HEALTHY MEETINGS: Summer Spa-ing
Author: Julie Keller
July 2008
Columns
It’s summer! That means it’s time for sun, surf, sand, swimming and other alfresco endeavors.
If you’re planning a summer event, there’s no doubt you will be taking advantage of the sunny season and offering mid-meeting options that allow attendees to enjoy the wonderful weather. An excellent way to do so is by incorporating summer-centric spa options into your next event. Give meeting-goers a break from business by providing some fun in the sun via outdoor spa services. There are several sites that offer such options, including:- The Peninsula Beverly Hills’ Roof Garden, which recently reopened and now offers an array of spa treatments in luxuriously appointed poolside cabanas. Highlights include a Wild Lime Scalp Treatment ($85, 25 min.), a Hot Towel Infusion Massage ($120, 30 min.), a Peppermint Foot Treatment ($155, 60 min.) and a customized outdoor massage ($110, 30 min.; $160, 60 min.). “We’re thrilled to be able to offer these restorative treatments in such a beautiful outdoor setting,” says Spa Director Bonnie Kyle. “They’re perfect for guests who crave a relaxing timeout during the day or a romantic before-bed indulgence.”
- The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto offers a Solé Delights menu of poolside treatments. Featured are abbreviated spa services, ranging from massage to nail services to revitalizing body treatments—such as the Tank Top Treatment ($70, 30 min.) “facial” for the neckline and décolleté area—all available on the pool deck of the hotel’s rooftop lap pool. “Because they’re brief and conducted outside, these treatments are ideal for meeting-goers to grab a little California sunshine, relax with a treatment and head back to the next meeting,” says Spa Director Nicole Neal. “Our uniquely located rooftop pool is an instant sanctuary—no matter if you’re escaping for five minutes or an hour.”
Beyond outdoor services, there are a number of treatments designed to create beach-ready bodies. Consider planning for treatments that get summertime feet in shape for sandals; scrub away dry, dull skin to reveal a glamorous glow; reduce the appearance of cellulite; make faces look fresh and healthy; and more. Your attendees will appreciate the chance to prep for the weekend, in-between meeting sessions. And don’t forget to look for spa services that incorporate seasonal ingredients to further promote summer soothing. Some great options include:
- Manicure and pedicure services at Alvadora Spa at Royal Palms Resort & Spa (Phoenix), where treatments are inspired by the revitalizing benefits of the herbs, flowers, oils and minerals indigenous to the Mediterranean and from the citrus groves scattered throughout the resort grounds. Highlights include the Mimosa & Fig Pedicure ($100, 75 min.) or the Our Signore’s Pedicure ($55, 45 min.), which recognizes the specific foot-care needs of men and includes a eucalyptus soak, an exfoliation and an aromatic massage for the feet and legs. “Usually, feet that have been in shoes and boots for most of the winter have been protected,” says Spa Director Michelle Kinney. “In the warm summer months ahead, they need to be protected from the harsh outside elements such as hot sun on the top of the feet, hot pavements, flip flops and open shoe injuries.”
- The Made Fresh Daily ($150, 50 min.) sessions at The Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn (Calif.) are seasonal body treatments developed by the spa staff and inn chefs. Sourcing organic products from nearby farms, the team selects fresh ingredients to incorporate into a nourishing bodycare experience. Post-treatment, guests nosh on a tasty treat that includes many of the same ingredients. In addition, spa guests receive a “Spa to Go” recipe card that shows them how to create meals and at-home spa treatments using the seasonal produce selections. This summer, your attendees can partake in a cooling watermelon and cucumber option.
- Sun-damaged skin can get a refreshing boost with a number of grape-infused facials available at the new Spa Villagio, located at Napa’s landmark Vintage Estate in Yountville, home of the Villagio Inn & Spa. Try the Recover Touch ($155, 50 min.) antioxidant vitamin facial, a treatment that incorporates a cream infused with Arctic cloudberry, black currant oil and soothing grape extract to neutralize free radicals. A collagen mask finishes the treatment, leaving skin brilliantly radiant and supple.
- Bring sexy back on an area of the body that is traditionally covered up, with the Peppermint and Anasazi Bean Back Facial at the ShaNah Spa & Wellness Center at The Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa (Santa Fe, N.M.; $120, 60 min.), which includes an Anasazi bean, blue corn and peppermint exfoliationfollowed by a refreshing fruit mask.
- Get a summer glow safely with the Ten-Second Tan at Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas ($100, 30 min.), which includes a skin exfoliation followed by a long-lasting spray tan using a formula infused with anti-aging ingredients, minerals, nutrients and vitamins.
RESOURCES
The Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa
Caesars Palace Las Vegas
Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Rancho Bernardo Inn
Royal Palms Resort & Spa
Villagio Inn & Spa
Julie Keller is editor-in-chief of American Spa, an award-winning magazine that reports on the national and international spa marketplace.
