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Spas/Retreats
Lap Up the Luxury on Muhu Island’s Pädaste Manor
May 15, 2013 by Renee Blodgett
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Estonia isn’t just about the city of Tallinn, which albeit a beautiful and historical stop, won’t give you the rich textures and diversity of Estonia’s culture or people. Enter the natural and beautiful destination of Muhu Island. Those who are flying in straight from New York City and operate at a fast pace most of the time, may need a stop between urban life and this small island, a short ferry ride away. Things do not move quickly on Muhu, although that is precisely it’s beauty, its charm and the reason to spend time there.
While Muhu Island is largely about fishing villages, nature and rural settings, there is a pocket of luxury tucked away on the southern tip of the island, a small resort known as Pädaste Manor, once the home of Barons’ riding-horses and caleches. The property which dates back to the 16th century, has a handful of seaside buildings, a small spa and the renowned Alexander Restaurant. (see our write up on the Alexander Restaurant, which is in the Estonia Food & Wine Section of WBTW).
You can choose to stay in the Manor House, the Carriage House or rent out the entire Farm House (ideal… Read more…
Estonia: The City SPA Flaunts More Than Two Private Saunas
May 6, 2013 by Renee Blodgett
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The City Spa is a top notch spa facility in the center of Tallinn Estonia that offers first class services. From massages and facials to swimming, a gym, trainers and a sauna, you can get away from the stress of being on the road after a long walking day.Thee are two private saunas located on the ground floor and each one can accommodate up to 20 guests at a time and include sofas, chairs, tables, televisions and radio, in addition to the steam rooms.
The saunas are the perfect place to relax after a busy day in Tallinn.Spa treatments and training classes provide guests with the opportunity to take time out from daily obligations and responsibilities. Guests can take part in group training, endurance and strength exercises in the fitness centre, or enjoy relaxing spa treatments. Additionally, swimming pools and saunas are available for use.
Secret Wellness Travel Spots for Peace of Mind
April 27, 2013 by Jessica Festa
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More resorts and destinations are introducing new styles of Yoga that combine unique programming to create a customized “fusion” workout. From Spoga (spin + yoga) to KaYoga (Kayak + Yoga), hybrid versions are emerging that offer different incentives every type of yogi aficionado. Here are three top picks for unique new yoga vacations.
Spinning + Yoga = Spoga
Where: The BodyHoliday in Saint Lucia
Spoga, an invigorating 30 minutes cycling session followed by 30 minutes of yoga, is now being offered at The BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia’s premier all-inclusive health and wellness resort. Spin your way through an invigorating cycling session at the resort’s new sky-high Tree House spin studio before taking your mat to the Zen Deck, the patio located on the studio’s rooftop, to stretch and soothe your body. The deep breathing and relaxation of Yoga is a perfect match to the high intensity calorie-burning spin session. The workout offers a perfect combination of cardio, strength training and stretching, all while taking in stunning views of the blue Caribbean Sea. Classes are included in the all-inclusive rate.
… Read more…
The Charm of New York’s French Mirbeau Inn and Spa
April 20, 2013 by Jessica Festa
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“And these are our Monet-inspired gardens,” explains Jennifer, the receptionist at Mirbeau Inn and Spa, who is giving my travel companion, Aubrey, and I a tour. “The bridge, pond and flora are meant to transport you to the French countryside.”
Although it’s winter and the flowers are not in bloom, the scenery makes me feel instantly relaxed. The property is situated on 12 acres of forest parkland in the charming storybook village of Skaneateles, although you would have no idea you’re in New York while here. A wooden walking bridge curves over a frozen pond, surrounded by cottages, small pines and snow-covered ground. Now I understand why the hotel’s name is “Mirbeau,” which loosely translates to “reflected beauty.” I can only imagine how beautiful the setting is in the warmer months, filled with vibrant flora, whimsical weeping willows, floating lily pads and warm colors reminiscent of paintings done by renowned French impressionist Claude Monet.
