Our resident Joyologist Dashama, founder of Pranashama Yoga and inspiring host of our holiday Hug Challenge, is one of the nation’s top yogi personalities. With a loyal following of bliss-seekers, Dashama keeps her practice exotic as they follow her to various Pranashama yoga training and health/wellness retreats that she leads around the world.

For our more dedicated yoga friends – or anyone looking to make a shift in their career, relationships or life – explore the world one pose at a time with Dashama’s exciting Pranashama Yoga Institute retreats in 2012!

MIAMI BEACH

2-week yoga training retreat | March 15-31

CROATIA

Discover the fountain of youth retreat yoga, Thai massage and cleansing diet | May 19-26

BALI

30-day yoga training retreat | June 1-30

ISLE OF MAN, UK

30-day advanced yoga teacher training | July 15 – Aug 14

They also offer yoga & health retreats and events in Egypt, Whistler and Ibiza. Find out more about the retreats and see more photos at Pranashana.com. For a glimpse into the love and camaraderie on these retreats, check out the video recap of the 2011 Pranashama Bali Retreat:

Magazines aren’t dead after all… they’re just turning up as spas.

This month, ELLE Magazine is taking its fashion, beauty and wellness lifestyle prowess one holistic step further; the monthly is opening up ELLE Spa at the Eden Roc Rennaissance in Miami Beach, Florida. This joint venture is the first for Elle and an unprecedented partnership between a media property and a luxury resort.

The spa, with a Mediterranean-style décor and floor to ceiling windows, will offer way more than massages and facials—it will be a full 22,000 square foot facility of editorially realized health and beauty: A 24-hour fitness center with oceanfront views, a group exercise studio with Pilates, yoga and stretching, a Scrub & Polish Bar with Mixologist, and a full service hair and nail salon. Separate mens and ladies spa wet lounges with keyless lockers, whirlpools, cold plunges, steam rooms, saunas and hyrdo-experience showers will lead to a sleek Oceanfront Relaxation Lounge with wet bar.

The spa menu will feature by ELLE’s “editorially-inspired treatments” curated by skin and beauty experts including Tammy Fender and Yael Alkalay, including packages like Doctors Orders and Forever 25, some of ELLE’s popular spreads. Renowned celebrity esthetician Tammy Fender may be booked in advance for a facial and personalized skincare. A retail boutique filled with products, apparel and beach accessories will all be curated by the ELLE editors. With a private roof deck, VIP Cabanas, light dining and access to 4 outdoor pools, whirlpools, the boardwalk and the ocean in its backyard, this place sounds even better than ELLE’s iPad app.

“Lagardère Active Enterprises is proud to partner with the Eden Roc for this project,” said Fabrice A. Plaquevent, Chief Executive Officer of Lagardère Active Enterprises, ELLE’s parent company. “The ELLE Spa is totally in line with our international licensing strategy to position ELLE as a lifestyle brand through unique products and services.”

According to their website, the spa is set to open this month.

Images and information courtesy of edenrocmiami.com

Winter struck Miami on the night I stayed at Canyon Ranch Miami Beach. The wind was howling, hotel guests from up North wore black wool coats and sipped hot soup, and I honestly thought it was going to snow.

On any ordinary vacation day in Florida I would have been totally bummed, but at Canyon Ranch there is so much to do inside that I was thrilled to not have any other options. I can always bum around on a beach, but it’s not every day you get access to one of the most distinguished spa and wellness facilities on earth.

I was invited by the hotel’s managing director Matthais Kammerer (Tweet him – he rocks! He lives and breathes the wellness vacation lifestyle every day) to stay for one night during the holidays when I was down visiting friends. Before I even arrived, the personalization began. Alfredo, one of their program managers, called to arrange my spa visit. After telling him my preferences (a deep, strong massage, something unique) he recommended, with almost no alternative, that I get the De-Stress Chakra Ritual, a 100 minute treatment that is “simply the best”. No argument there, Alfredo! You MUST go down to the end of this post to read about it, because I saved the best for last.

I soon received welcoming emails confirming my itinerary and directing me to the extensive list of activities available that week. At Canyon Ranch, from 7 am til 7 pm every day, you choose as many activities as you can—or care to–squeeze in: beach conditioning, sunrise yoga, yoga Nidra, Kundalini yoga, Pilates with props, mediation, dance, cycling, breathing, core training, boot camp, water aerobics, Buff Ballet Body, Budoko, Kipaz, Kinesis, Gyrokenesis… or you can opt to sit back and learn about the wellness lifestyle at lectures on topics ranging from Chinese tongue diagnosis to treating neck stiffness. Most are included with your stay and are walk-in, but some require sign-ups and/or additional fees.

There’s a full fitness center overlooking the ocean, multiple pools, a rock climbing wall, various restaurants—all with healthy, gourmet menus… and then of course, THE SPA. The glorious spa with its state-of-the-art Aquavana® thermal center, a lavish indoor playground of healing waters, thermal cabins and soaking tubs. It’s like camp for adults who crave relaxation and really hot bodies. I was forming itineraries in my sleep! Would I actually be the type of person rise at the crack of dawn? Are 3 yoga classes too much for one day?

