How are consumers feeling about visiting the gym or spa since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic? We asked and found out.

Consumer attitudes towards gyms and spas have changed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s going to be a challenge to figure out how to navigate this new landscape but it looks like many people still want to pursue wellness, enjoy spa experiences, and work out at the gym. What does the public want from spas and gyms? Reassurance that safety and sanitation are being taken seriously, for one thing.

Way back in April, just a month or so after it all started, the International SPA Association (ISPA) released the 10th volume of its Consumer Snapshot Initiative analyzing the behaviors and expectations of both spa-goers and non-spa-goers navigating the COVID-19 crisis. The report focused on the ways in which the pandemic has altered consumer behavior, and would continue to alter it even after restrictions were eased – which they have been in the months since the study was conducted.

At that time, when asked whether they would be nervous about visiting a spa when things improve and businesses reopen, 25% of respondents said they would feel very nervous about visiting a spa, 47% would be “a little nervous,” and 28% would not be nervous at all.

Separate research by the Good Spa Guide and the UK Spa Association, also conducted last spring, found that people were eager for spas to reopen. Five thousand spa-goers were asked about their concerns and how their behavior might change. Some key findings from that survey: 

• 80% of respondents expect to spend the same amount of money at spas as they did before.
• 69% would be comfortable booking a manicure or pedicure.
• 50% would be comfortable booking a facial or eye treatment.
• 60% would be comfortable booking a massage.
• 68% planned to book longer wellness retreats of 2-3 days.
• 82% wanted to know about a spa’s hygiene policy in advance.

As it stands, spas and gyms are currently operating at about 50% capacity due to government rules and legislation. When they are allowed to open at full capacity, will the remaining guests also be ready to return? We asked some people, all of whom were either gym or spa goers (or both) before the pandemic, whether they have returned or plan to do so, why or why not, and, if not, what it would take for them to return.

How are consumers feeling about visiting the gym or spa? Here’s what they had to say:

Not until there is a vaccine. Ruth, 48, Brooklyn, United States

I can’t envision myself going back to a gym or spa until there is a COVID-19 vaccine. It’s not worth the risk. Even with masks and physical distancing, I think there is still a fairly big possibility of transmission and that these are sort of silly, fake solutions that don’t solve anything in sweaty, closed areas or where you’re just feet away from other people for a whole hour or more. I also think we will see a resurgence of the virus in the next few months.

I had a gym membership, but even before the pandemic I was using it less. I’ve become more accustomed to going running and working out at home. I didn’t go to a spa very often before either, except for the occasional pedicure.  

Won’t return until masks are mandatory, Amanda, 41, Toronto

I won’t be going back to the gym for the foreseeable future. I go to a notoriously busy gym in downtown Toronto that also has a daycare in it. They have restrictions, but masks aren’t required when you work out. Pre-COVID, I used to go five or six days a week.

I might return if they made masks mandatory, even while working out. It’s hot and sweaty but not impossible. I took a dance class and wore it the entire time and it was fine.  

I have been doing daily home workouts. I miss the options at my gym, and have decided to try an outdoor boot camp with a trainer for an option. I also do a ton of dance classes online. I miss the social aspect and my dance and gym friends, but at this point, I just miss my friends anyway.

Rooftop terrace classes with low numbers, Catherine, 42, London, UK

I went back to the gym because I have chronic back pain that was basically completely cured by Pilates. The Zoom classes at home just didn’t cut it.

Working while homeschooling my kids means I spend most days crouching over my laptop, so I needed exercise and stretching more than ever. My gym reopened early in a very limited way as they have a rooftop terrace where they could host classes. I was unsure what to expect but I thought it was worth a try. They had hand sanitizer and disposable gloves for touching equipment and lots of cleaning products for us to clean up after ourselves. They also kept the numbers low in the classes. 

I felt euphoric after my first class because it just makes such a difference to how I feel overall and I probably had a slight endorphin rush.

I am keen to avoid coronavirus even though I don’t have pre-existing health conditions so am relatively low risk, and I definitely don’t want to expose myself or my family to unnecessary risks.

