Spa Week Fall 2011, presented by Carefree, is happening October 10th-16th with the founding mission of making the spa lifestyle accessible to ALL. This Fall, 800 spas and wellness facilities across North America are participating, offering 2-3 of their top spa services for just $50 a piece (normally $75-$500). Massages, facials, acupuncture, fitness class packages, eyelash extensions, Botox… the options are endless! Booking has now begun. Browse all treatments in your city on www.spaweek.com. It is recommended to book as soon as possible for preferred treatments and time slots.

And now for Spa Week’s top 10 spa trends for fall:

1. Shirodhara
We know what you’re thinking: Shiro-whata? Don’t try this at dinner, but drizzling warm sesame oil onto one’s forehead is extremely therapeutic. Shirodhara, which dates back to India circa 5000 years ago, is now being incorporated into more and more spa menus, and seen as an add-on to Western treatments like body wraps and Swedish Massages.

It’s the good kind of oil spill: The ritual’s steady spilling brings physical and emotional balance while giving hair an extreme conditioning. Shirodhara is known to calm nerves, release stored emotions, purify the mind, and fight fatigue, anxiety, insomnia and headaches.

2. Bamboo Massage
De-knot your body by getting rolled out like a sugar cookie with a Bamboo rolling pin-esque Massage. The massage therapist will knead, glide and roll a Bamboo reed along shoulders, back and legs to pamper and penetrate tense muscles.

The benefits of Bamboo-ing: Bamboo Massage promotes blood circulation, improves sensory nerve perception, and does lymphatic drainage. Bamboo also symbolizes longevity, luck and strength, making it a somewhat spiritual spa experience.

3. Cupping and Gua Sha
Did you ever wish you could literally suck or scrape the pain and soreness right out of your body? With the ancient Chinese healing therapies of cupping and Gua Sha, you can!

How it works: Cupping uses suction on the skin’s surface to “suck” stagnant blood from deep beneath the surface, and Gua Sha “scrapes” the skin to mobilize blood flow in a similar fashion. Both alternative therapies provide extreme pain and tension relief, especially on the back. These therapies are becoming more and more mainstream, despite the temporary bruising it causes, as new consumers experience their drastic benefits.

4. Acupressure
No pressure to get pricked here. Acupressure employs the concept of acupuncture, (the granddaddy of healing) only rather than needles, it uses physical pressure of hands, elbows and other devices. Practitioners target specific points along the body’s energy pathways, or “meridians,” to encourage healing and balance in the individual.

What it’s good for: Relief from allergies, chronic arthritis pain and migraines; pain-sufferers can reap the benefits of this ancient Chinese medicine without fear of being poked.

5. Boozing with Benefits
It’s always happy hour at the spa, but more and more spas are incorporating alcohol into their treatment offerings.

On the cocktail menu: Champagne and wine-infused treatments can smooth skin tissue, stimulate blood flow and are a powerful ingredient in anti-aging. Beer yeast is rich in elements that increase skin elasticity and improve acne by suppressing sebum. Even Scotch Whiskey is showing up on the spa scene; it’s full of sugars, minerals and vitamin B6, giving it excellent hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties.

6. Shellac Attack
There’s been a lot of hype around UV Manicures, especially the popular Shellac Manicure since it first launched last Spring – the hard lustrous finish! The zero dry-time! The 14-day no chipping/smudging/denting promise! And did you see the Shellac flash mob? A cross between gels and a regular manicure, products like Shellac and Axxium are certainly no fad, as the color selection gets larger and trendier each season.

Why Shellac? Spa-goers love Shellac Manicures because they get a long lasting, no-mess result, and spas love them just as much because it brings in new clients and revenue, without increasing the service time. Shellac Manicures are a win-win!

7. Men’s Treatments
Did you know men make up for 31% of active spa-goers? And did you know the most common spa packages offered are for men, with 45% of U.S. spas offering such a package? By incorporating no-frills, guy-friendly scents like sandalwood, mustard seed, eucalyptus and thyme, spas are able to successfully market to men.

