Tips For Creating a Spa-like Environment at Home

You can't always travel to your favorite spa o that takes lots of time and lots of money. It's easy to create a spa environment at home and it doesn't have to be expensive. If you have lots of time, follow all these tips. If you have minimal time, choose the tips that appeal most to you.

In the bathroom:

• Towels - Some towel manufacturers have a "spa" towel line, such as Chris Madden at JC Penney. The Chris Madden Spa Towels are a thick waffle weave and at one time they had a matching spa robe. Think thick, soft and super luxurious to remind you of the towels at a fine spa. You might roll or stack a group of towels decoratively in a basket or on a shelf.

• Candles - Aromatherapy candles can have a variety of benefits. Lavender for restful sleep. Citrus for invigorating. Eucalyptus for clearing sinuses. There are also a variety of blended candles scents. Choose a scent you enjoy or choose a blend that has the benefits you are looking for. Place them around the room and light them (safely, of course) when you want to turn your bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary.

• Music - I keep a portable CD player in the closet in my bathroom. When I want the full atohome spa experience, I play a relaxing CD. I have 2 that I like just for this purpose. Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy - Hydrotherapy Soothing Music for a Healing Bath. Gentle ocean sounds combine with soft instrumentals for a "just chill out" feeling. I especially like track #3. I also like Aromatherapy Music for Relaxation by Musical reflections. There are 6 tracks on this disk and each one is named after different aromatherapy oils.

• Hydrotherapy - The healing power of water. Take a bath. Plan to soak for 20 to 30 minutes uninterrupted. Longer soaks can dry out your skin. Shorter soaks aren't relaxing. Add 5 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil or your favorite bath salts. Play relaxing music, light candles, have plush towels and comfortable pajamas or a robe waiting. If you have a jetted whirlpool tub, even better. If you don't, you can still enjoy a hot soak.

• Shower - If you don't have time for a bath, a shower can have similar benefits. When we remodeled our bathroom, my husband installed a combination heater/fan. When I'm ready to turn my bathroom into a spa, I warm the room up for a few minutes to take the chill off, especially in cold weather. I sprinkle a few drops of essential oils into the shower and the steam activates them to scent the entire room. In the evening, I might use lavender oil. In the morning, something more energizing. If I'm congested, I use eucalyptus oil. I'm immediately transported back to a spa experience when a eucalyptus steam rooms comes to mind. Caution - the oil can make the surface of the shower slippery. I try to sprinkle the oil on surfaces where my feet won't need traction.

• "Spa treatments" -

- Exfoliation - A loofah or dry brush is a great tool to add to your home spa. Use the dry brush before your shower or bath. Use the loofah in the shower or bath. If you don't have either of these, a washcloth can exfoliate skin in a pinch.
- Scrub - Buy a great smelling scrub, or you can even make your own with basic ingredients found in your grocery store, like seat salt or sugar, olive oil or nut oil, fruits and other ingredients.
- Facial - Use high quality, natural products to give yourself a mini-facial. Cleanse and tone, then apply a mask. When the mask is rinsed off, moisturize.
- Hair - Now is a great time to try a deep conditioner while you are soaking in the bath or taking a spaolike shower. Apply conditioner or hair mask, put your hair in a shower cap and let the conditioner work. Rinse according to the directions.

• Beverage - A glass of wine or champagne is the standby for relaxation in the tub, but there are other choices for the at-home spa too. A cup of herbal or green tea is wonderful. I love Teavana teas. You can also try fruit or herb infused water. Add cucumbers, mint, citrus fruit, berries, even watermelon to a pitcher of water. Or try a blend of your favorites. Chill the water for several hours, the longer the better for more flavor infusion. Sip this during your home spa experience or anytime to stay hydrated without added calories.

In the bedroom, you'll want to emulate your favorite features of a fine hotel room:

• Sheets - Choose high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets for the most luxurious feel. It's worth spending a little bit of money here for the best quality. Egyptian cotton gets softer with washing and wear, but can fade a bit.

