A certain royal honeymoon may have helped shine a spotlight on the Seychelles, but travelers heading to this formerly-French Indian Ocean archipelago will still, happily, feel like they’ve stumbled upon a hidden paradise—albeit one with luxury resorts. Set on lush Praslin Island (a short prop-plane hop from the international airport), Raffles Praslin Seychelles is home to 86 cliffside villas (each with plunge pool and butler service), several gourmet restaurants, and a private beach from which you can enjoy water activities or set off on a fishing trip with the chef.

The award-winning spa has 13 treatment villas—some open-air, all backed by sounds of the ocean—in which to enjoy signature services like the Pure Pearl (a scrub/wrap with mineral-rich crushed pearls), Seashell Therapy massage or lotus-themed Transformation Treatment, with moor mud and organic juniper, fennel and lavender.

Launched this spring, the Body & Soul Journeys include a custom-designed program of spa services, classes and fitness activities, from sunrise beach jogs and sunset yoga to kayaking, biking or hiking in the UNESCO-protected Vallée de Mai reserve—plus perks like nightly butler-drawn aromatherapy baths.

Save time for an afternoon at wide, powder- white Anse Lazio beach; though it’s considered one of the most beautiful in the world, chances are you’ll be able to snag a tree-shaded copse or two all to yourself. raffles.com/praslin

—Sandra Ramani

“More and more, we are seeing guests who suffer from aller- gies and other health issues, and we really want to accommodate those travelers who are seeking a cleaner and healthier environ- ment,” says Craig Thompson, general manager, Hotel Monaco, Portland, Oregon (monaco-portland.com). To provide a safe haven for sensitive guests, Thompson and his team turned 25 percent of their rooms into hypoallergenic ones, with down-free comforters and pillows, fragrance-free bath products, Green Seal-approved cleaning supplies, special HEPA filter vacuums, and even wheat- and gluten-free mini-bar items. Though Kimpton hotels are pet- friendly, the Monaco also guarantees these rooms will never be occupied by a furry traveler.

“At home, you have the luxury to experiment with what helps keep allergies at bay,” explains Brian Brault, CEO of PURE Solutions, a company dedicated to creating hypoallergenic home and hotel spaces. “But when you travel you are at the whim of another atmosphere, which can be challenging.” Founded almost 10 years ago, PURE has partnered with major hotel brands like Hyatt to create rooms that are free from about 99 percent of aller- gens and 98 to 100 percent of all viruses and bacteria, with below 500,000 small particles per cubic foot in the atmosphere. (To put that into perspective, most spaces have 3 to 4 million, and doctors recommend lowering that number to 1 to 1.5 million if you suffer from asthma.)

PURE does this with a seven-step process from a complete deep- cleaning of the air handling system to the application of an anti- virus static barrier to the walls and furniture and placing anti-microbial cases on mattresses and pillows—all while keeping the decor and style the same. When Organic Spa Magazine first met Brault in 2011, there were about 50 Hyatt hotels offering PURE-approved “Respire” rooms; now there are 1,972 “Respire” rooms in 119 hotels in North America providing what Tom Smith, vice president of rooms for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, calls “a simple, but empowering initiative “ for guests (respire.hyatt.com).

As hypoallergenic rooms like these (hopefully) become more common, one company has introduced what might well be the future of hotel design in—where else?—Las Vegas. DELOS is billed as the first “wellness real estate” company, and is dedicated to using medical science and technology to create spaces “that optimize and support the physical and emotional health and well-being of guests.” Launched in late-2012, the 42 STAY WELL rooms at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino are each outfitted with 12 wellness features, including special protectors against the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emanating from gadgets. Surfaces are even treated with a photo-catalytic coating that breaks down bacteria, viruses and harmful VOCs (delos.com).

HOW TO BEAT BEDROOM ALLERGIES

“Dust can contain allergens like mold, pollen, pet dander and microscopic dust mites, which can live in bedding and cloth-covered furniture, and thrive in warm temperatures,” says New York City-based allergist, Dr. David S. Mazza. “These allergens can cause nasal congestions, itchy skin, wheezing, sinus headaches, snoring, and disturbed sleep.” Here is what you can do. • At home, aim to eliminate dust collectors andclutter, and encase your mattresses, pillows and box springs in dust mite-impermeable covers. Wash bedding once a week in hot water, and use a HEPA-filter-equipped vacuum.