What services are considered guy-friendly? Hot Shaves, Gentlemen’s Facials, Golf Ball Massages and more have enticed male consumers to experiment and experience the health benefits of the spa just as frequently as their female counterparts (who, oftentimes, are the ones who got them hooked!)

8. Mobile Spas  (not to be confused with Spa Week’s Mobile App)With more and more mobile food establishments rolling around the country serving gourmet dishes and desserts, spas aren’t far behind. One of the emerging trends is getting your massage, facial, or other spa service street-side, in a spa on wheels.

Why go mobile? Mobile spas are in high demand as they conveniently bring the day spa experience right to your home, office or venue. With gas prices at an all-time high, the mobile spa experience saves time and money, and is now a popular and sought-after addition to wellness and bridal parties and even corporate events.

9. Deep Sea Spa-ing
The word “spa” is derived from water, so it is a wonder that water-based spa treatments are so often overlooked. The Jacuzzi is perhaps the most well-known version of “hydro-therapy,” but more and more aquatic treatments like Hammam Rituals, Vichy Showers and Watsu are a booming trend, especially in hotel spas.

How to H2O: Each of these water treatments utilized hydro-thermal therapy to relax tight and sore muscles and promote smooth and cleansed skin all while stimulating blood circulation to promote healing. Hammam Rituals combine heat, aromatherapy, steam, bubbles, water and mud to cleanse the skin and detoxify the body. A Vichy Shower is a unique aquatic therapy that invigorates your body while laying flat under powerful water jets, inspired by treatments used in the French city, Vichy. Watsu, short for water Shiatsu, is a massage performed in a warm, shallow pool.  As the water gently cradles the guest so the massage therapist can work the full 360 degrees of your body.

10.  Spa with a Conscience
“Green” spas and treatments are thriving right now in the industry; spa owners are making critical revisions by incorporating renewable energy, holistic and eco-friendly services and indigenous ingredients into their businesses, and it’s paying off in the long run.

But how? More and more consumers are considering a spa’s environmental philosophy, along with price and location in their decision to visit a new spa. Spas are practicing conservation by purchasing organic linens, biodegradable aesthetic gauze and eco-friendly cleaning supplies to keep each guest sanitary and safe during their appointment. How’s that for a feel-good spa day?

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

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There is no better time to be pampered than during pregnancy (I should know–I had 4 boys!) For nine months, your body is changing and growing, which can add some unexpected aches and pains. But many women don’t realize that prenatal massage can be an effective way to reduce anxiety, stress, and the aches and pains caused by poor circulation during pregnancy.

Colleen Bryan, of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, has offered A Girl’s Gotta Spa! readers several pointers on what pregnant women should know concerning prenatal massage:

Wait until your second trimester. As a rule of thumb, you should wait until the first trimester is over before coming in for a massage. The second trimester is typically when the belly begins to grow and the body is changing, anyway, so that’s usually the time that women are experiencing stress or discomfort.

It’s more than just relaxation. Although relaxation is a large part of a prenatal massage, there are also many health benefits associated with the service. As a woman begins to carry excess weight, her posture changes and she can have back aches, headaches, shoulder aches and neck aches. A massage can decrease those pains, as well as pain in the pelvic and hip area. It also increases circulation, improves digestion and can reduce fatigue.

Massage therapists will adapt to your needs. Therapists trained in prenatal massage know how to accommodate the body of a pregnant woman. The entire massage is conducted in the face-up position, and the woman can be turned on to her side while propped up by pillows. A massage therapist trained in prenatal massage will work the entire body, just differently than how they would with another client.

More massage = better results. As with any form of massage, the effects are cumulative. With a pregnant woman, I would recommend receiving a massage once a month throughout the second and third trimesters. In addition to the health benefits, receiving regular massages helps a woman learn how to stay calm and focus on their breathing, which can in turn help them in the delivery room to stay relaxed.

