2009/2010 - Top Five Spa Trends

5. MINDFULNESS STRESS REDUCTION PROGRAMS
"The Intuitive mind is a sacred gift, the rational mind a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift." - Albert Einstein

2009 turned out to be a year of unrelenting stress. The American Psychological Association revealed that eight out of ten people say the state of the economy is a "significant cause of stress." A cornucopia of ongoing stress. Thankfully, spa and wellness communities are always investigating new ways to tackle the negative effects of tension, anxiety and constant worrying. Consequently, it is never a surprise that each year one of the most prominent spa trends has something to do with transforming stress and increasing well-being.

What is the new stress reduction trend? Mindfulness. Mindfulness uses meditation to offer insight, transformation and healing. The practice is centered around being fully awake and engaged while "paying attention with intention and without judgement." Mindfulness teaches us to be fully present in all of our experiences and get back our focus instead of living a life of avoidance and distraction. It acknowledges fear, stress and confusion instead of pretending they don't exist. It shows that through peaceful observation of each experience, (physical, emotional and mental) we can gain a balanced approach to our lives with a deeper appreciation of our daily living. In short, out with denial and in with awareness. Mindfulness helps to end fretful thoughts (and there are plenty of those) by filling the mind with positive thoughts of gratitude. After learning to be mindful, we learn one very powerful thing . . . reality doesn't bite.

SPA FINDER'S TOP SPA TRENDS FOR 2013

Spa Finder and their brilliant leader, Susie Ellis, released their 10th Annual "Top 10 Spa and Wellness Trends for 2013" forecasting the top direction of treatments predicted to have a tremendous influence on the spa industry over the coming year worldwide. Spa Finder's astute research has clearly shown that spas are not just for pampering their clients, but are working hard at contributing to the wellness community and its move toward acts of maintaining good health and healing.

Top 10 Spa and Wellness Trends

• Healthy Hotels
• The Mindfulness Massage
• Earthing
• Spa-Genomics...Telomeres and Beyond
• Authentic Ayurveda and Other Ancient Revivals
• Color Self-Expression
• Inclusive Wellness
• Label Conscious Fitness
• Men: From Barbers to "Brotox"
• Where the Jobs Are

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - SPA FINDER - DEAL DAYS

Spa Finder's Deal Days Sweepstakes
Enter by August 15th
Grand Prize: One winner and guest will receive 4nights/5days to Miraval, Resort and Spa, Tucson Arizona. Package includes: casita-style deluxe accommodations; 3 gourmet meals daily, including snacks, smoothies, non-alcoholic beverages; a $130 resort credit per person per night of stay to apply as you choose toward Chill-OutTM spa services, private sessions with Miraval Specialists, Chef’s Dinners, Zip-line adventures, trail rides or rounds of golf; full access to Miraval's extensive resort amenities including use of the Body Mindfulness Center featuring lap pool and state-of-the-art equipment, world-class spa facilities, full-use of the swimming pool oasis which includes a tri-level pool with cascading waterfalls, acupressure stone walk and whirlpool; unlimited participation (if you choose) in a vast array of Clue-InTM self-discovery and growth activities, including all fitness and yoga classes; lectures by Miraval Specialists; the Miraval Equine Experience®; Chef cooking demonstrations; outdoor adventure and challenge programs; access to tennis facilities; an experience guide, Miraval tote bag and sustainable, reusable water canteen upon arrival. Approximate Retail Value $4,300.

2013 Top Spa Trends - Mindfulness Massage

Mindful massage offers a perfect blend of mindful meditation and mindful breathing.  Mindful breathing withdraws the focus from distracting, stressful thoughts and refocuses attention on breathing to calm the mind and relax the body.  During mindful massage breathing becomes the center of attention, not the mind. Not surprisingly, a complete disconnect occurs when the body focuses on breathing while the mind is left to chatter away. Working toward a harmonious unity of the two is a gift of deep and profound peace. Inhaling brings awareness to the body, exhaling lets go of anxiety, worry and tension.

Mindful massage therapists are trained to discover where the body is holding tension and using their healing touch to help relieve stress, promote healing, and above all, nourish mind body and spirit.  The benefits?  A relaxed nervous system, improved mood, decreased blood pressure, and healthier digestive issues. This is definitely a treatment designed to impart mindful bliss.