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Boasting three major theme parks (Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Sea World), a great climate and convenience to the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, Orlando, Florida, tops many families’ list for the ultimate vacay spot. Spa editors checked out the spa offerings at five top hotels in the area.
family fun
lori barbely
The Waldorf Astoria, Orlando
spamagazine.com 19
spalocal
Florida
play time
The hilTon orlando
Yes, it’s attached to a convention center, but with the chic decor and copious amenities, it says vacay more than work. Meeting space is confined to the lower level so you won’t notice it if you don’t need to, and all that convention business keeps room rates down. They’ll love The pool area houses an abundance of activities, including a zero-entry pool, lazy river (complete with inner tubes for floating), water slide, basketball court, running track and putting-green golf course. you’ll love The quieter spa pool features canvas-sided cabanas with refrigerators, ceiling fans, TVs and Wi-Fi. The 15-room spa specializes in small groups, providing side-by-side mani-pedis for guests of all ages and room service in the relaxation lounge between treatments. Kerstin Florian products make skin care your best bet here; we loved the Caviar Facial (80 minutes, $220). Rooms from $139, the hiltonorlando.com — Susan Moynihan
The Hilton Orlando Gaylord Palms Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The sprawling 867-room resort emits a sophisticated feel worthy of a couple’s getaway, but family-friendly touches hide behind every corner of the Victorian-inspired façade. By day the Beach Pool — complete with water slide, daily games and contests — is the place to be; nightly activities include campfires and Disney movies. They’ll love Disney characters Cinderella and Prince Charming mingle during dinner at 1900 Park Fare, while a daily kids-only afternoon “tea” (apple juice) with Alice and the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland leaves you with an hour to soak up the sun at the quiet Courtyard Pool. Plus, the Magic Kingdom is only one monorail stop away. you’ll love The 14-treatment-room Spa & Health Club, a short walk from the resort’s main building, features an
disney’s Grand Floridian resorT & spa
extensive menu of massage, skin care and body therapies. A kids’ menu (ages 4-12) includes 25-minute My First Facial treatments, educating younger guests on the importance of skin care. Book the Mother & Daughter Spa Day package (2.5 hours, $490), which comes with side-by-side massages, facials and mani-pedis. Rooms from $440, disney world.com — Amy Cassell Centered around a grand atrium, this 1,406-room resort brings a sense of place with Florida-themed attractions: take a walk through the misting everglades in the 360° glass atrium, watch an alligator feeding and have dinner at Sunset Sam’s fish camp, a Key Westthemed restaurant. They’ll love Clearwater Cove, a family-friendly pool, is equipped with an octopus-shaped water slide, shooting
Gaylord palms resorT
waterspouts, a waterfall and sand dunes. Putt around on the executive putting green — it’s right in the center of Coquina Dunes Recreation Center, an area jampacked with family-friendly activities. At the spa, make your girls look like the royalty they dream of, with a Princess Up-Do, Pedicure (30 minutes, from $50) and Make-Up 101 (30 minutes, from $35). Too girlie? How about a Wiggle Worm haircut, to make him (30 minutes, from $25) look like Prince Charming? you’ll love Nestled in the evergreen atrium of the resort, rejuvenate with a day at Relaché Spa. Our faves: the Blue Ocean pedicure (50 minutes, $85) and Lemongrass Ritual massage (80 minutes, $180), which uses pressure points to release energy blockages. Post-pampering, spend the day lounging in the steam room or sauna, or kick it up a notch in the expansive fitness center. Rooms from $149, gaylordhotels .com — Lauren Clark
20 spamagazine.com
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The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando, Grande Lakes
The WaldorF asToria, orlando