Find a Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa near you at www.handandstone.com.

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

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Everyone loves to be indulged and to feel exceptional. Going to a spa can not only relax painful muscles but it can also relieve tension. While going to the spa can be nice, it is also expensive. Some people may be apprehensive about their budgets and spending money on a day at the spa may not be feasible.

An alternative is to pamper yourself with an at home spa day. With these five simple steps, you can release your stress and calm your tender muscles, all without the high price tag. Here are a few guidelines to turn your home spa into a reality:

1. Taking a long, hot bath can be super relaxing. It can ease the muscles and provide a bit of rejuvenation. By slipping some lavender oil or bath salts into the water, you can wash your troubles away. Try putting an eye mask on, either hot or cold, as you soak. A bath pillow can also provide a great way to lounge in the tub. By lighting candles surrounding the tub, it creates ambiance and makes you want to linger.

Another great tip: have someone throw your robe in the dryer for a few minutes. The warm robe feels wonderful after the bath!

2. Music can provide a peaceful calm after a long hard day. Put on some soft easy listening music and light some candles. Put your feet up with a glass of wine. Most spas concentrate on music and scents to create the mood for relaxation. Have a spouse rub your feet while listening to relaxing tunes. A foot rub is a great way to relieve pressure and can actually stop a headache. This is a great way to create a relaxing atmosphere in your own home, for free.

3. Getting a massage from a partner is another effective way to just diminish cares. Using essential oils and lotions, a massage can work out all those kinks in the neck and back and make you feel like a million bucks. Working essential oils such as lavender, Chamomile or Neroli into your skins can simply relax every bone in your body.

4. Doing home facial treatments, like mud masks or scrubs, are just the way to make your face feel fresh and clean. Spas focus on expensive mud treatments and body scrubs, for the ultimate poor cleansing and relaxation. Most of these products can be purchased at any beauty section in your local department store or even at your local drugstore. Mud masks come in many different types. For example, you can try a deep sea mud or a mud with honey, the choices are unlimited.

5. Manicures and pedicures keep a women looking fresh and coiffed. By trimming and painting nails it enhances a woman’s feeling of beauty. Pick a magnificent color to go with the seasons for a hip look. Manicures can be expensive to have done professionally, but cost little for you to do on your own. All you need is a simple nail file, some clippers, a beautiful nail polish and some time.

The most important thing in creating your spa day is to make sure you are not interrupted. Let the relatives, friends, and especially the kids, know this is personal time. Turn off cell phones, TV’s, and all devices that can disrupt your perfect day. Everyone deserves to have a day of pampering, but who wants to spend hundreds of dollars, when it can be done for nearly nothing? By gathering a few basic items and clearing off a section of time, it can be possible to make your home a spa in a matter of minutes.

About the author: Carleen Coulter publishes the beauty blog Beauty and Fashion Tech, including the popular buyer’s guide on at home laser hair removal, with reviews of the top devices.

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

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Spa Week has joined forces with two health and wellness powerhouses: The Today Show’s nutritional expert, Joy Bauer and America’s favorite kick-butt getaway, The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge in Malibu, CA (where they actually film the hit TV show!). From now until Sunday, September 11, you can enter to win a complete lifestyle makeover package to get you on the Fast Track to Health. 

I recently sent them my #1 diet tip, which you can read on the Spa Week blog (along with many other great tips from fellow bloggers!) Find out all the details about their giveaway here.

*Image/beginning content (c) Spa Week.

