Spa Girls love their linen

I have been purchasing linen for as long as I can remember, primary for kitchen and dining use  and for the bath, however in the last five years I have been changing over my entire wardrobe  and now most of my clothes are linen as well.  Next will be my bedding!

Linen has many check marks for enthusiasts like me.  I love the look, the texture and the health benefits, check out the link below.

Linen is also ideal to pat dry your face.  That's because linen absorbs more water than any other fabric eliminating excessive over-drying.  Using all linen towels in my own bathroom, I can tell you I would never go back to any other kind of towel fabric--in fact I even travel with my own linen towel.

Made from the fibers of the flax plant, Linum usitatissimum, linen is labor-intensive to manufacture (thus the expense), but when made into garments, it is valued for its exceptional coolness and freshness in hot weather.

Dating back to about 8000 BC, linen textiles are some of the oldest in the world, however, dyed flax fibers found in a prehistoric cave in Georgia suggest the use of linen fabrics from wild flax may date back even earlier to 36,000 BC.

 

In ancient Egypt mummies were wrapped in linen because it was seen as a symbol of light and purity, and as a display of wealth.

Today linen is produced in many countries.  Flax used for linen production is grown in Western Europe,  Eastern Europe and China, but high quality fabrics still come from niche producers in Ireland, Italy and Belgium, and also in countries including Poland, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Britain, Kochi in India and in the USA primarily for  the upholstery market.

Many products are made of linen: aprons, bags, towels (kitchen, bath, beach, body and wash towels), napkins, bed linen, linen tablecloths, runners, chair covers, men's and women's clothes.

Check out more about this amazing fabric.

World Linen Textile Company

http://www.worldlinen.com/fabrics-history.htm

Linen for Heath

http://www.shiranlinen.com/english/Science1.php

Spa Girl is Dreaming of her Herb Garden

I have no complaints about winter this year, it has been relatively mild and despite the biggest snowfall of the season this past week, it's melting fast.  There should be one more snow around March 12th, then we will be done for the winter.  I know this because that's my birthday and Mother Nature has given me a present every year since I can remember!  

All while we all patiently wait for spring to arrive, now is the perfect time for some research and decision making on what will go into my herb garden this year.

I just purchased a fabulous new book to help with my research, it's called: The Herbal Medicine-Makers Handbook.  It is a compilation of natural home remedies by James Green, a renowned herbalists. He discusses growing and harvesting herbs and includes many DIY remedies.  Green is the Director of the California School of Herbal Studies and routinely conducts workshops in eco-plant harvesting and herbal medicine-making,

Some of my favourite topics that Green covers is a suggestion to get to know a few good herbs, study them and learn everything you can about them.  He also discusses gardening and harvesting, drying and storing herbs.  And delves into ointments, salves and balms, lotions and creams and water therapy to name a few.  Twenty-six chapters to guide interested herbal medicine-makers like me.

One Amazon reader has this to say...

Finally a book that takes the magic of herbs and adds a healthy dose of structure, science and common sense. As a beginning herbalist, I find the information contained in the book extremely useful and not found in many other places. This book has earned its place on my favorite list.

Well I'm off to continue my research and day dream about my garden. 

http://www.amazon.ca/Herbal-Medicine-Makers-Handbook-Home-Manual/dp/0895949903

Spa Girl adores a day devoted to love!

Happy Valentine's Day

This is one of my favourite times of the year, not only because every flower shop is brimming with roses, the spas are bustling with gift certificate clients,  but there are feelings of love in the air.

From love letters sent from the Tower of London, which have come to be known as the world's first valentine, carefully displayed among the royal papers in the British Museum, the pagan origins which celebrated the Roman feast of Luperclia to Pope Gelasius (496 AD) initiating a day of celebration for St. Valentine who was later beheaded all in the name of love, the origins of this special day are a great story in themselves.  My favourite is from medieval folklore which celebrated February 14th as the day when birds were said to have chosen their mates.

Being a big fan of history and the genesis of special events this is pretty heady stuff.  And any special day that dates back to pagan times and has endured throughout history works for me.  But after all, it is all about love!

To help enjoy this special day, here are a few wonderful soaks just for Valentine's Day. 

Romance is in the air and the tub!

