Taking Care Of Your Skin During The Summer

     Summer is a special time of the year. There is so much to do and places to visit. There is a potential problem in being out this time of year which is the sun and what it could do to your skin.The sun can cause allot of damage to your skin if you are not careful or take the right precautions. So, we decided to give you some tips in taking care of your skin this summer from Web MD.

Sun Shields

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. There's strong evidence that excessive sun exposure raises the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be about 62,000 new cases of melanoma in 2006, and nearly 8,000 will die of the ailment.

Sunscreens. Sunscreen is a highly recommended defense against sunburn and skin cancer. It is now available in lotions, creams, ointments, gels, wax sticks, and spray. Some have glitter and tint, too.

What's the best kind? That depends on you. "It's nice to use a product with a higher SPF, but it's more important you find a sunscreen that you like because you'll use it more," says Andrew Kaufman, MD, a dermasurgeon and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

Make sure to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go out. Put on enough so that it takes a full minute to rub in. If at the beach, spread at least 1 ounce -- enough to fill a shot glass -- on your face and entire body. Use more if you need to for good coverage. If you swim, sweat, or are outdoors for a long time, reapply every two hours. Your sunscreen should also have the following qualities:
It is water resistant. Sweat or water cannot easily remove it.
It has SPF of 15 or higher. According to The American Academy of Dermatology, sunscreen-SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on sunscreen-protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin.

For example, with an SPF 2 sunscreen a person who normally (without sunscreen) would turn red after 10 minutes of sun exposure would take 20 minutes to turn red. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 would allow that person to multiply that initial burning time by 30, which means it would take 30 times longer to burn. However, SPF should not be used to determine time in the sun.

Skin damage can happen even without a burn. Plus, higher SPF numbers do not give proportionate protection. SPF 15 deflects 93% of sun-burning rays, whereas SPF 30 deflects 97%, reports the AAD.
It provides broad-spectrum protection, which is in sunscreens containing benzophenones (oxybenzone), cinnamates (octylmethyl cinnamate and cinoxate), sulisobenzone, salicylates, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, and avobenzone (Parsol 1789).

Unless it has these agents, the sunscreen may filter only UVB light, the major culprit for sunburn and skin cancer. Yet, protection from UVA is important, too. It is responsible for premature aging and the development of skin cancer.

Clothing and Lip Balms

Clothing. Start with a hat, because those harmful rays reach your scalp and your ears when you leave your noggin unprotected. And remember, baseball caps are not nearly as effective as hats with broad brims, because they leave your ears exposed.

Garments designed to ward off skin-cancer-causing rays are now available in specialty stores. These are given an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating, indicating how much of the sun's rays are absorbed by the fabric. Articles with UPF 30, for example, allow only 1/30 of UV light to penetrate.

These clothes are a foolproof way of shielding against skin damage, says Cyndi Yag-Howard, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist and SPF clothing entrepreneur in Naples, Fla. "They basically act like a really good sunscreen," she says, noting most people don't apply enough sunscreen for it to be effective.

At the same time, there's no need to buy special products for sun protection. Try your closet. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, clothes with certain qualities can prevent harmful rays from reaching the skin.
Garments made of unbleached cotton, high-luster polyesters, and thin, satiny silk can absorb or reflect UV radiation, preventing damaging rays from reaching the skin.
Darker materials tend to absorb UV light, keeping it away from your body.
Clothes with tight weaves or knits prevent penetration of harmful rays.

Lip balm

The lip is a common site for skin and lip cancer, primarily because of extended sun exposure. Cracked, peeling, scaly lips that aren't helped by lip balm or petroleum jelly may be signs of actinic keratoses. The condition can be the earliest stage of the development of skin cancer, and has the potential to progress to deadlier forms of the disease. People either forget to put sunscreen or balm in the area, or lick it off. To fully protect lips:
Look for lip-specific products that have SPF 15 or higher, recommends Shelton. Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher if you have a history of lip and skin cancer.
Apply lip product every two hours or so, based on the amount of contact with the UV rays.
While in the sun, stay away from baby oil, petroleum jelly, or high-shine lip gloss.
If you decide to wear lipstick, try darker shades as they provide more UV defense than sheer, glossy ones.
Better yet, wear lipstick with SPF, or apply a lip conditioner with SPF and antioxidants under lipstick for extra moisture and protection.

