This February – Romance Month – Willow Stream Spas around the world are offering exclusive spa experiences just for the two of you. Perfect.

Learn more about these special offerings and to reserve your time together at a Spa below . When calling from Canada and the US, you must first dial 011 before dialing the phone numbers of our spas in Mexico, Europe and Asia

NORTH AMERICA

The Fairmont Banff Springs 403 762 1772 


Escape to Willow Stream Spa Package

Looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Bring your friends and loved ones for a weekend of gossip, pampering and rejuvenation.
Package Includes:
• One night room accommodation
• Gourmet breakfast daily
• Self parking
• Gratuities
• Choice of one Willow Stream spa treatment per adult, per day
Package priced from $499 per night*

February is for Friends & Lovers:

Book any 90 minute body treatment* and lunch is on us! Either before or after your services you and your guest will choose from our selection of bento boxes in our co-ed lounge, overlooking the Bow River. Offer valid Monday through Thursday for the month of February.
*Based on a minimum of two body treatments

The Fairmont Empress 250 995 4650

Receive a FREE energy candle when you book our Ritual for Two over the two weekends surrounding Valentines Day*.

RITUAL OF TWO (For Couples) – 120 minutes

Fun. In our luxurious spa suite, your therapist will show you how to spend the first half hour together giving each other a spa treatment. You’ll choose from a variety of muds and masques as well as a variety of baths and then be left alone to have fun. The remainder of your time together, you’ll have side-by-side full body Aromatherapy massages. (Our luxury spa suites feature a specialty tub, spacious treatment areas and breathtaking ocean views).

Ask about our special rates on our Tranqwillow Facial and Pure Ener g treatments
* While supplies last

Fairmont Mayakoba 52 984 206 3000



Be in Love Package for two

Package includes:
• Accommodation at the AAA-5 Diamond Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya resort
• Welcome sparkling wine toast and delicious chocolate-dipped strawberry delights
• Daily buffet breakfast for two adults at La Laguna restaurant, gratuities included
• One 60-minute side-by-side romantic Hip Honeymooners spa experience at Willow Stream Spa
• Unlimited access to all Willow Stream Spa facilities for two during your stay, including spa pools, fitness center and relaxation areas
• One romantic three-course dinner at Las Brisas or El Puerto
•One Mayan Serenade boat tour per stay
Package priced from $549 per night*

Romantic Spa Experiences

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Hip Honeymooners (For Couples) – 60 minutes
Romantic This experience is for new honeymooners or lifelong romantics. Composed of Rose petals, Rose oil and Rosehip oil, this treatment evokes the feeling of love, sensuality and romance. A side-by-side dry brushing with a Rosehip oil massage application and full body wrap has amazing power. A great way to give or get roses any time of year. $379 per couple
“Love Me Do”- 90 minutes
Surprise your loved one by choosing one of our signature 90 minute spa experiences and as a special bonus receive a surprise spa gift! From $219 per treatment.
Uniquely Mayakoba way to give Roses & Chocolates – 90 minutes
Share an intimate bath with your loved one surrounded by rose petals, and live moments that will be treasured for a lifetime! Follow with the 60 minute Food of the Gods we honor Mexico’s rich heritage. For centuries, Cacao has been revered by Maya people and used as a tribute for their Gods. Today we acknowledge Cacao for its health and wellness benefits and as nourishment for the body and soul. Seal this memorable experience with a sparkling wine toast. From $469 per couple.

Fairmont Pacific Rim 604 695 5550



Pure ener.g Couples Treatment

Treat yourself to a pure ener•g break. Our total body pure ener•g treatment will revive your spirits with a balancing blend of bergamot, rose geranium, clary sage and Roman chamomile. It starts with a soothing foot bath, followed by a gentle all-over exfoliation with nurturing moisturization. Then, after an energizing massage, you will emerge with skin that’s silky soft – and a whole new outlook on the day. From $429.00


Ritual of Two- 90 minutes


Playful
 Following your therapist’s instructions, you will apply each other’s aromatic algae masks and wash each other in refreshing neroli water. After soaking in the Japanese-style tub, receive side-by-side massages.

Time Together

Soothing lavender 90 minutes
Begin with a Japanese-style soak together, followed by a dry brush, lavender-oil massage and full-body wrap. The scent of lavender soothes you throughout.