The legendary brand waited 107 years to open its second eponymous hotel, kin in spirit to the New York City original. The goal was to offer an elegant hotel option convenient to Orlando attractions but not overwhelmed by them. And although this Waldorf is technically inside the gates of the Disney property, it’s not all about theme parks here. From the decor (like a lobby clock to match the NY icon) to the amenities (outposts of the iconic Bull and Bear Steakhouse and live jazz in the Peacock Alley lobby bar), everything exudes classy, understated elegance. They’ll love The free shuttle service runs between the hotel, theme parks and Downtown Disney until 30 minutes after park closing. While the pool scene at the Waldorf is more about sunning and swimming, the hotel shares access with the Hilton Bonnet Creek next door, which has its own lazy river, water slide and nightly poolside “dive-in” movies. you’ll love The Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain is all about indulgence, with a full line of treatments involving the French product line. Our pick: The Waldorf Imperiale (2 hours, $360), which combines a heavenly scented body exfoliation and massage with a facial incorporating Guerlain’s unique lymphatic drainage technique for maximum effect. Rooms from $199, waldorfastoriaorlando.com — SM
As expected from a brand known for its service, the 582-room Ritz spoils guests with Italian accents and marble floors, world cuisine at Norman’s (from celeb chef Norman Van Aken), a Golf Club and central Florida’s largest spa, measuring in at 40,000 square feet. For added fun, a breezeway connects the recently renovated resort to the J.W. Marriott, with its kid-friendly lazy river and sand volleyball court. They’ll love Kids have their choice of two swimming pools — including a splash pool with playground — and complimentary transport to Sea World and Universal Orlando. At the spa, the menu features Princess Fizzing pedicures and manicures (using fizzing balls) and teen-focused facials and massage. When the Royal Tea commences in the lounge lobby with champagne for adults, the Peter Rabbit Tea serves up chocolate milk for the younger crowd. you’ll love Take the kids to the Ritz Kid’s Club for games and crafts while you enjoy the 40-room spa and three-level wellness center. Access grants use of the lap pool (for guests 16 and over), workout facility, Vitale Spa Café and a full line of amenities including a steam room, sauna and whirlpool area. Get a beauty fix with one of the dermatologist-developed facials incorporating the Ultra-Sonic machine — the only one in town. Rooms from $199, ritzcarlton.com — Tara Bradley
The riTz-CarlTon, orlando, Grande lakes
22 spamagazine.com
spalocal
haWaii
Hawaii has a new hangout: The Waikiki edition. Hip hotelier ian Schrager and Marriott hotels have combined their seemingly incongruous talents to create the new brand, which debuts with this 353-room happening. in addition to the eclectic artwork and the easy manners of a Converse-clad bell staff, guest rooms pair sexy sleek lines with breezy white decor. the harbor-side property has two glamorous pools for pretty-people-watching, but should the glare get too strong, the hotel’s small, light-filled spa helps restore perspective. the relaxation Massage (60 minutes, $145) uses lomi lomi to wipe out tension with plenty of forearm pressure and luscious rotuma oil — a rare Polynesian blend of nut, flower and leaf extractions. Step up the island vibe and enroll in a four-day Surf & bikini boot Camp, a wellness challenge offered four times a year that includes surfing, hiking, kayaking, yoga and more. but there’s no instruction for resisting the hotel’s temptations, including the nightclub-like scene at Iron Chef Morimoto’s stunning seafood restaurant. Rooms from $375, editionhotels.com — Liz Mazurski CaliFornia
new edition
Sunny delight
At Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa in San Diego, the term “farm fresh” doesn’t just apply to dishes in the res taurant — a number of spa treatments are created around local ingredients, particularly the namesake Valencia oranges that grow on property. April to November is the perfect time to take advantage of the latter, as Valencia is the only variety of oranges with a sum mer harvest. There are 14 citrus-based treatments on the spa menu — two standouts being The Essence, a tradi tional massage with orange-infused oils (60 minutes, $150), and the Tanger ine Tango, an invigorating sugar scrub using essential tangerine oil and sweet orange-blossom lotion (60 minutes, $160). Another big draw of the resort is the abundance of outdoor spaces: Select treatment rooms open up to private outdoor patios where one can rinse off in the outdoor shower or relax in a deep soaking tub. Terraces through out the property provide the perfect spot to dine alfresco or take in a sunset. Each of the 49 suites includes a private garden patio, an indoor fireplace and a deep soaking tub. Bonus: Free resort amenities include fitness classes and use of 18 championship tennis courts. Rooms from $490, ranchovalencia.com — Veronica Sooley
24 spamagazine.com
far left: trinette reed
spalocal
F E S T I V A L
4 DAYS OF YOGA, MUSIC & NATURE
SQUAW VALLEY USA
NORTH LAKE TAHOE, CA
• JULY 28-31, 2011 •
ojai Valley inn & Spa
Spas are going beyond body and finding creative ways to nurture the mind. Here are some of our faves.