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

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Guest beauty post from Jessica Krznaric

Are you maximizing your inner celebrity spa treatment? We all try to replicate celebs and their trends from where they’re shopping to how their beautifying, but what about what they are ordering at the spa? I know when I visit the spa, my number one priority is to relax, but I also like to feel as if I’m getting top-notch treatment. When considering how to spend your next spa day, here is a helpful list of spa treatments some of our beloved stars are getting to add a little R&R into their lives:

Lash Extensions
Often a best kept spa secret, lash extensions transform your lashes into a fuller, thicker look. Usually made of a synthetic material, extensions are applied one by one on upper and lower lids. Non-damaging to your natural lashes, the extensions stay on for roughly four to six weeks and fall out on their own. I have to admit, getting lash extensions sounded somewhat painful to me. I envisioned hair extensions but on the eyes. Eek! After my sister-in-law got the lash extension treatment done recently, the entire process had me intrigued. Her lashes were definitely longer, fuller and thicker. She 100% rest assured, it did not hurt at all to apply, and reiterated that they fall off naturally on their own. The “naturally on their own” part was what really changed my mind about them.

Detox
Known as a way to lose weight and become energized, detoxing targets the toxins in your body and breaks up fatty deposits. A common way the stars get their detox on? Seaweed body treatments! Your skin absorsb the minerals in the wrap. The minerals work to make your skin smooth. Detox treatments are great for targeting cellulite or after giving birth. I’ll save this one for after I’ve had a child!

Holistic Facial
The mind, body and spirit focused facial takes your entire body into a deep state of relaxation. Sounding the most appealing to me out of all the celebrity spa treatments, this spa treatment not only beautifies my face but targets my inner self. Based on Chinese traditions, the holistic facial uses “chi” energy to target nerves in the body for incredible revitalization.

Other treatments spotted being purchased by celebs include Oil Massages, the Caviar Pedicure, which uses fish eggs to replenish the skin, and the Geisha Facial. More commonly known as the Bird Poop Facial, this Japanese traditional spa treatment uses natural ingredients including nightingale droppings to improve the skin’s complexion. I think I’ll pass on that last one.

Make sure when you are visiting a spa to look and check if your beauty pro has graduated from cosmetology school or beauty school and has received their cosmetology license. Many salons showcase this in the windows or on their desk, It is better to be safe than sorry, so if I don’t see it, I ask! Now, who’s ready for a spa day!

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

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As temperatures rise and millions of people prepare to spend hours in the sun, exposing their skin to harmful UV rays, it’s crucial to be mindful of how to minimize the effects of prolonged sun exposure. Not only can the sun cause painful sunburns, rashes or even skin cancer, it is also the top cause for signs of aging. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun and about 65 percent of melanoma cases are attributed to UV radiation.

Todd Leff, CEO of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, a 50-plus unit massage and facial spa franchise with a mission to bring massage, facial and waxing services to the masses, has developed the top five tips for people when thinking about their skin this summer:

1. Exfoliate your skin: By exfoliating, you can remove the dead, dull skin debris that cause congestion and hinder skin hydration. Mornings are the best time to exfoliate, prior to applying toner, moisturizer, SPF or makeup. Exfoliation makes for clearer, smoother skin for both women and men.

2. Stay hydrated: Just as your body needs water for hydration, your face also needs proper moisture to withstand the harmful effects of the sun. Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of plain, filtered water every day to maintain the needed moisture balance for your skin. Products such as masques can also be used once or twice a week, and boosters and toners can serve as an additional level of hydration before applying moisturizer.

3. Apply, apply again: A dab of sunscreen won’t do if you’re going to be on the beach or out in the sun for any extended period of time. Typically a teaspoon of sunscreen is sufficient for the face and as much as a shot glass worth is needed for the body. You should reapply every two hours and avoid the mid-day sun from mid-morning to late afternoon when possible.

4. Battling the burn: We’ve all been in the situation where you forgot the sunscreen, didn’t apply enough or missed a spot. The damage has been done, but applying cooling gels and soothing botanicals can reduce redness and inflammation. This should be done at the first sight of a pink glow, as one blistering sunburn can double your risk of melanoma. It is also recommended to get a yearly skin exam by a doctor to detect early warning signs.

5. Repairing and treating damage: Although a tan is commonly thought of as a popular summer look, it actually indicates skin damage. Receiving monthly facials — such as a hydrating facial — can help begin to repair the damage done by the sun by promoting healthy cell growth and stimulating collagen destructing enzymes.

