Sleepless in Seattle? Not after this spa trip! Stateside Spy visits the Salish Lodge & Spa

Posted on 19/06/2012 by stylishspy

Why be sleepless in Seattle when you can be spa-ing instead? Just 30 minutes outside of Seattle’s city centre, the Salish Lodge & Spa offers a great way to experience the natural beauty so abundant in the Pacific Northwest in comfort and style.

The magnificent Snoqualmie Falls, next to Salish Lodge & Spa

With a strong “locovore” influence, most of the spa menu items draw on ingredients indigenous to the region, such as huckleberries, honey and native herbs. Organic and natural are overriding themes, but are always incorporated with sophistication and skill.

The spa facilities

The majestic Snoqualmie waterfalls outside find a reflection in an interior waterfall in the multi-level hot baths in the spa. Wet and dry saunas and a welcoming spa lounge add to the overall spa experience. Plush, comfortable chairs, soft lighting and an earth-toned colour palette encourage a relaxing and soothing environment.

I particularly appreciated the bowl of reading glasses provided next to the excellent magazine selection in the spa lounge. Perfect for reading in front of the cosy fireplace before or after treatments.

Our spa treatment

My “Honey from Heaven for the hands and feet” treatment (50 minutes, $115, which is around £74) incorporated honey from the Lodge’s own honeybees.

The Asian-inspired room with wood-panelling and rice-paper doors set a tranquil tone. My therapist began by soaking my feet in warm water in a beautiful wooden bowl. One by one, she drizzled each foot with heated honey and massaged them. The perfect amount of deep pressure, combined with the sensual feel of warm honey, made this an unforgettable start to a unique treatment. The treatment continued on a comfortable massage table, where a warm lavender eye bag and a heated stomach wrap deepened my heavenly experience. Neroli-scented hot towels, a honey and oatmeal scrub, and a paraffin wrap were the icing on the cake. I exited the treatment room on a cloud of bliss.

The “Spa Club” gift bag containing the Lodge’s home-made honey scrub, bath salts and cream allowed me to take home my wonderful Salish Spa experience, bringing back memories of honey heaven every time I took a shower…

The serene Salish Spa

We loved

How friendly and helpful the spa staff were. We also enjoyed the natural beauty of this historic location (the Lodge has been in operation since 1916 and in the 1990s the popular television show Twin Peaks was filmed there). With the awe-inspiring Snoqualmie Falls running right alongside the Lodge, it’s hard to beat the incredible views.

Twin Peaks?!

Our food

The Lodge’s restaurant is a foodie destination with a creative and delicious locovore menu and breathtaking views of the waterfall. “Culinary Destination” packages are available where you can choose from experiences such as mushroom foraging in the Cascade Foothills or multi-course feasts with a top Washington winemaker. A spa menu is available to order from whilst you enjoy the treatments and facilities at the spa.

Yummy dining at Salish Lodge…

Who would like it?

Honeymooners, couples looking for a romantic retreat, vacationers and foodies would all love this destination.

We visited Salish Lodge and Spa in April 2012

www.salishlodge.com

Teen-tastic Spa Products

Posted on 22/05/2012 by stylishspy

When we talk to our readers, a big bug-bear is lines and wrinkles. As nasty old Father Time takes his toll on our skin, it’s a given that he’s going to leave his mark. Whilst there are plenty of marvellous spa treatments, products and therapies that can help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles once they’ve appeared, we’re on a mission to get the next generation caring about their skin from the get-go!

Teenage skin can be problematic. Dry, oily (or both at the same time), prone to break-outs, uneven pigmentation or visible pores – whatever the challenge, it’s a universal fact that teen skin needs extra-special care.

As we’ve got many years of experience of all things skincare (because, sadly, we are teenagers no longer) we know of a few rather splendid brands that have taken the time (and used all their expertise) to develop some utterly delightful and very effective products designed especially for teenage skin. What wonderful folks they are!

Pevonia Botanica – SpaTeen

Pevonia Botanica’s SpaTeen range contains naturally active ingredients.

