Burke Williams Day Spa in the Heart of San Francisco • We Blog The World

Read article : Burke Williams Day Spa in the Heart of San Francisco • We Blog The World

I love the concept of day spas, especially when you want an luxury escape for a few hours, where pampering is the order of the day. When we travel, we often review spas as part of our hotel stay, which is different than purposely making the time for yourself either on your home turf or when you are on the road and wish to indulge in a wellness experience. After all, isn’t your body worth it?

Meet Burke Williams,an urban day spa which has been around since 1984 and has quite a few locations in California. They drew most of their influence from some of the top European day spas. I had an opportunity to get a couple of treatments at their facility based in the heart of San Francisco, which is easily accessible for San Franciscans and travelers alike.

Above, is my favorite part of the spa – their massive hot tub. There’s nothing like a large hot tub and rarely do you find them, even at 5 star hotel spas. The lights were dimmed, which only added to the tranquility.

Nearby is a cold steam room which I saw a woman enter while I was in the hot tub and not leave for ten minutes. Brrr – I didn’t have the courage to try it although I’m certainly aware of the health benefits of cold water immersion and alternating from hot water to cold water dips. We reviewed Refuge in Carmel last summer that focuses on Thermal Cycle which is hot and cold water process mixed with relaxation in between. 

Exposure to cold water and ice baths, also known as “cryotherapy,” is a popular technique among amateur and professional athletes as well. At Burke Williams, they also have a very large hot steam room as well and unlike so many steam rooms I’ve tried over the years, it’s actually hot. On-site, they also offer a hot dry sauna, which I relaxed in for around 15 minutes before my treatments — you never want to go into a dry sauna after having a facial.

Spa Baths

They have two tubs in the spa set in a private room where you can take a therapeutic bath. There are many restorative benefits of hydrotherapy and worth doing whenever you have a chance. Here, traditional spa baths are available only in conjunction with another spa service.

Microsilk Baths are available for booking without another service, however, they recommend doing one in conjunction with a massage or facial.

Wetroom Treatments

I tried one of their Wetroom Treatments which are simply divine. While I’ve had body scrubs and wraps before, I’ve never had a salt scrub, which is so renewing for the skin. They talk about your natural glow unfolding from one of these treatments, which couldn’t be truer from how it feels and how your skin looks afterwards. Anthony described my arms as having a “glow” to them and “more radiant.”  

Purposefully designed shower heads envelop your body in cascading streams of water, after which you are scrubbed down with sea salt to remove dead surface skin cells — they refer to it as the Salt Glo, although if you have sensitive skin, you can opt for the sugar exfoliation process instead.

After the salt is removed, they wash you down (front and back) and then apply oil to leave your body feeling ever so soft. I absolutely loved this experience and would recommend adding to another service you’re doing that day. Obviously if you get a facial, do the wetroom treatment first. 

Sea salt photo credit: Seasalt.com.

Facials

Of course they offer a myriad of massage treatments, however I opted for the Anti-Aging Facial. If you’re over 40, I’d strongly encourage it.

They use professional H2V products which helps to regenerate and firm skin cells. Botanically derived stem cells and H2V R3 Transform with Matrixyl peptides repair damage, increase your skin’s resiliency, and boost collagen production. I definitely noticed a different to my face’s texture and brilliance after the treatment.

The Anti-Aging Facial

I absolutely loved this very targeted and customized facial designed to repair damage caused by extrinsic aging. They cleanse your face before applying a Vitamin C peel, their first major step of the treatment.

The 30% Vitamin C infuses the skin with protective anti-oxidants that neutralize free-radical damage and help reverse DNA damage. Key Ingredients for wellness geeks, include Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Bromelain and Papain. This peel is also added to your hands and covered with warm mitts.

Then, they spray the first enhancement: Age-Defy, which is naturally fragranced with apricot milk and is formulated with potent peptides to repair and actively firm the skin to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. There’s Chlorella in this spray, which is a micro green algae anti-oxidant rich in protiens and amino acids, Antarticine; a peptide with ability to regenerate and protect skin by retaining moisture and water, heal wounds, increase collagen and elastin production, as well as boost hydration.

After the spray, they move into the 22 point acupressure massage, which is their signature and something they do with all facials. The second peel and my favorite one comes next — the Pro Beyond Pumpkin and Enzyme Peel.

This peel is by one of the skincare lines I like a lot – Eminence. Note: it tingles quite a bit when it goes on (a rarity for me),something to consider if you have very sensitive skin.

The peel helps to accelerate the exfoliation process by removing dead skin cells, reducing the appearance of pigmentation, fine lines and sun damage. The natural enzyme content of yam and pumpkin leave skin appearing firm and radiant.

Bromelain breaks down connecting structure that holds surface skin cells together and papain breaks down surface dead skin cells for easier removal. It also includes Niacin &Vitamin B3 which when applied topically, acts as a vasodilator to increase circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the skin’s surface.

She then did a Defy mask, which is a potent Resveratrol antioxidant blend that helps to protect and rich skin nourishing fatty acids repair and nourish the skin. Key Ingredients include Monoi oil, Evening Primrose oil, Dragons blood extract, Resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant typically associated with red wine. This helps to protect and nurture cells, improve cellular function, increase collagen production, and improve elasticity while also reducing inflammation.

