Spa Blog

 1. EXFOLIATE. Although this step is  commonly ignored by both men and women, exfoliation is a must and really should be a apart of every person’s facial and body skin regimen. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, reduces ingrown hairs and helps prevent the skin from razor burn and rashes. Exfoliation also allows for an ultra –deep cleanse by unclogging the pores. 2.) USE THE RIGHT PRODUCTS. For a smooth and pain-free shave use ESPA’S Dual Action Shave Mud. The Dual Action Shave Mud for Men allows the closest shave possible and can be dually used as a soothing face mask pre-, post- or in between shaves. The Dual Action Shave Mud helps to hydrate the skin and even inhibits hair growth with cocoa extract as a main ingredient. 3.) COMPLETE THE PROCESS. Finish your regimen with ESPA’s Post Shave Rescue. The Post Shave Rescue instantly cools and soothes the skin, helps with razor burn prevention and uses Tea Tree as an antibacterial to the face.

For more information on the ESPA MEN’S  LINE, call the Spa Reception Desk at 305.918.6844.

This powerful and highly effective peel  dramatically smoothes, softens and evens skin tone. This intense peel containing botanical extract and Pumpkin Enzymes deeply exfoliates and removes dead skin cells, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While an Alpha Hydroxy Acid works on the top layer of the dermis (skin) increases cell regeneration, reduces the appearance of age spots and reduce hyper-pigmentation, improves skin texture and stimulates collagen production. This facial will leave your skin feeling smooth and firm and give an overall youthful radiance.

This Signature ESPA Professional Enzyme Peel is available at Acqualina Spa By ESPA. For details call the Spa Reception Desk at 305-918-6844.

Our 50 Minute Tone and Firm Active Peel Facial is designed to help the reduction of pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles for a more radiant skin. Our Leading Spa Therapists will help show the best part of your skin. The Facial incorporates a deep brush cleanse for the ESPA Professional Enzyme Peel which helps aids the removal of dead skin cells and boosts regeneration. With a deep facial massage and the application of the ESPA Professional Lifting and Soothing Mask the face will be moisturized and luminous at the end.

•    Try disconnecting completely- Yes, it is hard but we believe that taking a break from going through emails, texts and that project that’s due after you get back will definitely help you relax and refresh so you can jump back into it.
•    Pamper yourself- Enjoy a spa treatment. The best remedy to relax is easing up the tension with a massage.
•    Sleep- Sleep as much as you can and sleep to the fullest. It will help get you back to a solid routine of rest. It’s also extremely healthy too.

Sometimes you just need to break away from it all just to go back and continue on the journey of success.

At Acqualina, we like to indulge Mothers to just about everything from a day at the Spa to a Seaside Lunch at Piazzetta to the All About Moms Vacation Package. This year, treat your Mom to a day at Miami Beach’s only Forbes Five Star spa with the gift of time, rejuvenation and disconnect from her everyday schedule with the following ultra-lux inclusions.

• Pre-treatment thermal suite use
• Welcome Tea from Tea Forte’s latest 2013 Spring Collection
• Soothing Foot Ritual
• 50 Minute Full Body Massage
• 50 Minute Refining Facial
• Healthy Spa Lunch
• Pool side tea and cookies
• ESPA product gift for homecare
• Complimentary Valet Parking

Combine the below ingredients in a blender and enjoy!

• 2 cups water
• 1 Mango
• 1 Banana
• 1 cup Frozen Strawberries
• 2 handfuls of greens

Start the season with getting rid of dried dead skin. Start with this easy home salt scrub recipe for a healthy radiant glow. 

• Combine a ½ cup of kosher salt and ¼ cup of table salt and mix well 
• Add avocado or grapeseed oil, finely chopped fresh rosemary, and 5 drops of lavender oil and mix well 
• Apply on a damp body, start at the feet work your way up in upward quick friction movements
• Rinse and pat the body dry leaving the oil as a finishing product and your skin will glow.  