All of the Elements
 Couple’s Therapy- 90 minutes

A moor-mud wrap, mineral bath in a Japanese-style tub and side-by-side massage. Discover the restorative power of nature’s elements. Especially beneficial for dry or maturing skin.

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa  707 938 9000

“Romance in Wine Country Package”

Romantics will bubble over our unparalleled romance-inspired accommodations, (2) 60-minute spa treatments, sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberry amenity, rose petal turndown and sparkling wine tasting passes at Gloria Ferrer Winery. Package priced from $429 per night.

The couple that spas together stays together- Begin the day with a private couple’s yoga instructional session. Lovebirds will learn techniques that enhance both mind and body.  Seduce the afternoon with a couple’s wine and roses massage. Soak in a romantic aromatic bath sprinkled with rose petals, while you toast one another and savor locally produced chocolate wine truffles.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess 480 585 4848


Couples Celebration Package

Grab this Scottsdale hotel special and treat your significant other to a weekend of romance, adventure and pure relaxation.
Package Includes:
• One (1) night luxurious room accommodations in a Fairmont room Champagne upon arrival
• $200 resort credit per room, per night, to be used towards the award-winning Willow Stream Spa or on food and beverage at any of the Resort’s outlets. Package priced from $470 per night*

During the month of February – book any of our Willow Stream Couples Experiences, a receive a Nourish lunch for 2!

Loving Touch Couples’ Massage Therapy – 75 minutes 
Learn fun and easy massage techniques with your partner, allowing you to reduce each other’s tension and stress on a regular basis, long after your visit with us has ended.  Following a demonstration led by an experienced massage therapist, as well as sufficient practice time, you will receive printed instructions for basic guiding techniques. $249 per couple

Hip to Hip – 90 minutes

Featuring rose petals and Harmony oil, this treatment is a great way to give or receive roses at any time of the year.  After a side-by-side dry brush exfoliation, enjoy a pampering massage with Harmony Oil and a full-body wrap.  A relaxing facial massage completes the experience! 90 minutes $579 per couple

Couples Suite Massage – 60/90 minutes

The perfect gift to each other is time together! Let the pressures of everyday life melt away with your choice of side-by-side massages, performed in our couples’ suite. 60-minutes $349/90-minutes $559 per couple

The Fairmont Southampton 441 238 8000



The Fairmont Southampton 
“Sweetheart Package”

Enjoy the ultimate in pampering with our trio of experiences.
ROSE RENEWAL SCRUB – 60 minutes
An invigorating sea salt exfoliation removes dull skin, improves circulation, and nourishes the skin with trace elements, minerals & essential oil of Rose.  An aromatic lotion application soothes & nourishes the skin. This experience is pure indulgence not only for you but your skin and your attitude.
RELAXATION MASSAGE – 60 minutes
Tailored to your specific needs or preference this popular full-body Swedish style massage offers a gentle to medium intensity and is designed to increase circulation, enhance lymphatic drainage and promote relaxation. Using long, smooth strokes to relax muscles and stimulate the lymphatic/circulatory systems.
Sugar Kiss Facial – 60 minutes
Aromatherapy facial with special attention paid to the lip area; includes a sugar lip exfoliation & mask for the lips
All for just $489 plus gratuity.

Also available in February

• $250 gift certificate and receive a complimentary Gift box & KFI Caviar Rose mist
• Sweet Kisses/Lip Promo – buy any Jane Iredale lipstick or lip gloss & receive a complimentary lip pencil!

EUROPE

Fairmont Le Montreux Palace 41 21 962 1212

Treat Your Sweetheart to an Aromatherapy Gift!

Aromatherapy Experience Kit 
Give the gift of renewal and well-being this year with combination of Soothing Mineral Bath Salts, Lavender Body Spray and Candle. CHF 89.

Side-by-Side Massage and Aromatherapy Kit – 60 minutes

Romantic. The lights are dim, candles flicker gently and the music soothes – an extraordinary “together” experience. Share the pleasure of each other’s company while enjoying side by side relaxation massages. Pure Bliss for two. 60 minutes CHF 365 (including an Aromatherapy Kit).