Their second spray enhancement is a stem cell one which is naturally fragranced with Olive and Coriander and is formulated with skin rejuvenating Mexican Bamboo and Japanese Knotwood to signal skin cells and put them in repair mode. These plant based stem cells stimulate our own skin cells’ natural repair process to help eliminate fine lines and wrinkles.

Believe it or not, there’s more! Unlike so many spas that do not give you the full time (especially your full 60 or 75 minutes “hands-on), they are present every step of the way.

After the stem cell spray, they apply a Cranberry AHA Mask,  which is a special formulation designed to enhance the capabilities of the fruit acids combined with moisturizers to leave the skin looking fresher and more supple. Ceramides create a strong water binding capacity leaving the skin hydrated with a visibly smoother appearance. Key Ingredients include Cranberry kaolin, Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic acid, Malic acid, Shea Butter, and Wheat ceramides. BRAVO!

They also massage your arms, hands and feet during the treatment before applying the final spray enhancement: Illuminating Enhancement. This one is naturally fragranced with Sicilian Orange and Honey and contains a time released form of Vitamin C that can remain active in the skin for up to a week. This active form of Vitamin C helps to inhibit melanin production while the citric activator spray instantly brighten the complexion.

Before you leave, they also apply an Eye-tox serum to reduce iron deposits under eye and improve hydration as well as a Youth Cell Activator, a Quench Moisturizer and Protect (their SPF).

Like all top notch facials, they did extractions after plenty of steam in the middle of the treatment as well.

While they offer some of the traditional custom facials you’d find at most luxury spas, including teen and gentleman’s facials, I wanted to also mention another unique one I’d love to try at a future time. While the Four Layer Resurfacing Facial is shorter than the anti-aging one, the process includes an intense 4-layer progressive peel to leave your skin hydrated and glowing. Papaya enzymes combine with beneficial Alpha Hydroxy Acids to erase fine lines and minimize imperfections. They also do a detox masque infused with antioxidants.

The Ambiance

Join me on a tour of the spa — you’ll absolutely love the ambiance and their wonderful attention to detail throughout.

 

Nail Pampering

You can also get your nails done in style. What’s nice is that they have over-sized chairs designed to hug your body. They offer hot cups of tea, a lavender-scented blanket for your legs, and an oatmeal pillow to support your neck.  

They also offer other unique services such as body polishes, waxing and advanced eye lifts as well as “sprays” as an add-on to facials, such as stem cell and age defy sprays, which as noted above is included in the Anti-Aging facial.

Below, the vanity room.

They also have a shop on-site where you can purchase water bottles, skincare products, leather bags, gifts and more.

Below is a view from one of the windows — it’s located on the top floor of a mall, the same level as a movie theatre and nothing else. Translation: it’s very secluded and enormous. Two thumbs up!! We would definitely return.

DETAILS:

Burke Williams Day Spa

845 Market Street #510

San Francisco, CA 94103

https://burkewilliamsspa.com

(415) 694-7980

_________________

Note: I was hosted by the spa but all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Founder

Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.

She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.

Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.

Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.

New Clarins Treatment Essence - how to use for best effect

Read article : New Clarins Treatment Essence - how to use for best effect

Treatment essences aren’t something new to us, skincare fans, are they? But what if there was a treatment essence that helps your skin, based on age and skin concerns? Now, that might be something worth investigating. And that was what I headed to discover in Paris with skincare brand Clarins, as part of the Malaysia digital influencer team! W00t!

Clarins’ office headquarters in Paris!

Paris is a beautiful city, filled with eye-popping monuments, historical artifacts, and stunning architecture that makes you want to look upwards all the time, so you don’t miss anything of the beautiful wrought iron balconies and rooftops. Paris is also home to world famous luxury fashion designer brands and international beauty brands, of which Clarins is one. I’ll take you through some highlights of my PB’s Parisian Adventure with Clarins, tell you a LOT more about these Clarins Anti-Ageing Treatment Essences (and how to score some samples) and how I was taught to use them for best effect. Settle in, it’ll be quite a ride 🙂

Learning about the Clarins Treatment Essence at the Clarins Headquarters

How often do I get the chance to visit a major brand’s headquarters and meet the owners? Never! That’s the answer! LOL! I’m a bit of a geek when it comes to skincare or brands in general, and I love meeting the people behind a brand or product. They are always so passionate about what they do, and that is very, very inspiring!

For this new Clarins Treatment Essence, we were briefed by Caroline Camuzat, Clarins’ International Scientific Manager at Clarins’ new HQ offices in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. The spanking new building is bright and shiny and eco-friendly, with a self-cooling system mimicking a beehive, that is also energy efficient, has an internal cafe and staff canteen, and pleasant gardens through which to walk. Wouldn’t I love to work there! 😀

Being the International Scientific Manager, Caroline took us through the what, how and why of the new Clarins Treatment Essence, and answered a couple of burning questions I had about which to pick, since we have 3 to choose from.

New Clarins Treatment Essence

Some of us are by now, familiar with the skin’s natural barrier that protects us against external aggressions. These Treatment Essences, which are applied immediately after cleansing, as the first step of your post-cleansing skincare routine are designed to “unlock” this skin barrier and boost skin hydration, so other products that go on, absorb more effectively into the skin. Think of it like a pre-serum, or pre-essence – something familiar in most Asian skincare lines.