But I’m getting ahead of myself. I haven’t even arrived yet.

Okay, now I’ve arrived.

THE SUITE + LOBBY:

After doing cheerleader-style tumblesaults (in my head, at least) across my gorgeous suite, I slipped out of my clothes and into my luxurious white robe and slippers, sashayed around my contemporary ranch, decidedly content if Miami were to get snowed in for months. I had a full kitchen with granite countertops and a fresh fruit platter, a living room boasting sleek couches and big soft pillows, a 400-thread-count bed that sunk in for days, 2 giant flat screen TVs, and an enormous spa-like bathroom with Italian glass tile mosaics, complete with a deep soaking tub and large multi-jet shower.

After luxuriating in the peaceful company of my cozy King sized bed for about an hour, I headed downstairs to explore. The lobby is a bright, beachy, contemporary place with a handful of gathering areas to play board games, read books, eat snacks and just chill. Almost nobody was outside in the unusual weather (I tried—getting whipped by sand is not my idea of a good exfoliation), but the secluded beachfront forayed into a sunny partio of large, inviting outdoor couches, cabanas, and an infinity pool. The quick and attentive staff are everywhere to set up your chairs and deliver poolside/beachfront food and drinks.

THE FOOD:

If only all restaurants were as diet-conscious and delicious as Canyon Ranch, the world would be a much healthier, skinnier place. All the menus are refreshingly guilt-free and list nutrition information. The Cabana poolside cafe has light options like whole wheat chicken quesadillas (yum), and the Carillon Lounge inside mixes up a full menu of fresh, light, inspired cocktail creations.

In the Canyon Ranch Grill, the main dining area, I recommend the melt-in-your-mouth avocado tartar appetizer (above left) and the Chilean Sea bass (although it’s hard to go wrong with sea bass). Their Whole Wheat flatbread with Fig And Maytag Blue Cheese caramelized onion, arugula and balsamic glaze (below left) was a sweet, carb-quenching favorite of mine, but the most memorable dish was the Baked Artichoke Fries (click for the recipe!).

Breakfast dishes like pancakes and sausage (above right), as well as dessert portions, were kept small to keep the flavor loud and the calories low. However, everything managed to still satisfy me—a tough, yet simple life lesson to tuck away and take home from your stay at Canyon Ranch.

THE CLASSES + ACTIVITIES

In an effort to pack light, sneakers didn’t make the cut for this vacation (mistake), so I had to stick to the barefoot classes, and due to weather, outdoor activities were canceled. Good thing my all-time favorite exercise is yoga. During my 36 hour stay I did Yoga Nidra the first evening, the next morning I did Yoga I-II (power yoga) before lunch and a stretching yoga afterwards, and then in the evening did a breathing/meditation class. The instructors were extremely talented and helpful; one of the things I learned is that there’s an ACTUAL reason I like to do child’s pose during my flow every time in between upward dog and downward dog–I told the instructor I have scoliosis, and she said that it makes total sense that it feels extra good for me to stretch like that. Thrilled to know my flow really serves a purpose—yogi friends, consider this concept when you alter your practice, every body is different.

THE AQUAVANA® EXPERIENCE

If (WHEN) you visit Canyon Ranch Miami Beach, leave yourself ample time to spend in the Aquavana before and after your spa treatments. I’m talking at least an hour on both ends.
Fall asleep on the Thermal Heated Loungers by the HydroSpa, detox inside the Crystal Steam Room, which includes aromatic essential oils and refracted colored light. Relax your muscles inside the Herbal Laconium and Finnish Sauna, dance in the various Experiential Rains, and breathe in the icy juxtaposed blend of menthol, mint and eucalyptus in the Igloo.

THE SPA TREATMENT: 100 MINUTE DE-STRESS CHAKRA RITUAL

Before going into your treatment, and after eating a delicious handful of chocolatey nutty trail mix and reading Vogue in the relaxation room, you will be escorted by your therapist to choose a gemstone from a large bowl in a long, dim hallway leading to the treatment rooms. This stone will set the tone for your spa experience—there is a reason your eye was drawn to that particular one. I drew out a clear quartz stone, which is said to stimulate brain power and aid in clarity of mind. Certainly all clear to me so far.

The ritual took place in 3 parts. First I soaked in the deep, warm salt bath you see above for about 20 minutes to soften skin, loosen muscles and soothe tension with heat. Then, I was assisted in wrapping up in a few of their oversized fluffy towels and taken to a nearby room to complete the next 2 parts, which followed with one of the best hour-long massages I’ve ever had. She used different modalities ranging from Ayurveda to Swedish, and thoroughly addressed every inch of my body with her attentive, energy-infusing hands.