Fairmont Monte Carlo 377 93 50 6600

Indulge Yourselves

Our Package includes:
• Accommodation in a Fairmont Room based on double occupancy
• Daily buffet breakfast
• 30 minutes of bubbling Jacuzzi together
• 90 minutes of massage experience for two in the stunning suite double treatment room and a classic pedicure
• Complimentary access to Willow Stream Fitness Center with Sauna, Hammam & pool.
Package starts at 778 euro per night.

ASIA

Fairmont Beijing 86 10 8511 7777

Enjoy the ultimate in pampering with one (or more) of our trio of experiences

TREAT

Signature 60-minute relaxation massage.
A tailored, full-body Swedish massage that increases circulation, assists lymphatic drainage and promotes relaxation—using unscented organic oil and long, smooth strokes. RMB 600 (RMB 800 value)

SPLURGE

Renew Body Gift – Renew Rose Body Wash 200mL, Nourishing Oil 125mL, Body Cream 200mL, Relax Shower and Bath Oil & a 60-minute relaxation massage RMB 1,560 (RMB 2,600 value)

SPOIL

Renew Rose Facial Gift- Renew Rose Cleanser 100ML, Skin Tonic 200ML, Facial Mask 100mL, Facial Oil and a 90-minute rose facial gift certificate RMB 2,388 (RMB 3,900 value)

Fairmont Peace Hotel 86 21 6138 6818


Valentine’s Day Package

Enjoy a free Aroma Romance Bath with special holiday season gift with the purchase of a 90 min Spiral Aura For Him + 90 min Mystic Peace for Her
Mystic Peace
 According to feng-shui principles, the mystic knot appearing throughout the hotel’s ceiling panels is a symbol of protection, prosperity and longevity. Discover more of the same in this treatment, featuring a luxurious 90-minute massage that traces a continuous ‘knot’ on the body, alleviating tension and loosening muscles.
Spiral Aura
 The spiral, a dominant motif in the hotel’s art-deco design, features significantly in this distinctive treatment for women. A spiral massage technique focusing on common ‘holding areas’ for tension—the centre of the shoulders, the small of the back, the hips, the solar plexus, the abdomen, the palms and the soles—relieves pent-up stress and leaves you energized.

Girlfriends Spa’rty

Enjoy a unique girls’ day out with a Chinese spa treatment of your choice, plus a complimentary healthy spa lunch and tea set valued at RMB600.

Fairmont Singapore 65 6431 5600


Willow Stream Spa Couple Package

Specifically customised for couples to celebrate this special day together.
Your date begins with a fun and meaningful lesson picking up massage techniques with your partner, followed by a 60-minute relaxing massage by our spa therapists using a special blend of aphrodisiac massage oil to get you both in the mood for this special occasion. Be escorted to Mikuni thereafter for an exquisite and intimate meal, savouring the freshest ingredients from the sushi, robatayaki and teppanyaki counters in the restaurant. Wrap up the whole Valentine’s Day experience by sharing a specially prepared dessert and a glass of complimentary champagne to toast to everlasting love!  6 to 20 February 2012 $759 (per couple)

Indulge Package

This 120-minute lavish massage package begins with a mineral rich thorough body scrub, followed by a hydrating mud wrap to replenish the skin’s moisture, and an indulgent foot and scalp massage. Enjoy a soothing shower before surrendering to a full body custom massage using Willow Stream Spa’s special blend of aphrodisiac massage oil meant to leave your senses tantalised for the rest of the day.  1 to 29 February 2012 $269 (per person)

Purchase the Willow Stream Spa Gift Card and receive a Damanscea Mist Spray with a purchase of $100 card value or more.

Fairmont Yangcheng Lake 86 512 5701 1720

My Valentine’s Day at Willow Stream Spa

• One night stay in Fairmont room
• Breakfast for two
• Late check-out till 4pm
• 60 minutes Side-By-Side Massage for two persons
• “I Love You” spa treatment voucher – a RMB 521 value
• “Forever, Forever, Forever” – RMB 999 credit voucher with the purchase of our spa membership program

Side by Side

The perfect gift to give each other is time together: Let the pressures of everyday life melt away while enjoying side-by-side relaxation massages.