Sunglasses and Cosmetics

Sunglasses. Oversized sunglasses are in again this year, with the likes of Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton sporting their large shades. Even aviator styles for men are rounder and bigger.

The trends have no better fan than Neil Hodur, OD, professor of optometry at the Illinois College of Optometry. "The more of the eye you can cover, the less the intensity of light ... to reach the back part of the eye," he says.

Prolonged UV exposure can redden the whites of eyes, just as the sun can burn skin. Over time, this can cause eye problems, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. To prevent eye damage, choose sunglasses with the following qualities:
UV 400 protection. It blocks up to 400 nanometers of UV light.
Impact resistant. The shades can possibly withstand active lifestyles or an accident.
The right color. Translucent-colored sunglasses are hot, but to ward against distortion of colors, stick to gray and brown shades.
The right price. Effective eye defense can fit any budget, from $10 to $1,000.

Cosmetics

 Can makeup protect against the sun's harmful rays? The answer is a qualified "yes." While any kind of coating on your face can help block UV light, cosmetics by themselves do not have enough protection to prevent sunburn or skin cancer.

Mineral makeup, darker foundations, powders, and eye shadows do have better sun-protective qualities than other cosmetics. Yet makeup can be applied unevenly and wiped off during the course of the day, losing its ability to effectively block UV light. For surefire protection, Shelton recommends wearing sunscreen first, and then applying makeup on top.

Makeup that contains broad-spectrum SPF has UV-filtering qualities as well. However, Shelton says that makeup with SPF is not as effective as sunscreen by itself. Makeup doesn't bind to the skin as well as sunscreen. Plus, when you combine sunscreen with something else, he says it often does not retain all of its UV-filtering properties.

Sunless Tanning

Forget dangerous sun worshipping and tanning booths. Sunless tanning products are better than ever with streak-proof varieties. They come in lotion, cream, gel, and spray form. With the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA), dead skin cells are safely coated with color. The tint disappears when the cells are either washed off or sloughed off.
 Some cautions:
Find the right sunless tanning product for you. Since some self-tanners can turn some skin orange, test the product first in a small area of your body.Self-tanning preparations do not necessarily contain sunscreen. Read labels carefully. The FDA requires tanning products without sunscreen to contain a warning statement indicating it does not protect against sunburn.Stay way from "tanning pills." They are not approved by the FDA and may cause unwanted side effects such as eye discoloration.


Now you can use these helpful tips to enjoy the sun and keep your skin protected. If you would like to contact us with any questions or feedback, you can reach us by email. 

Thanks for Visiting!

Joseph A. Jones & The WellLife Team

Summer Spa Treatment Ideas

Summer is upon us. We feel like we want to have some treatments done but not sure what is needed with warmer temperatures arriving. There are some crucial treatments one needs to consider in keeping your skin healthy. With the assistance of Frommer's , they compiled  different summer treatments  and links to places that offer them.


Face the Day

Your face boasts some of the most sensitive skin on your body, and while it's recommended that you wear SPF year-round, it's vital to do so in the summer. "Most people get sun in the summer whether they intend to or not," Sokolowski says, "so skin suffers." Avoid glycolic or lactic acid peels, which can make skin susceptible to damage, and opt for treatments that gently exfoliate, soothe, and hydrate.


Hydrating Botanical Facial, LakeHouse Spa at Lake Austin Spa Resort, Texas ($140, 50 min., www.lakehousespa.com): The skin's thirst is quenched with bio-active botanical serums and an antioxidant black current oil-fortified cream.


Sun Relief Facial, The Spa at Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands ($100, 50 min., www.littledixbay.com): An organic sea enzyme mask and fresh aloe vera gel soothe sunburned skin.