• 250 ml of Champagne
• 100 grams of Dead Sea Salt (of you can substitute Epson Salts)
• teaspoons of honey
• a few drops of your favourite essential oil

 Slightly heat the honey and mix all the ingredients together and pour into your bath.  Oh yes and you know what to do the remainder of the Champagne!

Strawberry Delight

This soak will treat your skin to all the vitamins and exfoliating acids found in this delectable treat.

• half a small basket of strawberries
• 200 ml cream
• 400 ml water

 Blend all together, strain and pour into your bath.

For all  the history buffs out there...

http://www.history.ca/content/ContentDetail.aspx?ContentId=119

http://www.novareinna.com/festive/valcard.html

Spa Girl says it is all about Coconut Oil

I just received an order from a distributor I regularly buy from that included a very large container of coconut oil.  This is going to last me forever!

The benefits of coconut oil is the current chatter in the Spa world.  Coconut oil appears to be the latest "go to" treatment because of its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing qualities.  It is also totally natural, affordable and for most people allergen-free.  My last massage included coconut oil infused with several heavenly essential oils--yum!

I purchased it mainly because I live in a semi-arid climate and at this time of year, no matter what I do, I have desperately dry skin and hair.  I have only used it for a few days and my skin already feels extra-ordinarily soft and my hair, well it looks and feels pretty good as well!

How can something used for furniture polish and cooking be good for hair, or you're face for that matter?  Well it seems like many 'cupboard to face' products, what's good on the inside, is good on the outside as well.

Melissa Williams, RYT and Co-Owner Yoga Junction says, "Lubricants tend to be relegated to the boudoir, but in reality, a lubricant is anything that helps moisturize any part of your body—inside or out".

 In addition to being a great hair conditioner coconut oil can also be used in many other ways...

Eye cream — apply under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags, and wrinkles. Use on the lids in the evening.

Diaper salve — very comforting on a irritated behind with no harsh chemicals. Also safe for cloth diapers.

Bug Bites — when applied directly to a bug bite, coconut oil can stop the itching and burning sensation as well as hasten the healing process.

Digestion — the saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-bacterial properties that help control, parasites, and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around.

Body scrub – mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over! Rinse off and your skin will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell.

Healing – when applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues.

Skin problems – coconut oil relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.

So Spa Girls the next time you need to consider a great product for your skin, hair or many other uses, look no further than your local coconut tree.  Enjoy...

Coconut Research Centre

http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/Coconut%20Research-Coconut%20Research%20Center.pdf

              So what’s the deal with coconut oil?    

  

              http://healthimpactnews.com/2011/80-uses-for-coconut-oil/

http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html

Spa Girl enjoys a Day of Detox

I have been working much to hard lately so I decided it was time for a "me day" and that can only mean one thing--I headed to the Spa!  However I didn't feel like travelling and I wanted to try something different so I was determined to find something in my own back yard.

In researching some local spas I came across  Qphoria Tanning and Wellness  .  While I am not a fan of tanning booths, Qphoria offers a number of other services that are of interest--so I booked in for a two hour "Day of Detox" ($85).  https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=430162311746

It's a treatment that comes in four parts.  First you enjoy a session on a vibration machine, which, as I have blogged about in previous posts, helps to increase circulation  boost your metabolic rate and improve lymphatic drainage helping to eliminate toxins thus purifying  the body.  It also helps to build lean muscle mass and bone density and I know from firsthand experience makes you feel good!  This session also included an oxygen session with a number of wonderful aromatherapy essential oils to choose from.

Once you are fully jiggled, wiggled and well oxygenated you head to the Hydration Detox Chamber--a new-age version of the old fashion steam boxes--which gently baths your skin in a dense steamy mist (48 degree C) infused with vitamins and minerals.  This treatment cleanses, removes toxins from fat cells with the use of infrared lights and re-hydrates your skin leaving it soft, silky and glowing.  They also claim you can burn up to 300--600 calories per session. 


Spa Girl Suggests:  drink water both before and after using the hydration chamber.

http://www.sunsettan.ca/hydration-station/

By this time you are well on your way to feeling pretty darn relaxed when you are welcomed by a skilled massage practitioner for an hour long detox massage which stimulates the lymphatic system to further flush toxins and purify the body.  I am pretty fussy about massage work and this was the best Spa massage I have ever had, and seeing that I have experienced many massages over the years in all parts of the world, that is saying something--I am still raving about it!  Thank you Karly!