I haven’t been to a spa but I did fall when I was rock pooling with my family and really hurt my shoulder so I went for a massage. I was surprised that it was available, to be honest. The therapist wore a face mask and did lots of hand washing. I wasn’t too worried because I was the only customer in the whole building and the pain was worse to me than the risk of COVID at the time.

Not going to let it stop my life, Charlene, 32, Toronto, Canada

I went to a spa and had a facial. I’m getting cracks in my face from the weather and decided I really needed the extra help. I have also gone for a massage with my mom. That was because both our backs were in a lot of pain. As much as we tried other options it was getting really difficult just to sleep.

I was not afraid at all. I am concerned about the virus, but not to the point where it’ll stop my life. I just take extra precautions. I try not to walk too close to anyone and always have my mask on. I wash my hands way too often now. But I have gone out to restaurants also.

Measures in place were safe for returning, Kassi, 52, Shropshire, UK

I decided to go back to the gym because it’s exercise that I enjoy and because I felt the measures in place were safe for returning. These included one-way walking areas, everyone wearing masks, and limited amounts of people. Exercising for me is imperative for my mental health and I felt the possibility of catching COVID over continued isolation outweighed the odds. I take measures to ensure equipment is cleaned before and after I use it and social distancing is in place.

I went for an overnight spa trip for the same reasons. It was a break from being at home alone and to enjoy some time away from ‘reality.’ There was limited capacity at the spa, masks were worn, and I felt safe.

Spa Executive is published by Book4Time, the leader in guest management, revenue and mobile solutions for the most exclusive spas, hotels, and resorts around the globe. Learn more at book4time.com.

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Psychedelics, psychobiotics, and smart clothes are just a few of our predicted spa & wellness trends for 2020

As we near the end of 2019, it’s time to look ahead and make our predictions for the spa and wellness trends we’ll be seeing everywhere in the coming year.

In 2019 we saw, as predicted last year, the rise of weed-infused edibles (in areas where it’s legal, and even where it’s not), an increasing backlash against weight loss culture, and a growing acceptance of bodies of all shapes and sizes.

What’s going to be big over the next 12 months? Read on for six of the buzziest spa and wellness trends for 2020.

Psychedelic assisted therapy

People have always called cannabis a “gateway drug,” and in the case of wellness it looks like they’re right. In the past few years, the plant’s use has gone through various states of decriminalization around the world and the cannabis compound cannabidiol (CBD) took over spa, wellness, skincare, and more. Now we’re seeing an uptick in attention around hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in more than 200 species of mushrooms, and DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine) the chemical substance known as the “spirit molecule,” often used in ayahuasca, a South American entheogenic plant brew made with the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, which is commonly found in the Amazon Basin. There’s evidence that both have been used as spiritual medicines for thousands of years, and both have recently been the subject of increased  interest from the public, and from researchers looking into their potential applications as treatments for mental health conditions, including depression, schizophrenia, and dementia. Johns Hopkins University recently announced the launch of the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, established with $17 million in private donations. The Center will be the first of its kind in the United States, while the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, which opened earlier this year, is said to be the first in the world. Expect to hear more about psychedelic compounds and psychedelic assisted therapy in the coming months and years.

For more spa & wellness trends for 2020, sign up for Spa Executive’s newsletter and download the full report! CLICK HERE >>

Spa Executive magazine is published by Book4Time, the world’s most innovative spa, salon, wellness, and activity management software. Learn more at Book4Time.com.

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The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. has opened The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, an oceanfront resort on the Malaysian island Langkawi.

“Set in a tranquil private bay, the resort is surrounded by an ancient jungle, while its beachfront is sheltered by trees and gently lapped by the Andaman Sea. Designed to reflect the beauty and vibrancy of the nearby traditional villages – which are known as Kampongs – The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi incorporates influences from local culture, creating a uniquely luxurious retreat with an authentic touch.”

The resort is Ritz-Carlton’s first in Malaysia, and is designed by Philippe Villeroux of Kuala Lumpur-based Tropical Area Architects. It  features 75 guest rooms, 15 suites and 29 villas, and is designed to immerse travellers in the island’s natural ecosystem of the surrounding jungle and local culture. There are four dining venues, each overlooking the Andaman Sea.

