all the dish that’s fit to print
spotlight on sue harmsworth
Today is International Women’s Day and it’s very clear that Mother Nature has been notified as it is the most gorgeous spring day here in New York City – finally!
It’s also a very appropriate day to recognize strong independent females, like Sue Harmsworth, the CEO and founder of the global spa company ESPA International. Sue has been working in the spa industry for over 40 years and has consulted on nearly 200 spas in over 60 countries worldwide since she started ESPA in 1993 – quite the accomplishment!
Here is a little advice and insight from Ms. Harmsworth for all women to absorb and consider: “I have a very female workforce globally and try to mentor them in how to deal with the stress of modern life. I believe that if you are straight with people it is much easier in the long run. The world is very small and any attempt to cover up will always be found out. If you don’t know something, don’t pretend that you do. Respect other cultures and don’t think our way is the best. Be open to new ideas and people who know better. We never stop learning; I learn something new every day. Have a curiosity about everything and everybody and be aware of everything around you. Assume nothing, what you say is often heard in a different way. Believe in yourself, many people can achieve great things.”
Right on, Sue, and Happy International Women’s Day!
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meditation in miami
Going to Miami for Spring Break ‘10? Recover from the Miami nightlife with the Vitality Day Package at the ESPA spa at Acqualina Resort in Sunny Isles, just 20-minutes outside of the city. The package, valued at $307 but priced at $225, includes everything you need to feel relaxed and renewed, including:
- Choice of a 80-minute massage of facial
- Additional 15-minutes of guided meditation
- Full use of the spa’s steam rooms, showers, ice fountains, jet pools, roman waterfalls, and relaxation areas
- Valet parking
Choose from ESPA’s Swedish, Hot Stone, or Reiki Massage (Deep Tissue is available for an additional $10). Or, for guests more intersted in a facial, the spa offers three types of Super Active facials; ‘Toning, Lifting and Firming’ for those with maturing skin, ‘Calming and Soothing’ for those with sensitive skin, and ‘Repairing and Restoring’ for sunburned vacationers who might have forgotten their sunscreen at home.
The offer is valid until April 30, 2010. Book in March and guests are invited to participate in a complimentary yoga class hosted Saturdays at 9 a.m.
while the stork is en route
Obscure cravings, recurring mood swings, and an ever-expanding waistline? When you’re expecting, the side effects can be less than glamorous. Thank goodness for these soothing babymoon packages, guaranteed to result in that oft-talked about motherly “glow.” So ladies, prop up those swollen ankles, sip on a decaffeinated beverage, and settle in for a few days (or even just an hour!) of much-deserved pampering. Oh baby!
Parrot Cay
Here’s your chance for a second honeymoon: Parrot Cay’s three-night Babymoon Package designed for couples to have some time together before the new arrival. Sink into an indulgent 75-minute prenatal massage, an hour-long private yoga session, and a COMO Shambhala Massage. Seeking some outdoor adventure? Book a snorkeling expedition, kayaking, diving, and fishing. Or snuggle up for some alone time with a castaway picnic or private tiki hut dining.
Prices start at $3,070 per couple. Package includes accommodation in a Garden View Room, breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, return airport transfers on scheduled commercial flights, group yoga and Pilates classes, and non-motorized water sports.
Metropolitan London
Mum’s the word! Stop in chic London Town and book the Metropolitan London’s A Met Mum-to-Be offering. Upon arrival to your room, mother-to-be will find a lightweight COMO Shambhala tote bag (perfect for hauling around all those diapers!) and a Purify Hydrating Mist for refreshment on the big day.
Test out the Urban Escape spa for a COMO Shambhala pre-natal massage incorporating a specially-designed ‘Body Cushion’ for support and relaxation during your treatment. Packages from £319 per night for a Deluxe City Room include mineral water in the room at turndown and a healthy breakfast for two.
Rosewood Mayakobá
Story-telling, diaper-changing, and bathtub-splashing are the most excitement you’ll be seeing in your weekends for awhile. So take advantage of the freedom you have left with a few nights away at Rosewood Mayakobá!
Book the four-night Babymoon Package for two and receive daily buffet breakfast, a prenatal yoga instruction session with consultation for two, choice of a snorkeling excursion or a visit to the photo studio at the resort, and a romantic candlelit beach dinner.
Rates start at $1,183 per night including tax and service for a minimum five-night stay through December 15, 2010.
