Last week I got a chance to visit Exhale Mindbodyspa (did you see them on NBC last week?) and try out two of their Spa Week treatments: a Smart Peel and Core Fusion/Yoga (most locations are also offering a Pure Manicure and Pure Pedicure Experience, too!). My skin has never looked better and my buns haven’t felt that worked in a long time — talk about a mind-body combo!

At the Upper East Side location – my first stop was meeting Shannon, one of Exhale’s top estheticians. She lead me to the luxurious “locker room” where I snuggled into a fuzzy robe and comfy sandals. Then, I made my way to the relaxation room- a dimly lit seating area with soothing tunes and comfy couches. When it was time for my peel, my worries about the stigma behind the scary word “peel” were put to rest as Shannon walked me through every step of the process – from the cleansing, hot towels, to the chocolate-scented peel and a nice shoulder rub – the appointment was truly stress-melting and informative.

After a quick change into my yoga clothes – I met with Madison and Stefanie to learn about the mindbody classes being offered for Spa Week. For just $50 you have the choice between two 5-packs of classes: core fusion, a Pilates-bar-cardio-strength class aimed at lengthening and toning or muscle-stretching and firming yoga. I tried both! Both women are extremely knowledgeable, friendly and helpful – being a little intimidated by the term “Core Fusion” – Madison helped me, hands-on with the moves and positions. Plus, it was really great to hear that I wasn’t the only one getting the VIP treatment – the girls told me that Exhale makes it a practice give all of their clients personalized attention during mindbody classes. So comforting!

After breaking a sweat (in a modified session, no less) Stefanie introduced me to some classic yoga poses with a cardio twist – downward dog with leg-lifts to get for heart pumping and rapid-fire jumps and planks really burned some cals.  The best part about these classes is that each comes in a 5-pack and you have SIX (6!) Months to feel the burn!

Book your appointment at one of Exhale’s 12 locations all across the country by going to SpaWeek.com

Exhale Locations:

New York

• Exhale – Gramercy
• Exhale – Meatpacking
• Exhale – Midtown
• Exhale – Upper East Side

California

• Exhale – Santa Monica

Florida

• Exhale – Palm Beach
• Exhale – Miami

Georgia

• Exhale – Atlanta

Illinois

• Exhale – Chicago

Massachusetts

• Exhale – Back Bay
• Exhale – Battery Wharf

Texas

• Exhale – Dallas

“Do Vegas Differently.”

This is the slogan of Spa Week’s Exclusive Destination Sponsor, Vdara Hotel & Spa, on a mission to prove that Las Vegas isn’t just about the casinos; it can be a simply relaxing spa retreat. This AAA Four Diamond award-winning  hotel & spa is an eco-friendly, smoke free, all-suite boutique located in the heart of MGM City Center on the Vegas strip. We are sure you’ll have no trouble finding your chi in the 18,000 square foot Spa & Salon Vdara.

Got your bags packed already? Enter our sweepstakes for your chance to win the Escape To Vdara Giveaway:

• Spend 3 nights in a penthouse suite

• Indulge in 2 spa services totaling $300
  

• Enjoy a $100 dining credit

• Arrive in style with limo service from the airport

You may remember Vdara from our post about their cutting edge python sssssssssssssssnakeskin pedicures. Were you on team yessssss or no? They also offer “Glamour Packages” which include makeup application, blowouts or an evening updo for a night out on in Sin City. Or in this case, Spa City.

You can also take advantage of their $50 Spa Week offerings. Call 866.745.5654 to book.

• 50 Min Traditional Swedish Massage
• 50 Min Naturopathica Pure Results Facial
• 60 Min Signature Pedicure Hot Stone Treatment

Click here for full details about sweepstakes, and good luck!

In honor of Spa Week’s 15th installment of The National Spa Week Event taking place this October 10-16, we want to give you a sneak peek at 15 of the decadent spa treatments being offered for just $50 each. Booking begins Monday, September 12; that’s only 5 days away (Join the event on Facebook)! From fascinating massages to body slimming advancements, our spas are high-tech, ever-evolving and always on trend. Is your mouth watering yet?

No? Let’s fix that… sometimes reading treatments out loud helps you get into the moment. Here’s a glimpse of 15 of the many thousands of Spa Week Treatments you’ll be able to book, from 15 different spas all across the country.