Green Smoothie Recipe 

• 1.2 cups water
• ½ Head Romaine Lettuce
• ½ Avocado
• ½ Fuji Apple
• 1 Banana

As we begin the annual spring cleaning, we encourage you to do the same for your body. During the winter, it is hard to keep a radiant and lively glow on the skin. However, Acqualina Spa by ESPA has a few tips to get you started.

• start with a full body exfoliation in the shower using our Invigorating Body Reviver. 
• Use Coconut as a natural foaming agent to lather and moisturize  the skin.  
• Whilst the Bora Bora sand smoothes dry rough skin, you can even work into your hands & nail beds to soften the cuticles. 
• As the steam is filling your shower, use the Refining Skin Polish to gently exfoliate your face. 
• After showering apply the Skin Radiance face moisturizer to help revitalize and renew skin. 
• Finish it off with the Silk Body Spray all over the body to leave a beautiful sheen & radiant glow on skin. 

Now you are ready for the new season. 

Shine Like a Star Facial Experience 

The 50-Minute Facial exfoliates and cleanses and is designed to firm and restore elasticity to the skin. A 24K Anti-wrinkle Gold Mask along with a skin analysis, steam and exfoliation, facial massage, lymphatic drainage and a nourishing Scalp Massage with ESPA's Pink Hair and Scalp Mud to finish.

Shine Like a Star Manicure Experience 

The 50-Minute Signature Manicure is designed to nourish hands and indulge you in luxury. A 24K Gold Mask will be applied to the hands along with nail filing, cuticle removal, hand exfoliation, hot stone hand massage and a Gold Polish application to finish. 

Acqualina Spa by ESPA introduces these two indulging and relaxing offers. 

SHINE LIKE A STAR FACIAL EXPERIENCE

The 50-Minute Facial exfoliates and cleanses and is designed to firm and restore elasticity to the skin. A 24K Anti-wrinkle Gold Mask along with a skin analysis, steam and exfoliation, facial massage, lymphatic drainage and a nourishing Scalp Massage with ESPA's Pink Hair and Scalp Mud to finish.

SHINE LIKE A STAR MANICURE EXPERIENCE

The 50-Minute Signature Manicure is designed to nourish hands and indulge you in luxury. A 24K Gold Mask will be applied to the hands along with nail filing, cuticle removal, hand exfoliation, hot stone hand massage and a Gold Polish application to finish. 

For more reservations, please click here.  

The Ultimate Spa Package will entice you to get away, or at least consider staying with us for a few days while you relax by the beach, have four 50-minute Spa Treatments, one Spa Lunch for Two and more. And of course, the luxury of being able to get away and relax at an Award-winning spa and resort like no other. 

We are encouraging everyone to make this a month-long Special Occasion and to take Valentine's Day to a whole new level. This month, we are offering a Special Couple's Private Lesson.  Couples can enjoy a fun and relaxing class where they will learn an easy routine to ease their partner's back, neck, shoulder, and scalp tension. The journey begins with ESPA's Sensory Journey using an aroma oil of their choice, followed by an hour of private time in the Private Couples Suite, complete with a glass of Champagne, healthy spa lunch for two, and chocolate truffles. Couples will go home with a box of ESPA oils and the first ten couples to book the couples experience will receive a complimentary ESPA Twilight Tea Candle. 

In Japan they have a tea ceremony ritual that helps direct the heart and mind to peace and tranquility. Here at Acqualina Spa by ESPA, we believe in aromatherapy which simply means “smell therapy”. The Restorative Bath and Body oil is feels like a “Hug in the Bottle” and its aromas of sweet mandarin orange, rose geranium and lavender help quiet the mind and comfort the spirit. So we are providing you with some easy ways to create a ceremony of love at your home with your loved one using the senses and aromatherapy.

• For a bath ritual simply draw a bath.
• Add four capfulls of the Restorative Bath Oil Relax.
• Apply the Restorative Body Oil and give each other a couples massage. 
• If you don’t have a tub big enough for two a shower ritual with our Relaxing Salt & Oil Scrub simply wet your bodies under the water and start at your feet and work your way up long circular movements to entire body.

This certainly will inspire romance. If you are too shy or not ready to give each other a massage, we are offering a Couples' Massage throughout the month of February to get you on your way to romance.