• Pillows - Choose whatever kind of pillows you are most comfortable with, but have lots of them in different shapes and sizes. Not only does this look cozy, it's comfortable too. I like a variety of pillows o foam, synthetic and down to mix it up a bit. Maybe a bolster or two for added texture and comfort.

• Blankets/Comforter - Like the finest hotels, a down or down alternative comforter is luxurious, yet simple. You can find a duvet to add a pop of color, texture and to protect your investment. Choose a year round weight o one that will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Include a plush or cozy throw in a fabric like chenille or a soft yarn for added comfort on cool nights or to snuggle under while relaxing or reading.

• Candles - Avoid heavily perfumed candles to prevent allergic reactions. A lavender or lavender blend is a perfect choice to help you drift off to sleep.

• Loungewear or robe - You'll want to have some really soft and cozy lounge wear or a great robe to wear during your at-home spa experience.

• Music o Play music that relaxes and de-stresses you with a slow tempo.

In just a few easy steps, you can turn your bathroom or bedroom into a spa environment and have the benefits of a spa in your own home. Enjoy!

Tag : spa,home spa,beauty spa,bath spa

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michele_McIntyre

Replenishing Your Body Through Spa

Everyday our stress level increases manifold with daily chores of life. Most of us seek well being through various channels like entertainment, family, companionship and so on. All of these are good in their own ways but mankind by nature has always sought for holistic centres for physical and mental make-up. Traditionally, spas originated from holistic method of rejuvenate mind and body. In a strict sense we can say it is just a ramification of traditional Ayurvedic treatment. Spas are also known as "peace palaces", help us regain control over out sanity and allow us to splurge our senses in the holistic world of wellness, making one truly feel 'heavenly'.

There are many spas across India that can provide us best of rejuvenation through spa therapy. Below there are few centres in India.

• Amatrra Spa - Amatrra Spa is located at Hotel Ashok and at Le Meridien in Delhi. The silence between two successive chants of Om is called Amatrra. This silence is salvation and in a flowery term one can experience that bliss after an hour of Lomi- Lomi Hawaiian massage and Dry Floatation at Amatrra Spa. One can enjoy a herbal bath, prepared with Ayurvedic concoctions and flower petals. The Vichy showers also provide a rain massage, focusing on points and relieve tension and stimulate the mind and body. This therapy helps to reduce pain relief, boosts energy, reduces blood pressure, counters addiction, and eliminates toxins.

• Kaya Kalp - Located at Agra, ITC Mughal plays host to one of India's largest spa, Kaya Kalp - The Royal Spa. A visit to the spa may be considered a journey through a world of luxury and pampering... In this regal lifestyle, Kaya Kalp - The Royal Spa captures the spiritual and medicinal legacies of the Mughal Dynasty. For instance, Babar's legacy of fruit is highlighted through a luxurious 'Pomegranate Aromasoul Massage', which serves to detoxify, revitalise and elevate the senses. The 'Pomegranate Ritual Scrub', followed by the 'Pomegranate Infusion Bath', may be considered the ultimate in relaxation therapies - within a private garden atmosphere while sipping a glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate elixir.

• Ananda - Tipped to be South Asia's finest resort and spa, 'Ananda', means happiness and self-contentment in the Sanskrit language. Once the abode of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal, Ananda is obviously the chosen destination of today's traveller - leisure, lifestyle and business all rolled into one. Ananda offers wide range facials using fruit acid, pure plant oils, marine nutrients and collagen, the spa offers it all.

• Kaivailya Spa - This may not enough luxury to compete with ITC or Meridian but the small spa at Pushkar Resorts is worth to visit if you are in Pushkar. There are standard three type of massage facility are provided by Pushkar Resorts; a) Sewara body massage b) Standard body massage c) Head and Shoulder massage. Apart from those there are pedicure, manicure, steam bath and Jacuzzi available. One can also order organic food and beverages that is freshly grown in their own orchard.

