prevention
Hands-on cooking at Rancho la Puerta’s La Cocina.
Sunday, September 12th, 2010 | Adventure, Destination Spas, Rancho la Puerta, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
If you’ve been following my blog, reading the articles and visiting other areas on MindfulAdventures.com then you know how I feel about destination spas and wellness. I also enjoy assisting/coaching others in finding the destination spa that’s best for their needs, whether they’re looking to jump start (or start) fitness, go hiking, meditate and more importantly nutrition. The bigger goal though is to help others integrate what they learned while away into their lifestyle at home.
One of the destination spas that I enjoy sharing with others is Rancho la Puerta in Tecate, Mexico. You’ve seen some other recent posts here based on my latest adventure to the Ranch and I’m so grateful to have spent time at La Cocina que Canta. This is the Cooking School and Culinary Center at the Ranch and offers a sensory experience, which is nothing short of amazing.
For many, this could also be a life changing experience. I lost my husband due to complications of diabetes and although I did my best at the time with cooking healthy, this could have been (and I’d like to say would have been), a stronger catalyst for both of us to experience together. I wouldn’t call him a foodie, however we loved watching the Food Network and participating in a workshop with someone like Rick Bayless would have been memorable.
Getting back to the present and another Mindful Adventure brings me to my La Cucina experience. Chef Tanya Holland of Brown Sugar Kitchen was our visiting teacher and everything from the moment we gathered for our short ride to La Cucina to the organic garden tour to the main event of cooking and enjoying the fruits of our labor was an experience I’ll never forget and one I hope to enjoy often.
Our group (full at 16) that day had such a great time together and when I close my eyes I can smell the fragrant garden and just taste the sweetness of the just-picked tomatoes and herbs. I learned a lot that day, including how to properly chop chives (thank you Chef!).
This quote comes to mind:
“Everyone has a doctor in him or her; we just have to help in its work. The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well. Our food should be our medicine. Our medicine should be our food. But to eat when you are sick, is to feed your sickness.” – Hippocrates
I’d also like to mention how beautiful La Cucina is as the colorful hand-painted tiles and murals, the wrought iron gate and fireplaces set the mood for the class and the teaching kitchen is something that I think any of us would love to have in our own home.
Enjoy your journey!
What have you got to Lose? Canyon Ranch has answers.
Thursday, January 14th, 2010 | Destination Spas, healthy living | No Comments
Life Enhancement Center
Nutritious and Delicious!
in improving your life!
ISPA releases 2010 Spa Trends – news to use
Thursday, December 10th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Many of us have different reasons for getting involved in the spa industry and for me it’s always
been about prevention and living a healthy lifestyle – a spa lifestyle. Years ago we were pioneers
in the world of spa and today we continue to walk on this path showing our belief in an industry
that has become stronger and more relevant with each passing year. The International SPA
Association (ISPA) has a lot to do with this path that we’re on and regardless of the role we
play in the industry we are united and excited about the future and the path to wellness for all.
ISPA has recently released their 2010 Spa Trends and I’ve included them below. Whether you’re
a consumer reading this or a colleague in the industry, take note because there’s a lot of positive
information here and hopefully you’ll consider visiting your local spa more often and taking that
destination spa trip sooner vs. later so you can invest in you! To your health, always!
“Since the economic downturn, the consumer is more educated than ever before when it comes
to value and investing in themselves,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “They expect a return
on their investment, and they aren’t falling for any tricks or gimmicks. They want tangible results
and information that will improve their quality of life.”
Through industry research ISPA has pinpointed the following spa trends for 2010:
Social Media – Perhaps you’ve heard of a little Web site called Twitter? It’s
helped to bust open the doors on a marketing revolution, and spas are leading the way. Now,
it’s easier than ever for spas to offer up-to-the-minute deals by tweeting or posting a Facebook message. Cancellations are no longer a problem when you can re-book an appointment instantly.
