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At Play
Pg 45 - MOVE IT
I am a rock, I am an island
Excellence Resorts in the Dominican Republic and across Mexico have debuted Miilé Spas to offer a slew of marine-based services that blend romance and water-oriented sensation. The term miilé loosely translates to "an oasis of tranquility," and new treatments feature nutrient-rich botanicals, cold plunges, and Vichy showers. The Terra Maya Ritual ($240 for 100 minutes), for instance, begins with an aromatic marine salt exfoliation and body wrap of local seaweed (mixed with bee's wax and a local mineral-rich chaya plant). Your therapist tops it all off with a detoxifying full-body massage. All the new Miile facilities contain luxury couple suites with private steam rooms and heated relaxation beds that submerge guests in warmth following the hydrotherapy circuits. Each property boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center, martial arts programming, yoga, and golf. But go for the singular spa experience-your soul will definitely thank you.
www.Excellence-resorts.com.
Yoga With a Twist
Used to be that a random yoga class was the cherry on top of most delicious spa getaways, an added bonus to your relaxing vacation. Today, however, more people are specifically seeking vacations that make yoga the foundation of their spa experience. And the traditional 60- to 90-minute class in health clubs and yoga studios across the country is no longer simply a series of restorative poses. Changing the dynamics of yoga entirely, the trendiest class at the Sports Club LA/New York, for example, is "Acu Yoga," which shows yogis how to apply acupressure points to certain body parts for a luscious self-massage during class. In Southern California-the yoga capital of the U.S.-Mathew Reyes, for one, teaches a super-popular "Yoga Hop" class which incorporates heart-pumping hip-hop and rock music. To stay abreast of the quick-moving industry, destination spas now offer state-of-the-art fusion classes mixing yoga and Pilates, and even yoga poses modified for the pool. The following spas offer standout yoga programming that simultaneously tone the body, calm the mind and soothe the spirit: The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida; Chiva Som in Hua Hin, Thailand; Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona; and Green Mountain at Fox Run in Ludlow, Vermont.
Golf To Spa Package
If you intend to vacation in Jamaica, one thing is fairly certain: you'll flirt with a sunburn. From paddle boating to wind surfing, there's no escaping the rays here. An experienced spa elder at the new Fern Tree Spa at Montego Bay's Half Moon resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, trained in the use of indigenous ingredients, has customized specific treatments for the sun-whipped guest. The Jamaica Post-Sun Treatment (50 minutes, $120) is a deeply hydrating body wrap that produces immediate cooling sensations across the body. A soothing face mask is applied to repair delicate skin.
The Spirits of Adventure
Take your taste buds on a journey back in time when you stay at the Presidente InterContinental in Guadalajara, Mexico. With the stunning Sierra Madre Mountains in sight, trek the blue-carpeted agave fields in the town of Tequila, tour an agave plantation and distillery, taste flights of tequila, and dance to live Mariachi music with Mexican cowboys. Following this excursion, tequila connoisseurs can test their newfound expertise at Presidente InterContinental Guadalajara's new tequila lounge, which features 100 of the world's best tequilas. Guadalajara offers the best of international modernity and old-world Mexican authenticity in a classic walking city. You might stroll archeological ruins, boat on nearby Chapala Lake and take in a game at the world-famous Jalisco Soccer Stadium.
www.intercontinental.com
Sultry Miami Spa Scene
After playing a game of pick-up volleyball, or doing laps at the infinity pool, enjoy a Cosmo at the Hotel Victor's infamous vodka bar (complete with ice countertop to keep that ceviche cold). Adjacent to Casa Casuarina, formerly known as "the Versace Mansion" and just 12 miles from Miami International Airport, the first order of business is introducing yourself to the one-of-a-kind "Vibe Manager" on site, a concierge strictly responsible for keeping a hip mood in the lobby and common areas. Then hit the full-service Spa V featuring the Hammam, a 500-square-foot, traditional Turkish-style co-ed steam bath with a heated marble bed. Another standout: Signature Visage pour Homme, a luxurious shave and penetrating facial for dads and grads ($150 for 60 minutes).
www.hotelvictorsouthbeach.com
High Up in the Andes
Surrounded by the jagged Andes Mountains, a high-altitude desert and active volcanoes in Northern Chile, Tierra Atacama is the perfect destination for spa-goers looking for an organic adventure. Guest choose from four-wheeling, mountain biking, bird watching and volcano climbing every morning, followed by rock rappelling, sand surfing and archaeological touring every afternoon. After exploring locally, head directly to Tierra Atacama's Spa, dubbed the Uma Spa (which means "water"), for aromatherapy massages, body wraps, and relaxing soaks. Spa director Virginia Paniagua says, "We use indigenous Chilean elements in our treatments, including desert herbs, salt from the lithium-rich salt flats, and volcanic mud from 8,000 feet up in the mountains. Tierra Atacama is unlike any other spa experience in the world."