• Asian Roots - Asian Roots is a Luxury Day Spa for women in Delhi - a Mecca of beauty for the body and mind, bringing to women a world of their own to completely unwind and rejuvenate. Inspired by the ancient cultures worldwide, Asian Roots has created a treatment concept, which merges techniques and philosophies from around the world into a potent blend of treatments suited for our time. Been recently granted the best luxury spa award, Balinese Massage is a unique massage offered by this spa that incorporates rhythmic strokes like a Hawaiian dance against your back, limbs and neck, which helps to relieve muscular tension.

Tag : spa,home spa,foot spa,beauty spa

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shubhajit_Chakraborty

Big Apple Spa: Experience the Best Day Spas in New York City

Planning a visit to NYC? In the midst of deciding what Broadway show to see, where to shop, sleep, and eat, don't forget a little pampering. A visit to a day spa is a perfect way to unwind and indulge during your stay. But there are countless day spas in the city. How do you tell which day spas are the best? Following are a sampling, including spas for the budget-minded and extravagant luxury spas.

One of the true originals, Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa on Fifth Avenue still commands a loyal following. The Red Door's celebrity colorist brad johns defines color from around the world. Botox, Restylane and Juverderm services have recently been added and are performed by plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryan G. Forley, voted one of the "Best Doctors of 2005" in New York Magazine. Guests may enjoy their classic 50-minute massage for $105.

An exquisite day spa tucked away on the sixth floor of Takashimaya, the luxury Japanese department store on 5th Avenue, Barbo at Takashimaya is an intimate spa, featuring only two treatments rooms, and no plans to expand. While the products in the spa are from the German line, Barbor, the treatments themselves have an Asian influence. The Sea Creation facial ($250) is one of the spa's most popular treatments - designed to regenerate the skin and boost cell energy. Make sure to order tea service after your service at the Teabox Cafe where more than 48 different types of tea are available.

Located on Broadway, Bliss Soho has been voted Conde Nast Traveler's "Best Urban Day Spa." The flagship spa was created by Marcia Kilgore in the 1990s. The atmosphere mixes a modern, tongue-in-chic approach to grooming with a vast menu of facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, body treatments, and more. There are two other locations at East 57th Street and Bliss 4 in W Hotel.

Hailing from the Peninsula Hotel, Cornelia Zicu is a star esthetician who now owns her own spa. Cornelia Day Resort is located in midtown and is the first in NYC to have a watsu pool massage treatment. The watsu takes place in warm-waist-deep water. The spa's specialized watsu pool is heated to the exact temperature as the body. Because of the pool, the treatment is relatively unusual to the city.

Boasting a "wet lounge solarium," Great Jones Spa, located in Manhattan, features hot tubs, cold plunge pools, and saunas, which are available to guests up to two hours prior and one hour following spa treatments. Their 60-minute Swedish massage is offered for $130.

Offering affordable serenity in Manhattan, Haven, located on Mercer Street, is a cozy neighborhood day spa with a hospitable environment. Services include body therapy, facials, hand and foot therapies, waxing, and massage packages. One-hour Swedish massages run $115, while the "80 minutes in Haven" facial treatment ($150) leaves guests glowing.

For those who are seeking more than just a pampering treatment, Juva on 56th Street is a medical spa offering therapies which tackle issues such as sun spots and acne. Under the medical supervision of Bruce Katz, M.D., the Juva products used during treatments provide long-lasting benefits with mineral essentials and surpass normal spa techniques.