The Relaxation Massage

Tailored to your specific needs or preferences, this popular, intense yet gentle, full-body Swedish-style massages is designed to increase circulation, assist lymphatic drainage and promote relaxation. Unscented organic oil and long, smooth strokes will relax muscles and stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory systems.
Package Price (RMB 1,314 ++)  1,314  “I Love You Forever”
Valid from 10th – 15th February only

Africa & Middle East



Fairmont Nile City, Cairo 20 22 461 9494

Inspirational & Sensational Experiences for Valentine’s Day 2012

Spoil your beloved one this Valentine with a luxurious experience at Willow Stream Spa, choose your gift from the gender designed packages and enjoy the full access to our facilities Including rain and ice mist showers, Desert star steam room, ice fountain, integrated gymnasium and aerobic studio, rooftop pool and Jacuzzi and lounging area. Accommodation with upgrade to a Nile Deluxe room with breathtaking views of the majestic Nile
For Her Package:         

Aromatherapy Massage 60min     
Balance Facial 30 min                            
Rose Sea Salt Scrub  30 min                
For Him Package:   
Stone Massage 60min                   
Men’s Grooming Facial 30 min                                      
Sultan Body Scrub 30 min                
On each package you will receive a special gift from our retail boutique and a Complimentary Salt Bath treatment  



Fairmont Zimbali Resort 27 0 32 538 5000

Spoil Your Partner

Spend R700 or more on a treatment for your partner and receive a lipbalm and foot gel from Africology!

We hope so. And we hope this candle will serve as a lovely reminder for the New Year to keep balance in our lives.

From January 15th to February 29th, you will receive a FREE balancing aromatherapy candle with every 90-minute body treatment at Willow Stream*. The candle will help you bring your relaxed spa attitude home. And, perhaps, help create the feeling of an escape to the spa whenever you need one.

To receive your balancing aromatherapy candle, book a 90-minute Body treatment at a Spa below* . When calling from Canada and the US, you must first dial 011 before dialing the phone numbers of our spas in Mexico, Europe and Asia

NORTH AMERICA

The Fairmont Acapulco Princess 52 744 469 1000
The Fairmont Empress 250 995 4650
Fairmont Mayakoba 52 984 206 3000
Fairmont Pacific Rim 604 695 5550
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa 707 938 9000
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess 480 585 4848
The Fairmont Southampton 441 238 8000
EUROPE

Fairmont Le Montreux Palace 41 21 962 1212
Fairmont Monte Carlo 377 93 50 6600
Asia

Fairmont Singapore 65 6339 7777

*While supplies last. Balancing aromatherapy candle offer not available in China, Egypt or Soth Africa.

You just never know precisely how a new spa will turn out.

Thousands of details all need to come together for a luxury spa to be perfect; design, equipment, supplies, hiring, training, treatments, products, food and beverage, furniture, retail items all have to be determined and put in place. There are over 1,000 items just on our list of small supplies.

Many people are involved in a spa development and opening. Everyone works together to create a great facility with energizing experiences. Ruth Armstrong, our Director of Spa Openings, worked with Lyndell Nelis our Spa Director on the opening details so I didn’t get to see the final opening product until this summer. I had a lot of anticipation and a bit of anxiety about how the concept turned out and went to see all the final touches in place.

I am very happy to say that after seeing it – I am definitely at Peace.

Each Willow Stream spa is designed to draw on the energy of the place; often it is connected to nature. However, here we connected to the nature of Shanghai the city – merging some of the art deco, somewhat flamboyant past with Chinese tradition.

The spa is built in the new part of the project yet it gives the same kind of quality and environment of the historic Peace hotel. The interior designers HBA (Hirsh Bedner) did a great job, using many of the iconic details to give it a classic feel.

The treatment menu is interesting too – carrying the character of the spa into the menu with treatments like Mystic Peace which uses the mystic knot symbol that is everywhere in the hotel and the spa as the inspiration for a very effective massage treatment.

This is the one I couldn’t wait to try. The mystic knot is like a figure 8. It is not only a symbol of prosperity and wisdom but also a perfect energy flow. Some say simply drawing a figure 8 over and over has a calming effect. This massage was designed to target long held stress knots in the muscles using the 8 continuous movement. My experience with this massage was amazing. I could really feel the stress and muscle release. I am not sure it made me any wiser or more prosperous but it certainly made me feel at Peace. I definitely will have this treatment every time I go to this spa.

Question:
What is the time you feel most at Peace yourself? I think for me it is home with my family on a Sunday night after a great weekend – just the best.