Nantucket Island Resorts
Frankly, strollers on cobblestones sounds like a painful endeavor. Steal away to the quaint historical streets of Nantucket while your load is still light! Reserve a Nantucket Babymoon Package for two nights at either The Wauwinet or White Elephant and a one-hour soothing prenatal massage at one of these properties.
And hey, mom’s not the only one in need of some pampering! Mr. Mom can use a “Daddy Coupon” of $25 towards any treatment at either spa.
Other package inclusions are the White Elephant’s signature “Trunket” stuffed elephant, celebration cigars for the big day, and complimentary gourmet Continental breakfast at The Wauwinet.
The Peninsula Spa by ESPA
A working mom-to-be and can only get away for an hour or two? Reserve a Maternity Massage at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, New York. This gentle massage uses nourishing ESPA oils and is designed for mothers-to-be after the first trimester, relieving tension in stress-prone areas such as the lower back and hips.
Indulge in 60 minutes for $195 or 90 Minutes for $295. The Peninsula Spa by ESPA in both New York and Chicago also offer a special Pre- and Post-Natal Treatment. Using signature calendula-infused oil, Pink Clay Mud, and various nourishing creams, mommy or mommy-to-be will enjoy improved skin tonicity and complete relaxation. Cost is $320 for 90 Minutes of utter bliss.
ESPA at Acqualina Resort & Spa
While your growing belly might not be ready for an itsy bitsy bikini beachside, you can still snag some Floridian sunshine in a cover up and chic celebrity-esque shades. Book a room at the Acqualina Resort & Spa through December 23 and take advantage of the resort’s Babymoon Package and ESPA spa. Offering includes an 80-minute Maternity Massage and an 80-minute Deep Tissue Massage to work out any pregnancy-induced knots.
Need some extra TLC during your stay? Reserve an additional 90-minute prenatal treatment at the on-site ESPA spa. The nourishing treatment incorporates natural calendula-infused oils, muds, creams, and advanced massage techniques to relax and nurture.
From now through April 4, the Babymoon Package starts at $675 for an Intracoastal Hotel Room and includes daily continental breakfast for two with a minimum stay of three nights.
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re-source-ful spa treatment at gleneagles
The Spa at Gleneagles by ESPA has launched a new signature treatment, “The Source”, which uses local ingredients from the streams and hills of the surrounding Perthshire, Scotland countryside.
No chemicals or artificial products here! The treatment uses local, river-washed stones as part of a calming footbath at the beginning of the treatment, and after a full body exfoliation, the body is wrapped in a muslin herbal poultice made of lavender, rosemary, oats, and elderflower collected from nearby hills and fields. The ritual finishes with a body and scalp massage. “The Source” is available as a two-hour treatment for €180 or as a three-hour day spa ritual for €275 which includes an Oshadi Envelopment and unique bento box lunch.
After enjoying this local treatment, pick up ESPA’s new aromatic candle containing the therapeutic aroma of frankincense, orange, cedar wood, patchouli, and zesty lemon. The candle is available exclusively at the Spa at Gleneagles for €25, however all over ESPA candles can be purchased at www.espaonline.com.
Gleneagles is one of Scotland’s most luxurious 5 star resorts set in 850 acres of Perthshire countryside. The ESPA spa opened in 2008 and features 20 spacious treatment rooms and a black vitality pool lit with fiber optics, along with ESPA’s usual assortment of extraordinary heat experiences (crystal steam rooms, tropical showers, chilling ice rubs, and saunas).
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spafinder’s 2009 readers’ choice awards
A quick kudos to all spas awarded honors in SpaFinder’s 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards, including the following spas that we are proud to work with. Congratulations! (more…)
easy shopping, free shipping
Online shopping is easy and great, but sometimes shipping fees can get you down. Suddenly that great $50 shirt you ordered online actually costs $57.95 – bummer. Fortunately, ESPA is offering free shipping this holiday season on all products purchased on their newly re-vamped website, www.espaonline.com. That Pink Hair and Scalp Mud you are dying to try costs $60 delivered right to your front door, no strings attached, no added costs!
ADDED BONUS: ESPA offers complimentary gift wrapping all year round – so check out all the great gift collections from ESPA here, and have everything wrapped and ship right to you.
v-day vacays for couples and singles
LOVE to get away? In 2010, Valentine’s Day and President’s Day coincide, so take your partner or your posse on a trip without using all of your vacation days! It’s never to early to start planning a “True Love Tryst” or a “Singles Escape!”
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put the ahh in your spa at the peninsula new york
Looking for a spa pick-me up from one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot Spas of 2009? Visit The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, New York before the New Year and take advantage of these glorious spa deals.