The awards demonstrate the hard work of our Acqualina Spa by ESPA Therapists including the most recent Spas of America Top 100 Spas placing Acqualina Spa by ESPA at number 16. It isn't possible to achieve such feat without the amazing and talented Therapists.

So we've decided to dedicate the next few weeks to our Award-Winning Therapists starting with Ingrid Parra who has been at Acqualina for six wonderful years. 

What is your specialty? I pamper my guests and perform maternity treatment and facials. 

What do you love about working at Acqualina Spa by ESPA? The professionalism and luxury that the spa carries and it was what first attracted me to my career. 

What is your favorite ESPA Product? My favorite ESPA product is definitely the Refining Skin Polish. 

What are the benefits of this product? Some benefits of this product are that it leaves your skin refreshed, radiant and most importantly clean. 

What is your favorite hobby? I love to jog in the mornings with my daughter. It's a healthy and active activity and it's our time to bond and I cherish that time with her. 

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of our health. It not only helps our diet and performance but it also helps our appearance and most importantly, our wellbeing. But not all of us get to sleep more than 7 hours a night, perhaps 4 if we're lucky. One of our Therapists' favorite ESPA Product is the Lift and Firm Eye Moisturizer for that same reason. It provides intensive hydration and moisturizer for the most delicate area of our face and helps with the puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles. It also helps to know that friends, partner and family won't see you "tired" the next day. 

For those who are skeptical about the heart-shaped candy and red roses filled day, Acqualina Spa by ESPA created the Singular Sensational Spa Day just for singles. Whether you're celebrating your newly renewed singleness or just another reason to pamper yourself, the Singular Sensation Spa Day is a part of Acqualina's many February Special Offerings that will have you ready for that hot date or that party you and your friends have been looking forward to. Either way, you'll be celebrating "YOU"!

Resolutions or not, our Acqualina Spa by ESPA has a few tips to get you started on your 2013 health kick with ESPA's Detoxifying Bath Oil and Smooth & Firm Body Butter. 

Draw a bath and add 3 cap full of the ESPA Detoxifying Bath Oil. While the tub is filling, use the body brush on a dry area and stroke from the ankle to the knee.Then, from knee to the thigh followed by a hand stroke always working up bringing the blood flow to the heart. This will help exfoliate dry skin and stimulate your lymphatic system to help flush out toxins and increase circulation.You can continue to use the brush on areas like dry elbows and heels in a circular motion to leave the skin smooth. Then soak in the tub for 20 minutes and rinse off with a cool shower after you dry off apply the ESPA Smooth & Firm Body Butter to the areas of concern such as the legs, thighs, derriere and abdomen. This intensely rich formula will help to tone and refine those specific areas and help get you on your way to great succes in 2013! 

Believe us, you're not the only one. Thankfully, Acqualina Spa by ESPA has a few relaxing and soothing Holiday Gifts in mind for you and loved ones to get a hold of this Holiday Season. These items can be easily purchased at Acqualina Spa by ESPA or ESPA online just in time for the Holidays!

• Little Box of Calm- It’s a ‘hug in a bottle’ to help comfort and ease emotional stress. It also induces a positive attitude, sustains balance and harmony in the mind.
• Kick Start- This item is perfect for your friend or relative who is always “on-the-go”. The Shower Gel and Body Lotion help clarify the mind and increases concentration levels.
• Special Agent Shave Mud, Hydrator and Shower Gel- This package is a complete shaving ritual and doubles as a deep cleansing purifying mask. It also helps inhibit hair growth and comes in a handy tin to store all items in an organized fashion. 

Although most of us love doing these things, life gets so hectic that we sometimes forget to take care of our bodies and exercise. During this time, I need something quick and easy to flush out toxins and re-energize myself. I like ESPA's Invigorating Salt Scrub as my "go-to" item. Not only revitalises, remove dead cells and dry skin but also prepares the body for the absoprtion of the oil. It also activates the circulatory system that helps stimulate the lymphatic system to help flush toxins. Most importantly it clears your aura and recharges you just in time for some more Holiday shopping. 