Our resident Student Spy was delighted with Pevonia Botanica’s SpaTeen range. The first step is the refreshing cleanser (£20), which is designed to cleanse pores and combat T-zone oiliness. The next step is the non-alcoholic toner (£20) to balance young skin. The final step is the moisturiser (£30) to hydrate and nourish, without clogging pores.

Student Spy found the cleanser to be quite drying, but the toner and moisturiser worked well to brighten and hydrate afterwards. When used together, the three products result in balanced, clean skin that looks bright and youthful (just what you want from a teen product!)

Bellaboo – Totally Natural. Totally Teen. Totally Works.

Bellaboo skincare – where naturally flawless skin begins

These bright, cute, candy-coloured products are just perfect for teens looking to take their first steps into skincare, and they contain skin-friendly natural ingredients, too.

Use the Buff Skin Facial Exfoliator (£18.50) to help regulate oil production, brighten skin and keep your T-zone in check.

The Gorgeous Skin Moisture Dew (£17) contains anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals to help promote balance and prevent blemishes.

For an extra-special treat, the Clear Skin Smoothie Face Mask (£18) works deep-down to draw out impurities and help smooth away spots for a clearer complexion.

Elizabeth’s Daughter

Elizabeth’s Daughter – a new way to care for youthful skin

This range of skincare is free from astringents and other ingredients that are too harsh for sensitive, delicate young skin. With a natural, simple ethos, Elizabeth’s Daughter products are a big hit with young people who are already looking to the future.

Freshskin by Elemis

The Elemis FreshSkin range

Elemis are a real spa staple. When it comes to loving your skin, they really know their stuff. The Elemis FreshSkin range is designed especially for teens to twenties, and includes everything from facial wipes to lip care – and pretty much everything else in-between!

Are you a Pampered Prince and Proud or do you Groom on the Go?

Posted on 03/05/2012 by stylishspy

Here at GSG HQ we’re big fans of social media (join us on Twitter and Facebook). It’s a fantastic way to keep in touch, in real time, with our wonderful readers and keep abreast of the latest happenings in the worlds of spa, beauty, health and wellness.

Over on Twitter we’ve been chatting with the fantastic Pampered Prince about the tendency for male grooming products to often take the “No Fuss” “Wash-and-Go” approach rather then encouraging guys to enjoy the ritual of skincare and spa-at-home experiences.

Pampered Prince says:

Pampered Prince

“All men’s grooming products seem to be marketed as ‘fuss-free’. Am I the only man who actually likes the fuss?!

I don’t care for manly packaging or masculine smells….I care for results, nothing more nothing less.

It’s all about the ritual for me. A little piece of spa at home. Everyday can be a spa day. Personally having problem skin I choose to take a little longer on my routine. I also love the spa experience of it.“

If you take a look at TV adverts, whereas women are seen sinking into a deep, bubbly bath, or escaping their hectic life with a lock-yourself-in-the-bathroom pampering experience, most men’s products see a guy hopping into the shower, having a two-second scrub then dashing to the office/a game of squash/a date and generally getting on with their lives again as quickly as possible.

Where do you stand? Is pampering solely for princesses? Or are you proud to be a pampered prince?

The Grooming Guru

Lee Kynaston aka The Grooming Guru thinks that men reward themselves with great products rather than pamper time, but says it’s imperative that guys don’t rush the grooming process:

“My own personal feeling is that men don’t ‘get’ pampering in the way women do because we’re sold the idea that efficacy is all. And to a degree that’s true – it is where men are concerned – but that doesn’t mean men don’t like being fussed over, which explains why more and more men are opting for spa treatments.

When it comes to using products at home, though, I think men reward themselves not with “me-time” but with quality products instead. Men’s version of pampering is to invest in the best – to use Elemis rather than Gillette or Molton Brown rather than Radox for example.

Personally, I am always advising men to take a little more time and care over their daily grooming regimes – especially when it comes to shaving. Most of men’s problems with it – nicks, cuts and shaving rash for example – is because they rush things!“

Here at GSG we think everyone deserves some me-time, and that includes the guys – but it’s up to you how you get that time. Looking after your skin and taking time to relax is as important for the guys as it is for the girls. Stress, tension and exhaustion affect both genders in equal abundance, so why should looking after yourself and your wellbeing be a female-only pursuit?