I must say that when you first prep your skin using the Treatment Essence, you will find that any other products go on and absorb into skin more quickly. The logical summation is that this Treatment Essence will help boost the absorption and efficacy of other products that follow. This has been the premise of treatment essences since they appeared on the skincare scene in recent years.

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Cruising down the River Seine with Clarins Treatment Essences 

However, realising that our skin ages differently and is unique, and therefore one treatment essence cannot suit every skin type, Clarins came out with not just 1, but THREE different Anti-Ageing Treatment Essences to suit 3 different age groups.

• 25+ Multi-Active Treatment Essence Vitality Booster (pink) (RM200) – targeted at younger skin with the first signs of ageing, this essence boosts cell vitality, radiance and slows down cellulcar ageing. The result would be more supple, moisturized and revitalised skin.
• 35+ Extra-Firming Treatment Essence Bounciness Enhancer (orange) (RM215) – targeted at skin that has noticeable signs of ageing which includes dehydrated skin, this essence helps reinforce the skin structure so skin is more bouncy, smoother and firmer. The result is better hydrated skin, reduction of fine lines and skin that is more plump.
• 45+ Super Restorative Treatment Essence Smoothness Enhancer (red) (RM285) – targeted at much more matured skin that is dull with reduced cell turnover and lines and wrinkles, this essence helps re-energize the skin to boost skin radiance, and exfoliate the dead skin cells to help product penetrate better into the skin. The result would be softer, more supple and radiant skin.

As maybe expected, the 3 different Treatment Essences have different textures as well, ranging from the very light texture of the Multi-Active Treatment Essence, to the slightly heavier Extra-Firming Treatment Essence and to the almost emulsion feel of the Super Restorative Treatment Essence. I’ll share more about this when I post my review 😉

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Clarins Herbarium cart at the Jardine Palais Royal 

As Mr. Christian Coutin-Clarins, current Chairman of the Clarins Group told us when he met us, Clarins prides itself on using high quality ingredients, and to take the best from nature to create their products, while protecting bio-diversity and nature. The key ingredients in each of the Treatment Essences are from different plants and sources, to cater to different skin needs:-

• Multi-Active Treatment Essence – Teasel extract to increase cell vitality and boost skin energy, Acerola Seed Extract to boost skin radiance and Myrothamus Extract to slow down cellular ageing
• Extra Firming Treatment Essence – Lemon thyme and Green Banana extract to enhance skin bounciness and smooth and firm skin, Fig extract and hyaluronic acid to boost skin moisture
• Super Restorative Treatment Essence – Pueraria Lobata Extract to stimulate synthesis of collagen, Ginseng & Green Coffee Extract to boost skin radiance and Hibiscus Flower acid to exfoliate skin (I’m particularly pleased about the use of the Hibiscus flower because that’s our national flower! 😀 )

How do you pick which Treatment Essence to use?

I asked Caroline how we’d pick which Treatment Essence to use. Was it based on our calendar age? Or was it something a little more technical?

Answer:

You pick the Clarins Treatment Essence based on the age of your skin, which may or may not correspond to your calendar age. For those of us who take pains to care for our skin, and use sunscreen daily, you will likely find that your skin’s age is far younger than your calendar age. By way of example, I’m 42 this year and based on my age, would be a prime candidate for the Super Restorative Treatment Essence. However, Caroline assured me that the one I should use would be the Extra-Firming Treatment Essence for a while instead (whew! LOL!) as my skin did not display the concerns to be addressed by the Super Restorative Treatment Essence. By contrast, someone who doesn’t pay a lot of attention to their skin, or who displays the skin concerns that correspond to their age group might then need to pick a Treatment Essence from within their targeted age group or perhaps even the next one up. This is most likely to be true for the 20-somethings who may be living the party and late night lifestyle, and find that the Extra-Firming Treatment Essence does more for them than the Multi-Active Treatment Essence will.

GET YOUR SAMPLE! If you’d like to sample this Treatment Essence (I’m only posting my review in about 2 weeks from now so you can try it and share your experience when I share mine) CLICK HERE to get your sample (Malaysia only)!

How to apply the Clarins Treatment Essence

This is where I thoroughly enjoyed the session with Denise Bathe, Clarins’ Skincare International Training Manager, who is a wealth of information about the pressure technique recommended by Clarins and used at all Clarins Spas worldwide during their facials. She was trained by Clarins’ founder Mr. Jacques Courtin and is so passionate about what she does that I couldn’t help being caught up in the wake of her enthusiasm.

With Denise Bathe at Monseiur Bleu, a restaurant overlooking that iconic Tour Eiffel! She has BEAUTIFUL skin!

I also had the privilege to experience a Clarins facial at the Clarins Spa at the Hotel Molitor where we were put up, and I’m going to tell you right now that it feels EXACTLY like the Clarins facials here in KL! I used to frequent the Clarins Spa at BSC and KLCC and guys, it’s EXACTLY the same! You don’t have to go to Paris to experience it haha! 😀

I’m going to save the pressure technique for another day (or we’ll be here all day!) but what I wanted to share was how to use the Clarins Treatment Essence. Denise tells us there are 3 ways, all of which are effective.