Find a Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa near you at www.handandstone.com.

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

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For those of you thinking about taking a vacation during the month of July or August, might I highly suggest giving serious consideration to visiting Miami?  If not for the sun, sand, beaches, nightlife and beautiful people then definitely for Miami Spa Month. Yes, the city of Miami devotes two entire months to our favorite past time here at A Girl’s Gotta Spa!…spaing (no, that’s not a grammatical error, it is a verb in our world!)

Miami Spa Month runs from July 1st to August 31st and during these months you can enjoy a vast array of specialty spa treatments for just $99 at some of Miami’s premier spas.  I had the privilege of previewing one of the $99 spa treatments being offered at the  Four Star Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle in Aventura, FL.

In celebration of Miami Spa Month , Willow Stream Spa is offering spa goers the choice of an indulgent 90-minute Customized Deep Cleansing Facial or 90-minute Relaxation Massage for only $99. Since I feel like my pores have the tendency to get pretty clogged during the summer (excess sweat, sunscreen etc,) I of course went for the 90-minute Customized Deep Cleansing Facial.

The Customized Deep Cleansing Facial is personalized for you based on your skin’s needs and includes a skin analysis, exfoliation, massage, a nourishing masque and antioxidants for the skin.  As I sipped my orange infused water and munched on pineapple slices and cantaloupe before my facial treatment in the very relaxing spa waiting room at Willow Stream, I couldn’t help noticing that there were also a number of men waiting to partake of the spa’s services.  My boyfriend, who accompanied me to the sp,a was himself at that very moment enjoying the steam room in the men’s lounge.  Although I love spa getaways with the girls, I can also appreciate the idea of enjoying a couple’s spa day.

I enjoyed my water, fruits and magazines in the waiting room for a few minutes before I was introduced to Alexandra, my aesthetician. On our way to the facial room Alexandra asked me about my skincare regimen, my water intake and my usage of sunscreen (I was happy that I had been drinking a ton of water lately and going through a bottle of sunscreen per week because I did not want to disappoint Alexandra with my answers as I could tell immediately that although she was smiling and extremely pleasant, she takes caring for the skin very seriously!)

After the questions, Alexandra presented a series of cards and asked me to close my eyes and choose one.  The cards were spirituality cards and the one I chose was the “Freedom is my divine right” card (which was given to me as a gift after my facial and I now carry it with me everywhere in my purse.) Spirituality card having been chosen, it was then on to my skin analysis. My skin was analyzed as combination (I always thought it was just plain oily), which made perfect sense once Alexandra explained what combination skin entails.  Alexandra then let me know what sort of products she would be using on my combination skin and my wonderfully relaxing facial experience began.

I absolutely loved the hand massage and heated hand mitts that remained on my hands almost for the entire facial.  During the scalp massage with lavender oil, I am pretty sure I sighed…or moaned out loud.  I don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun and give away every aspect of the facial, but the experience was sheer bliss and my skin afterwards was absolutely amazing.  It was soft, supple and positively radiant.  Although it was just a facial, my entire body was completely relaxed.

All of the products used in the facial were from the Kerstin Florian skincare line and they all smelled heavenly. Before I left, Alexandra reminded me about the importance of sunscreen and drinking enough water.  I promised her that I would be back soon…what I did not tell her is that for the next two months I plan on going back so frequently she may get tired of seeing me.

When you visit Willow Stream, I would strongly suggest arriving early to your appointment so that you can enjoy the the spa’s steam room or amazing exercise facility.  Also, if you have  a night out planned  after your service or simply just want to look great and don’t feel like giving up the relaxing sensation you just experienced, there is also a full service salon in the spa that offers cutting and styling, up do’s, color, highlighting, straightening & treatments as well as  manicures & pedicures,  waxing and makeup application.  And for those of you who might be visiting with companions who do not appreciate the spa experience as much as you do, within the Fairmont resort there are two 18-hole championship golf courses completely redesigned by World Golf Hall of Fame recipient, Raymond Floyd and nearby tennis courts. So there is plenty to keep them occupied without you having to worry about them being bored and just focus on complete and utter relaxation, exactly what Willow Stream specializes in.