• Bring one pillow case and dust-mite cover when traveling to use at the hotel. You may also want to bring your own towels, as the scented laundry detergents used in many hotels can cause nasal and skin symptoms. Ask for a room that’s smoke-free, and has been pet-free for at least 30 days, and that, ideally, has no carpeting.

• If you have a reaction within the first few min- utes of entering a hotel room, ask for a newer or renovated one. Use a saline nasal spray regularly to wash allergens out of the nasal passages and help prevent sinus infections.

Living Allergy-Free at Home

• Organic Rugs Though hardwood floors are best for preventing allergies, Coyuchi’s colorful accent rug helps add a splash of color in organic cotton; choose from a variety of textures. coyuchi.com

• Allergy-Free Cooking Chef Cybele Pascal’s new Allergy-Free and Easy Cooking ($22; Ten Speed Press) cookbook is packed with recipes for 30-minute-and-under meals like deep-dish pizza, chicken mole tacos and stir-fry—all full of flavor, but minus common allergens like gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, peanuts, and shellfish. cybelepascal.com

• Low or Zero VOC Paint Sherwin-Williams has created a line of home paints called “Harmony Paint” which provide better indoor air quality with odor and VOC- reducing properties. It is Zero VOC and features new technology that helps reduce VOC levels from carpets, cabinets and fabrics. sherwin-williams.com

• Nasal Drops Flush allergens out before they irritate with non-medicated Ocean® Saline Nasal Spray, safe for frequent use to keep nasals passages clear and moisturized. oceannasalcare.com

• Hypoallergenic Throws From spa-favorite Andrew Morgan’s new Residential col- lection, the dual-toned, indoor/outdoor Shutter Pleat blankets aremade with Ami-Vert, a sustainable fabric that is hypoallergenic and bacteria-, mold-, and mildew-resistant. morgancollection.com

The Nurturer Duvet and bedding from Under the Canopy.

Health experts often talk about the importance of getting enough sleep, but few mention monitoring what we are sleeping on, too. “Most people sleep 6 to 8 hours a night, with their skin and face on bed linens and pillow cases, and don’t real- ize the magnitude and multitude of toxic chemicals in their bedding,” says Marci Zaroff, founder of eco-lifestyle brand, Under the Canopy, and an expert in sustainable and socially conscious design. “There are over two pounds of pesticides in the cotton it takes to make one typical bed sheet, plus an exorbitant amount of harmful toxins in the processing, dyes and finishing.” Given that the skin is the largest organ in the body—and a primary point of absorption— these toxins have been cited as one reason for the rise in allergies and asthma, among other conditions.

Luckily, there’s a simple way to protect ourselves while we slumber. “Aside from food and skin care, organic bedding has the most important effect on our health and well-being,” says industry heavyweight Bonnie Dahan, founder/president of VivaTerra and the author of several wellness and green design books. Free of pesticides, insecticides, genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), formaldehyde, chlorine bleaches, heavy metals, and other carcinogens, certified organic bedding can both help us breath easier, and make a social impact, too. “It is better for the environment, farmer/worker welfare, and future generations,” says Zaroff, “so it allows you to sleep better on many levels, knowing you are making a positive difference in the world.”

As with many things in the green world, though, it can be tricky to figure out what’s really organic. With Zaroff and Dahan’s help, we’ve put together this list of the terms to look for—and the ones to take with a grain of salt.

Sleep Tight

Here are some great options to help you get an authentically organic good night’s sleep.

