SPA
O'Man … I shall return, Oman
Discover spa, spice and all things nice in one of the quaintest destinations within the Arabian Peninsula.
A term frequently heard in Oman is “Renaissance,” but don't assume it refers to a rebirth through the influx of over 100,000 expatriates to Muscat over the last eighteen months! Oman is ruled by the highly respected Sultan Qaboos, who has been highly successful in easing the country into modernity over the last 37 years. Oman is fast catching up with her more affluent neighbours. As such, there is no shortage of the luxury on offer from accommodation, hospitality, epicurean delights and a myriad of activities.
Within moments of arriving in the country, it becomes clear why Oman is a popular choice destination for many English, German and American visitors; and an increasing number of Asian tourists are also looking to keep the relaxation breaks flowing at a steady pace. The traditional welcome sets the pace for your stay - a plate of locally grown dates and a cup of cardamom-infused coffee - often offered before you reach the reception desk. With the capital Muscat remaining untainted by overdevelopment or money madness, this kingdom offers great beaches, rocky mountains, a classic desert, forts and friendly, tolerant locals. Most important of all, like most of the Gulf Peninsula countries, it's safe here!
Five-star hotels dot the coastline, guarded by turtles and schools of dolphins that sportingly show off their acrobatic skills without much of a prompting. Highly recommended is the early morning wake-up to catch a 7a.m. boat in search of the graceful and playful animals in these unspoilt waters. On most days, several schools of a hundred or more dolphins will flank the boats on
either side. The lack of sea-based industrial activity makes the Gulf of Oman a haven for dolphin and whale spotters alike, and divers resurface only when the tanks run low.
Up over the cliffs, mountains of apricots, date palms and watchtowers keep
visitors of all ages curious for months and yearning to return when the
holiday is over. Besides providing an escape from the office or dull skies
at home, the luxury hotels in Oman lure even the prettiest mermaid on shore
to indulge in their spa treatments, be it to soothe a sunburn, address the
work-induced back pain, or treat an aching hiker's muscle.
SPA
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WELLNESS
Crystals … Gifts from the Earth.
Jacqueline le Seuer discusses the healing properties of these pretty and powerful gifts from deep within the earth.
Almost twenty years ago when I began collecting crystals and using them as protective and healing tools in my home and on my body, most of my friends thought I was a little weird, to say the least! Nowadays you can find crystals not only in 'new age' shops but also set into expensive pieces of jewellery and used decoratively and therapeutically in spas around the world. They may be perceived as 'new' and trendy but they have been a part of humankind's history for thousands of years.
Crystals have been found in the ruins of Babylonia and in early tombs from Egypt to China. Ancient Romans believed that crystals positively influenced health; early Greek texts illustrate how stones were worn as talismans for protection and good fortune. The Mayans used crystals for the diagnosis of disease and American Indian elders used large clear quartz crystals as 'seeing stones' in which visions of future events could be witnessed.
A question I am often asked is, 'what exactly is a crystal?' Scientifically, a crystal is defined as a mineralogical body that exhibits a characteristic internal structure enclosed by symmetrically arranged external surface. Esoterically, they are seen as powerful tools for healing, insight and transformation. Each type of crystal displays specific physical characteristics as well as having a unique energy contained within and emanating from it. It is believed that these energies cleanse, balance, strengthen, soothe and transform all facets of the body.
They are used in meditation to deepen intuition, and within buildings to bring balance and cleanse it of negativity. Another commonly asked question is what properties do certain crystals have? The list of crystals that are used energetically is almost endless; some examples are …
WELLNESS
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Four Cs
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Essential oils for the mind, body, spirit and health. |
MEDISPA
More Than Skin Deep
What exactly is a 'medispa' - and what can you expect from one?
Non-surgical nips and tucks have revitalized the lives of millions of women worldwide. No longer must we brave the drama of the surgeon's knife in order to turn back the clock. The rise in popularity - and availability - of so-called 'lunchtime procedures' such as Botox and lip-plumping injections, skin peels and laser hair removal, which leave minimal scarring and bruising and have virtually no down-time, has tempted women seeking more youthful looks to ditch the miracle creams and opt for something that offers more concrete and visible results.
But where can they go for these procedures? To the dermatologist for a skin peel; to the
cosmetic surgeon for Botox and lip-plumping; and to a day spa for a massage to relax afterwards? Enter the medispa - a one-stop shop for all your cosmetic needs. Defined by the International SPA Association as: 'an institution whose primary purpose is to provide comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment which integrates spa services as well as conventional and complementary therapies and treatments', your average medispa integrates aesthetics, medical procedures, complementary treatments and cutting-edge technologies in a holistic manner.
The result? A comfortable day treatment facility in which you can address all of your cosmetic needs - from facial nips and tucks to skin peels, spider vein injections and tooth whitening - all under the safe guidance of a licensed healthcare professional and in a relaxing environment.
While some medispas have grown out of conventional spas, others originated as cosmetic surgery clinics that added relaxing spa treatments to their services. Either way, the medispa is clearly a successful formula - medispas are currently the fastest growing sector of the spa industry, with their share of the US market growing by approximately 50 per cent in 2006.
MEDISPA
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SPA COMMUNITY
Dubai's Movers and Shakers
SpaArabia shines the spotlight on four of Dubai's most prominent people working in the spa and wellness industry.
Meet Anni Hood, Dr Maria Ridao Alonso, Jason Sloan and Daniella Russell –
four personalities influential in building up Dubai’s reputation as
the spa and wellness destination of choice. Anni Hood is Group Director
of Spa with the Jumeirah Group. Dr. Maria Ridao Alonso heads the TCM and
Ozone Department at the Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre. Jason Sloan is
Park Hyatt’s Director of Spa and Daniella Russell is Director of Spa
Resources International. SpaArabia meets them face to face for some insight
into why Dubai is the place to go for spa and wellness.
SPA COMMUNITY
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Looking at Problems, Exploring Solutions
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Paving the Way
Dubai's first day spa paves the way in customer service and ambience. |
LIFE
Style Making Sense
David Brown and Nick Deardon share their thoughts on the philosophy of creating luxury home spas based on environmental principles.
ECCOSPA is an acronym for ecological, contemporary, classic, organic, sensuous, pure, aesthetic, and the inspiration of UK interior designer David Brown. He and his colleague, Nick Dearden had long been frustrated by the mundane off-the-shelf culture that is the bread and butter of the masses. They wanted to offer more to an increasing niche society who do not want to be part of the mainstream, but relish their individuality and like to express it. “Working to improve both yours and the world's health” is the operating motto of ECCOSPA, an international design consortium with offices in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
LIFE
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