Gail Lewis

Gail is at times a model, most of the time a blogger, but always a beauty junkie.

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Finally! The warmer weather seems like it’s here to stay, summer seems to be inching closer and that means it’s about that time that I start daydreaming of places my boyfriend and I can vacation. Being the spa girl that I am, I 99.99999% of the time look for a resort that includes a spa. It just so happened that in the midst of staring out the window to the blue skies the other day that I received an email about Modun Spa at Beach House Maldives, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. I clicked the link for the resort’s website and I was magically taken in and forgot all about life for a few brief moments.

Beach House Maldives has 83 villas, all of which are on the beach or on the water. The imagery on the website will take your breath away. Due to growing up in Rhode Island, and as I’ve mentioned countless times before, I have a long-term love affair with water. I cannot even begin to image my happiness quotient if I were to find myself in any one of their many luxurious, water-view villas like the one pictured here.

The Modun Spa is an open-air spa with ten massage pavilions dotted amongst lush tropical greenery linked by winding pathways flanked by a bubbling stream. The spa uses Aromatherapy Associates products in its Ayurveda and traditional Maldivian philosophies and offers a range of exclusive treatments harnessing the qualities of 100% natural essential oils. Two that caught my eye?

· Fresh Coconut Scrub (45 min) – Freshly shredded and locally grown coconut gently exfoliates the skin, smoothing away the effects of the salt water and sun. Your body will then be soaked in an intensely hydrating fresh coconut blend, leaving your sun-kissed skin soft and supple (and probably smelling good enough to eat.)

· After The Sun (60 min) – Relax as a unique infusion of lavender oil delivers intense healing properties, peppermint oil cools the skin and regenerative rose oil rescues a distressed skin. A hydrating mask is applied to the face while the body is lathered in nourishing shea butter and hydrating rose gel. To finish, an Ayurvedic scalp massage releases tension for an all-over relaxing, restorative treatment. (And hopefully your “before the sun” treatment was applying a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen SPF 30+!)

Since this resort and spa meets my “beyond my wildest dreams” criteria, I’m adding this to my bucket list of resorts I’d like to vacation at sometime in the future. What about you? Have you ever been here?

You can learn more about them at www.beachhousemaldives.com.

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

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Growing up in Rhode Island, you come to love water. It doesn’t matter if it is the ocean, a creek, a river, a lake, a pond..or even a puddle. If there is a water view; I’m there. Heck, my house is second tier on a lake and I never get tired of looking out my front windows to see the sun glistening on the water or see the fog rolling atop like a blanket. So when Cara Mor Spa at Homewaters Club recently opened and I heard it overlooked the Little Juniata River, upon their invitation up to their resort, I was so there.

Homewaters Club is literally in the middle of nowhere. It’s about 40 or so minutes from Penn State down Hwy 45 and a beautiful scenic view. But being in the middle of nowhere is the best part. It’s quiet, tranquil, amazingly beautiful, serene and sitting on the deck of the Cara Mor Spa listening to the Little Juniata River waters tumble over rocks will surely put you in a state of relaxation.

My boyfriend and I arrived pulling down Riverside Rd., which is of course adjacent to the river itself, and found a quaint stone house in which was both the reception and fly fishing store. Erik greeted us and offered to show us to where we’d be served lunch and where we’d be staying for the weekend (despite a broken foot and hobbling around on crutches!) As we drove up the dirt road behind the stone house, our breath was taken away by the gorgeous log cabin buildings that were the lodges in which guests stayed. We would be spending the weekend in the River Suites, which was nothing short of amazing and honestly was like staying in a luxury apartment. The best part? No one had reserved the other suites that weekend, so we had the entire lodge to ourselves!