(Sorry, we can’t tell you where each one is yet! You’ll have to check the directory on Monday to see if it’s at a spa near you.)

• 75 Min Tuscan Wine Hot Stone Massage
• 60 Min Package: Includes Resurfacing Fire and Ice Facial Peel with Retinol, Rosemary and Grape Seed Extract to Increase Cell Renewal Plus Skin Consultation
• Brazilian Wax with Vajazzle
• 55 Min Sticks and Stones Massage
• A $495 photofacial
• 120 Min Slimming Package: Arasys & Sudatonic Wrap
• Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture Facelift
• 45 Min Power Plate Personal Training Session
• Cactus Glow n’ Tone Facial with CoffeeBerry Enzymes (100% organic)
• Aromatic European Facial with Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil
• 50 Min Swedish Massage with Eucalyptus Steam Shower
• Youthful Radiance Quince and Ice Wine Facial
• 60 Min Microcurrent Non-Surgical Facelift Treatment
• Caramel Apple Body Scrub
• 50 Min October Harvest Swedish Massage with Choice of Cinnamon-Ginger Essential Oils or Cranberry Body Butter
• Tri-Active Massage and Tummy Patch Treatment to Tighten and Shrink Belly Fat

Was that the sound of your jaw hitting the floor? We think so! We can’t wait either! Don’t forget to sign-up to get instant access to the Spa Week Directory, going live September 12!

By now, you know all about the Fast Track to Health Giveaway to The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge and the amazing health and fitness programs and activites, not to mention all of that luxurious spa-ing. And you’ve also been introduced to America’s favorite nutritionist, the lovely Joy Bauer.

Now get a sneak peek into Joy’s totally revamped, New York Times Bestseller, Food Cures. Inside is power-packed with food cure recommendations for some of the most common, obxnoxious and painful conditions millions of americans face evryday, like arthritis, osteoporosis, migranes and more. Along with the health and wellness vacation of a lifestime, one lucky winner will receive Food Cures and an at-home nutritional plan custom-made by Joy. Five lucky runner-ups will also receive Food Cures so they can start getting healthier with every bite. And for everyone who is just dying to know all about the yummy food remedies inside Joy’s book, we have picked some great excerpts and food reccomendations for you to start to incorporate into your healthy lifestyle regime:

1. Beautiful Skin

“Skin is built from the inside out. Day to day and year to year, skin draws its healthy glow from good nutrition… Nutrition can help minimize these problems and enhance your skin’s natural beauty.” (Page 63)

• Improve Collagen Vitamin C: guava, oranges, bell peppers, strawberries and broccoli
• Anti-Aging Vitamin E: almonds, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, avocados, and spinach
• Fight Sun Damage Selenium: Brazil nuts, tuna, brown rice, and whole wheat bread
• Promote Healing Beta-Carotene: sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, butternut squash and pumpkin

2. Healthy Hair

“It is estimated that we each lose about 100 hairs a day. The actual number you’ll lose on any  given day depends on how abundant and healthy your follicles are, what medications you’re taking, and many other factors, some are beyond your control.” (Page 81)

• Promote Healthy Follicles B Vitamins- Foliate, B6, B12: chickpeas, wild salmon, soy milk, lentils and spinach
• Jump-Start Growth Iron-Rich Proteins: clams, oysters, shrimp, egg yolks, lentils and black-eyed peas
• Repair Hair Zinc: lobster, ostrich, oysters, pine nuts, peanuts, fat-free yogurt, and wheat germ

3. Memory

“Memory depends on your total number of brain cells and their connections, smooth flow of communication between them and their overall health.” (Page 273)

• Increase Blood Circulation Antioxidants: spinach, kale, mustard greens, Swiss chard, turnip greens , collard greens,
• Fight Age Defects Anthocyanin: blackberries, black currant, blueberries, eggplant, raspberries and cherries Quercetin: onions, kale, leeks, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, apricots, and hot chili peppers
• Plump Your Mind “Neuron’s outer membranes are teeming with DHA and it’s this fattu lining yhay allows for smooth conductivity of brain signals.” Omega-3 Fatty Acids: wild salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, ground flaxseed, walnuts and soybeans