VivaTerra
This is a one-stop shop for contemporary green living. Their organic cotton Tuck-Me-In bedding— available in duvet and sham covers—is dotted with diamond-shaped pin-tucks that mimic fluffy clouds, while the Blue Sky duvet set mixes a light blue organic cotton percale with a darker toned soft linen to evoke the perfect sunny day. vivaterra.com

Under the Canopy
Mix the 100 percent certified organic Nurturer duvet covers (in dreamy spa-inspired colors like lavender and pale green) with the signature soft and silky Unity sheets, made of 70 percent certified organic cotton and 30 percent ECOlyptus; the latter, trademarked by Zaroff, contains USDA bio-based certified eucalyptus that’s been grown without the need for water or pesticides, and is free of chemicals, heavy metals and chlorine bleaches. porticohome.com

Area
Designed with clean, modern Scandinavian style by Anki Spets, this bedding brand (with stores in NYC and LA), has a couple of 100 percent certified organic sheet and pillow case options. arealinenshop.com

Coyuchi
In addition to their extensive collection of sheets, towels, rugs, home fabrics, and more, this green design label has an Essential line offering all the basics needed for an organic bed. Choose from 100 percent organic cotton sateen mattress pads and pillow protectors, pure duck down pillow inserts encased in organic cotton, and two weights of organic cotton duvets. coyuchi.com.

Savvy Rest

Made with three-inch layers of natural Dunlop or Talalay latex and encased in a quilted mix of organic cotton and organic wool batting, Savvy Rest’s non- toxic mattresses are also customized according to your desired levels of support and softness—and can be split into two levels to suit couples. Choices include mattresses made with two, three, or four layers of plush latex, or a handmade, latex-free option that’s filled with organic wool batting and covered with tufted organic cotton and natural linen thread. Savvy Rest also makes organic crib mattresses and pet beds. savvyrest.com

The Organic Bedding Glossary

What you will want to look for on your labels.

(+) GOTS Look for the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) seal on the packaging, which ensures that the prod- uct has been certified from farm to bed, from the field through processing, dyeing, finishing, packaging and transportation. It is the ultimate seal of approval for organic textiles, and has been adopted by the USDA as the counterpart to their NOP USDA seal, which is found on organic foods and beauty products.

(+) Certified Organic Unless a product is certified, it is not organic. With over 90 percent of the cotton grown worldwide today made from genetically-modified organisms (GMO), it’s important to have this certification to ensure that the textiles both meet GOTS standards and are GMO-free. In addition to choosing 100 percent organic cotton sheets, look for organic cotton casings when shopping for mattresses, pillows, and duvets, too.

(+) Oeko-Tex When a textile is blended with other fibers, look for the Oeko-Tex seal instead of GOTS to ensure all fibers are eco-friendly (if not certified organic). Both the GOTS and Oeko- Tex seals confirm that the products are manufactured without harmful chemi- cals such as formaldehyde and use only low-impact dyes, which have less than a 5 percent runoff (versus 50 to 60 percent with conventional dyes).

(+) Low-Impact Dyes This means the colors have been achieved without toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and heavy metals, making them safer for your skin and the planet.

(+) Fair Trade While the GOTS seal does ensure fair labor practices and social compliance, this Fair Trade certification—which is already found on items like coffee, tea, chocolate and ba- nanas—will soon be seen on applicable textiles, too.

(+) RPET For comforters, decorative pillows and other accessories, look for products stuffed with RPET instead of polyester fills. Eco-friendly RPET is made from plastic bottles that have been recycled from landfills and broken down into a soft and durable fiber.

(-) Bamboo While bamboo is a renew- able and sustainable resource for flooring and furniture, when made into a textile, it requires huge amounts of toxic chemicals to break down the pulp into fiber. The resulting product is actually a rayon that has minimal traces of real bamboo—re- sulting in one of the biggest sources of “greenwashing” confusion in the bedding industry.

(-) Natural This is essentially a meaningless term, say our experts, since unlike “organic”—which is federally regulated— ”natural” is an arbitrary label and subject to interpretation. Conventional cotton is often marketed as “natural,” even if it is made from genetically-modified seeds or with the use of carcinogenic pesticide sprays and formaldehyde.

(-) Thread Count This term can be de- ceiving in the organic space, since there are ways to double thread counts without actually making the product better. The quality of the fiber and the manufacturing process are more relevant than the thread count, so an organic cotton sheet with a lower thread count could actually be much softer and stronger than a higher thread count sheet made from conventional cotton.

