World Spe Review, Lakeside Peace And Luxury: Lake Austin Spa Resort And Lakehouse Spa

The Lake Austin Spa Resort and LakeHouse Spa are beautifully situated on 19 acres of rolling hillside property on the banks of Lake Austin, a reservoir of the Colorado River in the scenic Texas Hill Country. Located 31 miles from Austin Bergstrom International Airport, Lake Austin Spa Resort and LakeHouse Spa are also an easy drive from either Houston or San Antonio.

Peaceful grounds and beautifully maintained gardens set the mood for my relaxing and refreshing stay. Lake Austin Spa Resort and LakeHouse Spa unite a world-class spa with the comforts of a family-like vacation home setting. It is easy to see why the resort was voted the #1 Destination Spa in North America in Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Poll 2008. It was also named the Best Vacation Spa, Allure Magazine 2008.

A multi-million dollar renovation of the forty lakeside guest rooms was completed in January 2008. Sumptuous Egyptian cotton sheets and down comforters, slipcovered, upholstered, wing-back style headboards, cotton spa robes, artisan afghan throws and hand-made quilt wall hanging create a nurturing cocoon-like feel. The homeyguest rooms also boast high tech amenities: flat panel TV, complimentary high speed Internet access, DVD/CD player, AM/FM clock radio and ipod docking station, and remote controlled ceiling fan. The light-filled bathroom and generous closets, Kohler steeping/soaking tub, in-room safe, and refrigerator add additional comfort and convenience. Guests can borrow ipods or DVD's from the large collection at the desk during their stay. Turndown service includes a filled ice bucket next to an icy cold pitcher of water on the washstand.

Some Premier Rooms have private wildflower gardens or fireplaces, and the Lady Bird Suite (honoring Lady Bird Johnson) includes a sitting room, fireplace, private wildflower garden and hot tub.

Dining over the lake
The resort dining room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner for overnight guests. The comfortable space has a wall of windows, framed by crisp linen curtains, and features a scenic view of Lake Austin. Service in the dining room is downright friendly. My dinner server, Stephanie, welcomed me warmly each evening as if I were her own guest and watchfully attended to my gluten-free dietary restriction. The kitchen was able to modify many dishes to fit my needs, and all meals were delicious and beautifully presented in addition to being healthy, low-calorie, and low-fat.

The cuisine, created by executive chef Terry Conlan, has Mexican, Mediterranean and Asian influences and showcases local ingredients. Many of the fresh vegetables and herbs served are harvested from the resort's own organic gardens.

My favorite menu selections were the golden fruit gazpacho with peach and mango the three-bean salad (French green beans, yellow wax beans and edamame) with Creole mustard and raspberry vinegrette) and a beef filet rubbed with Cajun spices served with baby patapan squash and carrots surrounding a pyramid of brown rice.

In mild weather, guest may choose to dine on the Arbor Terrace and enjoy live music on weekend evenings and a room service menu is available all day.

All LakeHouse Spa day packages include lunch at the Aster Café. For day spa guest receiving a la carte treatments, lunch can be purchased separately. I sampled the excellent watermelon gazpacho, pecan crusted chicken breast and black bean chalupas, but restrained myself from sampling the daily selections of frozen yogurt other guests raved about.

Popular "Sumptuous Sunday Suppers," seven-course food and wine pairings from Executive Chef Terry Conlan served in the Aster Café, are offered at no additional charge to three-night (or longer) resort guests. Seating is limited.

The fitness center offers a full range of cardiovascular machines overlooking scenic Lake Austin, along with circuit and freeweight equipment, plus a private studio equipped with a Pilates reformer. A well-appointed exercise studio and yoga deck over the lake host classes, and may also be used by resort guests when unscheduled.

On a typical day guests may choose from over 20 fitness classes and activities such as Pilates, Yoga, Nia, Tai Chi, Spinning, Salsa Dance, meditation and healthy cooking classes, arts and crafts activities, and Discovery Programs. The resort's location provides opportunities for special outdoor activities such as hydro-biking, kayaking, sculling, canoe outings, Hill Country hikes and boat cruises. A number of personal instruction opportunities are also available for guests wishing assistance in nutrition counseling, weight management, stress management, smoking cessation, or customizing a fitness program.

Adventures for the mind and spirit
At Lake Austin you feel encouraged to try new things and gain a new perspective in a safe, comfortable environment.The week of my visit, one of the resort's featured Discovery Programs was a series of classes in Comedy Improvisation led by New York comedy artist Jacqueline Kabat. I made a point to attend "How to Use Humor to Decrease Stress" since comedy improvisation is something I had never tried.