• Use a cotton pad – Drop some of the treatment essence on a cotton pad to saturate it, and pat it over your skin. This takes the least amount of time and is good for those who are in a hurry.
• Use your hands – Drop 1-2 drops of the treatment essence in your palm, warm it up between your palms, and pat it on your skin, tapping with your finger tips. This takes a little more time, and is good for your evening routine, or for those who are used to making a little more effort with their skincare routine. I use this method as I abhor wastage 😛
• Use it as a mask – Get a paper mask capsule (you can easily get these at Daiso – Clarins will have some available, but it isn’t their mainstay right now) soak it with the treatment essence and then lay it on skin for about 10 minutes for an intensive treatment.

My personal preference is to use my hands. I do it with all essences, and I don’t see why I should stop LOL! I dislike the wastage on the cotton pad, and I find that with hands, you actually use a little less product (I usually use 1-2 drop at most) and that means your 200ml bottle can last you quite a while!

Meeting the owners of Clarins!

I don’t meet brand owners every day, and even less so when it’s an international brand of repute. Clarins is one of the few major beauty brands out there who are still owned by family of the founder. It is currently helmed by the 2 sons of founder Jacques Courtin – Dr. Olivier Courtin-Clarins and Mr. Christian Courtin-Clarins, both of whom are incredibly friendly and down-to-earth.

How many Chairmans would allow a bunch of strangers into their office? Not many, I warrant, but Mr. Christian invited us in to show us where he worked, and showed us pictures of his family (all the Courtin-Clarins children are involved in the company in one way or another) without batting an eyelid. It was quite an experience!

Mr. Christian Courtin-Clarins is also very passionate about environment conservation and is personally involved in many Clarins’ CSR projects worldwide. For him, protecting nature is protecting our future for our future generation, and the Clarins group is very active in these endeavours. We are assured that they will keep innovating and developing their products to be better and kinder to the environment, as well as moving towards airless packaging and keeping prices affordable.

Dr. Olivier Courtain-Clarins has recently launched his book “Doctor, I want to be the fairest of them all”, a book containing 60 of the most asked beauty questions he receives, one for each year Clarins has been in existence (It’s in English!) It’s adorably illustrated, and proceeds will go towards arthritis research. I haven’t had any information on whether it’s available in Malaysia, but you can get it on the international Clarins websites.

I always end up with weird pictures of me like this all the time haha! Having my book autographed by the author himself, who looks a little perplexed!

It was a humbling experience to meet both these driving forces behind the global success of the Clarins brand, and to realise that they are unpretentious and very personable people who love what they do, who love their work, and who are passionate about their incidental pursuits and the growth of their company.

Grab your sample!

So there you have it. The highlights of the Clarins x MWS adventure with Paris in Paris haha! 😀 I had an amazing time, I learned a lot and I hope I’ve managed to share some of what I’ve learned with you, so you understand a little more about these Clarins Anti-Aging Treatment Essences and what they’re for.

Paris dreaming of Paris while cruising down the River Seine – I loved this shot! 😀 We waited so long for the flag to unfurl properly and I swear I was almost sunburnt! 

I will be posting my review in about 2 weeks so I’d suggest you grab your sample now, give it a go and then in 2 weeks, come and share your thoughts with me.

GET YOUR SAMPLE! If you’d like to sample this Treatment Essence (I’m only posting my review in about 2 weeks from now so you can try it and share your experience when I share mine) CLICK HERE to get your sample (Malaysia only)!

Do these new treatment essences intrigue you?

They are available at counters from now, so go and have a play. Because some of you on Instagram asked, I checked with Clarins Paris and was told that the Treatment Essences are available only in Asia for now, because we are more receptive to a more complicated skincare routine. But who knows, they might expand to the rest of the world later, if people are receptive to the product! Now, go, get your sample and let me know if you enjoyed this post enough to try the product 😉

Paris B

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The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey Expert Review

Read article : The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey Expert Review

Not all luxury brands are created equal, and not all Ritz-Carlton hotels are either. This incarnation, for example, goes above and beyond with its attention to detail, top-rate service, and one-of-a-kind amenities. Whether you’re on a family vacation or in LA on business, this hotel will cater to your every need and does so with a smile. It may be pricey, but this hotel is most definitely worth the cost.

One of the coolest perks of the hotel is the partnership they have with Porsche. You can book a package with your room that also includes the Porsche Experience Center where you can try out any model and fly around their various tracks.

room

Whether you’re on the club level, booking a suite, or staying in a standard king, every room faces the Marina and all have balconies with stellar views of the water. In-room amenities include smart TVs (you can sign in to your Netflix account), turndown service, and terry cloth bathrobes.

bathroom

White marble floors and sinks give way to lighted vanity mirrors and shower/tub combos. The hotel uses designer Asprey bath products.

lobby

The small and simple lobby is more of a pass through for guests to get to the in-house restaurant and bar.

pool

One of the gems of the hotel is the giant heated pool and Jacuzzi that’s open 24/7. Here, guests can eat and drink at Wave Restaurant and Bar or reserve pool-side cabanas for lazy days in and out of the sun.

Next to the pool are two tennis courts and a basketball court. The hotel can set up lessons and also holds cardio tennis classes.

spa

Spa del Rey is the hotel’s spa and features six treatment rooms for everything from manicures and facials to massages and body wraps.

gym

The hotel’s fitness center is also open 24/7 and is equipped with Life Fitness cardio machines and free weights. TVs are built right into the machines in case you want to get pumped to Wolf Blitzer while you sweat.

If you want to get a work out around the Marina or beach, you can rent bicycles for $10/hour.

dining

Cast & Plow is the signature restaurant of the hotel for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is ample seating outside where guests can dine next to fire pits and watch the giant boats come in and out of the Marina.