Tuscan Paradise

Over 400 years ago, a noble Sienese family ruled over a vast estate in the Tuscan countryside, growing olives, grapes, wheat and sunflowers on their sharecropping farms, and churning out products in their oil press and mills. Later, the place passed into the hands of famed Italian film director Luchino Visconti, who, in addition to farming and raising cattle, threw lavish par – ties for the jet-set stars of the 1960’s. But by the end of the last millennium, the grounds were languishing neglected—until Colorado-based Timbers Resorts came to the rescue.

Following years of meticulous restoration and construction, the 4,200-acre Castello di Casole now includes over two dozen for-sale Tuscan farmhouses, 88 acres of vineyards, and 13 acres of olive groves. In the hilltop former main house is a 41-suite hotel, where rooms boast hand-painted furniture, Carrara marble baths, locally made textiles, and panoramic views. The chic bar pays homage to the glam Visconti days, while dining options highlight local produce, fresh game like wild boar and venison, and the hotel’s namesake wines, produced on-site. (Guests can experience tastings, learn about the process and, in the fall, even help with harvest.)

Tuscan products are also featured in the 5,400 square-foot seven-room Essere Spa, set in the estate’s former wine cellar. Mixing original stone walls and vaulted ceilings with Murano glass, Italian mosaics and tiles made from recycled cork, the spa features Comfort Zone products (including their dedicated natural line), as well as olive oil, grape seed and skins, and fresh herbs like rosemary and lavender. The 80-minute Celebration of the Seasons uses seasonal herbs in a body exfoliation and massage; the Mediterranean Mud Ritual restores elasticity and moisture with a creamy mud infused with essential oils and thermal water; and the Scents of Tuscany Ritual is a two-hour combo of olive stone scrub, full body massage (done with orange- and fennel-infused estate olive oil) and mini-facial. Before or after, relax in the Roman-style baths in the private garden, or on the yoga and Pilates terrace, from which the views are not all that different from the way they were 400 years ago. castellodicasole.com

– Sandra Ramani

Relaxation is the name of the game at the Inn at Perry Cabin, a 78-room boutique resort set in a colonial-era mansion on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. (Fans of the movie The Wedding Crashers will recognize it as the stand-in for the Senator’s weekend house.) There’s actually plenty to do here—complimentary bike rentals, guided walks through the historic town, tours of the 200-year-old gardens, sunset cruising along the Miles River—but according to staffers, once most guests settle into one of the oversized chairs on the riverside great lawn, book or glass of wine in hand, life comes to a stand-still. Adding to the mellow vibe is the Linden Spa, a seven-room facility where botanicals rule: A custom rose-lavender tea is served in the lounge, and there’s an on-site apothecary where therapists whip-up products using ingredients grown on-property. The signature Five Flower Solace scrub/wrap features anti-inflammatory blue cornflower, purifying chamomile and antioxidant jasmine, plus targeted massage. Garden-fresh ingredients are also featured on the menus of Chef Mark Timms, whose sustainability program guarantees that all produce is sourced from within a 50-mile radius, seafood comes from Chesapeake waters, and international products are Fair Trade. perrycabin.com

As the weather changes, so does our skin, which is why it’s important to give it some extra love during these warm-to-cool transitional months. “In fall and winter, skin may no longer be exposed as much to the sun, but the lingering effects of summer are still visible, including dehydration, loss of radiance, PH imbalance and slower cell renewal,” explains Rita Teixeira, International Trainer for Sothys spas. At the same time, increased exposure to central heating and cooler air can lead to dry, itchy or flaky skin.

Teixeira recommends a daily or weekly facial mask, which can help balance the skin’s physiology during weather shifts. She also suggests looking for “more active ingredients to help strengthen the skin,” including fruits, vegetables and spices from the fall harvest. Apples contain polyphenols that act as natural anti-oxidants and reinforce the skin’s protection barrier, while pumpkin is rich in fruit enzymes and AHAs to boost healthy cell turnover and essential fatty acids to help regulate oil production and balance dry skin.