So, who’s with us? Come on guys – tell us what makes the perfect male grooming regime! blog@goodspaguide.co.uk

Spa news: Our latest spa reviews and product cravings!

Posted on 24/04/2012 by stylishspy

Hello lovely spa-goers! We hope you are all well. We’ve been very busy here at Good Spa Guide HQ. There have been spa trips, sunshine, rain, gorgeous products and a couple of much-needed nail filing sessions by the water cooler.

We’d love to hear what spa-tacular things you’ve been up to! Leave a comment or email us at blog@goodspaguide.co.uk!

love, The Good Spa Spies x

Have fun, whatever the weather!

We’ve had a whole host of rain since the hose pipe ban! Rather than fight the weather, why not get wet on purpose with a fantastic trip to Aqua Sana Spa at Center Parcs? Grab your brolly, grab a friend, and enjoy a little bit of spa-time with one of these amazing spa deals!

Aqua Sana Spa at Center Parcs

This week we’re loving…

Here at GSG HQ we love an indulgent product for some spa-at-home pampering! This week we’re coveting Stoke Park Spa by SPC‘s product of the month – White Chocolate Body Cream! There’s 30% off for this month only, so hurry up if you want to get this gorgeous product for only £25. This yummy product sounds good enough to eat, but we’ll be slathering it on our skin before bedtime, so we can drift off to the soft scent of chocolate…

SPC Skincare White Chocolate Body Cream

Where the Spa Spies have been…

The Mere Golf Resort and Spa, Knutsford

The Good Spa Spies have been out and about visiting some seriously scrummy spas of late. “Where?”, we hear you cry. Weeellll … If you promise not to tell then, between you, us and the gate post, we’ve been off visiting the beautiful spa at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa and the fantastic spa at Lime Wood Hotel. Keep your eyes peeled for the full reviews coming soon!

Lime Wood Hotel (Herb House Spa), Lyndhurst

And finally…

We couldn’t resist sharing these cute baby elephants enjoying their very own spa experience!

Have a wonderful week, spa-goers!

Fairy Tales from The Good Spa Guide

Posted on 10/04/2012 by stylishspy

All these Bank Holidays have left The Good Spa Spies with their heads in the clouds. So, for this week’s spa news we’ve decided to stay firmly in fantasy land … won’t you join us?

The wonderful Clare Cockell, Managing Director of The Reef was recently chosen by Dragon’s Den giant Theo Paphitis as one of his Twitter Small Business Sunday winners!

Many congratulations Clare and the team at The Reef!

If you’re all about new experiences, then you’ll be queuing up to try a session of Watsu Water Therapy – now available at The Spa at Blythswood Square.

This unusual treatment is a combination of shiatsu massage and acupressure, carried out in water. Our Spa Spy described the therapy as “the nearest I think I will ever get to being in the womb”. Fantastic!

The Good Spa Spies have heard a lot about Rodial and their scary-sounding snake serums. We’re relieved to report that a Venom Chic Facial isn’t at all alarming. Our Spa Spy was thrilled with the results when she tried out the treatment at No.1 Traveller, Heathrow.

In the world of spa, we know that products don’t always come cheap. But, we’re here to ensure that you get the very best from your spa pound. This week we’re recommending Ila Face Oil for Glowing Radiance. Described by our Good Spa Spies as “More expensive than unicorn tears but worth every penny. Face oil perfection”, this oil is a beauty must-have all over the world.

We love it so much, we chose to sell it in our ultra-exclusive online boutique. And, for the month of April you’ll receive 20% off too. That’s magical!

Bye Bye Botox, Hello Beauty!

Posted on 27/03/2012 by stylishspy

Here at The Good Spa Guide we’d like to think we know a thing or two about beauty. We spend our days in hot pursuit of inner and outer beauty, and we’ll stop at nothing in our quest to find natural, healthy alternatives to extreme measures such as cosmetic surgery and injectables.