Designed to impress the most jaded spa goer, Juvenex combines Asian, European, and American spa remedies which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Walking through its doors, guests are transported into another place with unusual saunas, plunge pools, and the Jade Igloo - made from 20 tons of semi-precious stones. The spa is open to women only, daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and for couples during the evening from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Go for something truly unforgettable with a visit to the Spa at Mandarian Oriental, affording great views of Central Park and featuring amenities such as the "Heat Expereince" rooms. Considered one of the best hotel spas in New York, services are pricey, but luxurious. Bamboo, natural stone and gold leaf set the tone for an amazing Manhattan spa experience that focuses on rebalance and an enhanced sense of well-being. The spa's latest addition is the Thai Yaga room, designed especially for their exclusive Thai Yoga Massage.

Tag : spa,day spas,product spa,home spa

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Ann-Knapp/28724

Planning A Relaxing Spa Break In Britain?

In today's fast-paced and often hectic modern world, relaxation is the key to maintaining not only an active and healthy body, but also a fresh and alert mind. Historically people have chosen to relax in a variety of ways, whether it's by playing golf, visiting a beautician or even indulging in a bit of retail therapy. However, a new trend has been emerging among both men and women over the last decade – that is to chill out by paying a visit to a spa.

Taking a short break at a spa hotel or a popular spa destination can prove to be one of the most rewarding ways in which to escape the hurly burly of everyday life, particularly if you live or work in a fast-paced environment. The idea of the "spa" takes its name from the Belgian town of Spa, which is famous for its hot thermal baths and mineral water treatments - known respectively as balneotherapy and hydrotherapy. A typical spa service can include facials, massages and waxing, as well as body treatments (such as body wraps and aromatherapy) and skin exfoliation treatments, such as chemical peels and micro-dermabrasion.

While the medical value of spas and similar hydrotherapy clinics has been scientifically proven and are more than just attractive destinations for tourists, they are also considered excellent centres of rehabilitation; whether its from long-term medical conditions or substance abuse. Some of the most popular treatments to aid relaxation and rehabilitation in spas involve applying pressure to muscles and tissues in the body, using Swedish massage techniques, or the principles of Chinese acupressure.

“Zone therapy” is another popular form of spa treatment and involves the stimulation of points on the feet and hands - a treatment which is believed to offer benefit to other parts of the body. Techniques such as this, coupled with modern methods of aromatherapy have proven themselves to be crucial in maintaining the success of day spas and luxury spa hotels alike. In fact, one of the main attractions of spas is that people can choose to indulge themselves in a treatment even if they can't afford to take a whole weekend break. Alternatively, those wishing to indulge in longer spa breaks can opt to spend an entire weekend relaxing at a spa getaway.

Britain is home to several exciting spa locations. In England, many excellent spas can be found in cities such as Chester, Stratford-upon-Avon and in the Cotswolds. In Scotland, there are fantastic spa locations to be found in Edinburgh and Dundee, while Ireland and Wales are also catered for, with Belfast and Cardiff offering top-quality spa hotels. So if you're looking for a place to take a short spa break, you're sure to have plenty of options to choose from which are close to home.

Tag : spa,day spa,home spa,spa massage

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_McAllister

Home Spa Bath Oils

No home spa experience is complete without the magical effects of aromatherapy – a spa therapy exploiting the therapeutic aromatic properties of some pleasantly fragrant, plant-derived, volatile essential oils called bath oils. Some of these bath oils can be directly massaged into the skin before entering the home spa, while others are added to the water in the home spa. Alternatively, the vapors of these bath oils can be inhaled directly from the air if you infuse them in your home spa area, say by spraying or by lighting a scented candle.

Nature has a storehouse of aromatic plants and herbs – some known and some still unknown – that yield beneficial bath oils for spa use. The bath oils derived these aromatic plants have long been known for their medicinal properties. When used in spa therapies, they help get relief from aches and pains (muscular as well as rheumatic), stress, fatigue, depression, anxiety, etc. and have a relaxing and soothing effect on the body and mind. Aromatherapy is believed to work through stimulation of the olfactory nerves by these aromatic bath oils.

