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There's no denying that chocolate can satisfy a sweet tooth like nothing else. And while it has even shown to be a mood-lifting food thanks to mineral essentials such as magnesium, it doesn't do much for the waistline. When lines are long, flights are cancelled, and you're facing a four-hour delay, the skies may not seem so friendly when it comes to air travel. Fortunately, airports are responding with the addition of spas whose services are more than a welcome relief from the stresses of air travel - With Valentine's Day around the corner, many couples' minds turn towards the 3Rs - Rest, Relaxation, and Romance. Nothing says romantic like a spa getaway. There's no destination quite like a spa where you can enjoy pampering, privacy, and rejuvenation. Keeping up with the demand of consumers, spa services, like any other consumable good, continue to grown and change with the times. Here, according to the International SPA Association (ISPA), are several of the trends making headlines in 2008: Planning a visit to NYC? In the midst of deciding what Broadway show to see, where to shop, sleep, and eat, don't forget a little pampering. A visit to a day spa is a perfect way to unwind and indulge during your stay. One can have the purest intentions of losing weight but when it comes down to it, sometimes it takes a little - okay, a lot - of help, to not only reach a healthy weight but also adopt a new attitude and lifestyle to help maintain the new you. Not everyone is able to hop aboard their private jet and whisk off to an exclusive spa destination for ridiculous amounts of pandering and pampering. In fact, most Americans are happy to take a family vacation (dog included) or sink their toes into a white-sand beach once or twice a year. Resort spas, med spas, hotel spas, spa communities - so much spa, so little time. With so many spa choices, how do you tell the difference between spas. Is there a difference? And how do you go about choosing the one that's right for you? While you may never cruise down Sunset Boulevard, convertible top down and a small purse dog at your side, or shop the exclusive shops along Rodeo Drive, maybe you can spa like a celebrity. It's never too late to get serious about skincare. However, skin care needs change as we age. Therefore, if you want to fight the effects of aging, it's imperative to change your skin-care regimen through the aging process. If you've ever enjoyed the luxury of a spa facial, you know it can remove years from your face. But few of us can afford the $70-80 it costs to indulge in the spa service. To maintain healthy skin between professional treatments, this basic at-home facial can be used as often as once a week on dry, combination, or oily skin. Male spa-goers are on the rise. According to the International Spa Association, men now make up 29 percent of all spa goers. Day spas report that their male clientele has grown and this doesn't just include corporate-climbing, white-collar executives. And they're not just booking a basic sports massage or manicure. According to a survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Associatoin (AMTA), more people are receiving massage therapy for medical purposes than for relaxation. The survey also revealed that baby boomers have more massages than those who are younger, and are more likely to receive those massages for medical reasons. Anyone who has taken the plunge in planning a wedding knows the months leading up to the big day can be filled with anticipation, anxiety, stress, and even a few ugly moments. Calm the bridezilla in any bride with a spa party bridal shower. Many of today's brides welcome a modern alternative to the traditional bridal shower games and sugary cake. You enjoy a good massage, but do you just grin and bear it if your therapist's touch is a bit too strong? Or what if the water is isn't quite right during your pedicure treatment? If you find the music a smidge too loud in the treatment room, do you mention it to the therapist? With one out of five Americans having visited a spa, chances are those who have not yet experienced the spa are at least aware of its benefits and services. To take the guesswork out of an experience that has been designed for relaxation, the International SPA Association (ISPA) has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions: Easily reached by air within a few hours of most U.S. cities, the Caribbean is more like another world with its azure waters, white sand beaches, and lush vegetation. It's here that visitors come to truly escape from it all. With an estimated 14,615 spas in the United States in 2007 the growth of spas is a steady one, according to The International SPA Association (ISPA). "Similar to restaurants, hotels and fitness centers, spas play a significant role in today's culture," said ISPA President Lynne Walker McNees. Any celebrity worth their weight in an Academy Award knows their camera-ready close-ups are only as good as the pampering, buffing, preening, and blasting treatments they receive to fade those tiny crow's feet and firm up the derriere. And where do the celebrities go to maintain their flawless beauty? Who says you have to pay top dollar to receive the benefits of a spa? From body scrubs to facials, it's easier than ever to set up your own home spa and enjoy a little pampering. Great spa experiences can be created at home through homemade remedies, exercise, music, and delicious food for under $25. 1 2 | ||