Spacation: $250.00 (valued at $404, valid Monday through Sunday, offer expires 12/31/09)
- 60-minute treatment of choice (Holistic Massage, Intensive Facial or Organic Sunless Tanning Treatment)
- 15-minute “Deeper Relaxation” addition with choice of Express Facial or Scalp Massage
- Naturally Peninsula Spa Cuisine Lunch
- Complimentary use of the sundeck, pool, fitness center and all yoga and core classes
- Two ESPA introductory products to continue your spa experience at home
- Guests encouraged to arrive 60 minutes prior to treatment to make full use of spa facilities, including the Asian Tea Lounge, relaxation areas, and Heat Experience with steam room, sauna, ice fountain, and experience shower.
Weekday Pricing Promotions (valid Monday through Thursday, offer expires 11/30/09)
- $150: Any 60 min. treatment normally priced at $195 now discounted to $150.
- $250: Only the following 90 minute services normally priced at $295 are now discounted to $250: Swedish, Hot Stone, Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue and Maternity Massage, also the Refining Enzyme Facial.
Please note that these discounts CANNOT BE COMBINED with any other promotions or discounts, such as member discount, $30 GCs. or any other weekday special. This will only apply to clients who are paying full price with no other DISCOUNTS.
Deals can be found online at: http://www.peninsula.com/New_York/en/Wellness/default.aspx#/New_York/en/Wellness/The_Peninsula_Spa_by_ESPA/Spa_Journeys/
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espa product spotlight: no more messy pillows
Removing make-up can be a nasty chore – oily make-up removers are harsh on the skin and irritate sensitive eyes, and creamy removers are messy and can leave behind residue. But without make-up remover, women are forced to scrub their faces callously with soap and water, or even worse, leave make-up on overnight. The result? Messy, mascara streaked pillows and clogged pores.
Take off the make-up without the fuss with ESPA Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover, a light, gentle cleansing lotion which dissolves eye make-up and helps to restore skin tone without dehydrating the delicate areas around the eyes. The cleanser is super-light, but super effective – it lifts away all make-up, including waterproof mascara and lipstick. Instead of the usual rubbing and scrubbing, ESPA suggests placing a small amount of the lotion onto a damp cotton wool and letting it sit on the eyes for a few moments before wiping away.
ESPA Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover is available in a long-lasting large 100ml size for $43.00 and a convenient 60ml plastic Traveler size for $27.50. It is suitable for all skin types, as well as contact lens and glasses wearers.
wellness for the wallet at espa riga
Latvia – Although economies and consumers continue to feel the pinch of the global recession, ESPA Riga offers a haven for discerning wellness travelers to experience a charming destination and opulent new spa facilities.
At .49 LVL (Latvian Lat) to $1.00 USD, ESPA’s internationally renowned treatments and wellness programs are a fraction of the price of those in the U.S. For example, an ESPA De-Stress Retreat (three hours) at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, New York costs $585. ESPA Riga offers Day Programs (three hours) for about $327 (160 LVL). An ESPA Men’s Purifying Facial, Shoulder, Neck, and Scalp Massage is $195 at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, New York and only $112 (55 LVL) in Latvia.
ESPA Riga opened late spring 2009 in an unparalleled six-story spa building. The impressive landmark exterior was originally created by well-known Latvian Architect Konstantins Peksens. Inside, the contemporary spa design showcases ESPA’s signature feature: an uncompromising attention to detail. Inspired by the opposing elements “Fire & Water,” the spa’s palette of deep colors and shimmering details throughout. The stunning six-story spiral staircase, covered in black Cristallino tiles and bordered by a gold mosaic, serves as a focal point of the spa.
The spa’s range of Ayurvedic-influenced treatments use ancient techniques of marma point massage and herbal medicinal oils to treat the body’s Dosha and restore balance to mind, body, and spirit. In addition, ESPA created a selection of highly effective signature treatments specifically for ESPA Riga that includes the use of amber, the precious stone of the Baltic Sea.
Riga is one of the key trading ports of the Baltics and is traditionally known as a trade and business hub between East and West. Leisure travelers enjoy culture, history, breath-taking architecture, and now, world-class spa experiences. As, ESPA’s first stand-alone spa, ESPA Riga is not connected to a hotel, but ESPA’s preferred accommodations are at Reval Hotel Elizabete.
For further information and to purchase products, please visit www.espaonline.com, or call 1877 ESPA USA.
