“The Spa is a great addition to Boyne Highlands,” said Brad Keen, Boyne Highlands Resort president and general manager. “We offer many adventure activities from golf, to horseback riding, ziplining, Segway tours and winter sports. The Spa provides the opportunity to slow down, relax and enjoy a soothing and therapeutic treatment.”

The Spa’s service menu includes body services, facials, skincare and 25-, 50- and 80-minute massages. The signature treatment, a Bamboo Massage, uses heated bamboo as an extension of the therapist’s hands to reach into muscle tissue more deeply, gently and efficiently than possible with hands alone providing ultimate relief for tired and sore muscles.

The Spa at Boyne Highlands is located in the lower level of the Heather Highlands Inn, the former location of the Wellness Institute. The space has been extensively renovated adding a spa boutique and relaxation area, as well as remodeled treatment rooms. The Spa’s hours of operation are Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and spa reservations can be made starting Monday, May 21.

Lodging and spa packages are also available including a Renewal Package providing hotel accommodations at Boyne Highlands, breakfast for two each morning and a $200 spa credit with each night’s stay. The Spa Renewal Package starts at $299. The resort also plans to offer golf and spa packages this summer. For package reservations, call 800.GO.BOYNE (462.6963) or visit www.BOYNE.com.

A Grand Opening Celebration for The Spa at Boyne Highlands is being held on Saturday, May 26 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Grand Opening includes spa tours, complimentary chair massages, treatment demonstrations and hors d’oeuvres. The first 100 attendees also receive a gift bag.

BOYNE is a collection of mountain and golf resorts, retail stores and real estate opportunities based in Michigan. Each of the collection is a member of the Boyne Resorts family of resorts and attractions and includes Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls; Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs and The Inn at Bay Harbor – A Renaissance Golf Resort in Bay Harbor as well as Bay Harbor Golf Club, Crooked Tree Golf Club, Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark, Boyne Country Sports and Boyne Realty. Countless lodging and meeting facilities, eleven championship golf courses, premiere snowsports terrain, three spas, distinctive dining, spectacular events and Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark. What are you up for?

Source: World Golf

Crystal Serenity’s sister ship, Crystal Symphony, also enjoyed a high score (91.4), making Crystal the only line with its entire fleet included in the esteemed list of top 10. Travelers rated spas on staff, facilities and treatments; the complete list of the world’s best spas is featured in the prestigious magazine’s June issue.

Boasting Feng Shui-inspired designs, expertly-trained therapists, Elemis and Bliss products, and private relaxation areas with sweeping ocean views, the Crystal Spa and Salons soothe guests with Pro-Collagen Marine Facials, Exotic Lime & Ginger Salt Glow “rituals,” reflexology, aroma stone therapy, and more than a dozen face, nails, hair and body treatments. True romantics can treat themselves to a couples’ massage, while Penthouse guests can indulge in massages from the comfort of their suite. These, plus less expected choices like teeth whitening and acupuncture, extend the over-the-top “Crystal Experience” beyond the exotic destinations and adventures, spacious outdoor decks and world-class restaurants.

“Whether one is seeking a day of beauty and pampering or an impromptu, complimentary sauna or steam session, our spas augment one’s vacation with varying options that will uplift, enlighten or enhance relaxation,” says Alexandra Don, vice president, hotel services and design. “We are honored that experienced travelers recognize the exceptional service, choices and design of our Crystal Spa and Salons.”

The Crystal Spa and Salons are operated by Steiner Leisure, a global provider of spa services, manufacturer of premium products, and accredited educator.

With a penchant for wellness, Crystal ships also include fully-equipped fitness centers, with state-of-the-art Kinesis(TM) strength training equipment; Spin, Pilates and yoga classes; and an exclusive Walk on Water® program. The ships’ restaurants cater to most any dietary preference or need and offer extensive menus featuring only the freshest ingredients.

Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history. With no guest request left untended, Crystal Cruises has been the perfect choice for luxury travelers for more than two decades.