by maryann hammers
Mind Games
YOGA BY
john friend seane corn shiva rea jonny kest
& many more
MUSIC BY
DooDle De-sTress With flickering candles, trickling fountains and soft music, Art Therapy “Playshops” (90 minutes, $80) bring out your inner artist and help you explore your creative side at Stanford Inn’s Mendocino Center for Wellbeing in Mendocino, California. Stress dissolves as you create your own collage or scribble on a big sheet of paper, then outline and fill in the shapes with colors. Complete your masterpiece with eyes, strings, fins — whatever you like. Rooms from $225, stanfordinn.com PICTure ThIs With its mountaindesert setting, Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona is a photographer’s paradise. Join a two-hour Evening Photography Walk (free) with the resort’s resident photography expert to hone your skills, get help composing the perfect shot and learn digital camera basics. Or opt for a one-on-one session (50 minutes, $130) with the expert to learn more advanced techniques like lighting, balance, composition, cropping, and adjusting color and contrast. Rooms from $525, including meals, miravalresorts.com
arTIsT’s haven Ojai Valley Inn & Spa in California boasts an adorable Artist’s Cottage and Apothecary, with courses in collage (90 minutes, $75). Get creative with a selection of paints, pastels, bits of tissue, magazine cutouts and items foraged from around the resort, or bring something significant and sentimental from home. Other classes include drawing, silk-scarf painting and watercolor, all taught by the resort’s rotating cast of Artists in Residence. Rooms from $400, ojairesort.com braIn Games Remember to join the Memory Enhancement workshop (50 minutes, $85 weekdays, $95 weekends) at Boulders Resort’s Golden Door Spa in Carefree, Arizona. Classical music (proven to enhance memory) plays in the background as you learn visual cues to activate recollection and learn about foods and stress-reduction techniques that can enhance your memory. You’ll also try memory-boosting techniques, test your recall ability with words and images, and play games like Sudoku and Memory. Rooms from $119, theboulders.com
MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD GIRL TALK THE WAILERS JAI UTTAL
& many more
TICKETS AND FULL LINEUP AT WWW.WANDERLUSTFESTIVAL.COM
26 spamagazine.com
WL_Squaw_SpaMagAd_2..pgs 05.11.2011 15:56
Boasting three major theme parks (Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Sea World), a great climate and convenience to the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, Orlando, Florida, tops many families’ list for the ultimate vacay spot. Spa editors checked out the spa offerings at five top hotels in the area.
family fun
lori barbely
The Waldorf Astoria, Orlando
spamagazine.com 19
spalocal
Florida
play time
The hilTon orlando
Yes, it’s attached to a convention center, but with the chic decor and copious amenities, it says vacay more than work. Meeting space is confined to the lower level so you won’t notice it if you don’t need to, and all that convention business keeps room rates down. They’ll love The pool area houses an abundance of activities, including a zero-entry pool, lazy river (complete with inner tubes for floating), water slide, basketball court, running track and putting-green golf course. you’ll love The quieter spa pool features canvas-sided cabanas with refrigerators, ceiling fans, TVs and Wi-Fi. The 15-room spa specializes in small groups, providing side-by-side mani-pedis for guests of all ages and room service in the relaxation lounge between treatments. Kerstin Florian products make skin care your best bet here; we loved the Caviar Facial (80 minutes, $220). Rooms from $139, the hiltonorlando.com — Susan Moynihan
The Hilton Orlando Gaylord Palms Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The sprawling 867-room resort emits a sophisticated feel worthy of a couple’s getaway, but family-friendly touches hide behind every corner of the Victorian-inspired façade. By day the Beach Pool — complete with water slide, daily games and contests — is the place to be; nightly activities include campfires and Disney movies. They’ll love Disney characters Cinderella and Prince Charming mingle during dinner at 1900 Park Fare, while a daily kids-only afternoon “tea” (apple juice) with Alice and the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland leaves you with an hour to soak up the sun at the quiet Courtyard Pool. Plus, the Magic Kingdom is only one monorail stop away. you’ll love The 14-treatment-room Spa & Health Club, a short walk from the resort’s main building, features an
disney’s Grand Floridian resorT & spa