Dying to taste other restaurants in the area? Hop into the hotel’s complimentary car that will drop you off and pick you up within a 4-mile radius.

drinking

Not necessarily a drinking hotspot, there is a bar in Cast & Plow and at Wave by the pool. For club lounge members, on the 11th floor, there’s an open bar as well as snacks and other treats throughout the day.

Napa Valley Spa Day: Mud Bath in Calistoga!

Read article : Napa Valley Spa Day: Mud Bath in Calistoga!

Have you ever had a mud bath? Have you ever heard of something or saw a picture or video of something and just decided you had to do it? Well that was me after I saw a picture of a friend on Instagram taking a Napa Valley mud bath. Last summer I went on a girl’s getaway to Napa Valley. While planning our trip, I mentioned to the ladies that we should do a spa day. There are amazing spas all over Napa Valley but Calistoga is known as the mud bath capital of the U.S.! The mud in Calistoga contains volcanic ash. It is mixed with mineral water located in the hot springs. This combination is thought to be very healing and nutritious for the skin. I just learned there is actually a name for this-“fangotherapy”. These are treatments that involve mud.

Napa Valley Spa Day: Mud Bath in Calistoga!" width="740" height="555" />Indian Springs Calistoga

Our Napa Valley mud bath adventure began when we checked into Indian Springs Resort & Spa in Calistoga. It is a beautiful tropical oasis in Calistoga. The resort itself consists of a lodge, bungalows and cottages of Spanish architecture. They have several pools including the Olympic size mineral pool. SF magazine named the pool at Indian Springs “2016 Best Pool”. It was recently remodeled and offers poolside dining and beverage service. In addition, Sam’s Social Club offers American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We checked into the spa which offers massages, body treatments, facials and of course-mud & mineral baths.

Napa Valley Mud Bath at Indian Springs Resort and Spa in Calistoga!" width="740" height="900" />

From our arrival at Indian Springs spa the service was impeccable. It was a party of 9 women but they handled all our appointments with ease. A few of the ladies in our party decided to be brave and try the mud bath. We were first directed to a changing and relaxation area. One of the things I loved about this property was the indoor outdoor feel. The relaxation area was located outside with water fountains, creeks and palms trees. Prior to our mud bath, we were asked to rinse off in the shower and remove…everything! Yes it is a bath so you were expected to do it naked. However, you are not in a private room. There were 4 mud bath tubs in a large room with showers located on the back wall. Fortunately, one of my friends was in the bath right next to me. We really bonded that day lol. The mud was very heavy and very warm. Once inside the tub a spa assistant covered us from neck to toe in mud and even smothered some on our cheeks. We were told to relax in the bath for 15-20 minutes. And guess what-it was relaxing! After the bath we were escorted to the showers. The mud was surprisingly easy to wash off. My skin didn’t initially feel any different but the treatment did not stop there.

Napa Valley Mud Bath at Indian Springs Resort and Spa in Calistoga!" width="740" height="900" />Don’t I look pretty? 🙂

Napa Valley Mud Bath at Indian Springs Resort and Spa in Calistoga!" width="740" height="900" />

After the mud bath and our showers we sat in a mineral bath in an adjacent room. After the mineral bath we were led into a steam room for about 10 minutes. This was followed by a room in which you were alone, laying on a bed cooling off for about 10-15 minutes. I can’t even explain to you how pampered and relaxed I felt at that moment! And yes, my skin did feel incredibly soft. And, the spa day kept going! It was time for my massage. After my 50 minute massage I joined my friends at one of the outdoor pools surrounded by gorgeous plants and mountainous views of Napa Valley. I honestly did not want to leave!

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If you are ever in Napa Valley I highly recommend going to Calistoga for a mud bath. The Indian Springs Resort & Spa is the perfect place to have this experience. Have you ever had a mud bath? If so where?

Be sure to read my other helpful posts on Napa Valley wineries and restaurants if you are planning a trip there!

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5 Luxury Spas in Marrakech

Read article : 5 Luxury Spas in Marrakech

Marrakech is best known for its historic medina and souks filled with spices, colorful textiles, and leather goods. The tourist-packed streets can sometimes be more of a source of stress than pleasure, but luckily, the city is also filled with luxurious spas to offer visitors a respite from the hustle and bustle. After a busy day at the markets, indulge in a moment of peace at one of Marrakech’s most outstanding spas.

Le Spa at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

Inspired by Middle Eastern traditions and contemporary treatments, Le Spa offers salon services, facials, massages, and signature treatments. The sumptuous hammam also offers teen and kids' treatments specifically designed to introduce a younger generation to the benefits of relaxation and proper skin care. Le Spa has two suites located within their spa pavilion, each with its own private garden, Watsu pool, used for aquatic bodywork and passive aquatic therapy, and Rhasou, a clay mineral found in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco used in bath rituals to clean the body. The use of the spa pavilion is available for half- or full-day spa experiences.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech

Inspired by the historic cathedrals and mosques of the Andalusia, the Spa at Mandarin Oriental focuses on health, holistic healing, and rejuvenation. The spa has six treatment rooms, including two suites, all with private gardens that provide an outdoor space for guests to reflect and relax pre- or post-treatment. In addition, there are two Moroccan hammams, a beauty salon, and a hairdresser. There’s also a dedicated Thai massage room with private walled gardens and outdoor treatment areas.

