Luxury Spa

We put together a list of ways to live well in the city known for having the “Greatest Snow On Earth” (and being the site of a few scenes in Dumb and Dumber), and all without having to ever put on those godforsaken foot and calf-suffocating ski boots.

Apres Ski
In a way, resort hopping the apres ski scene is Park City’s other great sporting event. The French term specifically refers to the drinking and revelry that ensues after a long day of skiing or snowboarding. The art of the cocktail is nothing to scoff at in snow country and up in these mountains the Mormon influence shunning drinking and nightlife is forgotten. Alta Resort’s Sitzmark Bar is a classic. Off-resort, check out High West Distillery and Saloon. They make their own whiskey and vodka and have a killer, innovative cocktail list with drinks like the High West Silver Julep using High West’s Silver Oat Whiskey and Rendezvous Rye. Park City’s Main Street features a collection of classic, mountain and Western motif bars and nightclubs like No Name Saloon, The Sidecar, and The Spur. There’s also Downstairs, owned by Danny Masterson of “That 70s Show” fame, a hip rocker lounge that celebrities typically flock to when they’re in town.

Shop
Ski bunny fashion is no joke in Park City. Locals and pros sport some of the slickest and brightest colored gear and pseudo-gear from brands like The North Face, Patagonia, and Lululemon, or, hanging in resort shopping areas in Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort and The Canyons. It’s hard to resist not purchasing a brilliant blue fleece when witness to everyone else looking fashionably ski hip. There’s shopping too for the fashion-forward who prefer to wear something that’s also stylish away from the resorts. Along Main Street are adorable boutiques like Bunya Bunya and Mary Jane’s with clothing and accessories handmade by local artists and independent designers. Park City also has the largest collection of factory outlet stores in northern Utah.

Continue reading Five Fabulous Things to Do On A Ski Trip Without the Skis in Park City, Utah

Five Fabulous Things to Do On A Ski Trip Without the Skis in Park City, Utah originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The festival consists of 4 days and 3 nights of yoga workshops taught by the nation’s top instructors, access to The Standard’s full range of therapeutic spa treatments, evenings full of musical inspiration from Bonobo and others, and of course lots of fresh air and sunshine. The season’s opening festivities are scheduled for March 17th-20th and ticket packages start at $750 per person for the weekend.

Wanderlust Festival Kicks Off at The Standard in Miami originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

“Sweetheart” Scrub & Massage at Spa Desert Springs
What better way to say “I love you” or “UR G8″ than with the quintessential Valentine’s Day candy, Necco Candy Hearts? Palm Desert’s JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is offering a Sweetheart Sugar Scrub and Sweetheart Valentine Massage, both scented with the smell of candy hearts, featuring notes of orange, vanilla and blueberry. Afterwards, unwind in the 38,000 square foot spa, the largest in Southern California. Both treatments are 60 minutes and $135.

Vanilla and Caramel Delight at The Spa at Norwich Inn
Whoever said Valentine’s Day had to be just about chocolate and Champagne obviously hasn’t tried this deluxe treatment. The famed Connecticut spa (which also has an outpost at Foxwoods resort and casino) is offering a Caramel Delight Facial for their holiday visitors. Vanilla helps lessen skin’s hypersensitivity and reactions to environmental elements, while caramel leaves skin smooth and improves its tone. As a take-home gift, you’ll enjoy the spa’s Caramel serum to help maintain the effects of the treatment. Prefer something a bit “spicier”? They’re also offering a selection of Chocolate and Chocolate-Gingerbread treatments. The facial is 50 minutes and $125.

Strawberries, Champagne & Chocolate at The Sports Club/LA
Finally, a spa treatment that’s both luxurious and affordable. This month’s seasonal specials at Sports Club/LA (locations across the country) are a Chocolate Indulgence Body Wrap, which begins with a Chocolate Crme Mineral Mask with soothing scalp massage and foot reflexology before application of a cocoa-scented lotion to leave skin smooth and supple. Need some face time? How about a Strawberry Champagne Facial, which uses the power of vinotherapy and the antioxidants to leave skin smooth, supple and refreshed? Both treatments are 50 minutes and just $99. Want to spa with a friend? Inquire about combining these into couples packages that include Champagne and strawberries.

Continue reading Best Luxury Valentine’s Day Spa Packages & Treatments

Best Luxury Valentine’s Day Spa Packages & Treatments originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

But even great things can get better … in this case with the addition of its Aman Spa.This new facility includes six spa treatment rooms in three pavilions, a yoga and meditation pavilion, a Pilates studio, a gymnasium and a finishing salon for hair, hand and foot treatments. Two steam rooms with cold plunge pools will open in March.