Off the Beaten Aussie Track
Imagine an exotic vacation where each day reveals something new-where you wake up in a tent near Ayers Rock or a 19th-century estate high in the Blue Mountains. Keen to get adventurers off the touristy path, Fresh Tracks Australia offers expert selections of Australia's lesser-known highlights. "People plan to see the Opera House and the Reef and forget about the rest," says John Parker, CEO Fresh Tracks Travel. "Instead, we highlight the best of the rest-camping at remote cattle ranches, hikes into rugged rainforest resorts, and horseback safaris on secluded beaches."
www.freshtracksaustralia.com.
3 Hot Summer Workouts
You don't have to run a marathon or spend countless hours lifting weights
to firm up, drop inches, and stretch out this season.
Get Ripped & Chiseled
Calgary-based instructor Jari Love practices what she preaches with a fast-moving, full-body weight-lifting routine that sculpts your abs, streamlines the upper body, and firms your butt and legs. She uses effective combos with inspirational cues and little downtime within 60 frenetic minutes. You'll need a set of 5- to 12-pound dumbbells; and the bonus recipe and nutrition section rocks. $14.95, www.jarilove.com.
Yin Yoga
Three separate 20-minute mind-body workouts focus on deep breathing, stretching, and tapping serenity within your yoga practice. Jennifer Kries is a veteran Pilates and yoga practitioner who highlights increasing flexibility both in mind and body. She has the figure-and the attitude-of the friendly gal next door, which is motivating for all fitness levels. A bonus section on Chinese medicine explains the "yin" behind the yoga. $14.99, www.razorfitness.com.
Hip Hop Party: Dance Off thr Inches
Perennially perky choreographer and Los Angeles instructor Jennifer Galardi offers a 44-minute calorie-blasting sweat-fest based on the 10 foundation moves of hip-hop. She breaks down combos like the "throw down" and the "salsa twist," so even folks who possess two left feet and a tin ear can enjoy. She is joined by several "girlfriends" and it's obvious they're all having a ball-and so will you. Accessible to all fitness levels. $14.98, www.amazon.com.
What Happened in Vegas…
After a night of indulgence, check out the Aquae Sulis Spa at the JW Marriott for a more holistic adventure 20 minutes north of the Strip. Assistant Spa Director Nichole Pfeifer recommends its most rejuvenating spa treatment to follow the ever-popular, four-hour "Red Rock Vitality Hike" ($75 to $90, depending on number of participants). After the guided hike, which includes transportation, hydration pack, snacks, and sunscreen, stroll directly to the spa for the Lost in Paradise treatment (80 minutes, $165). Transformation begins with a naturally exfoliating papaya-pineapple body scrub followed by warm coconut milk poured luxuriously over your body. Grand finale: A tropical kukui nut and coconut oil massage. You'll be ready for the slots again in no time!
www.jwlasvegasresort.com
Set Sail This Summer
Lindblad Expeditions has announced the newest addition to its fleet, an ice-class polar vessel called the National Geographic Explorer that will hold 150 guests and house technology for sea exploration, including zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, and underwater cameras. Ship enhancements include a lounge area designed for educational presentations and a luxury wellness spa. The vessel, staffed with National Geographic undersea experts and naturalists, will deploy from the Arctic, sail to Greenland, Iceland, the Canadian Arctic, and down the east coast of the U.S. before sailing to Antarctica. Follow this 8-month eco-project on www.expeditions.com and read weekly updates and see photos that will enable maritime buffs and travel enthusiasts a rare opportunity to observe this dramatic voyage.
Nicole Dorsey-Straff, M.S., a Boulder, Colorado-based exercise physiologist and wellness expert, is Organic Spa's contributing editor of play and adventure.