The massage included a combination of techniques including relaxation, myo-fascial, Swedish, crania-sacral and hot stones.  Unbelievable!

Ok I am now officially a mush ball!

On the way out you are handed a fabulous pick me up, a delicious smoothie made with Swiss chard, kale, spinach, blueberries, bananas and organic pomegranate juice--it quite simply does not get any better! And remember Spa Girls, all this for $85.oo! 

Qphoria Tanning and Wellness Centre says...

We are a full service tanning and wellness salon in beautiful Kamloops, BC. We hope to inspire beauty from the inside out and offer tanning, and all our services, as a step towards good health and wellness.  Our rooms are large, our equipment high end, our services well researched, and our prices are fair. The staff of Qphoria Tanning and Wellness are passionate about customer service, we are friendly, knowledgeable, and all are Smart Tan Certified. 

The wellness centre is large and almost funky (as in Earthy, uncomplicated and natural) and at times you can feel like you are in a Sci-Fi movie with all the amazing equipment.

Their Mission is simple and straight forward--to provide incredible customer service in a fun, welcoming atmosphere, where while offering state of the art equipment, and services at affordable prices.


On all accounts Qphoria lives up to this mission. Indeed, it is all about the customer! I was also impressed with the owner, Lisa, who answered a number of questions when I booked my appointment and with the staff, who on my arrival were friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating, answering an additional endless stream of questions.  And unlike many spas I have visited truly enjoy their work.  Thank you Kerry and Anna.

Qphoria is all about inspiring beauty from the inside out and providing services that lead to good health and wellness.  I cannot say enough about this wellness centre.  I definitely intend on returning!

For more information about Qphoria check out their website.

http://www.qphoriatan.com/index.html

Spa Girl answers a question on liquid vs. gel collagen

One Spa Girl asked...

I have a question for you about collagen product absorption. I was told that a gel collagen won't penetrate deeply into the skin, it has to be a liquid form.  What are your thoughts?  I would also like to know about Retinoids.

Retinoid is of course vitamin A which helps in unclogging pores, boosting collagen helping to reduce fine lines, and speeds up cell turnover.  You will also notice clearer softer and brighter skin tone.  I have a prescription from my dermatologists which I use twice a week and I really have noticed a difference.  In photos dating back several years the difference is day and night.  My skin looks younger, definitely less wrinkles and brighter.

There are three prescription-strength retinoids that I am familiar with: tretinoin (brands include Atralin, Avita, Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Renova), tazarotene (Avage, Tazorac), and adapalene (Differin). You should however check with your dermatologist if you decide to go this route.

Liquid vs. gel collagen...

Liquid collagen has become a popular dietary supplement helping promote weight loss, nail and hair growth and strengthen ligaments & bones. It is also used for to promote younger more youthful looking skin.

Liquid collagen contains amino acids, proteins and vitamins and is used to reduce the breakdown of collagen. It's composition is glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and arginine. From my research, liquid collagen comes in both a liquid form and a gel form, and can be given as a shot. The liquid form of the collagen is absorbed into the blood stream more quickly than the gel form. The gel is rubbed into and absorbed by the skin, which reaches the deepest layers of the skin and provides higher levels of protein.

Needless to say as we age, natural collagen decreases, however the body has the ability to rebuild itself with proper nutrition and diet. Adding more vitamin C (which helps the body manufacture collagen and increases antioxidant protection) or glucosamine in a daily diet helps promote collagen formation naturally.

I also found this...

Another commonly-used cell-stimulant is a substance that combines Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide, usually found under its patented name Matrixyl 3000. In addition to aiding in the repair of aging tissue, Matrixyl 3000 supports the skin’s ‘framework’, making it stronger and more elastic. However, no anti-aging product would be complete without using Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a substance that is vital in attracting and retaining moisture in the skin, effectively ‘plumping’ it out from within. HA has the ability to hold more than 1000 times its weight in water and because it is such an essential lubricant, it is often also included in joint pain products. Adding moisture to aging, dehydrated skin will have a rejuvenating effect, making the skin appear healthy and youthful.

More information can be found at: http://www.totalbeautyanswers.com/wrinklecream

And lastly, as I have written about in previous blogs, the best preventative step for skin care and fewer wrinkles is sunscreen, sunscreen, suncreen.