Turquoise Facial, Revive Spa at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Arizona ($130, 50 min., www.jwdesertridgeresort.com): Turquoise is mined in the U.S. in only two places -- Arizona and New Mexico -- so it should come as no surprise that it's on the menu at this Phoenix spa more than once. Pure essential oils and botanical extracts hydrate the skin, while anti-inflammatory elements help reduce redness from sunburn. Skin is calmed with a turquoise gemstone facial massage. Also try the Turquoise Blue Sage Body Ritual ($210, 90 min), which combines a body polish, wrap, and massage.


Willow Stream Golf Facial, Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Arizona ($259, 90 min., www.willowstream.com): Too much tee time can leave you with skin that's not up to par. Exposure to the elements is tackled using the herbal additive bio-maple, which hydrates and carries antioxidant properties to slough away dead skin. The treatment includes a shoulder, hand, and foot massage (perfect after 18 holes) and the spa's exclusive Sports Masque, which aims to hydrate, repair, and protect skin.


Beach Body
Long sleeves and pants mean we forget to moisturize, pack on a few pounds, or lose that healthy summer glow. And, what was once hidden is now on display. "Women show off their back more in summer," Sokolowski says, "so it needs a little attention. We don't exfoliate the area like we do our legs, which can result in acne and a buildup of dead skin." Look for body treatments that incorporate algae, aloe, and lavender, all of which have soothing effects, or caffeine and cayenne, which are known to stimulate the skin, giving it a smoother appearance. Also, don't forget about your hair. Sun and chlorine can damage luscious locks, so look for treatments that incorporate hair masks or scalp treatments.


Bikini Smoother, The Spa at White Barn Inn, Maine ($85, 30 min., www.whitebarninn.com): A Sonya Dakar peel gently exfoliates the area and stimulates circulation. The treatment is recommended a few days after a bikini wax to help prevent ingrown hairs and breakouts. Add a green tea peel to brighten skin and eliminate bacteria ($95 more).


Cool Aquastones & Aloe Therapy, The Spa at Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands ($140, 50 min.): Fresh aloe vera gel and cool towels pull heat from the body, while cucumber works to decrease inflammation. A chilled stone massage soothes muscles and reduces swelling and redness.



Deep Regenerating After-Sun Treatment, Deep Ocean Spa by Algotherm at the Intercontinental Resort and Thalasso Spa, Bora Bora ($191, 75 min., www.algotherm.fr/en/bora-bora.html): Highlight your tan or prepare for one with this before or after-sun treatment. Start with full-body scrub of seaweed, sugar, or sea salt (depending on your skin type), followed by a seaweed and aloe vera moisturizer. A facial scrub and peel-off mask complete the treatment. If you want the sun-kissed look without the baking time, try the spa's Holistic Spa Tan ($197, 75 min).


Detox Seaweed Thalasso Wrap, Spa at the One&Only Kanuhura, Maldives ($150, 85 min., www.oneandonlyresorts.com): Bloating and beach-going don't exactly go hand-in-hand. Detox your body, release water tension, and give your metabolism a jump-start with this treatment, which includes an algae or seaweed wrap and the spa's Marine Bath.



Mediterranean Wrapture, Alvadora Spa at the Royal Palms, Arizona ($186-$195, 90 min., www.royalpalmshotel.com): Olive oil and seed granules exfoliate dead skin, while a wrap of olive leaf, cilantro, juniper, and lavender extracts moisturize. The treatment (one of the spa's most popular) ends with a scalp massage and application of olive leaf and almond oil lotion.


Para-Joba Body Moisturizer, The Spa at Camelback Inn, Arizona ($135, 60 min., www.camelbackspa.com): Skin is exfoliated with a natural bristle body brush; cooled with lavender spray; swathed in pure jojoba oil; and wrapped in warm paraffin sheets. After the sheets are removed and shea butter cream is applied, your body is hydrated, soft, and smooth.


Peppermint and Anasazi Bean Back Facial, ShaNah Spa & Wellness Center at The Bishop's Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa, New Mexico ($120, 60 min., www.bishopslodge.com): Anasazi bean, blue corn, and peppermint exfoliate, while a regenerating fruit mask smoothes.


Sun Soother, Anantara Spa at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, Jordan ($78, 60 min., www.kempinski-deadsea.com): Aloe vera gel soothes sun-exposed skin, while a cool compress of mint and black tea calms and moisturizes. The treatment also includes a floral foot bath.