Many spas across the country are offering seasonal treatments that feature autumn’s bounty. Sothys is launching a brightening Apple and Blackberry Facial, and the Chill Spa at Hotel Terra in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is offering a regenerative Yam & Pumpkin Facial that Spa Manager Sara Dolentz says is “ideal for fighting the effects of aging, while also hydrating the skin.”

Here are some of our favorite at-home face masks inspired by the season.

QUINCE

Ilike Quince Apple Gel Mask This certified organic skin care line uses whole fruit and herb pulps to make products that are both active and nourishing. Designed to brighten the skin, tighten pores and help decrease swelling around the eyes, this mask also contains honey, lemon oil, paprika, vitamins A, B and C and fruit acids. szepelet.com

APPLE

Elemental Herbology’s Facial Glow Radiance Peel features non-abrasive exfoliants like apple serum, orange peel and jojoba beads, while green tea and pomegranate protect against damage, kombucha brightens, argan and olive oils hydrate and Manuka honey soothes inflammation. elementalherbologyUS.com

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel The potent combination of organic apple, lemon, aloe leaf juice, grape juice, raw cane sugar and willow bark extract dissolves dead skin and cellular build-up, increases circulation, and improves skin tone and texture. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of organic peptides and vitamins A, C and E. juicebeauty.com

PUMPKIN

Dr. Alkaitis Universal Mask A health-food store for your skin, this mask contains organic pumpkin, oat, barley and flax seeds, hemp protein, sea vegetables, juice from organic grasses like wheat and kamut, and a vegetable complex packed with ginger, sweet potato, kale, brussel sprouts and more. The potent combo works to calm irritation and sensitivities, and add nourishment and moisture. It’s also great for use after in-office peels or microdermabrasion. www.alkaitis.com

MyChelle Incredible Pumpkin Peel For deeper detoxification and hydration, the mask uses three forms of pumpkin (including pumpkin wine), honey, ginger root oil, clove leaf, cinnamon, nutmeg and other circulation boosters. mychelle.com

GRAPE

Kimberly Sayer Hydrating Anti-Oxidant Facial Mask A trained esthetician and daughter of organic farmers, Kimberly Sayer’s namesake line is beloved for its visible results. Her mask contains olive extracts, grapeseed oil, oat protein, shea butter, lavender water, rose and calendula essential oil and more to tighten and firm skin and help boost collagen and elastin production. kimberlysayer.com

The movements are purposeful during the morning Meditation Walk offered at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort in Krabi, Thailand. Just as sunlight starts to shimmer on the blue-green Andaman Sea, the contemplative beach walk is led by a Buddhist monk from a nearby temple (or, if the monks are otherwise occupied, a trained instructor from the resort’s spa). A simpler version of the walking meditations performed by the holy men, this session encourages guests to focus on each body movement and deep breath as they slowly stroll along the coast, with the aim of clearing the mind, strengthening the mind-body connection and promoting relaxation. These goals are shared by the resort at large, too. With its serene ESPA offering traditional Thai treatments, 54 plush villas (each with a butler, custom-made 13-foot bed and bathtub built for four), and secluded, lush tropical setting, Phulay Bay has a special magic that has guests making vows of their own—perhaps not to join a monastery, but definitely to return as soon as possible. phulay-bay.com

—Sandra Ramani 

Salad, pasta, a grilled veggie plate—not so long ago, these were pretty much the only vegetarian options offered at fine dining restaurants around the world. But things are changing, as more diners seek meatless options for health, environmental or ethical reasons, and also are expressing an interest in eating seasonally and organically. As a result, many high-end chefs have started to realize that foodies come in all forms, and that the true test of their skills is how well they can cater to all their customers, not just the carnivores.

“We were getting a lot of vegan and vegetarian requests, and while we could make changes to dishes and try to accommodate guests, it was always a bit of a scramble in the kitchen,” remembers Chef Gregory Gourdet of Departure, the buzzing rooftop restaurant and lounge at the LEED Silver-certified The Nines hotel in Portland, Oregon. “So we thought it would be easier to create something permanent.” Last December, Chef Gourdet and his team launched a full vegan menu featuring 23 items that work with the eatery’s modern Asian flavors and shared-plate format. “My cuisine is health-inspired anyway,” says the chef, a marathon runner who eats dairy-free in his own life. “So it was easy to incorporate vegan ingredients with the traditional preparations.”