Spa Girl checks into the AquaTerre Spa

Continuing my love affair with  Vancouver Island, we spent a relaxing week during my winter break exploring the island which was often shrouded in a magical mist. 

One of our overnights was at the Pacific Shores Resort & Spa located on the shores of the Georgia Straight, at Nanoose Bay.   

The AquaTerre Spa  at Pacific Shores offers a variety of treatments to select from.  They were fully booked with spa goers using their spa stocking stuffers.  

Treatments range in price from $45.oo for a 40 minute Essential Manicure to $150.00 for a 1.5 hour Pure Balance--massage with chakra balancing.  The Spa also offers three outstanding Spa Packages ranging in price from $245.oo for a 3.5 hour Quick pick me up to a 7 hour Pure Bliss package at $535.00.

The spa kindly fit me in for a Radiance Renewal facial (30 minutes/$65) using a lovely line of Guinot skin care products.  Guinot was the first to manufacture skin care products containing 56 active biological ingredients essential to cellular life. My skin was radiant and had a youthful glow after only 30 minutes, I can only imagine how I would have looked after an hour+ in the hands of this master esthetician!

Their story... 

Founded in France over forty years ago by Rene Guinot, a well-known chemist, the collection of skincare products, now known throughout the world as Guinot Paris, began with a focused approach to treating the skin with the now well-known Hydradermie treatment. From this beginning concept moved ahead with products compatible with those used in spa treatment made available for clients’ use at home.

Benefits of Guinot skin care products: 

·   Proven history: Founded in France over forty years ago by Rene Guinot, a well-known chemist
·   Based on natural ingredients: Guinot skin care products are a natural botanical based skin care line
·   Active ingredients: Each formula is packed with active ingredients and botanical extracts from fruit and plant sources
·   Customized for your needs: Guinot skin care products provide custom formulations based on specific skin care needs to treat and prevent skin problems and disorders
·   Anti-aging capabilities: With its unique combination of 56 biological active ingredients in all "Longue Vie" products

Pacific Shores Resort & Spa also offers...

·       Indoor ozonated pool, sauna & hot tub

·       Outdoor heated thermal pools

·       24-hour outdoor hot tub overlooking the ocean

·       Fitness Centre

·       Complimentary kayaks

·       Botanical gardens

http://video.aviawest.com/pdf/parkside/10MAR-Spa-Menu-Parkside.pdf

Spa Girl says Happy New Year--May 2012 be kind to all of us...

As I slide comfortably into the New Year I have been reflecting on all that took place in 2011--so many things to be thankful for and the delight & wonder that is all around us.  I am also remembering those who I have loved and have lost. 


We can get so caught up in our own busyness and overlook the magic of each day or the import of those who lives have touched ours.   I dedicate this blog post to two of my remarkable friends who touched my life profoundly.

My Dear Friend Sandy Wiseman
1944 - 2011

The remarkable Indigo Sweetwater

1952 - 2011

May 2012 be kind to all of us and my wish is that everyone will take the much needed time throughout this new year to pamper yourself, go to the spa and create a home-sanctuary.  After all, it is all about taking care of yourself!

In this spirit I came home today and slide into a nice effervesce steam bath.  Such a treat! With mist whirling around my head and aromatherapy oils filling the air with such calm and tranquillity it was a pleasure to relax and enjoy a few moments for myself.

When it is extra-ordinarily busy and I am feeling stressed I often pull out of my library a little gem of a book--50 Ways to Pamper Yourself-- by Stephanie Tourles.  I received this book several years ago from the parents of a good friend and I love it.  There are so many practical tips (great suggestions we all know) but forget to do.

One of my favourite tips is simply "If it feels good, do it".

• Sing all day long--children do.
• Skip everywhere you go. 
• Give your feet a vacation.
• And for those spending their holidays in the sun...Collect colourful seashells on the beach. 

To Celebrate the New Year, here is a Sensual Oil Blend for the "oh so relaxing" soak...

Mix together 3/4 cup jojoba oil with 1/4 teaspoon each of sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver.  Store in dark glass bottle away from heat and light.  Add 2 teaspoons to the bath while the tub is running and be careful when climbing in.

Happy New Year Everyone...