After the adrenaline of flying home to visit family and friends or a new destination has passed, we're exhausted. And the cherry on top (or bottom), are swollen feet, irritability, lack of sleep and stress. Thankfully, there are many remedies to help with jet lag and I've named a few, just for you.

• Eat a light and healthy meal before and during your flight. This will help with bloating. 
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to keep a healthy, hydrated glow. 
• Have a massage when you arrive at your destination or when you return to help ease the stressed muscles, aches and stress. 
• Take a natural sleep aide like melatonin to sleep during your flight. Frankincense and sandalwood capusles can also help aid insomnia and ensure you have a good night's rest once you arrive. 

Follow these tips when you board long flights and you will wake up feeling refreshed, energized and ready to go.

As we all gather with friends and family, it's important to look and feel great. Acqualina's Spa by ESPA's new Two Hours to Gorgeous is a lush full body facial that will help your skin look radiant, smooth and helps the body inside and out. The indulging full body treatment helps release toxins, provides a non-surgical face ligt and also helps the derriere. 

Most people would reach for the lotion but my favorite ESPA product at Acqualina Spa’s by ESPA is the Invigorating Salt Scrub. It not only removes dead skin cells but moisturizes and helps smooth skin. It also stimulates the circulatory system and the lymphatic system to help flush toxins. On a more metaphysical level, it clears your aura and recharges your energy field

It is one of ESPA’s signature Ayurvedic Treatments and helps those experiencing high levels of stress. The relaxing treatment works deeply to heighten the body’s energy levels starting with a foot ritual to determine the Dosha. A salt and oil scrub before a gentle facial cleanse is followed by a Marma-point massage. The treatment releases tensions and restores vitality and concludes with a head message where most clients take advantage to get into a deep state of relaxation. 

In other news, Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach announced that SpaFinder® Wellness, the global spa and wellness resource, has named Acqualina Spa by ESPA as winner of the coveted 2012 SpaFinder® Wellness Readers’ Choice Category Award in six categories, including: Best Beach Spa, Best for Accommodations, Best for Interior Design, and Best for Men. This recognition is given annually to the top-ten most-voted spas for these categories by spa-goers across the world in the SpaFinder Wellness Readers’ Choice Awards.

Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a friend and a great massage doesn't hurt either. When you and your BFF visit a spa, have you noticed how light the mood is? The very thought of walking in to a spa makes you take a deep breathe and transfers you into a state of bliss.  Pamper yourself, have fun, relax and enjoy a couple of laughs in the steam room, relax by the pool, have lunch al fresco in the ocean breeze in anticipation of the amazing healing massage you are about to receive.  Best of all this priceless medicine is fun, free and easy.  Embrace every moment and add joy and zest to your life. 

ESPA Men’s Dual Shave Mud is the ultimate formula for a smooth, comfortable shave and purified skin. It contains healing Kaolin Clay and Shea Butter that work together to help draw out impurities and soften skin. Cocoa extract inhibits hair growth and helps make skin softer and smoother for longer. It can also be used as a mask 1 to 2 times a week. And yes ladies, it can be used for your legs!!!

Blanca Albor- Spa Director 

It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

In a Reiki session, the practitioner is seeking to transmit Universal Life Energy to the client. The intention is to create deep relaxation, to help speed healing, reduce pain, and decrease other symptoms you may be experiencing. A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects.

In a world filled with tension and changes Reiki is a great way to open the doors to balance enabling our wise bodies to heal itself.  

Lorraine Jensen-Massage Therapist

Pink Hair and Scalp Mud has a multitude of healing elements not only is it an intensive hair and scalp treatment but can be used to cool sunburn, deeply hydrating and moisturizing to the skin, great for elbows and dry heels.  What I love most about the Pink Hair and Scalp Mud is the Kaolin clay.  Kaolin clay comes from mother earth and is one of those miracle ingredients that has multiple healing properties.  The properties of Kaolin clay are found in various products from calming an upset stomach too cleansing, toning and firming your skin in a facial mask.  In combination with Keratin which helps to strengthen hair one of my clients who is a cancer survivor absolutely loves this product and strongly believes without a doubt that the Pink Hair and Scalp Mud is what helped her hair grow back.  She started using it shortly after receiving her Chemotherapy and has been using it ever since.  Her hair grew back thicker, stronger and shinier than ever.  