Like the rest of the gourmet menu, Departure’s vegan offerings will change two or three times a year, but may include things like crunchy sweet potato tempura rolls (made with gluten-free rice flour), steamed onion-ginger buns with a hint of sweet maple-chili glaze, and Korean-style Bibimbap made with Koshihikari rice from Japan. The menu has enjoyed an overwhelming response since it launched. And there’s more to come, with Chef Gourdet and company planning sake pairings and other ways to showcase the meatless flavors. thenines.com/departure-restaurant

A few thousand miles away in Switzerland, German-born Chef Heiko Nieder, master of the two-Michelin star The Restaurant at the Dolder Grand resort, had noticed a similar uptick in vegetarian requests from his discerning diners. “Thanks to an awareness of environmental issues and the trend toward healthy eating—which is very strong in Switzerland—we have more guests looking for vegetarian options, even if they normally eat meat,” says the chef. Surrounded by pieces from the hotel’s celebrated art collection, diners at The Restaurant typically choose from four-, seven- or 12-course menus, all of which change seasonally, and Chef Nieder recently added a five-course veggie menu to these daily selections.

No matter the ingredients, meals here are a journey, starting with selection of freshly baked breads (in zesty flavors such as cheese-caraway and green olive) accompanied by olive-lemon butter and a tomato-zucchini-eggplant dip.

After a series of pre-appetizers—say, pear cream soup with black truffle or “Bloody Mary” shots—the main vegetarian meal will highlight local produce with dishes such as rhubarb cooked with coconut and capers, or morel mushrooms served with Brie and mountain potatoes. Desserts often mix sweet and savory (think cheesecake with juniper), while the grand finale sweet cart puts Willy Wonka to shame with treats like candy “floss” with olive oil and pepper, homemade marshmallows with orange-jelly, and chocolate truffles filled with raspberry vodka or fig coffee. Guests who want to sweat all that off in the Dolder’s award-winning spa and fitness facility will find healthy, gourmet vegetarian options at the Spa Café, too. thedoldergrand.com; the five-course vegetarian menu is about $172 per person.

“We have more guests looking for vegetarian options, even if they normally eat meat.”

Go Veggie with the (Michelin) Stars

This fall, Orient-Express’ six Italian hotels are each hosting a gourmet “Dine with the Stars” weekend, during which visiting chefs from some of the country’s top restaurants will be onsite to cook for guests and present special tasting menus. In Sicily—a region known for fresh ingredients like eggplant, pistachios, oranges and tomatoes—the Grand Hotel Timeo and Villa Sant’Andrea will host a completely meat-free night overseen by Chef Pietro Leeman of Joia in Milan, the first natural, vegetarian restaurant to earn a Michelin star. Weekend guests will also enjoy excursions to local artisan workshops and can book treatments at the hotels’ spas, which highlight Sicilian citrus and local herbs. September 29 and 30; diningwiththestar.com

Rooted in the Greek word for “sea,” thalassotherapy—the therapeutic use of seawater—came of age in Brittany, France, in the 1800s. Though cultures all over the globe, from the ancient Romans to the Germans and Japanese, have incorporated hot springs and natural mineral baths into their health regimens, true thalassotherapy must use seawater directly from the ocean (as opposed to H20 bubbling up from underground.) As a result, most thalasso clinics are located along seaweedrich coasts like that of Brittany, where therapies run the gamut from soaks and sea-mud wraps to sinus-clearing seawater inhalations.

While the United States doesn’t have a long history of thalassotherapy (or many true thalasso clinics), we do have a tradition of heading to the coast for rest, relaxation and recuperation. Organic Spa Magazine checked out two classic East Coast retreats—one in Rhode Island, the other in Virginia—that have recently incorporated sea-based spa therapies into their aquatic offerings.