4. Migraines

“We know from brain scans that during migraine headaches, there is increased bloodflow in the brain stem and the cerebral cortex. Inflamitory chemicals, such as substance P and other substances are released; and there changes in levels of brain chemecials called neurotransmitters…The main lessons are that migraines are physiologically complez and that they aboslueltuy are not “all in the mind” of the sufferer.” (Page 324)

• Staying Hydrated Liquids: Water, herbal tea, skim milk, club soda
• Reduce Inflammation Omega-3 Fatty Acids: olive oil, rainbow trout, oysters, chia seeds, flaxseed oil and walnut oil
• Keep Your Energy Up Riboflavin: lean beef, whole gran cereal, eggs, mushrooms, asparagus and broccoli
• Fight Menstrual Migraines Magnesium: pumpkin seeds, spinach, Swiss chard, amaranth, sunflower seeds, quinoa, potatoes and artichoke hearts

5. Insomnia

“If insomnia occurs at least three nights a week for a month or longer, it is considered chronic. At this point, lack of sleep becomes more than just an annoyance – it can be life altering. Almost all cases of chronic insomnia can be traced to a medical condition, lifestyle habit, or psychological preoccupation.” (Page 365)

• Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol, Large Meals, Late Night Liquids
• Stock Up on Sleep-Inducing High-Quality Carbs and Tryptophan: bananas, grapefruit, plums, mangoes, grapes, turkey, beets, broccoli, corn, spinach, quinoa, brown rice, yogurt, pumpkin, celery, peas

To find out more about Food Cures, visit JoyBauer.com or grab your copy at Amazon.com. And don’t forget to enter The Fast Track to Health Giveaway!

Obesity is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States and about one-third of adults are obese, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While personal trainers, nutritionists and fitness centers attempt to conquer this growing epidemic, such resources are not such an affordable option for many people. That’s why Spa Week has teamed up with the Today show’s resident nutritionist and diet expert, Joy Bauer, and one of the exclusive resorts from NBC’s hit TV show, The Biggest Loser to dramatically kick-start a new, healthy lifestyle for one lucky winner by entering the Fast Track to Health Giveaway.

Reclaim your inner strength and learn how to create positive changes with simple, healthy choices that will result in a healthier you – inside and out at The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge in Malibu, California. Prepare to be amazed at what you can accomplish – you’re worth it! The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge offers a complete atmosphere for fitness, relaxation, and spa amenities ensuring your stay is as productive and relaxing as possible.  Enjoy comfortable accommodations, spa cuisine, breathtaking hikes and  group oriented classes to meet other motivated individuals who are inspired to get fit. Whether your goal is to lose substantial weight or to enjoy a fitness getaway, the program and group atmosphere will provide the personal attention that you need to achieve your goals.

SPA

Reward your efforts with the ultimate spa and salon experience at The Retreat. Soothe sore muscles with several different forms of massage and body work, or simply relax and rejuvenate with acupuncture or reflexology. From soothing body treatments to luxurious facials and salon treatments, you’ll leave feeling pampered, refreshed and fabulous.

NUTRITION

Participate in a structured, calorie-controlled, health program. Every meal is designed by the Executive Chef and Registered Dietitian in a calorie-controlled, spa cuisine meal plan.  Each menu item captures the nutrition in a balanced diet of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats.  Choosing low-fat foods that are high in fiber offers higher satisfaction than on other types of low-calorie meal plans.

FITNESS

Immerse yourself in a variety of indoor fitness classes or experience beautiful outdoor activities. The professional, certified fitness team will help you achieve your goals and provide you the adequate tools to be successful at home. Take advantage of the Education Series, which consists of daily lectures hosted by the Wellness Team. Topics discussed include portion control, product label reading, and intuitive eating, as well as cooking demos and fitness tips. Our Wellness Team includes an Executive Chef, Registered Dietitians, a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Trainers and a Life Coach.

The large gym features top-of-the-line equipment and our aerobics room hosts classes for kickboxing, step-n-pump, indoor cycling, ball works, and stretch. The aquatics center features a pool and hot tub.

The Resort is surrounded by the wooded landscape of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. There are many different trail options for terrain, cardio intensity, and experience level. The landscape of each hiking trail is surrounded by the motivational, healing environment of southern California’s natural oasis of trees and wildflowers.  Hiking is a beautiful compliment to the program, with trails for all fitness levels everyone can enjoy!