And the spa:

“Spa rituals at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Langkawi have been created to restore equilibrium within body, mind and soul with an infusion of traditional local elements. Spa Rituals have been inspired by the indigenous healing and beauty ceremonies practiced by local shamans on the Island for thousands of years. The spa is home to five cocoon-shaped pavilions which float above the sea and have been designed to resemble Malay Bubus or the intricately woven fish traps that have used by local fishermen for centuries. Connected by over-water walkways, each pavilion is surrounded by a circular platform with breathtaking ocean views.”

More highlights:

Health and fitness fanatics, meanwhile, can enjoy a range of active pursuits, including an outdoor tennis court, a fully-equipped gym and an infinity pool, while indoor and outdoor yoga classes offer 180° views of the rainforest. Those looking to explore the area can try deep sea fishing or a sailing adventure through the archipelago of islands, and the on-site private cove provides direct access to the island’s famed diving sites.

At sunrise and sunset, guests can enjoy a contemporary performance of an ancient tarian payang, “a traditional gesture of thanks and respect for the rich bounty of the sea and land.” Guided jungle walks detailing the myths and creatures of the surrounding rainforest, are also on offer. And visitors can experience Langkawi’s vibrant blend of local cultures with a visit to one of the local night markets, offering traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian delicacies and crafts.

Children’s and family activities, such as kite painting, treasure hunts, and nature discovery tours are also available.

Treatments at the spa the Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi include:

mandi bunga inspired ritual
90 minutes
This purifying and restorative full body experience takes inspiration from the Mandi Bunga bathing which originated from Malay royal houses, performed to dispel bad energy – “buang sui” or “buang sial”. Harnessing the benefits of traditional herbs rich in essential oils, and therapeutic flowers to bring about a sense of calm and relaxation. Warm aromatic oils are gently poured over the body and combined with a rhythmical massage which incorporates long warming strokes to soothe tense, aching muscles, rebalance body and mind, and bring about an overall sense of wellbeing.

includes Mandi Bunga foot ritual, oil pouring, rhythmical massage, scalp massage

mystical ocean and earth ritual
120 minutes
Discover Langkawi’s most mystical Island in this mineralizing body experience. Joining in synergy the rich natural treasures of the rainforest and ocean to nurture and nourish the body and mind. Aching muscles are soothed while giving nourishment and regeneration to tired dull lifeless skin, with this relaxing hot stone massage and marine mud wrap experience. Blending century old techniques with indigenous essential oils and heated stones to release tension and induce a deep state of relaxation.

includes Full body exfoliation, marine body wrap, scalp massage, full body massage

lulur hammam experience
120 minutes
Lulur is a Javanese word for “coating of the skin”. A centuries old treatment performed in the palaces of Central Java. A practice that is honored in this body smoothing treatment. Completed in a gentle steam environment, this traditional ritual deeply cleanses and regenerates skin, while the full body foam massage and nourishing marine mud maintain healthy skin and wellbeing. This ancient therapy finishes with a refreshing and a deeply relaxing scalp treatment designed to melt your stresses away.

includes Scrub, foam massage, hair wash and conditioning treatment, mud body mask, steam, body cleanse, full body massage

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Julia Sutton is the COO at Exhale, a wellbeing destination with locations all across the United States, offering award-winning boutique fitness classes and spa therapies curated to help people meet their health goals. A veteran of the fitness, spa, and wellness industry, Julia has been with Exhale from the beginning, and seen it grow into the respected brand it is today, which, as you might have heard, was recently purchased by Hyatt.

We spoke with Julia Sutton about Exhale’s plans for the future, as well as the spa and wellness trends she’s watching, and how to tell innovation from gimmick.

How did you get to where you are today?

I studied international business and always thought I was going to work on Wall Street. And then, while attending Manhattan college I worked at the Peninsula hotel training the rich and famous, if you will, and keeping them healthy. When college finished I stayed on to manage their whole fitness program, then moved to running the entire facility, which included the spa, at the Peninsula on 5th Avenue and 55^th street. So by my early 20s I was running an eight million dollar business.