The Spa Namaskar at Palais Namaskar

With products from Aromatherapy Associates and ila, two brands that only use organic and natural ingredients, The Spa Namaskar creates a holistic sensory experience. The innovative spa menu has programs dedicated to stress management, anti-aging treatments, and even a rose pregnancy retreat with prenatal spa services. By using all-natural ingredients, the spa facilitates a connection between the guest, the therapist, and the elements.

The Clarins Spa at Royal Palm Marrakech

Inspired by a Moroccan palace, The Clarins Spa is fully dedicated to well-being and beauty. The treatment menu is a combination of Moroccan traditions and the professional technical expertise of the Clarins brand. Beyond the massage rooms and hammam, the spa’s relaxation area features a pool, yoga pavilion, hair and beauty salon, barber, and a bar serving fresh fruit juices. Private areas reserved for women include a sauna with shower cascade, hammam, ice bath, and private garden.

La Sultana Spa at La Sultana Marrakech

One of the most calming spas in the city, La Sultana has two hammams along with a Jacuzzi, sauna, beauty center, hairdresser, balneotherapy baths, and indoor as well as open-air massage spaces. The La Sultana experience is magical, and one should plan to spend hours there. Same-day appointments are rarely available, so book in advance.

In my beauty bag: Natalie Back

Read article : In my beauty bag: Natalie Back

Last updated 07:40, December 11 2014

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TOP TIPS FOR GREAT SKIN: Don't smoke, get plenty of sleep and cleanse your skin every night, says Natalie Back.

In her job as national beauty sales manager for Farmers, Natalie Back has access to all the cosmetics a girl could ever dream of. Unsurprisingly, her cabinet is bursting with all the latest products – let's take a peek.

SKIN

I'm a bit of a soft touch for anything claiming to help address the signs of ageing, so I tend to use a mix of products and brands.

Good cleansing is key, so I like to use Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover and Galatee Confort Cleanser in the evening and my Clarisonic Cleansing Brush with Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser in the morning. This might sound like overkill but these products work well together, and my skin feels amazing afterwards. I've used a Clarisonic brush for a couple of years now, and am thrilled we finally have these available in New Zealand at Farmers!

I can be a bit hit-and-miss with toners, but alternate between Clinique Clarifying Lotion and Estee Lauder Micro Essence. I love the way Micro Essence applies like a toner but acts like a serum.

I always follow with at least one, sometimes two, serums. At the moment I'm using Clinique's Smart Serum. I'm also a huge fan of Elizabeth Arden's Prevage Intensive Repair Serum, and tend to use this in the evening to target key areas of concern. 

I'm a huge advocate of using as a good eye cream, and can't go past Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate as this addresses all of my key concerns – puffiness, lines and firmness. 

As I've become more concerned with the signs of ageing, I prefer a moisturiser that helps increase hydration, and improve radiance and firmness, without being too heavy. Currently I use Clarins Super Restorative Day and Super Restorative Night Creams which are great for this.

When I want to give my skin an extra boost, I use Clinique Instant Turnaround Facial.  It's a quick and easy-to-use exfoliating treatment, and my skin always feels incredibly smooth afterwards

I like to wear an SPF every day, and use Clinique CC Cream with SPF30 all year round - either on its own or as a primer. It's great for evening out your skin tone while providing protection. If I plan to be in the sun for extended periods I use Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense for Face SPF50.  For my body, I generally use one of the Clarins Sun Protection products, as they provide a range of SPFs to choose from and I like the spray application.

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I love facials but don't have them often – they tend to be more a treat when I'm travelling.  My most memorable one was at the Mandara Spa at the Sofitel in Fiji. I had the works – a Balinese body polish and massage, followed by an Elemis Brilliance facial and scalp massage.  It was pure luxury and I felt like I was floating six inches above the ground when I left.

My secrets to good skin? Don't smoke! Get plenty of sleep. Cleanse your skin every night - no matter how tired you are - and always wear good eye cream and sunscreen.

MAKEUP

I have two older sisters so was introduced to the wonders of makeup about age 10. This was in the era of brands like Helena Rubenstein and Mary Quant when it was all about colour and glitter! I think I was about 13 when I bought my first Maybelline Eye Shadow Quad, and can still remember my delight at being given my own mascara and lip gloss on my 14th birthday. It was all downhill from there!

Most of my colour products tend to be from Bobbi Brown. My favourites are the Skin Foundation Stick, as it's quick and easy to apply and great to keep in my bag for touch-ups; Tinted Eye Brightener to help conceal under-eye shadows; Longwear Gel Eyeliner, as it stays in place all day (I love both Graphite and Chocolate Shimmer); and my can't-live-without-product – the Brow Kit! 

My must-have mascara at the moment is Lancome Grandiose. This is amazing for volume, definition and curl, and the angled brush makes it easy to apply without the dreaded clumps.

M.A.C. is my go-to brand for pencils. I like the Powerpoint Pencil for my eyes and Pro Longwear Pencil for my lips. I've just discovered Morning Coffee, and love how it goes with so many lipstick shades. I must confess to also having more than a few M.A.C. lipsticks in my possession, as I'm always on the lookout for that one perfect shade. 

I make sure I always have my Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick, Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector, at least one lip pencil and lipstick, and a bottle of Optrex Eye Drops in my handbag.