The other Discovery Program I attended was a garden tour led by director of flora and fauna, Trisha Shirey. We assembled for the tour in the Garden Library, a comfortable glass walled room with views of the gardens, a stone hearth and comfy seating. I learned a great deal about organic gardening in Texas during the hour-long tour. Trisha encouraged us to borrow cutting shears from the Guest Services desk to take cuttings of flowers and herbs to enjoy in our rooms or to or take home with us and, also, to collect seed pods for planting at home. I look forward to seeing low-growing variegated pepper plants in my garden next year from the seeds I collected.

Other special events at Lake Austin Spa Resort include the annual October "Gathering of Wise Women" began in 1993 to encourage women to become proactive in their own health care. This now expanded month-long series, features "wise women" guest speakers on a variety of topics and is sure to inspire.

Special events for the holidays this year include holiday craft classes; wine, cheese & chocolate tastings; cooking demonstrations; live music; party planning seminars; baking sessions; fireside storytelling; boat cruises and stargazing.

The monthly Culinary Experience at Lake Austin Spa Resort provides guests with interactive cooking school experience with guest chefs and cookbook authors. Upcoming Special Guest Chefs include John Ash (December 15, 2008) and Tre Wilcox (January 12, 2009).

Guests could feel overwhelmed with all these options, but when you call to book your stay, you will be guided to the selection of activities and treatments to create your most meaningful personal spa experience.

The 25,000 square-foot LakeHouse Spa on a gently rising hill above the resort was completed in 2004. Separate men's and women's locker rooms include whirlpool, sauna and steam rooms, with attached outdoor longing areas.

Each public area of the spa is elegantly appointed with antique furniture, art, textiles, and commissioned art pieces —many personally chosen by co-owner Michael W. McAdams. The incredible attention to every décor detail significantly contributes to the relaxing "make-yourself-at-home" atmosphere.

The spa offers two swimming options: the Outdoor Palm Pool with hot tub and cabanas and a indoor Junior Olympic length lap pool located in the Pool Barn. I enjoyed a lengthy afternoon solo swim in the Pool Barn, soothed by the rhythmic sound of my own swimming and by the gentle breezes wafting through the large open doorways.

There are a variety of treatment environments to choose from. Indoor treatment rooms feature a five-channel sound system including nature and world music options, and a private shower. Other options include an indoor treatment suite for two, outdoor treatment cabanas, a screened treatment porch with a treehouse feel and scenic views to accommodate larger groups, and the fabulous Bamboo Suite featuring a private in-ground hot tub with waterfall, lush gardens and seating area, an outdoor treatment tent for two, and private outdoor shower. The Bamboo Suite can accommodate up to six guests.

Spa Director Chris Niederschulte ensures a world-class experience for each guest and ably manages the schedules of 80 highly qualified therapists who present over 100 treatment options. In addition to massages ($140-$270), body treatments ($150-315) and facials ($90-$170), there are special men's and teen's menus, and an exotic East Asian Therapies menu including a Manaka Tapping Treatment (50 minutes, $155), Taiji Moxa (50 minutes, $160), Cupping (25 minutes, $90), and Japanese Hari (50 minutes, $150).

Lynne Vertrees, Director of Treatment Development, is responsible for the extensive menu of treatment offerings emphasizing natural, holistic treatments. Many feature essential oils from the resort's herb garden. A recent menu addition, the "Breathe Easy Facial," (50 minutes, $170) a clearing and cleansing facial for skin and sinuses, utilizes the natural anti-bacterial powers of eucalyptus, tea tree, and pine to clear sinuses and restore healthy breathing while rose absolute and geranium replenish dry skin.

The Iris Salon offers a full complement of hair, nail, and makeup services, and features a private nail station area, perfect for a bride-to-be or a mother/daughter bonding experience.

The Spa Boutique offers Lake Austin Spa Resort Signature relaxing Lavender or energizing Grapefruit bath and body products (I am now addicted to the Lavender Body Lotion).

Just before bedtime on the night of my arrival, after a hectic day of travel, I received the "Texas Starry Night" treatment (50 minutes, $160), a gentle lavender oil application, massage and body wrap. After the treatment, I practically floated down the serpentine path to my room, scented with aromatic plants and lulled by the overlapping sounds of fountains and waterfalls. I slept very deeply and woke refreshed. (50 minutes, $160. 80 minutes, $210.)

The following night I enjoyed the signature treatment "Gifts of Our Garden," (100 minutes, $315) in the Bamboo Treatment SuiteBefore my treatment, I was served a delicious fruit platter in the suite's dining area to hydrate my body. My therapist, Pamela, assisted me in choosing and picking fresh therapeutic herbs from the Healing Gardens (I chose rosemary and lemon mint for their cleansing qualities) to combine with the exfoliant scrub containing shea butter, sea salts, essential oils and massage oils, customizing my treatment. Following the scrub and an invigorating outdoor shower, I received a full body massage and wonderful body wrap with aromatic herbal eye pillow. After the treatment I was served a replenishing fresh herbal elixir in the dining area of the Bamboo Suite. "Gifts of Our Garden" was a thoroughly nurturing experience.