They were managed by Club Sports International, that had 40 facilities across the U.S. I became Club Sports’ spa expert and national spa director. Annbeth Eschbachs CEO of Exhale acquired funding and started Exhale and I came on board as the VP of operations focusing on Spa 15 years ago.

What are your plans for the future with Hyatt?

I’m still the chief operating officer, and will continue to run the company. It will be a lot of fun to take this brand and double, if not quadruple, its size.

We are very successful in hotels other than Hyatt, including Lowes, Kimptons, and Fairmont. What we do really well, which no other brand has figured out, is boutique fitness and spa in a hotel setting, and prove to be a successful business model . We attract the local community in a lot of these hotels, so we’re filling up their facilities and restaurants, producing revenue for the hotel properties .

Hyatt has every intention in keeping Exhale in its existing hotel partners to continue to prove out the model and generate revenues for the company.  We will also  grow very strategically in Hyatts, as well as freestanding.

One of the biggest challenges spa directors face is staying on top of trends. How do you do that? Also, I read in an interview with you that you love innovation and hate gimmicks. How does one tell the different between innovation and gimmick?

I think that to truly be an innovator in this space, and to recognize true innovation, you have to be living it yourself, trying every class that you’re hearing about, and actively participating in the wellness lifestyle.

Something I find interesting is that when I go to a lot of these spa conferences, only some of the industry leaders are exercising or living wellness.

These conferences generally run three to four days, and there’s usually no boutique fitness offered. Sometimes there’s a yoga class, but it’s much different than if you were at a fitness conference where everyone is running around trying the new fitness equipment and new classes. In the spa world it’s all about the latest and greatest creams, and lotions and potions. Obviously that’s important, but I think that whole entire wellness component is missing.

That being said, In the spa  space I think a lot of directors are challenged with a lack of authority to innovate. People probably have great ideas, but a spa director in a larger company  might not be able to get anyone to hear her ideas.

What trends are you currently keeping your eye on?

Online classes. So many of the people I know travel for business and it’s really hard to keep up with your favourite studio or class, so we’re on a platform called Forte and we’re really excited about expanding past our four walls. We think that with the Hyatt this could be huge in hotel rooms. So we’re really excited about that digital, on the go, where you can always have your favourite things.

The other thing we’re exploring is Vyne, a service that makes eating healthy accessible. You can have food home delivered and it’s not outrageously expensive.

Those are the trends I’m really excited about, making wellness more and more accessible. Because it is hard if you’re on the go or travelling, and I like the idea of making it as easy as possible to maintain this lifestyle.

Spa Executive magazine is published by Book4Time, the world’s most innovative spa, salon, wellness, and activity management software. Learn more at Book4Time.com.

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Saunas are wonderful. We love them. We also love the opportunities they present for playing with innovative and experimental design.

There are many incredible and aspirational sauna designs around the world (many in Scandinavia, of course), by renowned architectural firms, by artists, and by laymen.

Here are five of the most beautiful and/or intriguing sauna ideas and designs we’ve seen.

Solar Egg, Kiruna, Sweden

Stockholm-based artist duo Bigert & Bergstrom created an amazing sculptural chamber in the form of an egg-shaped sauna and installed it at Luossabacken in Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost town. The sculpture was created in response to economic developments affecting the area and townspeople.

“In the arctic climate of Lapland the sauna occupies a key position, as a room for warmth and reflection.”

The temperature inside the egg varies between 75° and 85° Celsius.

Amazing Egg-Shaped Sauna in Kiribati by Bigert & Bergström #solaregg #kiruna #sweeden #fubiz #inspiration Mention @fubiz if you want to be featured on our Instagram

A post shared by Fubiz (@fubiz) on May 14, 2017 at 5:39am PDT

Sauna Gondola, Ylaas, Kolari, Finland

The amazing Sauna Gondola starts from the top of Yllas and takes four people at a time on a 20-minute tour in a gondola lift.

At the top of the lift there is another sauna, as well as a fireplace, Jacuzzi and showers.