Ten-Second Tan, Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas ($100, 30 min., www.harrahs.com/qua): Casino lights are bright, but somehow they don't give you the same glow as a day in the sun. Skin is exfoliated to remove dead skin cells and allow for an even and long-lasting tan. The artisan-applied spray tan contains anti-aging ingredients, minerals, nutrients, and vitamins. When you're done, you can chill out, literally, in the spa's Arctic Ice Room, where it's 55 degrees and snowing year-round.

Best Foot Forward
At this point, your response to your Ugg boots is likely "ugh," and you're ready to slip into some sandals or feel the sand between your toes. "Feet take a beating," Fabien DeGuffroy, spa manager at The Spa at Little Dix Bay, says, "but most people do the hands and neglect the feet." So, before you bare it all, make sure your feet aren't as used and abused as those snow boots.


Bastien's Global Pedicure, Spa at the One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives ($140, 60 min.): The philosophy of renowned French podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez's pedicures is based on beautifying feet with a trim and polish; eliminating nail problems and skin rigidity; and promoting circulation, flexibility, and mobility through massage.


Foot Renewal, Hashani Spa at JW Marriott Starr Pass, Arizona ($125, 50 min., www.jwmarriottstarrpass.com): A lactic acid peel gives feet a face-lift and, according to Sokolowski, "it gobbles up all the dead skin cells and eliminates dry cuticles. You're going to get a much nicer finish from your pedicure."

Grape Seed and Guava Pedicure, Spa at The Carneros Inn, California ($80, 60 min., www.thecarnerosinn.com): The nature of Napa Valley finds its way into this pedicure, which exfoliates with native grape seeds and minerals and moisturizes and soothes with shea-guava butter and warm paraffin. Also try the spa's Sweet Ripened Apricot and Chardonnay Pedicure($80).


PerfectSense Paraffin, available at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental New York, Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles, and Canyon Ranch SpaClub in Las Vegas (prices vary per spa, www.sparevolutions.com): Germaphobes rejoice; now you can avoid that community paraffin tub for your own personal pouch. Spas and salons are big fans of PerfectSense's single-use paraffin treatments, which are full of vitamins and minerals. Look for the brand's RedRock Detox blend, which uses Arizona red-rock clay and Romanian green silts to remove toxins and increase circulation.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/articles/4486.html#ixzz1uPK3yxqp

It is important to have summer spa treatments so that you can look your best for whatever temperatures that you may face in the summertime. If you would like to contact us with any questions or feedback, you can reach us by email. 

Thanks for Visiting!

Joseph A. Jones & The WellLife Team

Spa Treatment Spotlight : Mud Bath

What is in a mud bath? Why is it so special ? Is a mud bath for me ? These are some of the questions that we will answer for you in our spotlight article concerning  mud baths.We cover everything you want to know with the assistance from about.com.


Why Take a Mud Bath?

The most proven reason to take a mud bath is that it's relaxing. Being cocooned and buoyed up in a warm, soft mixture of mud and water simply sucks the stress out. The temperature makes you perspire, cleansing the pores. Health benefits are not proven, but a mud bath is claimed to improve the complexion, relieve joint and muscle pain and remove toxins from the body.

What's In a Mud Bath?

Native Wappo Indians used volcanic ash and warm spring water to make their mud bath, and Calistoga's founder Sam Brannan was the first to commercialize the idea, shortly after the Gold Rush. In 1946, young chiropractor John "Doc" Wilkinson came to Calistoga and within a few years established a spa to provide an extra dimension of relief to his patients and others.

Wilkinson developed the mud bath recipe that's commonly used today: volcanic ash, hot spring water from a nearby source, peat moss to make it soft and help the body float. Today, most spas add an aromatherapy ingredient, such as lavender or eucalyptus.

The spas bring the ash in fresh every morning and mix it with boiling mineral water from a nearby spring, adding peat moss for texture and to help the body float. Boiling spring water is used to sterilize the mixture between clients.

What Happens During a Mud Bath? 