Ocean House, Rhode Island

Generations of East Coasters have spent lazy summer days at this iconic resort, which stands guard on the bluffs of Watch Hill, Rhode Island, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean just steps from a wide, private white sand beach. Built in 1868, the Victorian-style main building was, for decades, the epicenter of high society travel, attracting dinner and overnight guests from New York City and nearby Newport. Following a $140 million restoration and expansion, the hotel re-opened in 2010 to cater to a new era of discerning visitors, with a buzz-worthy farm-to-table fine dining restaurant, retro-chic touches like a croquet lawn, and the 12,000 square-foot OH! Spa.

Looking out over the ocean and flower-filled grounds, the seven-room spa has plenty of amenities, but still retains a New England charm. Treatments incorporate a variety of natural product lines, including organic, Rhode Island-based Farmaesthetics. The spa menu’s From the Harvest section is updated seasonally to address the skin’s changing needs and highlight of-the-moment ingredients. The From the Ocean menu, which also varies seasonally, features facials and body treatments with remineralizing marine extracts, sea mud and marine spring water, plus relaxing massages that take inspiration from the rhythmic motion of waves.

While Ocean House isn’t strictly a destination spa, it offers plenty for wellness-minded guests, from beach yoga and core circuit classes to a high-tech “Virtual Fitness” machine that lets clients choose from a variety of workouts. Introduced earlier this year, the hotel’s Wellness Weekends include fitness and spa time, along with activities like aromatherapy bath salt lessons and smoothie classes with the in-house Forager, who can also offer great tips on eating seasonally and locally. oceanhouseri.com

Tides Inn, Virginia

Perched on Carters Creek, near the Rappahannock River in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay area, this former 18th-century family farm was re-launched as the Tides Inn in 1947—and quickly became one of the favored small hotels along the Mid-Atlantic coast. Though the property has added many new facilities since then—from a fine dining restaurant to a sailing school— the familial atmosphere remains unchanged. Guests are still welcomed with warm chocolate chip cookies at the front door, treated to beach bonfires and s’more roastings at night, and always greeted with a hearty dose of Southern hospitality.

From the resort’s marina, guests can explore the creek via kayak, canoe or paddleboat, or board a cove cruise to learn about the area’s historic homes and native wildlife. Those up for more of a challenge can try their hand at catching Blue Crab, or sign up for lessons at the on-site Premier Sailing School; classes range from a two-hour intro to four-day intensives and even sailing certification programs. Classes for kids and teens are also available.

Tucked into a quiet corner of the property, the intimate Tides Inn Spa re-launched in 2011 with a commitment to using natural and organic products, and to offering treatments inspired by the Chesapeake Bay. Using sea mineral-infused OSEA products, the signature Tides of Change body treatment includes an organic body scrub followed by a full-body massage with algae oil, while the complementing facial is customized to your needs. Natural ingredients like rosemary, ginger, jasmine flower and black silt clay also appear on the menu. tidesinn.com

LANDLOCKED?

Bring the benefits of the sea to you with products from these mineral-rich lines

VOYA

This family-owned Irish brand creates high-quality organic products (from skin care to teas) based on sustainably- harvested wild seaweed. Top sellers include the anti-aging My Little Hero facial serum and the Lazy Days seaweed soak. VOYA also operates their own seaweed bathhouse in Sligo, Ireland. voya.ie

OSEA

Sustainably-harvested Gigartina seaweed from the remote Sea of Patagonia is the key ingredient in this California-based brand’s organic skin care. Try the Cleansing Mudd with tea tree and several types of seaweed to deep cleanse and curb oil production (it’s also great for shaving), and the White Algae Mask to hydrate skin and calm irritation. oseamalibu.com

Seaflora

Using a variety of organic wild seaweed and ocean muds handharvested from the Pacific coast of Canada, Seaflora products help to re-mineralize and strengthen the skin. The Sea Kelp Softening Moisturizer stimulates collagen production and cellular repair, while the Therapeutic Firming Seaweed Body Gel helps reduce lactic-acid build-up in muscles. sea-flora.com

Ocean+

Designed for anti-aging and healing (it’s been doctor-recommended for soothing eczema, psoriasis and post-procedure sensitivity,) this new line uses a high level of 99.7% pure Native Soluble Collagen Type 1 and Omega-3, both derived from natural marine sources. The Age-Fighting Pure Serum contains peptides and hyaluronic acid to protect and re-hydrate. oceanplus.com