In today’s times, everyone feels stressed out due to pressures at work and home and is always hard-pressed for time. A home spa experience with aromatic bath oils is just what you need to rejuvenate your body and spirit, and bring peace to your mind. Here are some of the bath oils you can use in your portable home spa to bring joy and harmony into your life even under stressful situations.

Spruce Pine Bath Oil

This bath oil offers a fascinating combination of natural aroma and home spa experience. It eases sore muscles, makes you energetic and helps to relax and sleep. It makes the skin feel soft and smooth after use.

Rosemary Bath Oil

Rosemary has long been associated with memory and/or remembrance of the past in Europe. Rosemary bath oil has a stimulating effect on the nerves, and helps in treating headaches, improving poor blood circulation and energizing the body and spirit. A home spa bath with rosemary bath oil in the morning will awaken all the physical functions and make you ready for another hard day ahead. For best results, a slightly higher water temperature is recommended.

Hayseed Bath Oil

Hayseed bath oil in your home spa is recommended for anyone seeking respite after a hard day’s work. It rejuvenates you by easing fatigue; even after a hard day’s work you will feel ready for a romantic evening by soaking yourself in a home spa containing hayseed bath oil. A slightly higher water temperature is recommended for relaxing and relieving sore muscles.

Lavender Bath Oil

Lavender bath oil is one of the most commonly used in aromatherapy. It has a unique and strong herbal fragrance and has many medicinal properties. It has calming and relaxing effect on the nerves and helps in inducing sleep. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A portable home spa bath with lavender bath oil is recommended for easing tensed muscles and headaches, and for skin inflammations.

Camomile Bath Oil

Camomile bath oil is very good for the skin. Moya's camomile essence bath oil has a special extract to protect sensitive and harshly treated skins. It protects the skin from sunburn, strong wind and air pollution.

The use of these bath oils in your portable home spa can make your spa experience unforgettable.

Tag : spa,day spa,home spa,spa massage,bath spa,hot tub spa

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Song_Meng_Tan

Beauty Day Spa: Ways To Rejuvenate Your Skin

The beauty day spa is becoming an oasis of health options. It's not just a place for pampering anymore, although that is still an important component of health care, as well. When one thinks of skin care at a spa, the face is often the first thing that might be thought of. But in reality, your entire body should be thought of and cared for. All areas should be the best that they can be.

One fairly classic way to rejuvenate your skin at a spa is with, of course, the tried-and-true facial. This is a procedure where a face is cleansed,massaged and treated with the appropriate topical products for the individual.

There are specific types of facials that may be appealing depending on a person's needs. There are some that focus on extractions, or collagen enhancement. There are some that include aromatherapy which adds an additional sensory level to the experience.

Some other options which have been added recently to spas' menus are actually physician administered procedures. Botox and Restylane are injectibles designed to promote an attractive complexion. Botox is used for relaxing the lines in a face while Restylane is effective in plumping up lips, adding fullness and smoothing wrinkles.

Sclerotherapy and Photofacials are used in the treatment of spider veins visible in one's appearance. Sclerotherapy is a method of injecting a solution into the unattractive affected area which collapses the blood vessel and therefore makes the spider veins disappear from sight. A Photofacial does essentially the same thing except it uses pulsing beams of light to target the unsightly spider veins.

Photofacials are also wonderful in the treatment of rosacea, which is a condition of red blotchy patches on the surface of a face. Acne can also be helped with this treatment.

Mesotherapy is another new advancement in the arena of cutting edge skin care. This is a process where medicine and vitamins appropriate to healing an individual's unique dermatological concern are injected into the middle layer of skin. This procedure is used in the treatment of cellulite and other types of body correction and sculpting.

Microdermabrasion techniques have also become a popular item offered at spas. It is another method to enhance the smoothness and silkiness. It is a great way to get rid of sun damage and scarring.

By: A Aaronson

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Tag : spa,day spa,foot spa,beauty spa