We were served lunch by Judy in the Family Lodge, which had an amazing log ceiling, gorgeous stone fireplace and felt cozy yet posh. We immediately loved Judy who made us feel like a part of her extended family. Chef Rock had prepared us White Chili, which was out of this world, and Judy had made us a delicious salad, prepared fresh strawberries and apples, served freshly baked rolls (that I literally consumed in seconds) and gave us homemade chocolate chip cookies for a snack. After all of that I was ready for a nap!

Judy’s husband, Joe, was going to be Bryan’s guide for fly fishing. Joe taught President Carter how to fly fish, as well as Vice President Cheney. Joe was a wealth of knowledge and just as personable as Judy. Bryan could not wait to fish for trout…but I could not wait to get to the spa.

Cara Mor Spa is housed in “The Bark House.” This comes from the bark siding that is on the house. It is one of the oldest buildings on the property (next to the stone house.) There is a lot of history here…and when in the massage room, there is an old German newspaper from 1940 stuck in the wood floor. Upon renovation to The Bark House to create Cara Mor Spa, the hard wood floor with the embedded newspaper was discovered under carpet. They decided to leave it intact and it certainly gives the room character.

I was greeted by Deb, Polly and Heather upon entry, as well as the amazing fragrance of essential oils. I felt even more relaxed immediately. Everything in Cara Mor Spa is white and shabby chic. It gave it a rustic feel and I told them that I appreciated all of the white since having sons means nothing in my house could ever stay white for very long. This was like walking into a home decor magazine. I would be working with Heather first in the fitness room. Heather had me do a warm up, then tested my core strength (which she told me was stronger than most–thanks to growing up a dancer and soccer player.) Next was myofascial release. Basically this is sustained pressure through “rolling” out pains in your muscles. It felt great on my upper back since I am at my computer working all day and tend to hunch over.

Once I was done with Heather, I was greeted again by Polly and Deb with a “Chunky Monkey” shake, which was the most delicious shake ever. It was banana, chocolate, peanut butter and vanilla protein. OMG so good and I drank every last drop. I then made my way upstairs where Linda greeted me for my spa treatment. The massage table had a heated pad, which made you instantly feel like drifting off to sleep. Between the music, the scents of the essential oils used and Linda’s amazing hour-long massage, I nodded off into dreamland 3 times (I only woke up because of my own snoring!) After my massage, Deb had a second helping of Chunky Monkey for me, which I gleefully drank and proceeded to spill…on my white shirt (thank goodness for the Shout Wipes in my handbag!)

I met Bryan back at The Family Lodge for dinner, where he told me the details of his fly fishing experience over Roasted Chicken legs, homemade potato salad (SO GOOD!), fresh greens, warm rolls and the most delectable dessert I have ever had (strawberries, a walnut/chocolate chip bread and an almond-type custard.) Chef Rock came in to greet us and Jackie was our host for dinner. While we were consuming our dessert and barely speaking…because our mouths were full at all times due to its crazy deliciousness), Jackie had gone over to our suite and started a fire in the fireplace for us. Donny Beaver, owner of Homewaters Club, also stopped in to say hello. He was incredibly nice and just as down to earth as he came across in our email exchanges. He was spending time at the Little J lodge where he was hosting a retreat for those with traumatic brain injury (something he does as part of his giving back throughout the year at Homewaters Club.) I felt honored to be somewhere where the owners take great pride in giving back to the community.

Breakfast the next morning was made by Judy–a bacon and cheese quiche, bran muffins, bagels, assorted jellies, yogurt and granola, fruit and coffee. I seriously never ate so good as I had that weekend. Conversation between Erik, Judy, Joe, Bryan and I flowed like the Little J River. They were great to be around and Judy and Joe have even been married for 50 years.  Bryan set out for another adventure in fly fishing with Joe, while I retreated back to our suite to simply take in everything and relax before heading home. We finished with lunch of homemade chicken salad, homemade vegetable soup, more warm rolls, a garden salad and homemade cookies.