The 5-star property will feature a combination of deluxe suites and pool villas with a choice of 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms.

The resort’s design concept is based on the Peranakan style, a blending of Chinese and Indonesian or Malay cultural styles that has created very distinctive design and architectural forms for parts of Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

“This style has inspired the exterior design of the villas, which use wood with a Chinese motif, and also for the interiors, which feature a combination of antique and modern styles of furnishings,” said Mr. Heiniger.

Centara’s first resort hotel to open in Bali was the Centra Taum Seminyak Bali, located in the center of Krobokan at Seminyak, one of the island’s prime tourism destinations.

“The opening of Centara Grand Nusa Dua Resort & Villas provides Centara guests with the option of the new 5-star Grand brand resort, or the Centra value brand, at 2 very popular destinations on the island,” said Mr. Heiniger.

Centara Grand Nusa Dua Resort & Villas will have 68 suites with the option of a private pool, a lagoon access, or a private Jacuzzi, and 14 private pool villas with 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms and butler service.

There will be a Spa Cenvaree with 9 treatment rooms offering a full range of signature treatments, 2 large pools, and a fitness center.

The fine dining restaurant is named Ginger and will feature Asian cuisine, and there will also be an all-day restaurant and 2 bars.

A Club Lounge, a Kids and Teens Club, and a library will also be among the facilities.

“Our main market for Centara Grand Nusa Dua Resort & Villas will be the leisure and honeymoon sectors, but due to the excellent location of the resort next to the Bali Convention Center, a large part of our business will be from the meetings and events sector,” said Mr. Heiniger, “The market mix for MICE is forecast at 60 percent domestic and 40 percent international.”

The resort will feature 5 meeting rooms ranging from 200 sqm in size to the boardroom at 37.5 sqm.

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading operator of hotels, with 37 deluxe and first-class properties covering all the major tourist destinations in the Kingdom. A further 17 resorts in the Maldives; Philippines; Vietnam; Bali, Indonesia; Sri Lanka; and Mauritius Indian Ocean brings the present total to 54 properties. Brands and properties within Centara ensure that specific categories such as couples, families, individuals, and meetings and incentives groups will all find a hotel or resort that is appropriate to their needs. Centara operates 25 branches of Spa Cenvaree, one of Thailand’s most luxurious and innovative spa brands, and the company’s Kids’ Club is available at all the family-friendly resorts to ensure that the youngsters and teens are taken care of. Centara Hotels & Resorts also operates 2 state-of-the-art convention centers in Bangkok, and 1 in UdonThani in northeastern Thailand.

Source: eTN

The Spa at Travaasa Hana earned an overall score of 98.5, with perfect 100 scores in treatments and facilities. The 2012 spa poll results were compiled from Conde Nast Traveler’s 2011 Readers’ Choice survey.

“With so many wonderful spas in the Hawaiian Islands, we are tremendously proud to be at the top of these rankings and we’re grateful to the readers of Conde Nast Traveler for their high praise,” said Danny Mynar, general manager of Travaasa Hana. “This recognition is a testament to our distinct spa and wellness services, hard work of our spa employees, and the timeless healing energy of Hana.”

Overlooking Hana Bay and historic Kauiki Hill, The Spa at Travaasa Hana is a one-of-a-kind indoor and outdoor wellness center comprising of a lava rock whirlpool, relaxation room, private garden area, steam room, and cold plunge pool. Nine treatment rooms feature Hawaiian-style décor and florals, and utilize locally made and organic products. Services infuse therapeutic Native Hawaiian treatments with exercise as part of a holistic approach to relaxation and wellness. Massages, body treatments, facials, and energy balancing using the organic skin care line Amala, along with fitness offerings focusing on balance, posture, core strength, and flexibility, are offered.