Despite the name, “facials” are not just for the face. “Any part of the body can receive a facial-style skin treatment to remove dead skin cells, clarify pores, rejuvenate skin vitality, and improve appearance,” says Stacey Parks, Director of Spa Operations for The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa. In fact, it’s sometimes more important to professionally treat areas that can suffer from some of the same issues as the face—acne, hyper-pigmentation, or sun damage—but may get neglected as part of our daily skin care routine. Here, a spotlight on treatments that soothe, heal and revitalize four often over-looked parts of the body.

THE BACK

“The back is a large surface area that is difficult to reach to care for properly,” explains Parks. To help, The Claremont’s award-winning spa, located just outside San Francisco, created the targeted Back Facial. Estheticians apply warm compresses to open the pores. Following a thorough cleansing, steam, enzyme exfoliation and, if needed, extractions to clear blemishes and blackheads, the back is treated to a massage and the application of a purifying mask. Toning and moisturizing round out the 50-minute treatment, which leaves back and shoulders smooth and glowing. Parks notes the Back Facial is particularly popular over the summer months, and is also great before a tropical vacation or a strapless-dress event. claremontresort.com

THE DERRIERE

Though their listing on spa menus often elicits giggles, “Fanny Facials” are a serious—and seriously therapeutic—service. At the Poets Cove Resort & Spa in beautiful Pender Island, British Columbia, the treatment uses heat to target cellulite, breakouts, pre- or post-waxing irritation and more. The 45-minute service (which sometimes is not shown on the menu, but is always offered upon request) starts with an exfoliation with a poppyseed/pear or blueberry sugar scrub followed by a mask. The area is then wrapped in plastic to lock in heat, great for breaking down cellulite. During the wrap, therapists perform a foot or head massage. Post-wrap, the derriere and legs enjoy a relaxing massage with creams that also have heat-generating ingredients, like paprika to help boost circulation. poetscove.com

THE DECOLLETE

If your normal skin care starts with the neck and ends with the forehead, take note—the chest needs some love, too. Sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and age spots can all affect the often-exposed décolleté. At the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country’s Lantana Spa, the Advance Repair Facial focuses equally on face and décolleté, with deep cleansing and toning, an exfoliating chest peel, PH-balancing neutralizer and relaxing massage with lavender or neroli oil. Excellent for slowing the signs of aging and clearing up congestion, the treatment also results in a reduced visibility of sun spots and fine lines—leaving guests ready for even the most plunging necklines. jwsanantonio.com

THE FEET

Though typically scrubbed and smoothed during a pedicure, the feet can always use extra attention. At the serene Oriental Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Singapore, the 30-minute Enrich Foot Treatment starts with a dry brushing of the feet and lower legs to slough off dead skin and help increase circulation. A soak in warm water infused with geranium and sandalwood essential oils helps open pores, then feet are exfoliated with a combination of salt and coffee scrubs, calmed and purified with a calendula mask, then hydrated with rich sweet almond and Vitamin E oil—leaving guests ready to float back to the street. mandarinoriental.com

Spotlight on the Neck Down

PEEL & POLISH

Moroccan rosemary, orange lemon peel and purifying clay, make Tammy Fender’s Epi-Peel an all-in-one exfoliant-maskpeel that leaves skin polished all over the body. $80, tammyfender.com

REFRESH & RENEW

This invigorating new Dr. Hauschka Lemon Lemongrass Body Moisturizer refreshes with citrus, hydrates with quince seed, and tones with sage. $39.95, drhauschka.com

FEED & NOURISH

With anti-inflammatory calendula, chamomile and pansy extract, Weleda Skin Food smooths rough skin on elbows, knees and feet; and prevents chafing. $18.50, usa.weleda.com

FREE & CLEAR

Black soap, indigenous to Africa is your best bet for oily, blemish-prone skin. Nubian Heritage Black Soap Body Wash will keep your back and decollete smooth and clear. $11.49, vitaminshoppe.com