Remember those windy, freezing cold days of you chattering your teeth whilst the chair makes its slow climb to the summit? Well those days are officially over with the Sauna Gondola in Yllas.. Yes it is exactly that – a sauna in a Gondola. Where else but Finland! Visit velvetescape.com for details. #velvetescape #Yllas #SkiYllas #SkiFinland #SaunaGondola #ski #powder #snow #Snowboard #toasty #Alpine #alpinelife #thealpineway

A post shared by The Alpine Way (@thealpineway) on Oct 13, 2014 at 5:06am PDT

Ice sauna, Kuusamo, Findland

This incredible sauna is at Rukan Salonki, and is made of ice cubes from the nearby Lake Salonkijärvi. The temperature reaches 60° Celsius. The steam is apparently “softer and wetter than in a regular sauna” where temperatures typically reach 80° Celsius.

The ice sauna seats up to 10 people, drinks are served, and there’s a hole in the ice for winter swimming next to it should you wish to take the extreme temperatures thing further.

One for the bucket list: the ice sauna in northern Finland. Read about this exotic steamy experience in Finnair’s blog. Find the direct link to the blog from feelfinnair’s bio. Photo by Rukan Salonki #feelfinnair #finnair #bluewings #inflightmagazine #kuusamo #ruka #rukansalonki #sauna #icesauna #instatravel #travel

A post shared by Finnair (@feelfinnair) on Feb 18, 2016 at 11:18pm PST

wa_sauna, Seattle, Washington

The floating sauna – a.k.a. wa_sauna – was funded by community and by a crowdfunding campaign, and created by GoCstudio, with a focus on “primal concepts of fire, water, and community.”

wa_sauna can be seen regularly on Lake Union and Lake Washington, and is a registered vessel, powered by a battery-powed motor and heated by a wood burning stove.

According to the studio website, “Boaters and kayakers can venture out and tie off to the surrounding deck, allowing for the sauna tradition to take place on Seattle’s lakes.” (Also featured in the above image)

The recent winner of a @aianational Award – WA Sauna by @go_c_studio is a Floating Sauna on Seattle’s Lake Union, and provides a year-round community space for up to 6 people to warm up before plunging into the cold lake! Encouraging engagement of the local waterways, and following a trend among architects to look for ways to build on water, the project was created through crowd funding site @kickstarter | Photo by @k7scott

A post shared by The Design Traveller (@thedesigntraveller) on Jul 13, 2016 at 6:38pm PDT

Sauna building, Gotherburg, Sweden

Berlin-based architects Raumlabor created this sauna which sits in the harbour at Gothenburg’s Frihhamnen port.

It features a rough exterior of corrugated steel, an interior lined with timber, and a shower room surrounded by walls made up of glass bottles. The building is part of a wider regeneration of Frihamnen, which is being transformed into a public park ahead of the city’s 400th anniversary in 2021.

Sauna pública en el puerto de #Göterborg #suecia de #raumlaborberlin #espacioscomunitarios #saunapublica #espaciosocial #arquitectura #arquitecturapovera #göterborgbathingculture desde #canalfuctura

A post shared by Arquitasa (@arquitasa_) on Apr 26, 2017 at 2:22am PDT

Continue reading:

Five more incredible and aspirational sauna designs

Spa Executive magazine is published by Book4Time, the world’s most innovative spa, salon, wellness, and activity management software. Learn more at Book4Time.com

(Feature image: GoCstudio)

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As we head into fall 2017, we’re looking at a few of the beauty and hair trends we’ve seen on Instagram this year that will stick around for the new season.

We’ve got some good, some that might be an acquired taste, and one that is just dreadful. If you’ve got a salon, keep your eye on these trends this autumn.

What trends are you watching?

Coloured mascara – Coloured mascara is big, with blue and purple taking centre stage. While bright colours graced the runways over the summer, both L’Oreal and Maybelline have recently launched new blue mascaras. Artfully applied, these 1980s throwbacks make the eyes pop.