Kim Cooke, Lead Therapist/Trainer

Although summer has come to a close, detoxifying the body and maintaining it throughout the end of the year is essential. The firming process of the Contour and Firm Body Treatment is an excellent way to provide your body with an invigorating scrub, followed by an algae body wrap and finishing with an invigorating and light lymphatic drainage massage. This treatment will help you drain everything from excess toxins to stress. 

Please visit out Spa Page for more information: http://www.acqualinaresort.com/spa/

Start with a relaxing 25-Minute Boutique Neck, Back and Shoulder Massage that will release the stress from all the pressure of strolling the red carpet. Add a Golden Body Shimmer, an ESPA Classic Manicure, an ESPA Classic Pedicure and you will be ready to wave and smile after the 90-minute VIP All Access Spa Package Experience. You’ll be sure to upstage the likes of Nicole Kidman and the paparazzi won’t be able to get enough. 

Continue the celebration at Piazzetta Marketplace and Restaurant for an exclusive viewing of the award ceremony Sunday, September 23rd at 6:00 pm. Enjoy a complimentary champagne reception plus food and drink specials.

To book the 90 Minute VIP ALL Access Spa Package, call 305.918.6844.

After a thorough skin analysis, the facial incorporates steam and a deep brush cleanse, preparing the skin for an application of our revolutionary ESPA Professional Enzyme Peel. Containing the highest levels of completely natural fruit acids and AHA's, the peel dramatically aids the removal of dead skin cells, revealing a more youthful complexion. Using powerful moisture quenching ingredients, a deep facial massage is followed by an application of the ESPA Professional Lifting and Smoothing Mask to leave skin plumped, toned and luminous.

ESPA has also introduced new products for these facials, which are:

• Action packed with natural ingredients made from fruit and organic marine products
• Free from paraben, synthetic colors, fragrances and pure petrochemicals
• Containing optimum concentrations of AHA's, Pumpkin Enzymes and naturally sourced fruit acids

Remember, if you are looking for a great way to start the year, try the Anti-Ageing Active Peel Facial for a new and improved you!

Number one rule of the summer for healthy skin? Sunscreen, sunscreen…sunscreen! Okay, so that is hardly a rule, but you get the point. Of all the skin essentials of the summer, applying sunscreen everyday before you walk out the door is imperative when aspiring for well-nourished, youthful skin.

Many sunscreens offer protection from UVB rays. This is vital to maintaining healthy skin as UVB rays are known as “burning” rays. They are the ones to blame for the ever-so-popular sunburn. UVB rays effect the surface of your skin while UVA rays deeply penetrate and can impact skin through water and even glass. Overexposure to UVA rays can catalyze wrinkles, damage skin elasticity, causes premature aging, brown spots, and hyper-pigmentation. Both types of rays may lead to skin cancer. Nevertheless, be sure to make the wisest choice by purchasing a sunscreen that shields you from both UVB and UVA rays.

For normal skin that does not get easily irritated or has allergic reactions, you may want the longer-lasting effect of a chemical-based SPF with UVA blocking avobenzone or oxybenzone. These are synthetic substances that absorb UV light before it can impact the skin. For sensitive skin, try a chemical-free or mineral-based SPF. Check the ingredients for components such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These minerals have been scientifically proven to be the most gentle and effective way to protect your skin from both types of rays as the skin does not generally absorb these minerals.

To maximize your results for fresh and radiant skin, avoid ingredients like phthalates, fragrance and parabens as they are unnecessary chemicals with zero benefits and some harmful findings.

When purchasing your summer dosage, whether in makeup, moisturizer, or regular sunscreen, don’t just pick a random product off the shelf. Make your efforts in protecting your skin a priority. The skin is the largest living organ of the body and it’s the only skin you have for the rest of your life. It is definitely worth the investment of time to learn more about how to effectively care for yours.