Don’t get us wrong, we’re under no illusions. We know that the ruthless taskmaster Father Time will get us in the end, but we want to put up a pretty decent fight along the way!

Making the most of what you have is the name of the game, and we’ve been busy little Spies testing tinctures, checking creams and experimenting with elixirs to discover what’s out there in the big wide world of anti-ageing!

Heaven by Deborah Mitchell Bee Venom Mask -- RRP: £23.30 at www.heavenskincare.com

We’ve known for a while that this bee-venom business is, well, big business! Bee venom sells for a staggering £27,000 an OUNCE. However, you’ll be relieved to discover that only a teensy bit is needed in a bee-venom face cream, so these products don’t come with an extortionate price tag.

Favoured by the likes of Camilla Parker Bowles, Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow, bee venom is supposed to not only help fight signs of ageing, but also plump skin and reduce pore visibility. Not bad for something that comes out of a bee’s bottom

Kimia Exquisite Rejuvenating Facial System -- RRP: £69 at The Good Spa Shop

The Kimia facial system includes an “exquisite all-natural face oil” and a “hydractivator” spray. With this simple two-stage process, you can take your first steps towards seriously younger-looking skin, naturally.

Victoria Beckham (who described Kimia products as “perfect for my skin”), Olivia Palermo, Kate Moss and Elle Macpherson are fans, and so is our very own Sybaritic Spy, who says:

“My skin was velvety smooth after applying the products. They also made a great base for foundation — I needed to apply less and it looked very smooth and even. Longer term, I have noticed that the products are firming up the more jowly areas of my skin, and are making it brighter.” Read her full review of Kimia products here.

You can buy the Kimia Exquisite Rejuvenating Facial System at The Good Spa Shop!

The Lift -- RRP: £79 at www.beautyproductsdirect.com

The Lift is a three-step programme that claims to “lift and tone”, improve skin texture and leave you looking radiant.

This product is a pretty powerful one. You mix a powder with a gel and apply to your face. As the product dries, you can expect some serious tightening. The Lift claims to be perfect for a last-minute spruce up before a big night out or a regular twice-a-week pick-me-up for tired skin.

The Good Spa Spies are hard to impress. So, if we were to tell you that every single Spy that has experienced the Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask has raved about it, then you know that it is the business! This easy-to-apply gel worked such wonders for one of our Spies that an old friend of hers even asked her if she’d had Botox! Now that’s what we call a result!

Spa News: Exciting updates from Ragdale Hall, Stobo Castle and Champneys Tring

Posted on 22/03/2012 by stylishspy

Ragdale Hall teams up with Marks & Spencer

Some relationships are made in heaven. Quintessential English spa retreat Ragdale Hall have teamed up with classic high-street stalwart Marks & Spencer to launch their very own exclusive 10-piece spa-at-home collection. More than that, this is M&S’s first ever co-branded spa range!

The range was developed in response to the soaring popularity of spa treatments and spa breaks – well, we could have told you that! The products are chic and stylish so they’ll look great on your bathroom shelf as well as making you body-beautiful, too!

We can’t wait to try them!

Ragdale Hall’s spa range for Marks & Spencer can be purchased from M&S stores nationwide and on the M&S website.

Ragdale Hall’s Mother of Pearl Spa Sugar Scrub has been nominated for a CEW (UK) Beauty Award 2012.

Stobo Castle gets a makeover

The Good Spa Spies are a luxurious bunch – there’s nothing we like more than a little bit of gorgeous glamour! When we visited Stobo Castle we found our spiritual home – a cashmere-lined suite, rich sumptuous fabrics, a huge marble bath and sparkling spotlights surrounding azure pools … heaven!

So, we were thrilled to hear that the good folk at Stobo Castle have been busy furthering perfection with 12 months of complete redecoration!

The Olive Tree in Stobo Castle Spa Courtyard

Stobo Castle Spa courtyard now boasts a magnificent feature olive tree, adorned with fairy lights and lanterns, and new seating.

All the public areas and the spa have been re-carpeted, and all 40 treatment rooms and the pool area have been completely redecorated.