extensive menu of massage, skin care and body therapies. A kids’ menu (ages 4-12) includes 25-minute My First Facial treatments, educating younger guests on the importance of skin care. Book the Mother & Daughter Spa Day package (2.5 hours, $490), which comes with side-by-side massages, facials and mani-pedis. Rooms from $440, disney world.com — Amy Cassell Centered around a grand atrium, this 1,406-room resort brings a sense of place with Florida-themed attractions: take a walk through the misting everglades in the 360° glass atrium, watch an alligator feeding and have dinner at Sunset Sam’s fish camp, a Key Westthemed restaurant. They’ll love Clearwater Cove, a family-friendly pool, is equipped with an octopus-shaped water slide, shooting
Gaylord palms resorT
waterspouts, a waterfall and sand dunes. Putt around on the executive putting green — it’s right in the center of Coquina Dunes Recreation Center, an area jampacked with family-friendly activities. At the spa, make your girls look like the royalty they dream of, with a Princess Up-Do, Pedicure (30 minutes, from $50) and Make-Up 101 (30 minutes, from $35). Too girlie? How about a Wiggle Worm haircut, to make him (30 minutes, from $25) look like Prince Charming? you’ll love Nestled in the evergreen atrium of the resort, rejuvenate with a day at Relaché Spa. Our faves: the Blue Ocean pedicure (50 minutes, $85) and Lemongrass Ritual massage (80 minutes, $180), which uses pressure points to release energy blockages. Post-pampering, spend the day lounging in the steam room or sauna, or kick it up a notch in the expansive fitness center. Rooms from $149, gaylordhotels .com — Lauren Clark
20 spamagazine.com
spalocal
The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando, Grande Lakes
The WaldorF asToria, orlando
The legendary brand waited 107 years to open its second eponymous hotel, kin in spirit to the New York City original. The goal was to offer an elegant hotel option convenient to Orlando attractions but not overwhelmed by them. And although this Waldorf is technically inside the gates of the Disney property, it’s not all about theme parks here. From the decor (like a lobby clock to match the NY icon) to the amenities (outposts of the iconic Bull and Bear Steakhouse and live jazz in the Peacock Alley lobby bar), everything exudes classy, understated elegance. They’ll love The free shuttle service runs between the hotel, theme parks and Downtown Disney until 30 minutes after park closing. While the pool scene at the Waldorf is more about sunning and swimming, the hotel shares access with the Hilton Bonnet Creek next door, which has its own lazy river, water slide and nightly poolside “dive-in” movies. you’ll love The Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain is all about indulgence, with a full line of treatments involving the French product line. Our pick: The Waldorf Imperiale (2 hours, $360), which combines a heavenly scented body exfoliation and massage with a facial incorporating Guerlain’s unique lymphatic drainage technique for maximum effect. Rooms from $199, waldorfastoriaorlando.com — SM
As expected from a brand known for its service, the 582-room Ritz spoils guests with Italian accents and marble floors, world cuisine at Norman’s (from celeb chef Norman Van Aken), a Golf Club and central Florida’s largest spa, measuring in at 40,000 square feet. For added fun, a breezeway connects the recently renovated resort to the J.W. Marriott, with its kid-friendly lazy river and sand volleyball court. They’ll love Kids have their choice of two swimming pools — including a splash pool with playground — and complimentary transport to Sea World and Universal Orlando. At the spa, the menu features Princess Fizzing pedicures and manicures (using fizzing balls) and teen-focused facials and massage. When the Royal Tea commences in the lounge lobby with champagne for adults, the Peter Rabbit Tea serves up chocolate milk for the younger crowd. you’ll love Take the kids to the Ritz Kid’s Club for games and crafts while you enjoy the 40-room spa and three-level wellness center. Access grants use of the lap pool (for guests 16 and over), workout facility, Vitale Spa Café and a full line of amenities including a steam room, sauna and whirlpool area. Get a beauty fix with one of the dermatologist-developed facials incorporating the Ultra-Sonic machine — the only one in town. Rooms from $199, ritzcarlton.com — Tara Bradley
The riTz-CarlTon, orlando, Grande lakes
22 spamagazine.com
spalocal
haWaii