Visit Acqualina’s Facebook Wall for practical tips on how to properly exfoliate and moisturize summer skin. Join in on the conversations as tips will be posted periodically.

Drink lots of water. If you’re getting a massage after spending a portion of the day out in the hot sun, make sure you are well-hydrated before arriving for your massage.

Massage on sunburn hurts! If your skin is red, the best thing to do is cancel your massage appointment. As the therapist increases circulation and blow flow in your body, sunburned skin can be easily irritated, and getting massage on skin that’s burned can itch, burn, sting, or even make you feel nauseas.

If you plan on spending time in the sun after a massage, remember to apply sunscreen but most importantly … Reapply Reapply Reapply!! The key to not burning your skin is to reapply sun block or wear protective clothing.

Have fun in the sun this summer!

Regular facials are not only to enhance the appearance of your skin. The major health benefits of regular facials are the regulation of the immune system, detoxification, reduction in fluid build-up, exfoliation, stress relief. These benefits are achieved in any of our ESPA Facials which incorporate lymphatic drainage, exfoliation, acupressure massage, and aromatherapy. The lymphatic system plays a vital role in the body by regulating the immune system. Exfoliation is a process in which the top layers of the skin are removed, so that the newer, younger cells may reach the surface. Acupressure is effective as a health maintenance system to reduce stress, increase circulation and tune up your energy. Aromatherapy awakens and strengthens our vital energies and self-healing capabilities. Essential oils have the ability to directly affect the brain and the many psychological and physiological processes of the mind and body.

Our Skin Brightening products use super active ingredients to refresh dull an tired skin which is lacking in radiance. ESPA’s Skin Brightening Enzyme Mask will assist with environmental damage, uneven pigmentation, congestion and fine lines. It is made from pumpkin fruit and rich in AHAs, BHAs and anti-oxidants that will give your skin a smooth radiant glow.

We are Extending the Miami Spa Month special price of $99 + 18% Gratuity for 1 hour Relaxation Massage or Facial.

Visit ESPA, an Oasis from everyday living... a restorative and rejuvenating escape.

Additional techniques I recommend

Meditation and Yoga - These techniques are proven ways to reduce stress. It allows you to be quiet, releasing any tension in the mind.

Massage - Helps to reduce / eliminate any stress and tension held in the muscles. Tension often leads to sore stiff muscles, headaches, insomnia and anxiety.

Abdominal Breathing (deep breathing) - Is the single most effective strategy for stress reduction. We absorb more oxygen and release more waste products with each breath. As an added bonus we also add more life energy, Qi, to our system by using abdominal breathing.

Be good to yourself - Take time to do things for yourself that make you happy. Like a day at ESPA, A walk in the park or playing with your children. Personal time is precious and should be truly appreciated and enjoyed.

While Rene was working in his lab studying the properties of aromatic substances, he was in a terrible accident and received 3^rd degree thermal burns on his hands and forearms. Rene, knowing the healing properties of Lavender applied it to his hands and forearms. The lavender stopped the burning and started the healing process. Overtime through continual application the burns healed without trace of scarring.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils in various ways to affect our physical and mental state. Some oils are used to Calm, Sedate and Relax us and others are used to Energize, Invigorate and Revitalize. Aromatherapy is used widely to treat conditions like Insomnia, Anxiety, Stress, Poor circulation and Muscle pain.

Aromatherapy is among the fastest growing fields in alternative and holistic medicine and used in most Spas and even some clinics and hospitals. It mainly involves the use of essential oils from plants which have been historically used to interact with the body's chemistry to effect emotions, certain organs or systems as a whole. It's a way of improving a person's overall well-being through the use of essential oils.

ESPA aromatherapy bath and body oils have been blended using only the highest quality organically or naturally grown ingredients, know for their purity, potency ad therapeutic qualities. The blends have been formulated to work together in harmony to make them more powerful as combinations than they would be on their own.

More.... Did You Know?

• The skin eliminates over one pound of waste acids each day in the average adult, most of it through the sweat glands?
• That the skin is known also as our third kidney?
• That the skin receives one third of all the blood circulated in the body?
• That the skin is the last to receive nutrients in the body, yet the first to show signs of imbalance or deficiency?