The AAA Four Diamond Hotel was recently rated the #1 Hawaii hotel in the 2011 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards Poll. Located at the end of the famous Road to Hana, the original property opened in 1947 and became a favorite retreat for generations of travelers seeking barefoot elegance, unspoiled natural beauty and a Hawaiian sense of place. Travaasa Destinations’ philosophy is to provide an escape for those looking to experience something new, enrich their lives and immerse themselves in local traditions, which mimics the hotel’s original intention.

Source: Hawaiinewsnow.com

The spa now covers 26,000sq ft (2,400sq m) and each of the standalone treatment rooms are surrounded by water in order to create a sense of space.

The menu combines traditional Asian healing rituals with treatments using indigenous Caribbean ingredients. Product houses used at Regent Palms’ spa include Sothys and Zents.

Source: spaopportunities.com

In celebration of the Condé Nast Traveler “Top Spas” honor, The Westin Riverfront is encouraging guests to unplug and unwind this summer with the new Breathe Deep: Vail Valley Digital Detox offer. Surrender your cell phone at the Front Desk and lock your tablet and laptop in the in-room safe upon arrival and take a break from the constant deluge of email and text messages with this special offer starting at just $519 per night – 30% off standard rates!

The Breathe Deep: Vail Valley Digital Detox offer includes:

• Accommodations in a technology-free studio suite
• Back Country Sunset 4×4 Tour for two with Vail Valley’s Lakota Guides, including wine & cheese
• $300 credit to Spa Anjali
• A copy of the book “The Art of Doing Nothing”
• Scrabble, a puzzle, a journal, bubble bath, two luxurious robes and a travel candle – all for you to keep!
• Breakfast for two daily at the Lift Café
• Unlimited group exercise classes at the Athletic Club, including Vinyasa Flow yoga, Anusara yoga and Pilates Barre
• Valet parking

The Vail Valley Digital Detox is available through October 2012, based on availability; 2 night minimum stay required. To book, please visit the website or call 1-866-949-1616.

Nestled on the banks of the Eagle River at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain, The Westin Riverfront features 230 finely appointed guest residences ranging from studio suites to three-bedroom condominiums, all featuring custom kitchens, five-piece bathrooms and gas fireplaces. The AAA Four Diamond resort is connected to Beaver Creek’s spectacular ski terrain via the Riverfront Express Gondola. Amenities include a Westin Kids Club, a ski valet and on-site ski and snowboard rentals in the winter and bike rentals and a fly fishing shop in the summer. The dog-friendly resort is also home to Cima, a contemporary Latin kitchen by Chef Richard Sandoval.

The 27,000-square-foot Spa Anjali at The Westin Riverfront offers an extensive treatment menu focusing on three healing mountain traditions – the Rockies, Alps and Himalayas, as well as a full-service salon, a spa boutique and access to the resort’s saline-based outdoor pool and three riverside hot tubs.

Spa Anjali is also home to the state-of-the-art Athletic Club, which recently completed a $1 million expansion, including three new studio spaces. The Athletic Club offers an extensive schedule of daily group exercise classes, including Pilates, yoga, cycling, Zumba and kickboxing, as well as special fitness programs and workshops.

To book an appointment at Spa Anjali, please call 970-790-3020 or visit the spa website.

Source: realVail.com

Sweet Relief

While honey adds an extra something to a warm mug of tea, it has been used as a moisturizer for centuries. These spas incorporate liquid gold into their treatments:

Salish Lodge & Spa, Seattle: Rather than buy honey, the Spa at Salish Lodge has its own beehive. The Salish honey is incorporated in a 50-minute Honey from Heaven scrub and massage treatment for the hands and feet ($115). The spa also has a 50-minute Honey and Oatmeal Body Scrub for luxuriously smooth skin ($115).

Caneel Bay, St. John: Organic honey is used in new treatments offered in two open-air massage cabanas overlooking the beach. The 50-minute Bee-utiful Facial restores vibrancy to sun-drained skin ($145), while the Bee-utiful Massage, also 50 minutes, includes a honey foot wrap ($145).