Spa Girl says check out SpaFinder's Top 10 for 2012

Each year SpaFinder, the trusted global spa and wellness resource, publishes SpaFinder Top 10 Spa Trends Forecast for the New Year.

As an organization SpaFinder is dedicated to helping people find establishments, experiences and information that promote the well-being of body, mind and spirit and to inspire them to lead a healthy lifestyle.  A mission it accomplishes year after year!

One of the most respected analysts and commentators on the global spa industry is SpaFinder President Susie Ellis. She leads the world's most prominent spa media, marketing, and research company - connecting the largest global network of spas to millions of spa consumers worldwide through SpaFinder.com and its media properties.

When I first began Spa Girl blog, SpaFinder was one of the resources I used to navigate the complexity of this remarkable wellness industry.   For several years many of my own blog topics have been reflected in SpaFinder's top 10 trends to watch for--which was rewarding on so many levels!

SpaFinder Top 10 Spa Trends Forecast for 2012 again include several  story lines that I have blogged in Spa Girl including the important of taking care of your feet (#1. Healthy Feet Treatments) ;  (#2 Cold and Ice Are Hot) where they mention Sparkling Hill, a fabulous well-being destination just outside Vernon, British Columbia ( http://www.sparklinghill.com/our-story/crystals); Spa Cusine (#5. Pairing Fine Dining and Spa-ing); my love of Watsu, vibration and sound meditation (#6. Vibration, Sound, Music, Light and Color Therapies); and adding to the science behind Spa modalities (# 8. Spa Evidence: Showing the Science Behind Spa).

World-wide the Spa Industry continues to cultivate, develop and demonstrate its creative and innovated forward-thinking side and trends for 2012 are no exception.  Just click on the links below for more detail on each trend or visit the website for the full story.

http://www.spafinder.com/about/press_release.jsp?relId=240 

SpaFinder Top 10 Spa Trends Forecast for the New Year.1. Healthy Feet Treatments
2. Cold and Ice Are Hot 3. Wellness and Beauty Coaching4. Online Wellness Gaming5. Pairing Fine Dining and Spa-ing6. Vibration, Sound, Music, Light and Color Therapies7. The Glam Factor8. Spa Evidence: Showing the Science Behind Spa9. Spas Become a Family Affair10. Spas Go for the “Wow”P.S.  Bonus Trend  Employee Wellness & Spas

http://www.spafinder.com/about/press_release.jsp?relId=240 

Here is a place where you can see each of the trends visually:  Link to Photo Gallery   

Spa Girls Interview with Thomas Cook Travel

Spa Girl 'virtually' sat down with Ginny Cumming, Editor, Thomas Cook Travel to discuss a special spa feature for an issue of Thomas Cook Travel.  This handsome quarterly magazine is distributed onboard Thomas Cook flights, and has a readership of 2.25 million every issue. 

Spa blogging is something I do in my 'spare' time and  writing for such a well know magazine was a great experience.  Being one of seven bloggers to be featured in Thomas Cook Travel was truly a pleasure...

GC--What is your name? 

Jann LM Bailey

 
GC--And the name of your blog/website (and URL)?

Spa Girl

http://spagirl007.blogspot.com

GC--When and why did you start your blog/website?

A relative newcomer to blogging, I created  SPA GIRL blog in 2009 because I wanted to share my spa experiences. Spa Girl began with no specific long-term expectations, rather it was a  wonderful way to learn about blogging and explore, write and contribute to something I love to do--pamper a very busy lifestyle!

Women especially seem to take care of so many others and often forget to look after themselves--I have surely been guilty of this and Spa Girl has helped--at  least for me and I hope others--remember to take the time to take care of my own wellbeing. 

I am a big fan of aromatherapy, thalassotherapy, spa cuisine and history. I love to pamper myself, inside and out! And why not? I work hard, travel a lot and find the spa experience exciting each and every time.

One of my most favourite activities has been writing this Spa Girl blog. I have learned so much about health and wellness from all the research I've done, and I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing this knowledge and hearing from others!

The Spa experience is one of many adventures in self discovery.  History tells us that we are not alone, from the very beginning of time people have enjoyed the restorative powers and therapeutic effects of healing waters. Today the Spa experience has expanded to include so many ways to live a happy, healthy, holistic lifestyle.

Relax, rejuvenate, and restore: that’s Spa Girl's motto.