I also treated myself to a Personal Best Facial from Susan ($150, 50 minutes) which cleared a summer's worth of sunscreen residue from my pores, leaving my complexion bright and soft.

Lake Austin Spa Resort offers a variety of three- to seven-night vacation packages beginning at $1,555 double occupancy for a three-night spa package. Packages include accommodations, three gourmet meals daily, unlimited indoor and outdoor fitness activities and classes, unlimited discovery classes, gratuities, a spa treatment allowance, and unlimited facility use.

Girlfriend getaways, small corporate retreats and family group bonding experiences are popular at Lake Austin Resort, and groups of six or more enjoy special pricing of up to 40% off for an overnight stay.

Day spa packages (from $365 for LakeHouse Half Day Away to $1,155 for the "Over the Top for Two" Signature Treatment) include spa treatment(s), use of wet areas including 2 pools, hot tub, sauna and steam room, gourmet spa lunch at the Aster Café, gratuities, and a complimentary spa gift.

The "Over the Top for Two" Signature Treatment begins and ends with relaxation time in the outdoor Bamboo Room, complete with private hot tub, open air shower and outdoor treatment cabana for two. Treatments include Skin Quencher Aloe Body Wraps, 80-minute Ultimate Swedish Massages and 25-minute Best Foot Forward Massages using essential oils. Includes lunch at the Aster Café, a spa gift for two and gratuities. $1155.

The "Austin Experience" Signature Treatment features specialties of the Texas Hill Country: a Rosemary Sea Salt Scrub, a LakeHouse River Rock Pedicure, and a 50-minute massage. A CD of great Austin music, gourmet spa lunch, gratuities and a spa gift round out the package. $455.

Other signature treatment day spa packages include: Half and Full Day Away, Mother-To-Be Day Away, Mother-Daughter Delight (for guests 14 and up), The Bridal Essential, and The Well-Groomed Groom.

The owners and staff have grown with the resort and form a dedicated, connected network to support the resort and spa. Lynne Vertrees, director of treatment development, summed it up, "You see, we're family here…" Perhaps that's why guests at the Lake Austin Resort and LakeHouse Spa feel at home and often return. Some never want to leave!"

1705 South Quinlan Park Road
Austin, Texas 78732

For Lake Austin Resort packages:
(800) 847-5637 (U.S.)
(512) 372-7300 (Local)
(800) 338-6651 (Canada)

For Spa appointments: (512) 372-7380 or (800) 847-5637, option 2
For LakeHouse Spa Boutique at (512) 372-7270
www.lakeaustin.com

by: http://www.spareviewmag.com

World Spa, Pola Kirei: A Man Experiences Super Facials in Beverly Hill

Though I'm a believer in the benefits of massage therapy, I haven't had many facials, even though I live in Los Angeles, where the smog that causes sunsets in unnatural colors isn't doing my skin any good. So when I received the gift of a facial at the new Pola Kirei salon in Beverly Hills, I looked forward to some serious skin therapy.

Though new to the United States (the salon opened in September 2006), the Pola Kirei system represents 76 years of experience in Japan and around the world. The name means "beauty" in Japanese, a description that applies to the salon, which is clean and sleek in white and chrome, with lots of light from the windows and the recessed lighting.

The staff is clinical but friendly, without the condescension or attitude a casually dressed guy may encounter in so many chic Beverly Hills shops. That may be due to the Japanese concept of Omotenashi or hospitality, which is part of the staff training at Pola Kirei. I saw the concept at work in the way the counselors or advisors interact with clients, and in the tone of voice and the use of touch my therapist, Andrea Pugatch, used with me.

She lost no time making me comfortable and letting me know that my Kirei Signature facial ($135) was going to be a really good experience. First came my skin analysis, which was comprehensive and impressive. We discussed my lifestyle and the environmental issues that affect my skin; I also chose mint from among the four aromatherapy options.

Then, using a large, sophisticated instrument that reminded me a bit of a dentist's x-ray machine (but without the stress) Andrea took extreme close-up pictures of my skin, which showed just how insufficient my cleansing routine was.

Next came the ID-skin System analysis, to determine the sensitivity, quality and condition of the skin cells. This was done by gently lifting the skin's surface using a non-invasive method called stratum checking; the sample was processed through a database that contains more than eight million skin types and conditions. The analysis would tell me about my skin's texture, type, water retaining ability, protection ability, sensitivity, wrinkle progression, pore size, inclination to oiliness and melanin content. I learned that my skin score was a mere 35 (out of a possible 100).

