SPA TREND:
CUSTOMIZED TREATMENTS

The trend right now at the big spas here in Los Angeles are customized treatments.

In addition to 30-minute facials and massages, spas are listening to the demands and desires of their customers. Spa treatments are now being designed and tailored to the exact specifications of their customers. No two customers walk out with the same treatments anymore. Customers are in full control and spa-going is becoming a really customized experience.

Spas are also moving their focus more towards mind and spirit rather than just the body. Spas are focusing their services more on mind-body balance, self discovery, energy and connection with the soul.  Many spas are increasing self-discovery services like ropes courses, art classes and other learning activities that help consumers to stop, be still and focus on themselves.

BRANDING TREND: DESIGNER SPAS


The latest spa trend: Branding.

Spas are now branding with big designer names. Following in the trend: Shiseido, Dove and Nivea. High-end luxury fashion brands like Prada are expanding into spas as well.

These brand names offer a very powerful advantage that has been attracting guests - and with about 72,000 spas around the world, they now find they have to distinguish themselves.

Nivea announced the plan to open Nivea House spa in Dubai.
Dove spa has been opened in Oakville and Toronto, Canada.

Another trend is 'eco-embedded spas.' Spas that go green affect every part of their operation. Mexico's Rancho La Puerta Spa is a perfect example of an eco-embedded spa putting in a nine-acre organic garden that supplies the kitchen.

Spas have now even turned to the to web to remind customers of last minute deals, spa packages and bookings.

REVOLUTIONARY SPA/GYM: fbe


10 minutes on this thing is like a 30-minute workout.

It's a state of the art gym/spa in L.A. that has health equipment found nowhere else. This is a first in the United States. You've got to see this place. It is very cool. It's called fbe: Firm Body Evolution (fbe Spa) and it's a high concept facility for holistic health and fitness located in the heart of Los Angeles that combines top-of-the-line sophisticated exercise and health equipment with the absolute best in holistic healing arts bringing together a one-of-a-kind center built for total body and mind rejuvenation. The big hit is the Vibration machine and the relaxing detox in the infrared jade sauna. You may have heard celebrities and top athletes touting the benefits of using the Power Plate, but The EOS whole body vibration machine provides an amazing way to loose weight.

The benefits:

• Tones all muscle groups?
• Reduces appearance of cellulite
• Increases muscle strength and flexibility
• Increases bone density?
• Improves circulation?
• Reduces muscle pain and soreness?
• Increases serotonin levels?
• Helps reduce stress?
• Increases metabolism, helping to burn fat and raise energy levels?
• Helps increase growth hormone, testosterone and reduces cortisol levels?
• Improves nervous system functions?
• Reduces back and joint pain?

TREATMENT FOR HOLLYWOOD'S A-LISTERS: THEATA HEALING


Theta Healing is a technique making headlines in Hollywood. Dr. Kenneth Best is a leading Theta Healing practitioner. The technique uses theta brain waves and there's a frequency that connects and lets the cells talk to each other. It helps reprogram negative thoughts you send to yourself.. Ken Best is a celebrity holistic practioner of applied kinesiology and a chiropractor. He has worked on the casts of ‘24', ‘Brothers and Sisters' and Hollywood movies helping with all sorts of back issues. Now he's helping Hollywood with the energy psychology

Dr. Best says celebrities especially find Theta Healing helpful. He says, “Theta healing uses the theta brain wave which is most dominant when we're asleep dreaming or when we are under deep hypnosis; And it's the frequency that cells communicate to other cells in the body. So, this allows us to connect with a creative force and with the cells in the body. When we're here talking, we're in the beta, so we're in a much higher level of frequency. But, it's at the lower frequencies that cells actually talk to other cells in the body. So Alpha is when you're meditating, visualizing in your mind. When you go into a deeper state, like when you're hypnotized, that's theta. You're using a different part of the brain.”

For information on Theta Healing you can contact Dr. Best here in Los Angeles. He is an expert on all things theta, back issues, and muscle testing. He is definitely one of the best in his field, and here's what's amazing about him: he takes all phone calls and answers all personal emails right away.

You can contact him at drkenbest@drkenbest.com and if you're planning a trip to L.A., book a session. You will feel so much better. He also does Skype sessions from wherever you are. Tell him I told you to call, he will reply right away!

Hollywood's Most Popular Treatment: Fractionated Laser


Beverly Hills' Dr. Peter Kopelson of the famed Kopelson Clinic, on Sunset Blvd, specializes in skin rejuvenation through cosmetic laser surgery. He says that new fractionated Laser is the celebrity treatment ‘de jour'. You get a couple of numbing shots, then some topical freezing, then the laser vaporizes the skin and makes room for new skin to come in. Collagen growth is therefore stimulated.