I try to keep makeup to a minimum over the weekends, but will usually wear CC cream, mascara, lipgloss, brow makeup and a touch of blusher.

HAIR

I wash my hair every second day with John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shampoo and Conditioner. It helps to maintain my colour and keep it in good condition. 

Prior to styling, I give my hair a light spritz with L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil to help protect it from the heat, and then apply Davines This Is A Volume Boosting Mousse. To create texture I finish with Davines This Is A Medium Hold Finishing Gum.

My favourite salon is Killer Hair in St Benedicts St, Auckland. I've been going to Steven and Mimi for about nine years now, and they're amazing! I always keep my hair short but can get bored with it easily, and they're always happy to help me look at ways to change it up a bit. 

My hair tends to grow quickly, so I get it cut every five weeks or so, and coloured every second visit.  In between colours I re-touch the roots at home with L'Oreal Casting. Being short my hair usually stays in OK condition, but every couple of weeks I use Hask Argan Oil Deep Repairing Conditioner. It comes in a sachet so it is easy to travel with as well.

I have strong hair that needs to be styled every day, unfortunately, with a hairdryer and straighteners and I use GHD for both. I also have mini Cloud Nine Straighteners that are brilliant for travelling and short hair.

FRAGRANCE & BODY

I tend to choose my fragrance based on my mood, the occasion or the season. I do have a few favourites though, with Narciso Rodriguez For Her being a mainstay. I'm also really enjoying wearing Balenciaga Paris at the moment.  

After progressing on from Charlie, some of my earliest fragrances were Miss Worth, White Linen, Rive Gauche and Arpege. In more recent times I've enjoyed wearing Juicy Couture, Flowerbomb, Ellie Saab, Modern Muse, and Miss Dior.

For body, I love the Clarins Tonic Bath and Shower Concentrate, and use it in the shower every morning. When I want to wind down I love to soak in the bath with Clarins Relaxing Bath and Shower Concentrate. I also like to give these as gifts, as I think they're a little bit of luxury few women afford themselves.

I like non-scented body lotions and alternate between Nivea Firming Body Lotion Q10 Plus and Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion. 

LIFESTYLE

My beauty philosophy? From birth to 20 you have the skin you were born with. From 20 onwards you have the skin you deserve. So take good care of it while you can!

My beauty tip for travelling is as soon as the lights are out on a long-haul flight, remove your makeup and apply a moisturising mask and lip balm. I usually apply Clarins Beauty Flash Balm and Hydra Quench Lip Balm.

When it comes to shopping for beauty products, I'm the ultimate consumer. Through my job I get to see products six to nine months before they launch. As a result I usually have a list of products I'm planning to buy and their launch dates in my diary!  Luckily for me, Farmers now stocks all the brands I love to use.

Audrey Hepburn is my beauty icon. She had such a classic style and timeless beauty, and I love her philosophy that true beauty can only come from within. Her favourite poem, Time Tested Beauty Tips by Sam Levenson, is a must-read.

The one product I can't live without is Bobbi Brown Brow Makeup.

My best quick fix is to always keep a cream concealer on hand to instantly brighten the under-eye area, illuminate cheekbones, create a smooth lipline and help correct any little application errors.

A beauty mistake from my past was anything I did in the '80s! I can still see the lovely strips of bright eye colour from lash to brow.

My beauty pet hate is women wearing the wrong shade of foundation (usually too dark), and overly exaggerated eyebrows.

If I could wave a magic wand, the beauty bugbear I'd like to fix is cellulite! I would love a product that really did instantly smooth it.

The beauty product I think needs be invented is a customised foundation system where your perfect shade could be expertly blended to match your skin tone.

- As told to Melissa Williams-King

 - Stuff

Stop the Stress: 15 Real People Share Their Go-To Relaxation Methods

Read article : Stop the Stress: 15 Real People Share Their Go-To Relaxation Methods

At the end of a long, stressful day, what do you most look forward to? Everyone has a different way of unwinding—for some people it's plopping down on the couch to watch their favorite show on Netflix, for others, it's going to the gym or taking a long hot shower. There's pretty much no limit to how you can relax and de-stress.

We asked people to tell us their favorite ways to relax, so if you don't have a go-to self-care method, one of these ideas is sure to inspire you.

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App-Guided Meditation:

"There are so many options on relaxing that I go to—yoga with my favorite instructors at Equinox (followed by a sauna session), booking an appointment at Drybar, sipping coffee at Kahve in Hell's Kitchen...but my absolutely favorite is meditation! My coworker turned me on to it with the app Insight Timer, and it is absolutely the best thing. After only a few weeks, I feel lighter, more productive, and dare I say happier! It REALLY works—I recommend guided mediation if you're a newbie, but any kind of meditation is good I think."

— Antonia in Manhattan, NY

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Crocheting and Knitting:

"I've always crocheted, and learned to knit several years ago. It's how I unwind and release stress and tension built up during the day. It's a sort of meditation for me....I block out the world and concentrate on counting stitches and the movement of my hands. A lot of people are still alive because I crochet and knit."

— Christine in Orange, CA

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Watching Weird YouTube Videos:

"Lately I've been totally obsessed with watching people cut open squishy toys on Youtube—that and the people who make slime. It's so relaxing! Or people who make miniature sized foods."

