The sacred mountain spa

Posted by Staff in New Mexico, Sundays Spa Report

For those that want to ski but also be pampered, I would suggest making your way to El Monte Sagrado in Taos. This luxury resort boasts one of the top rated spas in New Mexico, while only being a short 30-minute shuttle ride from Taos Ski Valley.

Taos Mountain has a reputation of being one of the most challenging ski areas in the US and when you arrive at the mountain you will be met by the most vertical lift you’ll ever see…but don’t be afraid.  Upon riding that first lift you are dropped into one of the most beautiful ski valleys in the world, surrounded by peaks providing almost 12,000 feet of vertical skiing.  The valley offers skiing for all levels, even beginners, while the hike accessible peaks are best kept for extreme experts. As I am a snowboarder, riding this mountain was extremely exciting as my kind was only allowed on this mountain for the first time last year.

After a day of being whipped by the mountain, there is nothing more relaxing to come home to than the Spa at El Monte.  A stunning spa drenched with natural light and filled with tropical flora and soothing waterfalls…it is impossible not to relax here.  Although the spa offers all the traditional treatments you could think of, the spa menu is perfectly in line with the mystical vibe of Taos…with non-traditional treatments like: Vibrational Therapy, Egyptian Anointing and Spiritual Cleansing with Native American healer, Grandmother Jean.  I chose to go with the Muscle and Joint Massage, which was the perfect cure for my poor battered body, which had endured a week of hard riding.

Rooms at the resort start at $229, which is not high considering this hotel received the four-diamond AAA rating.  www.elmontesagrado.com

Adventures in spa-world

Posted by Staff in California, Sundays Spa Report

Unknown to most Californians, the largest state park in the contiguous United States lies between Palm Springs and San Diego, the Anza-Borrego Desert…and adrift in the center of this sea of sand is a spa resort, Borrego Ranch.

Formerly called La Casa del Zorro, the resort was recently taken over by spa industry innovator Joseph DeNucci, former COO of the famed Miraval resort in Arizona. Under the new ownership the resort has undergone a makeover from quirky dessert retreat to sleek modern meets Spanish spa enclave…definitely a move in the right direction since their goal is to make this the ultimate high-end desert getaway.

At Borrego Ranch their philosophy is “So-B-It,” where guests are encouraged to vacation as they choose, whether it is going to dinner in your bathrobe or falling asleep on a couch while reading in the lobby library.  

East meets West, Plastic means Fantastic

Posted by Staff in California, Sundays Spa Report

Let’s just get one thing straight….I find Botox creepy.

According to wikipedia: Botulinum toxin (the scientific name for Botox) is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is one of the most poisonous naturally occurring substances, and it is the most toxic protein.

For those that don’t want to look old but still don’t want to inject poison in their face, The Spa at the Beverly Hills Pennisula Hotel holds the key.  

In keeping with its focus on offering exclusive, organic and beneficial beauty treatments and products, they now offer Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation, a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that celebrities including Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow have called “Better than Botox.”

Licensed Acupuncturist Elana Rosenberg, who earned a Masters in Acupuncture at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York, administers the half-hour and one-hour treatments, which range from $225 to $300.

Based on procedures that were practiced by concubines of the Chinese Emperor in 916 A.D., Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation involves the placement of tiny painless acupuncture needles at various points on the face, which stimulates blood flow, and collagen and elastin production.

So if you want the beauty without the toxins, click here

The spa life

Posted by Staff in New York, Sundays Spa Report

Ever go to the spa and wish your life could be like this every day?  Miraval Living is the answer.

The famed Miraval Spa in Arizona has decided to expand into the growing “vacation living” market with their new condo complex in Manhattan called Miraval Living.

In addition to super swank digs, the communal areas include an olympic sized non-chlorinated indoor pool, a 20,000 sq. ft. outdoor green area (rare in Manhattan), a health cafe, creative arts studio, state of the art gym, yoga studio and of course a Miraval Spa.

The monthly fees in the building include use of the facilities, the personal trainers and life coaches.

For those who have $750k to $4 million to spend on a vacation home, sign up at miravalliving.com