Speak your Dreams into existence! My @maybelline collab #maybellinexshayla will be available on Ulta.com at midnight (12am) TONIGHT! I curated a City Mini Palette and 3 Big Shot mascara shades in Baddest Black, Poppin Purple, and Boomin in Blue The entire Collab will be in stores and on Maybelline.com in September! #maybellinexshayla #maybellinepartner

A post shared by SHAYLA (@makeupshayla) on Aug 10, 2017 at 4:59pm PDT

Floating eyeliner – An ingenious hack for those with a monolid, or even just not much of a crease, who have never been able to make the cat’s eye eyeliner look work. Instead of drawing the cat eye along the lash line, the liner is applied in the crease so that it floats above the eye.

I don’t know if anyone has been following the sexual harassment case in 500 Startups, but can I just say that I’m ECSTATIC a powerful guy committing sexual harassment actually got fired for it. I’ve been a victim of sexual harassment. Nothing happened to the harassers (yes, plural). So when something like this happens, I’m ecstatic. I’m using @looxi_beauty’s Pandora, @nyxcosmetics blush in Tuscan & @tonymoly.official’s Pikachu blush in 01! Lips is @limnitlipsticks’ Between The Lines! Lenses is @pinkyparadisedotcom’s @geolenses Tri Color Violet! . . . #makeuptutorial #Monolid #asianmakeup #asianbeauty #beauty #instaglam #wakeupandmakeup #instamakeup #ilovemakeup #indonesianbeautyblogger #indobeautygram #clozetteid #clozette #effyourbeautystandards #makeuptalk #100daysofmakeup #undiscovered_muas #makeupmafia #pinkyparadise #iggeolenses #graphicliner #limnit #looxibeauty #nyxcosmetics #tonymoly

A post shared by Francesca (@workingwithmonolids) on Jul 4, 2017 at 7:24am PDT

Statement lips – Bright, accented, lips that pop out at you remain all the rage – either matte or creamy. In reds, purples, pinks, oranges, and all the daring colours. And let’s not forget the vamp lip of the 1990s. Now that it’s back, it’s everywhere – burgundy and berry shades for miles.

Beyond Obsessed With @adrianalima Please Download Flawless For Product Details That Soon Will Be Posted !

A post shared by Patrick Ta (@patrickta) on Aug 14, 2017 at 11:49am PDT

Bright eyeshadow – Bright geometric designs on the eyelids, and dramatic, jewel-toned smokey eyes. The timeless smokey eye has been taking on a new personality with intense colours instead of dark brown and grey hues.

Today on #BeautyIsBoring.com, the stunning @kristin_hoppe in a fiery look featuring the new #marcbeauty #EyeConic Multi-Finish Eye Palette in Scandalust.

A post shared by BEAUTY IS BORING (@beautyisboring_) on Aug 16, 2017 at 9:24pm PDT

Grey hair – While the trend of dying your hair grey should be on its way out (and for good reason. It’s terrible for your hair), letting it grow naturally is a whole other story. Men and women are forgoing the dye process and letting the grey grow, for a distinguished, natural look.

TBF Photography @billheuberger . . . . . . . #tbf#longhair#silverhair #whitehair#greyhair #natural#neverdye#over60#classic#beauty#lovemyhair #malibu#california #usa#nyc#

A post shared by Yazemeenah Rossi (@yazemeenahrossi) on Aug 11, 2017 at 8:41am PDT

Curly bangs – Why did it take so long for this to become a thing? It beats having to run into a public washroom and pull a blowdryer and round brush out of your bag every time it rains or gets humid (not that we’ve ever done that). These are really pretty.

initials — for @michaelkors

A post shared by lana (@alannaarrington) on Aug 26, 2017 at 3:33pm PDT

Extreme nails – It doesn’t look like the nail-art craze is ending any time soon. In fact, they’re getting bolder, wilder, longer, pointier, and more dangerous. At some point this is going to have to reach an apex.

Should I list these for sale on @cambriacustomnails? #pressonnails Link in bio Have you entered my giveaway? Right now the odds of winning are so high!!! Go enter! 3 posts back Long Stiletto shape @whatsupnails #holographicflakies #whatsupnails

A post shared by NAILS BY CAMBRIA (@nailsbycambria) on Aug 23, 2017 at 9:25pm PDT

Braids – Fishtail braids, French braids, Dutch braids, side braids, pigtails  — the braids are everywhere. They can be a simple way of tying your hair back, or a complex work of art.