Continue reading Aman Resorts Debuts Latest Spa at the Phillipines’ Amanpulo

Aman Resorts Debuts Latest Spa at the Phillipines’ Amanpulo originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, The signature Ritz-Carlton Club Level at the property has 55 Deluxe rooms featuring standing rain showers and soaking tubs and unobstructed ocean views from private balconies. The Club Level accommodations in St. Thomas also include one-bedroom Executive suites, a top-floor Ritz-Carlton Club Suite and three stunning 1,850-square-foot Presidential suites boasting a dining and living area and fitness room with treadmill, where Barack Obama and family have stayed in the past. All Club Level rooms and suites include access to the elegant Club Lounge with a spacious outdoor terrace, offering elaborate culinary presentations throughout the day and evening, chic cocktails and a dedicated Club Concierge.

Once ensconced in your luxe accommodations there are several options for making your getaway even more magical. A particular favorite for celebrating Valentine’s Day is a champagne sunset sail aboard the Lady Lynsey, the resort’s luxurious 53 ft. catamaran. You can take a cruise to Honeymoon Beach across the bay on St. John featuring some of the finest snorkeling in the Virgin Islands, and then hop back on board for a leisurely lunch for two complete with a champagne toast. Stay out on the water to watch the sunset and then finish the day with a starlit dinner in a private gazebo on the beach with a chocolate and wine tasting, or enjoy a private dinner for two at Bleuwater restaurant, one of four distinctive oceanfront-dining options as unique and colorful as the Caribbean scenery that surrounds them. [cont'd]

Continue reading Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Luxe Style at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Luxe Style at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

During the month of February, its 7,000 square foot spa, which was built for the exclusive use of the inn’s guests, is offering a milk chocolate bath for two in a private outdoor garden—of course while eating sumptuous desserts and sipping on a specially paired wine.

This antioxidant rich body treatment is supposed to stimulate the senses, soothe the mind, and rejuvenate the soul, according to Auberge du Soleil. The treatment begins with a delectable cacao and grape seed exfoliation. Guests then slip into a milk chocolate bath for two in a private outdoor garden while indulging in dessert and specially paired wine. Finally, the couple is given a full body massage using a decadent massage oil of chocolate and spice.

The cost of the treatment varies depending on the length of the massage. The treatment with a 90 minute massage costs $570 per couple, while a 90 minute long massage costs $760 per couple. The treatment is available throughout the entire month of February.

Continue reading Bathe in Milk Chocolate for Valentine’s Day at Auberge du Soleil

Bathe in Milk Chocolate for Valentine’s Day at Auberge du Soleil originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The five-star property has hand-painted frescoes, Turkish artworks and lavish murals meant to conjure up the magnificence of the Ottoman Empire. The centerpiece of the hotel is the Talise Ottoman Spa, a large spa with 42 individual spa rooms and suites, an indoor swimming pool and three authentic Turkish Hammams. The hotel’s Mehteran Theatre & Event Centre will play host to live shows and events. There will also be 38 villas on the beach around a lagoon pool. The property has ten restaurants, bars, a night club, boutiques, tennis courts and a fitness center. This is the first hotel developed by Zabeel Properties to open its doors in Dubai.

The global economic crisis has resulted in a tourism drop in Dubai but the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing is hoping that 2011 will be a better year. A recent report said that hotel guests in Dubai in the first nine months of last year reached 5,991,660 guests, up six percent from the same period in 2009.

[Breaking Travel News]

New Luxury Hotel Opens In Dubai originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The design of the spa sets a restful tone with the use of rich materials like natural stone and wood and hand-made blown glass chandeliers. Treatment highlights include the Myoxy-Caviar High Performance Facial with pure caviar pearl and a blend of phyto extracts; the Tropical Oasis Body Wrap which uses mango and passion fruit extracts for smoother, firmed and vividly brighter skin; and Sabai Mineral Therapy that blends micronized minerals of malachite and zincite with the guest’s choice of neroli, lavender and rosemary essential oils to stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation.

The nine treatment rooms, inclusive of 13 massage tables and two treatment tubs, are divided between the main spa building (three) and exterior private spa suites (six). The spa’s thermal hydrotherapy circuit consists of a sauna and steam bath, cold rain showers, whirlpool bath, cold plunge bath, swimming pool with cascading waterfalls and a tubular air lounger.

Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana offers guests 14 different suite categories, an array of dining options, 24-hour room and concierge services, pool and beach wait service, activities and live evening entertainment. The resort has a variety of special offers including girlfriend getaways and golf packages.

Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana Opens New Luxury Spa originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Offering beautiful grounds, spectacular amenities and delicious cuisine, Miraval is an award-winning “destination retreat” that is like no other. Guests unwind and relax at Miraval. The resort has a no tipping policy and thus there is no need to carry a credit card or cash. The resort offers all-inclusive stays which includes everything from airport transportation (to and from the Tuscon airport), welcome gifts, and accommodations to meals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and “growth activities”. A daily $130 resort credit is extended to each guest to be used toward spa services, private consultations, dinner with the chef, or even a round of golf.

The 14 year old resort is situated at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains in the High Sonoran Desert. Its focus is healthy and sustainable living and it offers everything from spa and beauty experiences to nutritional counseling and horseback riding. It is famous for the personalized attention it extends to guests, as well as its luxurious accomodations. Guests are housed in 177 casually elegant casita-style accommodations and suites grouped in six separate villages.