All you need is one visit, unlike the average 3 or 4 in other laser treatments.

The process takes just 3-5 days to get rid of the redness but it could take up to 6 months to see full effect.

This November, photos of Cubs baseball player, Sammy Sosa, surfaced and his skin was a few shades lighter than his original coloring. Rumors speculated that he was following in the path of the late Michael Jackson. He admitted to using skin rejuvenation, causing his pigmentation to change.

The cost is around $1,500 US.

For more on the treatments and Kopelson Clinic, one of Beverly Hills' top skincare clinics, visit kopelsonclinic.com.

SPA SURVEY: THE SPA, NOT A LUXURY, A LIFESTYLE


It's now official that the spa visit is now deemed a lifestyle, not a luxury. Consumers today are looking for wellness, for ways to live a balanced life. The spa industry worldwide association ISPA (The International Spa Association), says: "Spas are not about luxury. They're about re-charging your battery, taking time to re-new, and learning how to take care of yourself. Spas are about health, reducing stress and aging gracefully." The key is to take the information you learn at the spa, and incorporate it into your daily routine at home. The number one reason people around the world go to the spa is to relax, and relieve and reduce stress. In 11 of the 15 countries surveyed, overall wellness and health was one of the top three reasons consumers do the spa. In eight of the 15 countries surveyed, healthcare practitioner recommendation was one of the top three motivators for visiting a spa.

BIRD DROPPING FACIALS: HOT HOLLYWOOD TREND


It's the bird dropinng facial masque. At Santa Fe's Ten Thousand Waves spa, the Nightingale Cleansing Mask includes a powder composed of "sanitized droppings" from the tiny wonder-birds. The high nitrogen content draws out bacteria from the skin and breaks down dead skin cells more gently than acid peels. Used for centuries by Geisha in Japan, the facial is "an all-natural way to brighten and smooth the skin."

The Nightingale Cleansing Mask, 55 minutes, $115.

Ten Thousand Waves spa, www.tenthousandwaves.com; Santa Fe, N.M., 505-992-5025

VIAGRA FOR YOU HAIR: HOT TREND


Viagra for your hair: bull-sperm hair lotion

Hari's, a London salon, combines Pedigree Aberdeen Angus bull sperm Katera root from an Iranian plant to form a protein-packed powerhouse that's recommended for anyone who has fine, over-processed hair or frizzy hair. It's said to nourish, protect and revitalize hair.

Hari's Aberdeen Organic Bull Sperm Hair Treatment, about $100. Hari's Salon; London, England, 0207-581-5211.

LATEST SPA TREATMENTS


Some spa treatments making waves:

24-karat facial: offered in Malibu.

- Gold is known to be a great anti-inflammatory - The UMO 24 Karat Gold Facial, includes sheets of 24-karat gold applied to the skin.

According to the spa, it "hydrates, lifts and firms, fights free radicals, lightens and brightens and leaves a golden glow."

Cost: $400

UMO 24-Karat Gold Facial, 90 minutes, $400. Veronica's Skin and Body Care Center, www.veronicaskincare.com; Malibu, Calif., 310-456-8883.

SPA TREND: DESIGNER NAMES


Now turning to a spa treatment here in LA that's making waves. it's called the HYDRA FACIAL. It's microdermabrasion and it's described as a step up from the traditional 'microdermabrasion' which is the mini mechanical exfoliation of the uppermost layer of dead skin cells from the face and chest with aluminum oxide crystals. Enter 'HydraFacial' - as spas try to lure new clients with the very latest cutting edge techniques. THE SPA AT EQUINOX WEST HOLLYWOOD is a leader in offering cutting edge treatments. The latest cutting edge exfoliation face treatment today is 'HydraFacial' Dermabrasion from Edge Systems, described as a step up from the traditional microdermabrasion resurfacing exfoliation. HydraFacial 'hydrates' while exfoliating –something microdermabrasion doesn't do.

SPA TREND: DESIGNER NAMES


You look great because you seem to keep going to the spa alot.

No matter what the economic situation right now - we are NOT cutting back on our spa treatments.

According to the International Spa Association - the 11 billion dollar business is still booming. There are more than 18 thousand spas in the US alone not counting Canada and the trend in spas now: Designer names....Luxury brands opening luxury spas.

The first Armani spa opened in Tokyo.

Versaces Spa is in Australia.

Bulgari Hotels in Milan and Bali have spas and Bulgari products are now supplied at Ritz Carlton properties.