In fact, Ad-Ology research shows that 57 percent of 18 to 24 year olds and 48.5 percent of 25
to 34 year olds say social media influenced their choice of a hair salon or day spa. Check out
which innovative spas are tweeting.
Customer Service – Consumers are more aware of every penny spent, and with
that comes higher expectations on the level of service they receive. Spas are responding by
providing exceptional service and making each visit a customized experience for the guest. In
fact, 87 percent of ISPA member spas are utilizing customer feedback mechanisms to ensure
they’re exceeding consumers’ needs. And, 48 percent of ISPA member spas have implemented customer loyalty programs, allowing them to offer discounts or rewards while incentivizing frequent visits to the spa.
Spa Sampling Menu – Just like ordering tapas at a Spanish restaurant, now
you can order up a sampling of spa treatments to try out. These mini services at lower price
points are popular ways to get a taste of treatments offered at many spas. With 46 percent
of ISPA member spas seeing an increase in shorter (30 minutes or less) treatment bookings,
and 86 percent offering shorter treatments, it’s the perfect recipe for consumers seeking small
treats to help lift their spirits.
Preventive Care – Wouldn’t you rather go to a spa now to learn how to
manage stress then end up in a doctor’s office a few years down the road? According to
the World Health Organization, by 2020 the top five diseases will all have the underlying
contributing factor of stress. Spa treatments like massage, acupuncture and meditation have
been proven to aid in stress reduction and recovery time for pre and post-op patients.
Spa Partnerships – Spas are becoming more accessible through partnerships with established franchises, hotels and local businesses. Recent pairings like Murad Inc. and Massage Envy will allow consumers to enjoy the benefits of a total spa experience for an affordable price. Forty-six percent of ISPA day spa members partner with local businesses to incorporate spa into their workplace. Popular partnerships include: developing wellness programs at local hospitals, accommodating guests at local hotels without spa facilities and service discount trades between spas and local business employees.
Cell Phone Applications - There’s definitely an app for that! Spa-ing is easier than ever with the convenience of doing it from your cell phone. The Four Seasons’ app allows you to browse spa services and check room availability for your next stay. The Hot Springs and Spa Finder – California app will guide you to road-side soaks, spiritual retreats and commercial spas. Plan a spa vacation from anywhere with Tripology’s app. The Find a Spa app detects your location and displays search results for spas in your proximity.
Giving Back – Spas are offering promotions and free services to people who serve the community such as teachers, hospice workers and military personnel. Some spas are teaming up with local hospitals and providing wellness education to help educate consumers on the spa lifestyle. Community outreach is a great way to generate business and show how easy it is to incorporate spa into your life.
The Millennials Take Over – This group now outnumbers the baby boomers, and they are flocking to the spa. They grew up in a culture where taking care of themselves, learning proper grooming techniques and leading a healthy lifestyle were not options, but the norm. Born during the exercise craze of the 1980s, they were the first generation to watch as their parents began turning to spas through the 1990s, when spas experienced significant growth. Spas are reaching Millennials through social media outlets and they are reaping the benefits.
Simplified Spa Menus – Everyone is cutting back and spa menus are no exception. You’ll notice fewer treatment options because spas are focusing on the core of their business – results-oriented treatments. No-frills treatments that offer a return on investment are what the consumer is demanding. The No. 1 spa treatment that people seek out world wide is massage because of its healing and stress-reducing benefits. And, the No. 1 reason people go to the spa is to relieve/reduce stress and relax.
Beauty Rest – Catching some zzz’s has never been harder in our sleep-deprived society. The spa makes rest a priority by offering treatments targeted to get you some shut eye. You can actually book time to sleep at the spa or stay after a treatment to nap when you’re feeling relaxed.
About the International SPA Association
ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA advances the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, promoting the value of the spa experience and speaking as the authoritative voice to foster professionalism and growth. More details on ISPA are available on http://www.experienceispa.com/.
Source: ISPA, International SPA Assocation
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