Umstead Hotel and Spa, Cary, North Carolina: Wrap yourself in a blanket of moisturizing ingredients for 75 peaceful minutes. The Umstead Spa has a Buttermilk and Honey Wrap treatment that drenches the skin in nutrient-filled honey and a buttermilk powder and moisturizer; the treatment also includes a scalp massage ($145).

Bring the Spa Home

Honey and beeswax in Apivita’s Queen Bee Firming & Restoring Rich Face Cream plump up wrinkles ($95).

Fruit Basket

Acidic citrus- and enzyme-rich papayas are among the fruits that are popping up in beauty products. The following treatments have a bonus—they leave you smelling sweet:

Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda: The 90-minute Caribbean Breeze treatment begins with an exfoliating pineapple-papaya enzyme scrub, followed by an aloe, green tea, and ginger root sea enzyme detoxifying mask and a scalp massage ($180).

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, California: Vista Blue Spa’s 80-minute Bliss on the Bay treatment combines a pineapple-papaya exfoliation with a massage and detoxification. Lemongrass, blue cypress, and juniper berry essential oils help rid the body of toxins, followed by a scalp massage and a warm blanket body cocoon ($195).

Atlantic Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale: Drown stress—or your sorrows—with the Spa Atlantic’s Signature Beer Treatment, which includes a Citrus Suds Body Cocoon and Bath. The 80-minute treatment continues with a citrus-beer body exfoliation, a special wrap, and a beer hair and scalp treatment. It ends with a soaking tub and a full-body lotion application ($220).

Bring the Spa Home

Put on a happy face with Chantecaille’s Fruit & Flowers Acids Mask—it’s rich in grapefruit and soothing hibiscus ($85).

Marine Life

Dive below the surface at these top-rated spas and spend a day soaking up the benefits of reparative ingredients from the sea, including algae, seaweed, and sea salt:

The Setai, Miami Beach: The Spa at the Setai specializes in the use of seaweed, a reservoir of antioxidants. Treatments include a 30-minute VOYA Organic Seaweed Bathing Ceremony, in a seaweed- and salt-filled tub ($80). The VOYA Organic Seaweed Leaf Envelopment is a two-hour full-body treatment with a seaweed wrap and other seaweed products ($320).

Tides Inn, Irvington, Virginia: The 60-minute Tides of Change Signature Body Treatment—which includes a 30-minute massage—invites guests to submerge in a sea-mineral-rich Organic Undaria Body Polish guaranteed to leave skin feeling softer ($135).

Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman: The 90-minute Gifts from the Sea treatment at the Silver Rain spa uses ­products created with marine plants (sustainably grown, of course). The package includes a warmed-seaweed mask and a mineral-rich seawater and concentrated algae extract serum that hydrates and protects ($285).

Bring the Spa Home

Sure it’s good in your maki roll, but it’s even better in the shower: Try Crabtree & Evelyn’s Black Sea Mud & Seaweed soap ($10).

Beauty in bloom

Flowers and herbs have long been mainstays of beauty treatments, but in recent decades, as scientists have learned more about our reactions to scents and essential oils, spa directors have also turned to plants for treatments. Here’s where to embrace flower power:

Miraval, Tucson: In May, Miraval unveiled a spa designed by Clodagh. New on the menu is an 80-minute facial using chamomile, basil, and hazelnut oils and Clarins botanicals ($250).

Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach, California: One of the spa’s specialties is the couples bath, which can be added to a Duet massage ($110 per person). Spend 30 minutes soaking in a tub scented with bergamot—to lift your spirits—or arnica—to unwind ($70).

Four Seasons Resort Whistler, British Columbia: In the 50-minute Indigenous Wildflower Massage, herbal packs with Rockies wildflowers relax muscles while the medicinal benefits of botanicals are absorbed through the skin ($160).

Bring the Spa Home

For rose petal–soft skin, apply Jurlique’s Rose Hand Cream: It works all over the body and is a hands-down (no pun intended) favorite of Condé Nast Traveler staff, many of whom travel with it ($25).