The pool at Stobo Castle Spa

As well as this, the ladies health suite and gentleman’s changing area has been refurbished, as has the gorgeous drawing room.

Stobo Castle Drawing Room

We can’t wait to visit again!

Champneys Tring expands medical offerings

Champneys Tring in Hertfordshire has a long history as a health resort (the resort opened in 1925!) Since then, times have changed, but people’s desire to look and feel healthy hasn’t. Champneys are sticking to their holistic wellbeing roots with their expanded range of both conventional and alternative treatments.

Champneys now offer:

* health screening for men and women
* injury and pain management (including Kriotherapy – a dry cold treatment thought to improve circulation and stimulate both hormones and the immune system)
* weight management and detox
* back care
* sports performance packages

Champneys Tring - a healthy choice

We’ll be back soon!

Starry-eyed spa-ing: How to prepare for a romantic spa break

Posted on 16/03/2012 by stylishspy

Endlessly in Love?

Many loved-up folks start to get palpitations when it comes to finding the perfect way to say “I love you”. Calm down! We know that it can be tough showing the one you love how you feel, but follow our advice and you’ll be the perfect partner!

Spa à deux

Some people think that heading to a spa is a solo excursion - not so!

There are plenty of spas out there that cater for those of you that simply can’t bear to be apart, and a spa day can be so romantic — think hot tub and champagne, holding hands in the sauna or maybe a sensual private hammam experience. A dual treatment room means you don’t even have to be separated during your massage!

Get kitted out

Looking your very best for your best beloved is all part of the romance. Whether you’re looking to whisk your lady away for a spa weekend, your man is treating you, or you’re taking some time away together, check out these super-glamorous swimsuits – the perfect addition to your romantic time together.

Get prepared

If you’re going away and you want to pack light, the lovely people over at Spa Ritual have the perfect soloution.

Spa Ritual Crazy in Love gift set - £15.95 from sparitual.co.uk

These gorgeous mini lacquers are the ideal addition to your overnight bag, and with four suitably sexy colours to choose from, you can rest assured that you’ll feel gorgeous from head to toe!

Choose together

Redeemable at over 250 spas nationwide - give the gift of spa

If you’re unsure where or when to whisk your best beloved away, then why not invest in some Good Spa Guide gift vouchers? Available in units of £25, £50 and £100 and valid for 12 months, these little beauties mean you can add a little romance and relaxation to your life, whenever you feel the urge!

Some of our most favourite spas all across the UK are offering packages for two and special deals, so you can spa alongside your best beloved and spend a day or a weekend cuddling up in the hot tub and kissing in the sauna. Fabulous!

Stockists:

Good Spa Guide gift vouchers and spa offers are available to buy from The Good Spa Shop.

Swimwear from www.brastop.com and www.swimhut.com.

Nail colours from www.sparitual.co.uk

Spa Trends for 2012: Splogs!

Posted on 02/03/2012 by stylishspy

If there’s one thing that we know at Spa HQ, it’s that the wonderful internet is an incredibly powerful tool for spa-related sharing, and it’s becoming bigger and bolder by the minute. Blogging is now considered to be almost parallel with mainstream journalism in terms of influence (rather than below it) and PRs, brands and companies are starting to take bloggers very seriously.

We’re thrilled about this, and we predict that spa blogs (or splogs,as they will, henceforth, be known) will be big news this year.

This isn’t to say that there are simply going to be hundreds of blogs solely about spas in 2012. We foresee more of a shift toward coverage of spa industry news, new spa treatments and innovations, and customer comments on blogs, as well as a whole host of combined health, wellness and spa blogs.

With the year of the DEALS behind us (although these will, of course, continue to be influential in 2012), we envisage splogs to provide another forum for happy (and disgruntled) customers to talk abut their spa experiences. The age of the reader’s letter in the local rag may be long gone, but customers can have their say via comments on blogs, or blog posts of their own personal experiences.

Behind the scenes with the Good Spa Spies

It's always nice to have a bit of a lie-down

Author Archives: stylishspy