My takeaway from Homewaters Club and Cara Mor Spa? This resort is very high-touch with personable staff and uncompromised attention to detail. It is set on the hillside looking out to a mountain and the Little J River (I can only imagine how gorgeous the view is during the fall.) Couples get the best of both worlds where guys can spend the day fly fishing with an incredibly knowledgeable and friendly guide while the women can simply unwind in the spa (which is also open to the public.) Be prepared to eat amazing amounts of food that are superb in quality and flavor.  Did I even mention that the bed was the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in? Some people sneak out mini-shampoos and soaps from their hotels, while I wanted to pack up the bed.

Put Homewaters Club and Cara Mor Spa on your list of places you NEED to go to. Learn more at www.HomewatersClub.com and www.Cara-Mor.com.

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

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Laying on a beach in sunny St. Petersburg, Florida on a perfect  80 degree day after an amazing seafood lunch and visit to the Salvador Dali museum, I was feeling pretty content and thought there was just no way that life could get any better that day.

Well it did,  as soon as I checked in to the Innisbrook Resort to prepare for an entire day of pampering at the Indaba Spa.  You might wonder exactly how does one prepare for a spa day…well in my case it involved checking into one of their amazing suites, donning the ultra plush robe that greeted me as soon as I entered the bedroom and letting my mind and body completely relax… before my scheduled day of relaxation…it seemed like the right thing to do…

The Indaba Spa is absolutely beautiful, I love and appreciate that it did not have a gimmicky feel nor was it trying to be one of those uber trendy spas that people tend to forget after the hype is over.  It was just very inviting, beautiful and calming, to me everything a spa is supposed to be.

My first order of business was to choose what I wanted for lunch (this is a part of The Indaba Experience), then off I went to my locker to change into my official spa gear…a snugly robe and mildly massaging slippers.  My first treatment of the day was the Signature Facial.  All of the products used for the facial were from a natural and organic skincare line called Eminence Organics and with names such as  Lemon Cleanser, Pineapple Enzyme Peel and Apricot Lip Moisturizer, I felt like my skin was getting the nutrition that my body is so deprived of. The neck, shoulder and foot massage that Jennifer administered (and are a part of the Indaba Signature Facial) left me so relaxed I didn’t think I needed the full body massage that was next on my schedule of services.  Well after Melissa (my masseuse) was finished with me, I realized how silly that notion was.  I wondered if I had morphed into the bad guy from Terminator 2…my limbs felt like liquid!

Next up was my lunch of salad, water and white wine that I ordered upon arriving and which I had the choice of eating inside in the lounge area or outside in the wonderful Florida sunshine surrounded by nature (I also had the option of laying out in the shade or sun on one of their super cute lawn chairs.)

I ended my spa day (or as I now refer to it my outer body experience) with a Coco-Lucious Manicure and Pedicure (I just love saying Coco-Lucious!)  All of the products used for the mani and pedi were also from Eminence Organics and smelled absolutely heavenly…nothing less expected with names like Coconut Scrub and Mango Enzyme.

I highly recommend either arriving early or staying late…or both, to partake of the steam room, hot tub or laying out with a good book or magazine.

In addition to being completely relaxed and pampered from head to toe surrounded by absolute beauty, I also gained some valuable beauty knowledge from my esthetician, masseuse and nail technician.

1)      Brushing my lips with a toothbrush (which I read in a fashion magazine), was not a good idea as there are great lip scrubs out there.

2)      There is a very big difference between a Physical Therapist and a Physical Terrorist.

3)      The nail shape that I prefer has a name….squoval

4)      Try to moisturize your hands after every wash (prevents dryness and hang nails)

5)      And last but definitely not least, people in Florida really pay attention to your hands and feet, especially feet…so keep up with those mani’s and pedi’s on a regular basis…thanks Indaba Spa!

Gail Lewis

Gail is at times a model, most of the time a blogger, but always a beauty junkie.

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