrument that is used as part of a Spa service, from nail files to hair trimmers, should be properly disinfected after each use, not once at the end of the day.

4.   Disinfect to Protect – Technicians are required to clean both their and hands and their clients hands (and feet) prior to any nail service or massage. Be sure you’re not an exception. In addition, salon instruments are not the only thing that may be carrying germs or harmful bacteria; pedicure tub, manicure station and massage table surfaces all must be sanitized after each guest. This includes nail files, pumice stones, toe separators and more.

5.   Help Your Self – Le Jardin suggests that guests avoid shaving their legs immediately prior to any pedicure, or facial waxing prior to any facial. This will decrease any self-inflicted cuts, nicks or blemishes which could result in an infection. Meanwhile, don’t have your cuticles trimmed too aggressively, this could cause unnecessary bleeding.

6.   You Get What You Pay For – The price of your service does not indicate that you’ll receive a higher quality or safer experience. Do your homework.

7.   Do Ask, Do Tell – Don’t hesitate to ask for a technician’s license. All salons should have their Health & Safety Certificate displayed and should have the licenses of their technicians readily available.

8.   Toxic Beauty – Keep in mind that some products are toxic if swallowed. Le Jardin suggests that you wash your hands before eating or touching your eyes or nose following a salon treatment. Also, do a patch test if you suspect that you might be allergic to a lotion or chemical.

9.   Just Say No — Technicians should not offer service to a guest if they suspect the guest might have a cut or infection. Similarly, if a technician is responsible for accidentally cutting or burning a guest by filing too close to the skin, cutting a nail too low or by the high temperature of water or wax, a guest should immediately halt their service and disinfect their injury.

10.   Au Natural – Many all-natural and organic products are available on the market today, thus many salons are offering their guests the opportunity to reduce their carbon imprint on the environment. Le Jardin offers various organic shampoos, hair colors, lotions, polishes, makeup and waxes. Ask your salon for a list of their ‘green’ products.

Once considered a luxury, top quality salon services are now main stream. However, like with all medical procedures, there are always risks to any salon treatment. Clients are responsible for their own well-being and should research a salon before making an appointment, just like they would research a doctor or hospital. Le Jardin offers these tips as well as free beauty consultations and complimentary health seminars. Avielle, their premiere line of exclusive cosmetics, launching this summer, completes their wellness package.

Le Jardin strives, seven days a week, to provide the local community with a relaxing and elegant environment from which to receive the highest quality aesthetic services available. They have accomplished this by choosing exceptionally talented, certified professionals to perform state-of-the-art treatments which unify the body, mind and spirit. By creating harmony of these three elements their customers live happier and healthier lives. With years of experience and continuing education, Le Jardin’s dedicated staff is ready to serve the community and all of their needs–from pregnancy massages to facials, pedicures and dynamic hair design. The Spa offers beauty treatments for every woman and for every budget–a great idea for a birthday, bridal or baby shower or teachers gift.

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