Hawaii has a new hangout: The Waikiki edition. Hip hotelier ian Schrager and Marriott hotels have combined their seemingly incongruous talents to create the new brand, which debuts with this 353-room happening. in addition to the eclectic artwork and the easy manners of a Converse-clad bell staff, guest rooms pair sexy sleek lines with breezy white decor. the harbor-side property has two glamorous pools for pretty-people-watching, but should the glare get too strong, the hotel’s small, light-filled spa helps restore perspective. the relaxation Massage (60 minutes, $145) uses lomi lomi to wipe out tension with plenty of forearm pressure and luscious rotuma oil — a rare Polynesian blend of nut, flower and leaf extractions. Step up the island vibe and enroll in a four-day Surf & bikini boot Camp, a wellness challenge offered four times a year that includes surfing, hiking, kayaking, yoga and more. but there’s no instruction for resisting the hotel’s temptations, including the nightclub-like scene at Iron Chef Morimoto’s stunning seafood restaurant. Rooms from $375, editionhotels.com — Liz Mazurski CaliFornia
new edition
Sunny delight
At Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa in San Diego, the term “farm fresh” doesn’t just apply to dishes in the res taurant — a number of spa treatments are created around local ingredients, particularly the namesake Valencia oranges that grow on property. April to November is the perfect time to take advantage of the latter, as Valencia is the only variety of oranges with a sum mer harvest. There are 14 citrus-based treatments on the spa menu — two standouts being The Essence, a tradi tional massage with orange-infused oils (60 minutes, $150), and the Tanger ine Tango, an invigorating sugar scrub using essential tangerine oil and sweet orange-blossom lotion (60 minutes, $160). Another big draw of the resort is the abundance of outdoor spaces: Select treatment rooms open up to private outdoor patios where one can rinse off in the outdoor shower or relax in a deep soaking tub. Terraces through out the property provide the perfect spot to dine alfresco or take in a sunset. Each of the 49 suites includes a private garden patio, an indoor fireplace and a deep soaking tub. Bonus: Free resort amenities include fitness classes and use of 18 championship tennis courts. Rooms from $490, ranchovalencia.com — Veronica Sooley
24 spamagazine.com
far left: trinette reed
spalocal
F E S T I V A L
4 DAYS OF YOGA, MUSIC & NATURE
SQUAW VALLEY USA
NORTH LAKE TAHOE, CA
• JULY 28-31, 2011 •
ojai Valley inn & Spa
Spas are going beyond body and finding creative ways to nurture the mind. Here are some of our faves.
by maryann hammers
Mind Games
YOGA BY
john friend seane corn shiva rea jonny kest
& many more
MUSIC BY
DooDle De-sTress With flickering candles, trickling fountains and soft music, Art Therapy “Playshops” (90 minutes, $80) bring out your inner artist and help you explore your creative side at Stanford Inn’s Mendocino Center for Wellbeing in Mendocino, California. Stress dissolves as you create your own collage or scribble on a big sheet of paper, then outline and fill in the shapes with colors. Complete your masterpiece with eyes, strings, fins — whatever you like. Rooms from $225, stanfordinn.com PICTure ThIs With its mountaindesert setting, Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona is a photographer’s paradise. Join a two-hour Evening Photography Walk (free) with the resort’s resident photography expert to hone your skills, get help composing the perfect shot and learn digital camera basics. Or opt for a one-on-one session (50 minutes, $130) with the expert to learn more advanced techniques like lighting, balance, composition, cropping, and adjusting color and contrast. Rooms from $525, including meals, miravalresorts.com
arTIsT’s haven Ojai Valley Inn & Spa in California boasts an adorable Artist’s Cottage and Apothecary, with courses in collage (90 minutes, $75). Get creative with a selection of paints, pastels, bits of tissue, magazine cutouts and items foraged from around the resort, or bring something significant and sentimental from home. Other classes include drawing, silk-scarf painting and watercolor, all taught by the resort’s rotating cast of Artists in Residence. Rooms from $400, ojairesort.com braIn Games Remember to join the Memory Enhancement workshop (50 minutes, $85 weekdays, $95 weekends) at Boulders Resort’s Golden Door Spa in Carefree, Arizona. Classical music (proven to enhance memory) plays in the background as you learn visual cues to activate recollection and learn about foods and stress-reduction techniques that can enhance your memory. You’ll also try memory-boosting techniques, test your recall ability with words and images, and play games like Sudoku and Memory. Rooms from $119, theboulders.com
MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD GIRL TALK THE WAILERS JAI UTTAL
& many more
TICKETS AND FULL LINEUP AT WWW.WANDERLUSTFESTIVAL.COM
26 spamagazine.com
WL_Squaw_SpaMagAd_2..pgs 05.11.2011 15:56