Palms Up

Among the world’s most versatile crops, the coconut has long been cultivated throughout the tropics, where people have made use of its fibers, flesh, water, and oil. While nutritionists may caution against eating excessive coconut oil, with its high percentage of saturated fats, its ability to restore resilience and moisture to hair and skin has never been in doubt.

Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne: The fruits of Florida’s coconut groves are put to use in the 60-minute Signature Coco-Licious Body Treatment. An exfoliation with sugarcane granules and virgin coconut oil is followed by a wrap and the application of a body butter enriched with more coconut oil ($170).

Kahala Hotel & Resort, Honolulu: Filling your tub at home with coconut milk is both expensive and time-­consuming. It’s much easier to sign up for the Kahala’s 75-minute After Sun Soother, which includes a coconut milk bath followed by the application of soothing aloe vera and tamanu and noni fruit oils ($230).

Bring the Spa Home

Get rid of dry spots with the help of the coconut oil in Aesop’s Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm ($27).

Source: Conde Nast Traveler

Located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu (Sabah), it is set on the shores of Pulau Gaya, the largest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Gaya Island Resort is an ideal launching pad to discover Borneo, which offers idyllic golden sand beaches, diving sites of spectacular underwater havens, ancient tropical rainforests home to many rare species, including orangutans and proboscis monkeys.

Gaya Island Resort will incorporate elements of Sabahan architecture and contemporary design complete with modern amenities and Wi-Fi capabilities. It is comprised of 121 spacious stand-alone hill villas with a spectacular view of the ocean and Mount Kinabalu, starting at roughly USD $200 per night (RM600).

The resort is easily accessible from Kota Kinabalu International Airport and is a short 30-minute combined car and speedboat ride from the airport.

The resort offers a unique PURE program, which immerses guests in the vibrancy, scents, textures, sounds, and tastes of the natural environment and cultural heritage of the region through four paths– Discovery, Vigour, Creativity, and Balance.

The Discovery path will take the curious through land and marine explorations, such as scuba diving, island hopping, nature walks, and private yacht charters.

Vigour is designed to initiate movement and will include activities such as kayaking, paddle surfing and jogging.

The Creativity path nurtures creative expression through intriguing activities, such as handicraft classes, storytelling session of local tales and a Borneo culinary journey.

Activities in Balance enable guests to focus on restoring peace to the psyche by traditional Borneo spa treatments or meditating to the soothing sounds of nature.

For those who prefer a more indulgent holistic experience, YTL Hotels’ award-winning Spa Village will offer treatments, therapies and healing practices specific to Borneo culture. It is uniquely designed within a mangrove setting offering six treatment rooms with outdoor decks, a walk-in theatre and a yoga retreat space.

The luxury resort will also offer a selection of dining options, a pool bar & lounge and an infinity swimming pool with picturesque views of Mount Kinabalu.

Source: eTN

When applied to the human body, propolis has been known to promote heart health, fight infections and keep diseases at bay.

Taking a page from one of nature’s most ingenious creatures, Alvadora Spa has integrated propolis into its line of products and has developed and introduced an exciting array of treatment packages that are now available at the charming and intimate spa at iconic Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix. “We have created soothing, revitalizing and extremely effective treatments that provide much needed relief to those suffering from allergies,” said Katie Pederson, Spa Director at Alvadora.

“Much has been written about the incredible restorative properties of propolis and to be able to assimilate this product into our line of services has been a welcome addition to our Sweet Relief menu.”

The Mediterranean-style ambience of Alvadora Spa offers these rejuvenating and enriching allergy treatments:

Allergy & Sinus Massage – Using sustainable organic and natural products, this 60 or 90 minute massage is designed to open up your sinuses, boost the immune system and relieve congestion.

Allergy & Sinus Relief Bath – A luxurious 30-minute soak will increase circulation, relieve congestion and increase the rate of detoxification with mood-lifting scents.

“All of our new allergy treatments are focused on improving one’s sinuses and to alleviate any allergy-associated problems,” added Pederson.