Detoxification is performed by a number of organs, glands, and transportation systems, including the skin, gut, kidneys, liver, lungs, lymphatic system, and mucous membranes. The dry brushing technique deals with detoxification of the skin.

Dry brushing is a way to stimulate all the above organs of detoxification because it provides a gentle internal massage.

Dry Brushing was recommended by the Finnish Dr., Paavo Airola for his patients 30 years ago and is still popular in European spas and many cancer treatment centers today. The Russians, Turks and Scandinavians have used this treatment for centuries. Dry brushing is promoted as a preventative for dry skin and a way to exfoliate the skin, thus stimulating skin renewal that is super soft to the touch, but there are many other benefits as well:

Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing Explained:

1. Removes cellulite
2. Cleanses the lymphatic system
3. Removes dead skin layers
4. Strengthens the immune system
5. Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands
6. Tightens the skin preventing premature aging
7. Tones the muscles
8. Stimulates circulation
9. Improves the function of the nervous system
10. Helps digestion
11. AND it's easy, inexpensive and invigorating!

What You Need To Do Dry Brushing:

To dry brush, use a soft natural fiber brush with a long handle, so that you are able to reach all areas of your body. One with a removable head with a strap for your hand is a good choice. A loofah sponge or a rough towel can also be used. Most nylon and synthetic fiber brushes are too sharp and may damage skin although I found a softer bath brush with nylon bristles that seems to do the trick. The important thing is to find something that is just right for your skin. Once your skin becomes "seasoned," you can switch to a coarser brush.

Tips and Tricks for Dry Brushing:

• Always dry brush your dry and naked body before you shower or bathe because you will want to wash off the impurities from the skin as a result from the brushing action.
• You can do the brushing head-to-toe or toe-to-head. It really doesn't matter as long as the entire body is brushed. Long sweeping strokes starting from the bottom of your feet upwards, and from the hands towards the shoulders, and on the torso in an upward direction help drain the lymph back to your heart.

Note: Stroking away from your heart puts extra pressure on the valves within the veins and lymph vessels and can cause ruptured vessels and varicose veins.

• Use light pressure in areas where the skin is thin and harder pressure on places like the soles of the feet.
• Skin brushing should be performed once a day, preferably first thing in the morning. A thorough skin brushing takes about 15 minutes, but any time spent brushing prior to bathing will benefit the body. If you are feeling ill, increasing the treatments to twice a day is good. You can also dry brush areas of cellulite five to 10 minutes twice a day to achieve cellulite dissolving but the technique needs to be done consistently for a minimum of five months.
• Avoid sensitive areas and anywhere the skin is broken such as areas of skin rash, wounds, cuts, and infections. Also, never brush an area affected by poison oak or poison ivy.
• Finish up with your regular shower and ending with three hot and cold cycles. That means turning on the water as hot as you can take it for several seconds, then as cold as you can handle it, then hot, then cold for three cycles. End with either hot or cold. This will further invigorate the skin and stimulate blood circulation, bringing more blood to the outer layers of the skin.

1. Take advantage of your day at the spa by making the time to truly enjoy your experience. We encourage guests to come early and stay late. Enjoy all the amenities the spa has to offer. Leave your cell phone and Blackberry at home in order to truly enjoy some much needed time alone. For this day...let someone else take care of you...That's what we are here for.

2. Ensure to visit the steam or sauna and ice fountain before your spa treatment. The idea is to heat the body up, then cool the body down a few times...this begins the detoxification process and prepares the muscles and skin to better accept the treatment.

3. Drink plenty of water after your spa treatment! This aides in the detoxification process by flushing toxins from the body. It also helps to keep you body well hydrated.

4. Be open and communicative with your Spa Therapist in order to get most out of your treatment. Let them know what you like, don't like, want and need. If you are cold, speak up, if you don't like the pressure, ask them to go deeper or lighter. If the music is too loud or soft, ask them to adjust it. If there is anything that we can do to make your treatment more enjoyable, please don't hesitate to ask. Don't be shy! We want to know!