 The mud bath process is about the same no matter where you go. For the first ten to twelve minutes you're immersed and suspended in the warm mud, which is usually a little over 100°F. An attendant helps you in and out and stays nearby to supply ice cold water and cooling washcloths.

The mud bath experience is unlike any other spa treatment. The muddy mixture is soft and warm, and you float, not like a cork in water, but just below the surface, fully surrounded by warm softness. It's perhaps the closest most of us will ever come to a feeling of weightlessness, with no pressure anywhere on the body.

After you wash off, the process varies from place to place. You will  take a mineral whirlpool bath, enjoy a short steam room treatment and then a blanket wrap to let your body cool off slowly. The whole process will take about 1.5 hours, and can take longer if you get a massage afterward.

Will I Like a Mud Bath?

In general, more women than men come to spas for a mud bath.

Reasons you will like a mud bath:

• It's relaxing.
• In fact, people  think it's the most relaxing spa treatment they ever taken.
• It's fun. 
• Where else can you get muddy and not get in trouble?
• Some people swear by the health benefits.

A mud bath is not for you if:

• You're sensitive to odors: mineral water has a high sulfur content. Put simply, it smells like rotten eggs.
• You're claustrophobic: you may feel uncomfortable being submerged up to your neck in viscous, black mud.
• You're under a doctor's care for any reason (including pregnancy): check with them before taking a mud bath.

So, now you  know all of the information concerning mud bath treatments. If you would like to contact us with any questions or feedback, you can reach us by email.

Thanks for Visiting!

Joseph A. Jones & The WellLife Team

Home Spa Recipes

      As a part of our home spa series, we are going to cover spa recipes that are healthy and very simple to make. These  food helps you to eat healthy while enjoying the spa experience. We found some real  flavorful recipes from Spa Magazine which provides recipe links that you can use.

Gazpacho
On a hot day, a cool bowl of gazpacho makes a perfectly refreshing lunch. This recipe, from Lake House Spa, calls for a number of fresh vegetables and herbs. Toss them all into the blender and you have a delicious, healthy meal. Bonus: Serve gazpacho "shots" as a fun appetizer at your next party. Get the recipe.

Seared Albacore Tuna
Courtesy of Chefs Chad Minton and William Fravel at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, this tuna appetizer is prepraed with albacore tuna, which is packed with Omega-3 oils and protein. Get the recipe.

Vine Ripe Tomato Napoleon
Fresh tomatoes from the farmers market (or your own garden) will make this simple appetizer shine. Add a few herbs, good olive oil and fresh mozzarella and you'll have a dish that really celebrates the summer season. Get the recipe.

Sedona-Inspired Chicken
This baked chicken dish from Mii amo comes with a little prep time, but is packed with flavor and less than 500 calories per serving. Get the recipe

Cucumber Summer Rolls
These incredibly refreshing vegetable rolls work wonderfully as an appetizer or a light meal. Get the recipe.

Chilled Honeydew Melon Soup with Mint
A refreshing, cold soup perfect as a light appetizer for a summer meal. Get the recipe.  


Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
Super sweet, summer strawberries make this salad a knockout. Top it off with a homemade vinaigrette and you'll have the perfect side dish for your next meal. Get the recipe.



Thai Lemonade
Fresh mint and cilantro add a refreshing kick to this non-alcoholic beverage. Ginger ale gives it an unexpected fizz. Get the recipe.

Nectarine, Cherry, and Blueberry Compote with Yogurt and Almonds
Nectarines are bursting with flavor during the summer—pair them with sweet cherries and blueberries for a sweet breakfast treat, or a healthy dessert. Get the recipe.

Blueberry Crisp

A simple crumble topping makes this dessert easy to prepare. Get the recipe.

Mixed Berries in Phyllo Nests
This light and refreshing dessert calls for strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, all of which are at their peak during the summer months. Get the recipe.

 These recipes will  definitely add to your home spa experience.If you would like to contact us with any questions or feedback, you can reach us by email. 

Thanks for Visiting!