Bee Smooth Scrub – Using a Neroli-scented scrub to exfoliate and smooth the skin, the 60-minute full body treatment will be capped off with a propolis moisturizer, leaving you feeling silky smooth.

Bee Hydrated Wrap – Coated in moisturizing propolis, coconut milk and Noni gel, enjoy a cool wrap for 60 minutes.

Immune Boost Facial – The nurturing 60-minute facial combines olive oil, Noni gel and omega-3 fatty acids which deeply hydrates, restores and nourishes the skin.

Bee Wraptured – An extensive 90-minute treatment utilizes a variety of propolis products and includes a full body scrub, moisturizing wrap and soothing massage.

The ultimate new allergy treatment at Alvadora Spa at Royal Palms Resort may be the Queen Bee. This 90-minute facial begins with a soothing footbath and cleansing scrub using an herbal tonic elixir antioxidant blend designed to boost your immune system. Then, on to the captivating facial which combines the cleansing properties of olive oil, Noni gel and omega-3 fatty acids.

Relaxing in one of Alvadora’s meditative treatment rooms, the Queen Bee embraces all of your senses and provides soothing and rejuvenating qualities to your skin and beyond. “Our Queen Bee treatment offers an unparalleled experience for allergy sufferers” said Pederson. “The ambience alone sets the mood in the perfect direction, leading to an inspirational journey of total relaxation and self-discovery.”

Source: Breaking travel news

Start your quest for ultimate body care in the heart of Tuscany. Surrounded by meandering hills, vibrant meadows and terraced vineyards, the Adler Thermae Spa & Resort offers baths, massages and exfoliation treatments using organic, red grapes. Try the popular Bacchus Ritual (100 min. €119 or $155) that includes a peeling, a regenerating massage and a bath enriched with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Looking for service for two?

Book the three to four day-long Aphrodite & Adonis package (€349 or $450 per person). Among other treatments, this includes a Brunello ritual, a Grotta Salina and a Rasul bath. When you are not luxuriating you will no doubt be enthralled by the beauty of the Orcia Valley and the nearby thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni. Long prized by Etruscans and aristocratic Romans, the Bagno Vignoni is now an officially designated European Cultural Route. In case this does not suit your taste and your route leads you elsewhere, perhaps you should put a wrap on it.

Voda Spa on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood offers one of the newest and most decadent body wraps available on the market: the caviar wrap (50 minutes $150). The gastronomic status icon has now evolved into a bathing status icon as well. The treatment relaxes you, relieves stress, helps detoxify your body, all while acting as an exfoliant. If you need to escape the pressures of life, then slip into this spa and dismiss your stress as you are “cocooned in this luxuriously therapeutic wrap.”

After all these spa and body treatments, your hair might need some freshening up. Make sure to get over to the United Kingdom and visit the local Harrod’s. The Urban Retreat boutique at Harrod’s now offers “The World’s Most Expensive Blowdry (£320 or $515).” The treatment features the famous hair care brand Truffle by Fuente. The shampoo and conditioning service includes a super luxe hair product that employs “White Truffle Skin, diamond dust and meteorite extracts to react intelligently to the specific needs of each individual hair type.” There is no doubt that after the woman in your life enjoys this treat that she will be looking celestial. If diamonds are your guilty pleasure, why stop there?

A company in Santa Monica, California now offers a new type of massage treatment. The company has partnered with diamond manufacturer Hearts on Fire to produce and offer the “Dream Girl” service which is a “diamond-based massage treatment ($25,000 or £15,999).” Appointments are strictly outcalls to the client’s home. The treatment consists of using $1 million worth of loose diamonds to massage and relax the body. An extra procedure is also available that places powdered diamonds onto the skin to help “extract electromagnetic toxins.” Finally, the company also offers a service that involves placing 24 karats of gold leaf onto the face, which is massaged into and absorbed by the skin, to help give it a glowing appearance ($400 (£256) to $500 (£321)).

Source: Just Luxe