This fresh, inspiring line of bath and products will captivate your spirit with a balancing blend of Bergamot, Rose Geranium, Clary Sage and Roman Chamomile. Following are 5 ways you can experience the line to find your energy.

Pamper your skin. ener•g hydrating body emulsion has a gentle, Vitamin E and Aloe-infused formula that nurtures and protects the skin while it refreshes the senses.  Simply apply it after showering or when skin needs extra moisture to reap the benefits. Bonus: It is full of antioxidants, which will help to protect your skin against environmental damage.

Revive your senses with aromatherapy. Need a quick pick me up? Try ener•g aromatherapy face and body mist. Whether used as a refreshing après-shower body spray or as a facial toner, it will help you  revive your senses throughout the day. It’s made with an invigorating mix of Clary Sage, Roman Chamomile, Bergamot, and Rose Geranium oils. For an added boost to your spirits, use it to scent your room and your linens.

 Soak away aches and pains. After a bath with ener•g organic bath and body oil, you’ll emerge from the tub with a silky veil of moisture protecting your skin. The secret? Organic Sunflower oil, scented with Bergamot, Rose Geranium, Clary Sage and Chamomile. It aids circulation and energizes muscles and joints.

Bring out your natural glow. ener•g mineral body scrub – made with Mineral salts, Clary Sage oil and Roman Chamomile oil – lets you deep cleanse and exfoliate gently but thoroughly. Apply it to dry or damp skin and briskly massage it over the body. You’ll emerge moisturized and glowing.

Treat yourself to a pure ener•g break. Autumn is the perfect time to pamper yourself, before the hustle and bustle of the winter holiday season starts. Our total body pure ener•g treatment – available at Willow Stream Spas starting October 20 – will revive your spirits and help you “reboot” your mind. It starts with a foot bath. You’ll go on to be massaged, exfoliated and moisturized, experiencing a feeling of complete renewal as you emerge with skin that’s silky soft—and a whole new outlook on the day.

Click here for more information or to purchase ener•g products

A couple of years ago, when we were opening our first Willow Stream spa in China at the Fairmont Yangcheng Lake, we had an exceptionally good group of colleagues as the opening team. They were quick to learn, enthusiastic about the brand and the spa and very technically proficient. Ruth (who opens our spas) and I could not speak a word of Chinese, so there was a lot of sign language and luckily many people on this team were also learning English.

Amongst this already terrific team there was one person who stood out to us. His name is Richard and he is our Fitness trainer and leader in the fitness area.

We saw his enthusiasm and his natural leadership abilities immediately. As an example, he noticed that we needed some extra help and organization for cleaning and set up in the days leading up to the opening. He simply took charge of a whole group of people not really in his department, without being asked, and he organized and led them to help us. His English was limited at the time but communication was easy regardless. Among the words he knew were “yes”, “ok” and “great”.

Last time I was back, he had organized teams to do presentations for me about the brand (we have a secret dance that we teach). It was fun. This time I learned from the General Manager how much the guests liked him as a swimming teacher for their children. All these things are outside of his regular job.
This trip I also noticed how much his English had improved. He is a quick learner and determined in this area. I know he is reading this as he tells me that reading my blog is one more way he is learning English!

The fun part for me was that his improved English allowed me to learn more about his family, leadership, his extensive background of athletics and his future goals. Oh, by the way, he is a talented personal trainer. I learned a lot during my sessions with him. He is encouraging and uses the word “great” a lot, not surprising given his attitude in general.

There are many examples of people just like Richard on all of our teams and in the next few months, I will introduce you to others.

In the meantime, “HI RICHARD – I know you are reading this. Please say hi to the rest of your GREAT group of colleagues”.

Question: I would love to hear about other GREAT Willow Stream colleagues that you have met. Please let me know of someone special we could recognize.

Here is the inside scoop on some great ways to enjoy some popular Willow Stream Spas.

Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Yangcheng Lake. This hotel in Kunshan–located on Yangcheng Lake Park and surrounded by lush gardens– is the perfect base for a journey to China. If you’re looking for an experience you’ll never forget, spa director Jenny Gray recommends The Lady Yang, a 120-minute, flower-infused bathing ritual, inspired by the legendary Chinese beauty Lady Yang Gui Fei. “We convert her history into our signature treatment,” says Gray of the ritual, estimated to be 5,000 years old. It includes a chamomile foot soak, exfoliation, a flower-accented bath, and a lavender and edelweiss massage and wrap. Need to unwind after a busy day? Try taking a dip in one of the therapeutic mineral pools, she suggests.