Joseph A. Jones & The WellLife Team

What You Need To Know About Couples Massage

      It is February which means Valentines Day is approaching. You want to be pampered on that day but you also want to include your loved one. Then, couples massage might be ideal for you both.There are some important aspects of couples massage you need to be made aware of before proceeding with this idea. We have found information for you to guide you through the couples massage process with the assistance from about.com and Anitra Brown.


What Happens During Couples Massage?
Couples massage is a massage that takes place in a couples suite. At the very least this is a room large enough for two massage tables. Some spas, especially big resort and hotel spas have elaborate amenities for couples with fireplaces, pedicure chairs, steam showers and lounging beds where you can relax together after your treatments. See the couples suite at The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House in upstate New York. Some romantic spas, like Alvadora Spa at The Royal Palms in Phoenix, have three different couples suites to accommodate the demand.
As for couples massage etiquette, it's fine to talk to each other through the massage if you want, or be quiet the whole time. It's really up to you.
Not every spa, especially smaller day spas , will offer couples massage.
 
What Are the Benefits of Couples Massage?
Couples massage is a great way to introduce a partner who has never gotten a massage before in a way that makes them feel more comfortable the first time. Some men are apprehensive about getting a massage because of the nudity involved, and to have their wife or girlfriend there is reassuring.
Men usually discover that therapeutic touch is very relaxing and restorative. Once they experience a couples massage, they are more willing to book a massage on their own.
It can also be a good choice if you're traveling with someone you don't get to see often enough -- a sister, girlfriend, mom or best friends -- and you want to spend as much time together as possible.
 
How Much Does Couples Massage Cost?
The price of couples massage depends on the spa where you get it and is usually double the price of an individual massage. It is at least double the cost of a regular massage. It will start at $200+ at a day spa and can go much higher if you are getting the use of special indoor/outdoor facilities at resort and hotel spas. Tipping at the spa is extra.
 
Is There Any Downside To Couples Massage?
Some experienced spa-goers find it distracting to be in the same room at the same time with anyone else during a massage. They prefer to get their massage alone and then meet up afterwards.
The potential problems come if you have different expectations and needs during a massage, particularly if one person wants to zone out and the other likes to talk.
It helps if you know how much the other person likes to talk during a massage -- a lot, a little, or not at all -- and whether it's a good match for you.

Well, we hope this was informative for you so you can schedule that couples massage to make it a Valentines Day you both will never forget. If you would like to contact us with any questions or feedback, you can reach us by email.

Thanks for Visiting!

Joseph A. Jones & The WellLife Team

How to Choose a Spa Resort

       It is a new year and you made a resolution to teat yourself to a spa getaway. You want a beautiful place that offers outstanding Spa services. That leads us to a simple but a very important question. How do I choose a Spa resort that is right for me? Well, we found some useful guidelines that you can use when making that important decision on where to stay.


The classic spa resorts are big and offer overnight accommodations and lots of activities -- golf, swimming, tennis, kids' activities, fine dining, and sometimes horseback riding and skiing.


The spa (called spa resorts by insiders) is just another amenity for guests, and often it's quite large and lavish, with 40,000 square feet and 30 treatment rooms. It provides a relaxing, pampering experience for people staying at the resort and often locals who want to enjoy a day at the spa.


But it's important to do your research before you book a spa resort. Some places that call themselves spa resorts are small privately owned inns with a few treatment rooms and one treadmill to their name.
This is fine if it's what you want, but you don't want to expect something lavish and then find out the hotel's "spa" is a hot tub, or one treatment room off the gym. (This happened to me in the days before I knew better.)



Knowing What Your "Spa Resort" Really Offers


To make things even more complicated, many destination spas and health spas  which are about healthy eating, exercise, and personal transformation, and now calling themselves "spa resorts".
This is because of the way people search on the internet. "Spa resort" is searched much more often than destination spa or health spa, and spas don't want to miss out on potential business. So it's very important to think about what you want to get out of your spa experience, understand the different types of spas, and then make sure what you want matches up with what that spa offers.