I also learned, among other things, that my skin texture was less than ideal - that was bad news - but that its ability to retain moisture was good, the good news. There was much more, of course, and when the facial was over, I was able to take home a virtual blueprint of my skin, showing both strengths and weaknesses.

Based on the analysis, Andrea customized my facial, which started with a thorough cleansing with steam. I expected the pinching sensation of an extractor. It didn't happen. What I experienced instead was a gentle yet dynamic sensation of a moist vacuum cleaner; it felt like getting thoroughly sniffed by a big, friendly dog. Next came a great facial massage with a soothing cream that carried through to my neck and shoulders and hands. Andrea explained that the pressure points she applied, the massage intensity and the rhythmic flow were being done according to my personal skin analysis. My facial was finished off with a refreshing moisturizing mask.

Later, Andrea gave me a home skin care recipe that was simple enough so that I'd actually use it and some product samples for cleansing and moisturizing that lasted more than a week. I can honestly say that I've never experienced such a complete and enjoyable treatment anywhere

by Arthur Africano -- Beverly Hills, CA

Polo Kirei, www.polokirei.com, 9661 Brighton Way Beverly Hill, CA, 310-247-0063

by: http://www.spareviewmag.com

Tranquility by the Sea: The Spa Le Merigot

Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica adds a great deal to Le Merigot Spa at the 175-room European-style hotel under the Marriott banner, nine miles north of Los Angeles International airport and an easy walk from the Santa Monica Pier and the Promenade. This 6,500 square-foot spa has eight treatment rooms including a couple's suite and a nail room for manicure and pedicure treatments.

I felt a wonderful energy as I walked into this full service hotel spa, wellness and health club, Santa Monica's largest. I was greeted by friendly staff and left alone to unwind until my treatments were delivered in a relaxed setting.

The most special aspect of this spa experience was the well- trained and knowledgeable staff of 20 therapists and technicians, led by a talented and caring new spa director, Noemi Garih. The staff offered excellent advice for both troubled muscles and spinning minds. At the end of my treatments I was much more relaxed than when I walked in; I did not feel hovered over, but I did feel cared for in a special kind of way.

Garih says the objective was to create an environment for guests that promotes health and wellness through exercise, relaxation and a myriad of facials and body treatments that will continue to carry on into the future. "Many spas look for the quick in and out trends where as we focus on our guests needs, " she added. "And I see us continuing down that road in the future."

The signature Guinote Hydradermie Facial ($190) was a time warp of 80 minutes that felt like five hours of hydrating and rejuvenating luxury treatment for my face and shoulders. My face felt invigorated and hydrated and looked fresh and smooth the next day, too. The technician was knowledgeable, patient and intuitive and had a great energy.

My Cranial Sacral massage ($130) rebalanced the pulse of my body's cerebrospinal fluid, which stimulates it to heal itself. I experienced releases in both emotional and muscular tension and emerged deeply relaxed.

The spa offers an assortment of treatments including Aromatherapy, Shiatsu, Swedish and Sport/Deep Tissue and Hot Stone massages, which are customized for each client. Facial services include European, Caviar & Pearl Lifting Facial, Anti-Oxidant as well as a variety of Body treatments and packages are offered. Other signature treatments include their pedicure - a luxurious marine inspired "facial for the feet" - Tri-Crystal Micro Dermabrasion Body Polish.

Since this spa has a comprehensive wellness focus, there are energy options such as reiki and cranial sacral treatments, as well as reflexology, herbal baths, couples treatments, and Manscaping (full body waxing for men).

This spa is current with the latest technology treatments and products, and is well stocked with the likes of Guniote Paris, Pevonia and Epicuren, also available for sale.

I really enjoyed the enjoyed refreshing and purifying eucalyptus stream room and the naturally sweetened green tea, which was deliciously hydrating and refreshing between my treatments. Other teas, water and fruit were available as well.

Cybex cardio and strength training equipment filled the fitness center as well as a Pilates station, with fitness classes including yoga and Pilates sessions several times a week. Personal training sessions with certified and licensed trainers are available by appointment as well as group-led beach walks, bicycle rentals and private surfing lessons. The heated pool, which is adjacent to the spa, is a nice option, and the absence of crowds and presence of low key clients make this a desirable getaway, which hasn't escaped the notice of celebrity clients.

Nonresidents can opt for a gym membership that comes with discounts on spa treatments. Another perk is three hours of free parking, a substantial bonus at the heavily populated beach of Santa Monica.

Visit www.lemerigothotel.com.
by Nicole Alexander, M.D. -- Santa Monica, California

by: http://www.spareviewmag.com