After your treatment, visit the spa’s tea room, Zhú Li Gua˘n, where, in addition to antioxidant rich Bi Luo Chun green tea, you can enjoy refreshments from healthy muffins to delicious bento boxes that combines local and Western cuisine, recommend Gray. “This is where our customers will find their energy,” she says. Much of the deliciously fresh spa cuisine—from tomatoes to melons—comes from the spas’ organic farm, about five minutes from the hotel.

Fairmont Zimbali Resort. Located on South Africa’s east coast, this hotel offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean in a uniquely decorated environment that reflects the Zulu heritage of the region. At the luxurious Willow Stream Spa, located on two stories of the property, you’ll be able to indulge in many authentically local experiences. Spa director George Pindak suggests the Detox Intonga Foot Treatment, where the intonga stick is used to massage the calves. Pindak notes that many guests at the spa enjoy trying the Africology range of products, made locally using native plants such as marula. “They use a lot of rooibos, an organic plant we use in our teas,” he adds.  If you’re looking to stay in shape while on vacation, there are plenty of options, from yoga classes to nature trail walks at sundown, says Pindak. After you’ve enjoyed the spa, you can relax in the great room, decorated with soft, draping curtains that create a cocoon-like atmosphere. “It looks out onto a beautiful pool area and outdoor mineral bath,” he notes.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa. Enjoy wine country in Sonoma Valley and nearby Napa Valley this year at this historic four-star hotel. The 40,000-square- foot Willow Stream spa—highly rated by Travel + Leisure magazine—is among the only luxury spas in the country with its own source of thermal mineral water. When the hotel received the prestigious Fodor’s Choice Gold 2010 Award Winner (http://www.fodors.com/fodors-choice/gold-awards/2010/best-resort-or-destination-spas-7/), a Fodor’s reviewer highlighted the spa and pointed to treatments like the signature Bathing Ritual, as well as the flotation experiences, where guests can experience weightlessness on our flotation table. The spa is also known for using treatments incorporating local ingredients like – you guessed it!—grapes. Try the Sonoma Grapeseed Body Scrub, filling with natural antioxidants to keep your skin looking its best.

But, let’s face it, sometimes life intervenes. If you’ve found that it’s been a while since you took care of yourself in a way that makes you feel great, we’ve got some good news for you. By taking just a few small steps every day, you can start the momentum going in a positive direction. Before you know it, you’ll be back on track.
There’s no better time to take the first steps than Spa. This spring, you can enjoy a bounty of special offers and gifts at the Fairmont Spas and our world-class Willow Stream Spas as we celebrate Spring from April 1 – May 31. Whether you treat yourself to a Sp’arty with friends or a one-hour facial, you’ll feel far more energized than you would if you let another week go by without recharging your battery.

Here are some small steps you can take now to move the needle on your personal wellness in the right direction.

• Book a one-hour massage – for next week. If your body feels tight and creaky after a long winter, it’s the perfect time to loosen up your muscles and joints so you can spring into your fitness routine. Willow Stream Spas offer a variety of ultra-relaxing massages, from the Stay Active Relief Massage to ease the aches and pains of working out to the firm but luxurious Hot Stone Massage. If you need more intensive TLC, we’ve got a whole Stay Active Rx program to help you.

• Squeeze in a 10-minute walk today. Even if your schedule is booked solid, you can probably find a few minutes for a stroll around the block. You’ll clear your head and remind yourself of how great it feels to be in motion.

• Do five minutes of the “basics.” Set a timer and take a quick breather sometime today to do as many sit-ups and push-ups as you can while you take five. You’d be surprised at how much you can get accomplished – and the results you’ll see in a week or two if you stick with this small step every day.

Once you’re ready for a more extensive fitness routine, our spa team can help you design a customized program that will keep you feeling your best.

• Commit to eating one ultra healthy meal today. Trade in a pastry for a bowl of whole grain cereal and milk at breakfast. Or add a salad to your dinner. The difference that seemingly simple changes like this can make in your energy level may amaze you!