There is beauty in simplicity • • • • • • • #braidgoals #instabraid #longhairdontcare #hairgoals #braidsinaction #cabelosdivos #americanstyle #inspirationalbraids #healthyhair #instahair #hairofinstagram #hairdo #braidinspo #braidstyle #braidsofinstagram #fishtailbraids #perfectbraid #braid #cghphotofeature #fishtailbraid #trança #braidideas #fishtails #trenzas #easyhairdo #dutchbraids #braidstyles #fishtail #unum #hudabeauty

A post shared by Let’s celeBRAID (@braids_in_action) on Aug 22, 2017 at 12:09pm PDT

Glitter tongue – we had to throw this one in. Instagram’s latest craze is apparently, coating one’s tongue in glitter. Let’s say no to this one, shall we? Since swallowing glitter seems almost unavoidable when it’s in your tongue, and swallowing glitter is bad for you.

Saturday night – all you need is glitter #nevertheblacktote @nevertheblacktote @trashure_ams @peter_van_alphen #fashion #style #inspo #streetstyle #streetfashion #styleseeker #love #neverthedullorordinary #tonguepiercing #tongue #glitter #sparkles #glittertongue #saturdaynight #saturday #party #nightout

A post shared by @nevertheblacktote on Apr 29, 2017 at 1:19am PDT

Spa Executive magazine is published by Book4Time, the world’s most innovative spa, salon, wellness, and activity management software. Learn more at Book4Time.com

(Feature image: Copyright: terex / 123RF Stock Photo)

The post Nine hair and makeup trends to watch in fall 2017 appeared first on Spa Executive.

Cavallo Point Lodge is San Francisco’s national park lodge, located in Golden Gate National Parks at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. Once the site of the Fort Baker military base, today it’s a wellness hub in a breathtaking setting. Opened in the summer of 2008, the property is an enchanting and environmentally sustainable “base camp” where the city’s urban edge meets the rugged Marin coast. Since opening, it has earned many accolades, including LEED Gold certification and a top 5 ranking  in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure magazine.

Built between 1901 and 1915, Cavallo Point Lodge’s 68 Historic rooms and suites once served as officers’ quarters. The restored landmark brick buildings feature expansive foyers and staircases, authentic tin ceilings, fireplaces, panoramic windows, and spacious front porches, many with gorgeous views of San Francisco Bay.

The lodge’s highlights a focus on wellness and sustainability, and features French-inspired dining, a cooking school, and a Healing Arts Center & Spa.

The Healing Arts Center & Spa is an 11,000-square-foot space with 11 treatment rooms

integrating the best cultural healing practices from around the world. Spa treatments include facials, massages and body wraps, while healing arts services include herbal consultation, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, and shamanic journeys. A heated outdoor meditation pool is a focal point for guests, along with the Tea Bar, featuring teas, snacks and herbal tonics.

Among the new treatments and therapies for 2017 is 90-minute Chakra Reading session in which shamanic practitioner Namonyah Soipan assesses “the condition of your energy centers and through spiritual and shamanic guidance [helps you work] toward clearing, balancing and healing so that your life moves out of a place of stagnation and into a place of vitality.”

Hypnotherapy & Guided Imagery, meanwhile, is described as “A reliable method to support optimum health, calm the psyche and reduce constant brain chatter, hypnotherapy creates a quiet space where new perspectives are recognized and developed. Learn to use your tremendous power of imagination and be the architect of your life.”

Herbal treatments and consultations are also available, with fragrances that “uplift spirits,” and chemical compounds that can “aid the body in healing aches, pains and other ailments.” These include Healing Gardens, in which “a trained herbalist and master gardener […] works with you to design a little, customized herb garden that is creative and healing.”

The massages and body treatments include the Organic Oxygen Facial; Rejuvenating Facial Cupping; Grape Glow, Top to Toe; and a Cupping & Massage.

Personal discovery and growth is encouraged and nurtured at Cavallo Point Lodge through a variety of adventures and activities, which include daily morning yoga, weekend afternoon teas, live music performances, discussions on environmental topics, and walking tours.

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