Then came the good euphoric vibrations: Chakra Sound Therapy to balance, tune up and energize my 7 chakras—my bodys’ energy centers. Chromotherapy also played a big role in the treatment–lights on the ceiling steadily changed colors for the full 100 minutes. Each chakra is associated with a different color, and your eyes don’t need to be open for your body to absorb them. Between the light and the sound creating all this newfound free-flowing energy, my energy escaped me and I fell asleep. I can only remember one other spa treatment I feel asleep for–which, by the way, is very flattering to your therapist–but that’s because it was early in the morning. This—this was pure bliss.

Needless to say, I would recommend Canyon Ranch Miami Beach as a destination for all your wellness pursuits, whether you have a week to indulge, or 1 night you want to turn into a full wellness journey. To hold you over until your visit, download the Canyon Ranch iPad Apps and bring the experience to you.

Have you ever seen a spa look quite like this? Me neither. I love artsy creatives who appreciate a good massage, so when the Lady Shark herself, Vivianne of LIVE>FAST>MAG, turned Eména Spa in Miami into this screaming, provocative, exhibit party during Art Basel, I had to share with you.

Eména Spa, inspired by the word ‘me’ in Greek, is the finest eco-luxury spa in Miami’s bustling Design District. Armed with six ultra-chic treatment rooms, Eména combines modern, eco-friendly spa philosophies with the concepts of fitness, wellness and nutrition. The place was completely transformed by ARTS, A Room That Speaks, the company that launched that very night.

The concept of A Room That Speaks is that every surface is a conversation piece. ARTS founder Christopher Cortez has spent the past ten years of his life building a vast imagery library, spawning from his experiences in fashion design, graphic design and photography. With this imagery, they created two core products. First one is the 14×18 canvas print with one-of-a-kind aluminum frames sold on aroomthatspeaks.com. The second one (custom environments) services interior designers, design firms and individuals in creating custom commercial or residential environments.

To add another dose of spa beauty to this glamorous showing, products from one of our favorite spa skincare brands Elizabeth Grant (the lovely lady to your left) was placed in the giftbags for all the guests. Just one more reason I wish I could have been there! Congrats on the most aesthetically grabbing event I’ve seen in a long time, Viv.

To see more of LIVE>FAST>MAG’s first big Miami shebang, click here.

Images Courtesy of Live Fast Magazine

It’s been so hot out that some kids actually fried an egg on the ground – how insane is that? Thank goodness our Almost Free City Travels are trying to keep you cool. (Check out CozyWallet.com for more swank ways to save money.)

Miss Cozy’s Beauty Tip of the Day: We know, it’s hot and humid outside! Your hair is flat, frizzy or just plain oily. Definitely time to switch your shampoo and conditioner. Considering all the extra moisture in the air, most hair types will benefit from a lighter shampoo and conditioner for the summer. For fine, straight, or oily hair types, try a shampoo (with volume) which won’t weigh hair down in the humidity. Only apply a lightweight conditioner to the ends of hair. For thicker, courser, and/or curly hair, look for anti-humidity hair products that will prevent the frizz.

If you have the chance, try to stop by one of these great events this weekend:

New York, NY – What’s better than enjoying New York’s finest restaurants for a fraction of the price? The finest spas for a fraction of the price of course! But wait, that’s a different week. This also-amazing time of the year is known as Restaurant Week, which runs until July 25th 2010– catch the tail end of it. You can’t pass up a three-course lunch for $24.07 or dinner for $35. A record 275 (and counting) restaurants are participating in NYC Restaurant Week this summer. Visit nycgo.com.

Miami, FL - The award winning International Hispanic Theatre Festival of Miami runs until August 1st 2010 and celebrates its 25th anniversary by inviting some of the best Hispanic theatre productions from Latin America, Europe and the United States. Events will be held at various locations in Miami, Miami Beach and Key Biscayne. Visit teantroavante.com.

Pittsfield, ME- Take part in the 38th Annual Central Maine Egg Festival which runs until July 24th 2010. Manson Park in Pittsfield, Maine is the place to be for egg breakfast cooked in a 300-pound frying pan, entertainment, fireworks, the “Egg-lympics” and egg-citing surprises. Located on Pittsfield & Manson Park. Visit Central Main Egg Festival.

Snowflake, AZ - Stop by the Annual Pioneer Day Celebration on July 23rd through July 24th to enjoy the Arts & crafts fair, parade, BBQ, rodeo, dances, theatrical performances, pioneer day run, softball league tournament, free swimming, fireworks display, Sweet Wheels Car Show & Swap meet (which is held on the 24th from 8 am – 2 pm.) Visit Snowflake/Taylor Chamber of Commerce.

Seattle, WA – 3 Days – 4 Stages – 60+ Bands – In unabashedly conspicuous celebration of 14 years of independent music and culture, the Capitol Hill Block Party has added a THIRD Day! After 13 years of being a two day festival, community support and tremendous talent opportunities initiated the addition of a 3rd day, Sunday July 25th. It goes down from July 23rd until July 25th 2010 located 11th Avenue and East Pine Street – Seattle, WA 98122. Visit capitolhillblockparty.com