Continue reading Miraval Wins Luxists’ Editors’ Choice Award for Best Spa

Miraval Wins Luxists’ Editors’ Choice Award for Best Spa originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Book one of these for yourself or a loved one (or spa together for a great holiday experience!). We’ve selected a variety of treatments offered coast to coast. Al of the treatments listed below are available through the holiday season, and many are also bookable into the spring.

Hot Toddy for the Body at L’Auberge de Sedona
Spa in the splendor of nature at Sedona resort L’Auberge when you book their special “Hot Toddy for the Body,” a spirit-lifting holiday cocktail for the whole system. The treatment begins with a cornmeal body scrub rich with clove, organic orange and cinnamon with a warming body wrap of sweet soy, calendula and orange oil. $130

Peace, Joy and Harmony at Qua Baths & Spa
We could all use a little peace, joy and harmony this holiday season, and even better when those relaxing moments come at a spa. Try Atlantic City’s Qua Baths & Spa holiday treatments for whichever feeling you hope to inspire. Joy comes in the form of a European facial featuring a frangipani sugar hand exfoliation and paraffin wax treatment. Find Peace in a back and foot ritual with a Ginger, Rosemary & Lemongrass foot exfoliation preceded by a pressure reflex point massage of your feet, followed by an Arnica & Shea Butter exfoliation of your back and a relaxing Marine Oil Swedish neck, shoulder & lower back massage. If it’s Harmony you’re after, balance your Chakras with a stone massage and exotic milk hair mask followed by the same Marine Oil massage. $180 each.

Bindi Rebirth at The Boulders
Want to enter 2011 looking and feeling like a new person? Book The Boulders’ Bindi treatment. Based on the ancient Ayurvedic arts, this herbal exfoliation, aromatherapy massage and comforting body wrap is bound to make you feel fresh and new. $205.

Continue reading Ten Great Holiday Spa Treatments From Coast To Coast

Ten Great Holiday Spa Treatments From Coast To Coast originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The largest resort on St Barth’s, the Hotel Guanahani & Spa’s renovation was led by award-winning architect David Schwarz, interior designer Miami, Fla.-based Luis Pons and local architect Nicolas Lossent from Lotus Architects.

Most rooms are being renovated and one new, luxurious suite will be built on the property. Located in a remote setting on the beachfront, the Admiral Suite will resemble a villa and feature 2 spacious bedrooms, exclusive access to a small private beach and breathtaking views of the lagoon. The suite will feature custom-designed furniture that incorporates elements of leather and wood.

Continue reading Hotel Guanahani & Spa on St. Barth’s to Reopen December 15

Hotel Guanahani & Spa on St. Barth’s to Reopen December 15 originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This concept is new in the Far East, and the PuLi Hotel and Spa is the first luxury urban resort in the city of Shanghai, and in China. The 26-floor, 209 room and 20 suite hotel is centrally located, in the heart of Shanghai’s business, shopping, sightseeing and entertainment districts. There are also views of JingAn Park, The hotel is also located by sky bridge to the new multi-use development Park Place..

“We have been very successful with this new idea,” said Yvonne Mak, Director of Sales And Marketing for PuLi. “The urban resort fits in so well with what our guests want: the busier the city, the more they need a sanctuary. Our goal is to offer an experiential oasis for the guests, so they can feel they are miles away from the intensity of city life that is in reality, right outside the hotel doors. Therefore, the spa, the dining, the architectural and interior design of the hotel all work together to exude a kind of peace and simplicity.”

Continue reading PuLi: The First Urban Resort And Spa In Downtown Shanghai

PuLi: The First Urban Resort And Spa In Downtown Shanghai originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The innovator behind Aspen Fashion Week, Lisa Johnson had a hunch that a fashion event combining the chic of skiing, winter and resort with the high energy appeal of Aspen would be a huge hit. As the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, managing the destination marketing funds on behalf of the City of Aspen, Lisa worked with major events and productions like ESPN Winter X Games, HBO U.S. Comedy Arts Festival, the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen and Luxury Spa Finder’s Aspen Spa Day. Also as part of her six year tenure with the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Lisa managed the media relations efforts and served as a de facto film commissioner assisting on film, television and commercial productions of all sizes.

“Aspen is the most recognizable mountain town and the undeniable center of the winter lifestyle,” Johnson, pictured above, center, with Lauren Bush and Ellen Gustafson from FEED, tells Luxist. “Most of the major fashion and luxury brands have boutiques here because it caters to a very high-end consumer and has some of the most influential buyers in winter and ski. I strongly felt that Aspen could support a fashion event in which designers and outerwear / ski brands could show collections in a fun, relaxed, high energy format to a consumer with the ability to walk into the stores to buy. And having Aspen Mountain as a backdrop is never a bad setting!” In the gallery are images of Johnson’s essential luxuries, from skis to wine to books and bags, along with quotes about what makes them a must.

EXCLUSIVE: Aspen Fashion Week Founder Lisa Johnson’s Ten Essential Luxuries originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 31 May 2010 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.