For information on thalassotherapy go to:

http://spas.about.com/od/hydrotherapy/a/thalassotherapy.htm?nl=1

GC--What do you cover?

Spa Girl covers a number of interests including: aromatherapy, home spa treatments, spa modalities, feel good tips, spa destinations, spa cuisine and natural/organic products. 

Spa Girl is also on facebook where in addition to my blogs, I post links to other spa writers and stories, spa reviews and tips. 

I have studied aromatherapy for a number of years and create my own salt scrubs, bath oils, soaps and skin creams.  I often post recipes for spa products (from cupboard to face) and good eats related to my blog posts. 

I am an avid researcher and love to research all aspects of the spa industry, study and of course try every spa experience there is. 

My other passion is art museums.

GC--Do you visit all the spas yourself, or do you have a team of reviewers? (and if so, please advise how many etc)

I visit all the spas myself. 

GC--What is the best piece of advice you could offer to fellow spa lovers when they visit a spa or resort for the first time?

I have visited Spas all over the world and the one thing that I insist on is a hygienically safe environment. 

Most people make the assumption that in the Spa business they know how to maintain a safe, sanitary environment.  But it never hurts to double check, after all, it is your wellbeing you are putting into the hands of others.

The best way to assure yourself that the Spa you are visiting is 'taking care of business' is to politely ask to have a tour and ask a few questions along the way.

What to look for and what to ask...

·                Ask how they disinfect the equipment and hydrotherapy tubs and ask to see their sterilization room.

·                Ask to see a treatment room and make sure it is squeaky clean and check out the drain in the wet room.  No wanted hair here!

·                Make sure nail files are for one time use only, or disinfected between clients and that the ropes and slippers are being cleaned after each use.

·                Absolutely NO double dipping of anything!

Once you have satisfied yourself that the Spa you are booking into meets your ‘clean index’ you can truly take Spa Girls motto to heart: Relax, Rejuvenate & Restore!

GC--If you could only have one treatment for the rest of your life, what would it be? (ie what is your favourite?)

That's a hard one, I love so many different modalities!  My two spa staples are massage (deep tissue) and a facial, although I just love a salt scrub and Visy shower. So if I have to pick just one,   I would have to say a massage, as it is a whole body treatment.

GC--What (and where) is the one spa you’ve always wanted to visit, but have yet to experience?

I have so many Spas on my 'yet to experience' list...here are my top 3!

1.        Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

"Arrive in style in a seaplane over the lagoon, dine in the world's first all-glass, undersea restaurant and indulge in luxurious spa therapies. Sited in a picturesque corner of the Maldives, this luxury resort is spread across two islands, surrounded by a vibrant coral reef and lagoon. Twice voted 'Best Hotel in the World' and several times 'Best Resort', the hotel boasts 50 luxurious water villas, 79 exotic beach villas and 21 fabulous spa water villas with private treatment rooms."

2.       The St. Regis Resort Bora Bora

"The St. Regis Bora Bora, a 44-acre property and winner of Best Resort Worldwide by Travel Weekly magazine, offers luxurious accommodations combined with St. Regis' personalized services and amenities, including 24-hour concierge and room service, and the St. Regis Butler Service. The resort's spa, Spa Miri Miri, is located on its own private island and offers seven treatment rooms and a wide range of invigorating and innovative treatments. The resort has three restaurants including Lagoon, the resort's signature over-water restaurant and winner of Wine Spectator magazine’s award for excellence in 2008 and 2009."

3.       Banyan Tree, Phuket, Thailand

" An island paradise of daydream material and perfect moments, Phuket offers fine beaches, turquoise seas and warm sunny weather. This is a destination that showcases the island’s extraordinary beauty in a setting of award-winning architecture, built in harmony with nature.

Indulge in a range of treatments at the renowned Banyan Tree Spa, savour the best of local and international cuisine as prepared by master chefs, or venture out to explore Phuket.

Banyan Tree Phuket is the destination you have always dreamed of and one that you will never forget.  The ultimate luxury here has to be a stay in the spa pool villa with its elegant 'floating bed' pavilion amid tranquil lily ponds. Many rooms come with a dedicated 'in-villa spa'. "
 
GC--What is the weirdest/most outrageous/most expensive treatment you've ever had?

Nothing is to weird or outrageous for Spa Girl...bring it on!