Sometimes, daily life can be so demanding that it’s near-impossible to get moving on your own. If you need some motivating, treat yourself to the Spa Season Bed & Breakfast Package, which includes a relaxing overnight stay. You’ll get one night’s accommodation plus a healthy breakfast the next morning. You can step out of the daily grind, unwind and use our exercise facilities with help from our on-site trainers. And you’ll receive $25 in spa credits that you can use when you come back in the future – more motivation to stick with the healthy changes you’re making.

People often ask us if spa therapies really work. There is an important new resource for everyone to use that consolidates independent scientific research studies from around the world for the many of the therapies provided in spas. This was compiled by medical doctors.

Here are just 5 ways that going to the spa can help you achieve your wellness goals. (To learn more, check out the Global Spa Summit’s Evidence-Based Portal for Spa & Wellness Therapies

More energy: An aromatherapy massage offered more relief than a massage by itself, according to Japanese researchers. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18637761)

Better endurance: A recent study (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16877041) concluded that three weeks of sauna bathing after exercise improved endurance runners’ performance, increasing plasma and red cell blood volume.

Stress relief: Research at University of California (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21035949) found that meditation fosters positive psychological change – while helping to increase telomerase activity, an indicator of longer-term cell viability.

Enhanced blood sugar control: Qi gong relaxation exercises improve glucose metabolism and help reduce insulin resistance, according to research findings (http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/25/1/241.long) in Japan.

A better diet: Getting nutritional counseling can help bring real improvements to one’s eating habits.  (http://www.globalspasummit.org/index.php/spaevidence#/nutritional-counseling).
Give your health a boost and book a spa day today.

Clear the decks. If you’ve got a vacation on your calendar, plan ahead so you don’t have to catch up on work or respond to emails while you’re away. “Be proactive,” advises Kris Cavanaugh (author of Stuck to CEO – How to take Back Control of Your Personal and Professional Life…), who coaches clients on how to become “CEO” of their lives at ShiftTM, Inc. in Atlanta. “You really need to choose to leave work at home.”

Allow some decompression time. If your lifestyle is very intense, don’t expect to relax fully on your first day of vacation. Sometimes it takes a day or two to decompress, says Cavanaugh. If you’re accustomed to a busy schedule, you may prefer a full day of activities over chilling out at poolside.

Connect with a spa buddy. What could be more fun than spending a summer afternoon catching up and laughing with a good friend? Pick up the phone now and make a date to head to the spa. Why not try a new class together, then lunch on some delicious spa cuisine?

Spas are designed to be relaxing on many levels, so allow yourself time to savor all the details. Ali Kamen, owner of Zenergy Yoga in Scottsdale, Ariz., which provides yoga classes to the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale, loves the aromatherapy room there. “It’s quiet and still,” she says. “You can go in there and just breathe. It will calm your body.”
Experiment with yoga. “There are 31 flavors of yoga,” jokes Kamen. Sometimes, you may have to take a few types of classes to find the one you like best. Willow Stream Spas make it easy, by offering a full range.

Connect with yourself. No matter what fitness classes you take, free yourself from comparing your progress with others. Tune into your own body and you’ll get more out of it.

Stay in the moment. Whether you’re getting a massage or standing in line at the store, taking a few seconds to breathe deeply – and free your mind from other cares—can be a great way to restore your energy, says Kamen. “Breathe in for a count of five, then breathe out for a count of five,” she says. Do this for five minutes and you’ll feel completely refreshed, she says. Remember, a day at the spa is just a phone call away!

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morten This compelling tale, spanning several generations of women in one family, explores the mysterious origins of a young adopted girl and illuminates the power of our childhood imagination.

The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman. One of the most important secrets to fulfilling relationships is connecting with our mates in a way that is meaningful to both. Chapman, a longtime marriage counselor, explains how to figure out what communication style will make your significant other feel most loved, whether it’s affirming words or a focused time together. if you haven’t read this perennial New York Times bestseller, you won’t regret stowing it in your beach bag.

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand: A Novel, by Helen Simonson. This whimsical first novel introduces widower Major Ernest Pettigrew, a traditional Englishman, who forms an unexpected friendship with a Pakinstani shop keeper as he tries to keep his relatives from selling an antique shotgun that belonged to his brother.

Love of My Youth by Mary Gordon. In this novel by critically acclaimed author Gordon, a couple – once romantically involved in their youth– meet many years later in Rome. It’s a must-read for anyone who has pondered the power of first love.