—Abby in Camden, ME

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Cooking a Grandparent-Approved Dinner:

"A few years ago I found myself in a food dessert in Omaha—there were no real grocery stores anywhere near, so putting together dinner became incredibly stressful. I have since moved back to my home city of Minneapolis, where there are many great grocery stores very close, and as a result the act of making dinner has become weirdly soothing to me after work. I've especially been exploring recipes from Eastern Europe—where my grandparents came from—so making dinner has become a little adventure, in that I am sort of traveling through time, to my grandparents dinner tables, and space, to Russia or Belarus or Ukraine. It's a great way to take my mind off the day of work and get ready to settle in for the evening."

— Max in Minneapolis, MN

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Music, Coloring Books and Phone Calls:

I've had Fibromyalgia since I was 16, so my process of unwinding/relaxing is crucial—but it also varies each day. What I do: Listen to my favorite musicians that either calm me or just make me happy (i.e. The Lumineers, Sam Cooke, Mumford & Sons, Jack Johnson, etc.). Adult coloring books have recently become one of my favorite ways to unwind after a busy day—I just lay on my bed and get to coloring and after an hour or so I actually feel more relaxed and less stressed after a hectic work day.

I'll also go for a walk—after 7 or 8pm, when it gets a bit more quiet and less busy outside my building. I just put my headphones in and take a casual walk around the block—or a few blocks—and sometimes that's all I need to unwind. Or, I'll take a long shower with music playing on my speakers—sometimes the best way to relax is a nice hot shower and (badly) singing along to my favorite songs. On really bad days I like to give my boyfriend and/or my parents a call. Hearing their voices and positive words after an especially trying day works wonders for me and distracts me from whatever was stressing me out earlier in the day."

— Lisa in Manhattan, NY

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A Playlist and a Hoverboard:

"After an especially long day I like to grab my hoverboard (which I have actually never taken outside) and roam around my home with a specialized playlist I entitled, 'Entrance Music.' It's a fun way to unwind, and whenever I have company over it turns into something pretty entertaining and fun."

—CJin Los Angeles, CA

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Walking in the Park:

"Long walks usually work for me, especially near water or in a park. Prospect Park is great for this."

—Aura in Brooklyn, NY

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Going for a Swim:

"Almost every evening, I head to my health club and unwind by swimming laps and doing aqua-calisthenics in the swimming pool, followed by a relaxing hot soak in the jacuzzi. Swimming is great exercise and also a bit of a social gathering as I tend to see the same 'gym friends' each day, and we catch up on our lives in the hot tub as the jets are massaging our tense muscles. Afterwards, I may go into the steam room or sauna and indulge in a bit of beauty treatments—facials, applying hair conditioner, exfoliation and lots of moisturizer. I leave rejuvenated and glowing!

— Samuella in Manhattan, NY

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Taking a Hot Bath:

"Taking a nice long hot bath in a dark room with candles is by far the best way I personal relax. A bath is so important for my mental health that when apartment searching it is pretty much my only requirement. Besides the benefits of muscle relaxation and scented candles, I believe a bath is extra helpful since it requires me to unplug from all electronics and actually take some 'me' time."

— Brittany in Miami, FL

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Enjoying the View:

"I actually call it Sonia time. I turn off the tv and look out the window (I have a great view) and take in deep breaths and exhale while sitting there and staring out. Sometimes there maybe wine. Sometimes soft spa music. It makes me feel like I'm away somewhere else. I just sit and look. I'm on the 32nd floor and have a lake view on one side and a city view on the other. If I'm looking out at the city I'm enjoying that I'm not busy compared to those people on their way somewhere—for the water side it's just pure calm."

— Sonia in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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Going Window Shopping:

"I find time to relax by window shopping at local antiques and thrift stores. It is retail therapy without the costs. The shops are a few blocks from my home office so I take about an hour shop and stroll to get away from my computer to recharge. Not mention I get to burn a few calories and catch up with my neighbors."

— Michiel in Walterboro, SC

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Going for a Drive:

"Personally, I like to take a long drive, with no objective other than to see new things and listen to music. Otherwise, a glass of wine and my best friend are basically the antidote to any stressful day."

— Brianna in Lancaster, PA

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Practicing Tai Chi:

"I am a big fan of Tai Chi, but I also do water aerobics, massage, acupuncture, knitting, reading, hanging out with friends, and watching TV to de-stress. I started learning Tai Chi about 12 years ago and have gotten progressively addicted over the years. I now know the choreography of 2 different forms and I absolutely love it. It is a way to both relax and focus. I even guest teach when the regular backup cannot be there. I have met great people, it has helped my balance, improved my bone density and helped calm my mind. I just love it."

— Paige in Cambridge, MA

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Studying Ballet:

"I'm an amateur ballet dancer. I danced in my youth and took it up again despite having limited time due to having a career and family. Every week I have a private dance lesson with a teacher who is devoted to my goal to improve my technique. I get a wonderful workout, I engage in creative expression, and I leave every class feeling physically and mentally recharged."

— Ebonee in Washington, D.C.

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Playing Video Games:

"Putting in so many hours as an entrepreneur, you can bet relaxation is hard to come by. However, one of the things I do to try and calm myself is play video games. Whether it's a game on my PS4 or a game on my iPhone, I try to take a couple breaks throughout the day to turn my brain off and play video games. It helps me escape temporarily from the pressures of the day."

—Chris in Houston, TX

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Now it's your turn: What's your favorite way to unwind?