Fix Your Glitch: Spa Treatments


Looking for quick pick-me-up?

There's now a trend in MINI spa treatments.

Quickies. Get in get out.

FIX YOUR GLITCH is the business persons series of treatments. 20 minute each, offered at the prestigious Beverly Wilshire a Four Seasons Hotel in LA. What are they?

4 different treatments are available.

One for the head

One for the hands

One for the feet and one for the neck

Crampberry Crisis helps aching hands (a take on the crackberry to help execs who just can't put the thing down)

Mind Unwind is a head massage, there's Techie Neck and High Heel Appeal.

Execs can be seen popping in for short fixes to keep them going on rough days.

Spas are realizing that many people need treatments as a necessity rather than just a luxury.

LA DOGWORKS


So you love your dog? WELL - did you throw him a BARK-MITZVAH yet? LA DOGWORKS Training Academy is a state of the art dog Mecca!

24 hundred square feet of warehouse and indoor dog park now available now for dog birthday parties, sleepovers' and dog pampering never seen before.

Celebrity clients include Jake Gyllenhal, Nicole Ritchie, Joel Madden, Mischa Barton, Minnie Driver, Selma Blair, and Jennifer Hudson.

Here you'll find every possible dog amenity and the best dog care on the planet.

At LA DOGWORKS you'll find: Astro-Turf, known here as the Zen Den.

Here dogs get dog massage, aromatherapy, amnesia free denial hygiene, hydrotherapy (did I mention this is for DOGS) the only underwater treadmill hydrotherapy tank, weight maintenance, dog boarding, holistic dog products and a DOGGIE DEN where they can relax - chill - put their legs up ON COUCHES. The beds are plush. Wait its gets better....There's a plasma TV, and a FETCH mobile car service to pick up and drop off Rover.

Recruiting leading industry professionals to create a pleasant and contemporary aesthetic; LA DOGWORKSS is equipped with ultra-modern technology to ensure the highest level of health and safety for dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Their five-star membership resort, located in the heart of Hollywood, is an American Boarding Kennel Association (ABKA) member, and has required all staff to become certified pet care technicians through the ABKA.

Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, our professionally trained and certified staff will be at your dog's bark and call.

LA DOGWORKS

(323) 461-5151

IYASHI BEDROCK SPA


A Japanese style spa is making headlines throughout Japan. There are 3 thousand such spas in Japan over the last 7 years. and now North America gets one.

It's where East meets West!

Discover the 1st authentic Japanese Ganbanyoku Spa in North America, in the heart of downtown Toronto. The spa offers a unique new "green" way for you to look and feel better, a full body detox, lose weight, feel energized.

Ganbanyoku, Spas which translates to "bedrock bathing" are extremely popular in Japan. Lying on heated slabs of exclusive Black Silica polished stones, imported directly from Japan, is an ultimate healing experience. Unlike the physical challenge of staying in a sauna, you feel relaxed while you are enveloped in the comfort of the warm rock. This special rock is highly concentrated with minerals and emits far-infrared rays that warm up your body from the inside. The treatments are so simple; there is no water involved, you just lie on our stone spa beds for about 10-15 minutes, sweat profusely, take a break, go back and lie down for another 10-15 minutes and repeat this set for 2-3 times. People leave feeling refreshed and wonderful.

Bedrock Bathing offers a unique new "green" way for you to look and feel better.

Cost:

$95 dollars for one hour in a room that holds up to 17.

$119.00 for one hour for a room that holds maximum of 4.

www.iyashibedrockspa.com

2662 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M4P 2J5, Canada
(416) 488-7625

BODY MELT


The newest beauty fitness treatment is called BODY MELT and it does just that. It melts away your pounds and the company says in just 1 session. They're doing it in West Hollywood at Equinox Spa and Gym on the Sunset Strip, it's one of the 'few' spas offering it.

BODY MELT promises to improve muscle tone, reduce cellulite and work at the cellular level fighting the deep toxins. The procedure? You lie there, they brush you to increase circulation. They then drip a serum on your stomach that includes a diuretic to speed up your water loss.

Then they douse you with CLAY. You're hooked up with electrical cords to your chest and legs, the clay works as an electrical conductor and the electric pulses - contract the muscles - making you release toxins breaking down the fat.

They say, and users say, it really works. In fact, last year American Spa Magazine voted BODY MELT the #1 cellulite treatment in America.

The cost: $210 US for an 80 minute session. That comes to $2.70 cents a minute or $27 dollars a pound.

Equinox in West Hollywood: 310-289-1900