Inside, we’re shown the fine dining restaurant, rustic bar area and two common spaces, one with high ceilings, tables, a fireplace and front-row views… Read more…
Spa La Quinta: Where Mountains & Desert Meets Peace & Relaxation
March 25, 2013 by Renee Blodgett
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When next in the Los Angeles or Palm Springs area, take a turn east and head to La Quinta where you’ll find the La Quinta Hotel and Resort. Here, they house a luxurious spa a notch above the rest. Nestled in a desert cove surrounded by mountains and palm trees, the spa is nearby Palm Springs where the weather is almost always perfect, a great option for a romantic long weekend getaway, or even a retreat for your company. Likely, you’ll decide to stay at the resort itself and why not? Each room has its own patio area and some of them have their own private yards with tables, chairs and recliners.
I opted for a massage treatment which was provided by Kim Ryan and let’s just say after the fact, I felt incredibly “renewed.” I’ve heard that all of their therapists are top notch but feel free to request the style and energy you want and they can likely come up with a great match for you.
The best pampering came from esthetician Terese Molloy who not only has in-depth knowledge about skin and skincare products, but she’s incredibly funny as well. Part of… Read more…
Mirbeau Inn and Spa: Upstate New York’s Best French Country Comfort Food
March 17, 2013 by Jessica Festa
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At Mirbeau Inn and Spa in the Finger Lakes of New York, guests have the chance to escape to the French countryside without leaving the country. While the property offers a world-class spa, vinotherapy treatments, fitness classes, cooking classes, wine tastings, luxury cottages and Monet-inspired gardens, one of the highlights of any stay will be dining in their onsite restaurant, French Steakhouse, which I recently was able to visit with a friend of mine named Aubrey. Join us as we indulge in French country fare in a casual upscale space:
For dinner, Aubrey and I dine at Mireabu Inn and Spa’s onsite French Steakhouse. We opt for a three-course wine pairing dinner, which will showcase both American and French wines as well as French Country-style dishes made with local ingredients. Although Aubrey and I are just friends, we can’t help but feel as though we’re on a romantic date. As with many of the spaces at Mirbeau we’re treated to a front-row view of the courtyard, while accents like pristine white table clothes, whimsically-draped curtains, candlelit chandeliers and comfortable seats crafted with rich mahogany create a relaxed fine dining… Read more…
North Florida’s Pointe Vedra Inn & Club’s SPA
March 14, 2013 by Renee Blodgett
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In 1987, the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club opened north Florida’s original spa. Rave reviews from guests and national recognition in publications such as In-Style, Vogue and Oprah have added to its tony reputation.
In direct response to an increased demand for services and treatments, the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club unveiled a new and ultra-sophisticated spa in November 2006.
The region’s largest with 30,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art facility has been meticulously designed to blend opulence and grandeur with the latest in technologies and therapies.
The Spa’s extensive menu of more than one hundred beauty and pampering services represents a blissful mix of the familiar and the exotic.
Included is a Swedish Massage, Oxygenating Facial, Fiji Isle Tropical Coconut Sugar Scrub, Lomi Lomi Massage, Seaweed Wrap, Hot Paraffin Manicures, Pedicures, Hair Care and others.
The spa is located on 3.1 acres, has six manicure stations, and there are more than 100 services offered.
There’s a 3,000 square feet relaxation room, and you are surrounded by signature waterfalls and water sculptures.
Beaux in Rio de Janeiro for a 3 Hour Detox Program
March 4, 2013 by Renee Blodgett
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Imagine a spa experience in Brazil amidst a derm-focused beauty spot on the lower level of one of the country’s finest medical centers, MDX. THis is known as a pet project of Brazil’s richest man, Eike Batista. It’s chic yet clinical at the same time, with minimalist wooden furniture, mosaics and freestanding bathtubs.
Recommendation: a three-hour detox program, which includes a footbath, a depuffing lymph-drainage massage, a rigorous-but-relaxing full-body scrub, and a rose petal–filled bath followed by a moisturizing massage.