What You Need To Know About Spa Resorts

• At classic spa resorts, you generally pay for your spa treatments a la carte instead of having them as part of the total package.
• You may have to pay an entry fee to the spa facilities if you aren't getting a spa treatment.
• While lots of exercise classes are a hallmark of destination spas, spa resorts may not offer them at all. If they do, the selection is more limited, and you may have to pay to participate.
• There IS a trend for more spa resorts to offer complimentary exercise classes with spa treatments or day passes, including Golden Door Spa at The Boulders and The Spa at Camelback Inn in Scottsdale. If exercise classes are important, be sure to ask about their program.
• Spa resorts typically don't include meals in their rates. You can eat and drink whatever you want to because the emphasis is not on health. Spa resorts generally offer some healthy dining selections, but most people indulge in the rich food and wine that signals "I'm on vacation."
• Large spa resorts will have a wide range of activities and amenities and are great for families. Dad can golf, mom relaxes at the spa, and the children head to the kids' camp or teen scene.
• Not all spa resorts are alike. Don't be fooled by someone saying, "Yes, we have a spa." Make sure you know what you're getting into in terms of size, amenities, and activities before you book a spa resort. If you have some must-haves -- a challenging golf course, a world-class spa, an all-day kid's camp, lots of exercise and outdoor activities -- make sure you get the details before you book.
• If you want to get healthy, lose weight, exercise all day, get inspired, go on a personal retreat, or connect with like-minded adults, a destination spa or health spa is the better choice. They also tend to have the most passionate, talented therapists. (Just remember they might be calling themselves a spa resort!)

Well, this should  definitely assist you on knowing what spa to visit. Be sure to use the links that are provided in this article for reference purposes. A thank you goes to about.com for their invaluable information  concerning this topic. If you would like to contact us with any questions or feedback, you can reach us by email.

Thanks for Visiting!

Joseph A. Jones & The WellLife Team

How to find Spa Deals During the Holidays

Sometimes it is good to take a break for yourself during the holidays and treat yourself to a nice deep tissue massage. That would be relaxing but you do not want to spend to much this holiday season. It is still possible to get that massage and stay in your planned budget. During the holidays and even different times of the year  many spas offer amazing specials. It is all in how you look for them. About.com has several ways you can find special not just for the holidays but also during the year. Finally, we will provide you a link that  covers  all of the spa specials throughout the US.

• Join Spa Deal Sites. Both Spa Week and SpaFinder now email spa deals to people who sign up for them at their websites. Btreated.com has daily spa deals, but only for residents of New York City. The big deal sites like Living Social and Groupon are available throughout the country and offer spa deals, but expect to wade through a lot of non-spa offers. And remember, once you pay for the highly discounted spa deal, you won't get your money back even if you don't use it.

• Travel Off-Season  If you're planning a spa vacation, rates drop dramatically when you go off-season. Think summers in Arizona or Florida and winters in the Northeast. You just have to decide if you can tolerate the off-season weather to get the deal. Shoulder seasons, which run in between high and low season, may offer good rates and decent weather.

• Ask About Off-Peak Rates and Other Specials. Some spas charge lower rates on the days and hours that have lower demand, such as Monday through Thursday or early morning hours.

• Sign up For Email Blasts From Your Favorite Spa. Spas don't want to advertise their spa deals, but they email or text deals to regular customers. You'll find out about last-minute discounts, even free treatments, classes and lectures.

• Join A Rewards Program. Some spas have loyalty programs that reward regular customers with a free massage after you get ten. That's a 10% discount -- and you can go anytime you want.

• Look For "Locals" Programs. Spas in big resort towns like Scottsdale, Las Vegas or Miami often have lower rates and special deals for locals. You have to show your drivers' license, so out-of-towners, don't apply!

• Ask For Group Rates. If you're looking for a girlfriend getaway (think five or more), tell the spa and try to negotiate a group rate.

• Buy A Series. Treatments that require a series such as laser hair removal and microdermabrasion  are usually cheaper when you pay upfront. But it's not a deal unless it's the right treatment for you.

Here is the Spa Special Link: Spa Specials 

Now, you armed with plenty of ways to find spa deals during the holidays and beyond. If you would like to contact us with any questions or feedback, you can reach us by email.

Thanks for Visiting!

Joseph A. Jones & The WellLife Team