Destination Spa: Savannah

By: Jessica Thomas

 

            As the sun comes out, the sky brightens and the dreary winter days are a distant memory of the past, spring’s beautiful weather beckons us to kick back and enjoy. And yes while Atlanta has much to offer her residents during this time of year, sometimes it’s just more fun to spend a couple days away from it all to unwind and enjoy some pampering. Obviously there are quite a lot of places to go in just a few short hours, but Savannah really is the ideal place to go in the early spring. Historic and elegant, the city has so much to offer from the ever-growing Savannah College of Art & Design to the award-winning spas and salons, excellent restaurants and the happening nightlife. And by the way, they also have one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in America.

            There are many great hotels in Savannah, but one stands out for the quick weekend jaunt-The President’s Quarters. The Presidents’ Quarters exemplifies the Old South’s beauty and grace, and New South’s commitment to go above and beyond in order to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. The modernized rooms in the historic atmosphere meld aristocratic old luxury with the modern, updated customer-centric experience. Quaint and cozy, this 16-bedroom historic inn is centrally located in the Landmark Historic District of Savannah with close proximity to some of the city’s best spas and salons.

            Sweet Water Spa at Terme Aqua Dolce located on Abercorn Street is a brief walk from The President’s Quarters and is really an oasis within itself. Upon entering, you are instantly at ease. The Venetian décor with soft muted turquoise walls and white accents calm and soothe. Originally an old house complete with slaves’ quarters, the spa is completely modern and high tech, but at the same time preserves the historic charm Savannah is known for. Sweet Water offers facials, massages, body treatments, waxing, nail care, make-up application and consultation, and other skincare services.

One of the best selling services at Sweet Water is European Mud Wrap. The body is dry brushed from head to toe, which encourages increased circulation throughout, then clay infused with Dead Sea minerals is painted on and lastly, the body is wrapped for 20 minutes to allow the effects of the mud to set in. This deep moisturizing treatment is especially good for drawing toxins out of the body. The Raindrop Therapy Massage is a perfect service to get after the mud wrap. The ultimate aromatherapy massage, this treatment uses 11 essential oils which are dropped like raindrops (hence the name) onto one’s body.

A short walk in the other direction of the inn is the Vanilla Day Spa inside Savannah’s Downtown Athletic Club. The experience here is also ultimately delightful. The services ease the many tired bodies that frequent the gym as well as those who live and work downtown. Vanilla offers a wide variety of services such as massages, facials, waxing, nail services and body treatments. Yet the excellent massages are the way to go at this downtown sanctuary. The Vanilla Hot Stone massage is absolutely heavenly and will bring you into a blissful state of mind. Voted best place for a massage in 2007 and 2008 by the readers of Savannah Magazine, Vanilla also offers a couple’s massage, which is the ultimate reward if celebrating an anniversary or another special occasion. The muted and modern cream and beige décor instantly clears the mind and readies the body to relax and be pampered.

Down the road a bit is Savannah Day Spa, another retreat in a renovated house. This spot is known for its exceptional customer service and treatments. The Signature Facial is the way to go if you are looking to whip your skin into shape, and really who isn’t these days? The facial includes a deep cleansing, steaming and exfoliation of the face, and is followed by a special nourishing mask that leaves your skin refreshed, hydrated and radiant. This treatment is definitely something you don’t want to miss while in Savannah. Savannah Day Spa also does massage, hair, make-up application, waxing, body treatments and nails. Also in a renovated old house, Savannah Day Spa has that quaint feel and Southern charm coupled with a knowledgeable and professional staff.

But if you are looking for a more intensive spa services menu, look no further than Glow Med Spa. The sleek, modern and chic Glow in midtown is ideal if you are looking to not only be indulged, but to permanently improve your body. Owner Courtney Buntin Victor has put her magic touch on everything in the fantastic spa including all of the merchandise sold at the beauty boutique; the shop carries great lines such as, Smith’s Rosebud Salve, Youngblood Mineral Make-up, Revitalash eyelash growth serum, Vanity Mark make-up by Brett Freedman and Whish body products. From the facials to the advanced care facial therapies like the Glow Chemical Peel and the Oxygen Treatment, Glow’s professionals will literally make your skin look luminous. And the body treatments Glow offers can take years off and will have people telling you that you look like a million bucks. The Glow Microdermabrasion body treatment will transform any problem area and smooth your entire body, getting you little black dress ready in an instant. Try the permanent make-up by Marilyn McAlister, eyelash extensions or eyelash perms. Lastly, before heading out the door, take a minute to bronze that skin with Glow’s body bronze treatment to look like you’ve been relaxing in the Savannah sun for hours. And rest assured, they’ll do a quick make-up application to have you ready to go back and enjoy your vacation whether you are sightseeing, eating at any of delicious restaurants or simply relaxing.

Whatever spa you choose to go to in Savannah, you won’t go wrong. Each and every spa in this picturesque town is a winner. So take a few days and head to historic Savannah to enjoy the grace and charm absent from your hectic work weeks, and book a few spa appointments. You won’t be sorry you did.

 

The President’s Quarters

225 E President Street
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 233-1600

www.presidentsquarters.com

 

Sweetwater Spa at Terme Acqua Dolce

148 Abercorn Street

Savannah, Georgia 31401

(912) 233-3288

http://www.termeacquadolce.com/

 

 

Vanilla Day Spa

1 E Broughton St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 232-0040

www.vanilladayspa.com

 

Savannah Day Spa

18 E Oglethorpe Ave
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 234-9100

www.savannahdayspa.com

 

Glow Med Spa

415 Eisenhower Dr
Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 303-9611

www.glowsavannah.com

The Thermage Experiment

The Verdict Is In.

 

By Angela Braden

 

Immediately after the thirty-minute session, which would have been one hour had I been doing both sides of my face like any normal citizen, Michael Lynch, Lead Medical Esthetician at Blue Medspa, sat me up and handed me a mirror. I had to admit, compared to the untreated side of my face, the “Thermaged” side did look different—lifted, and definitely fuller. Knowing that most faces are asymmetrical, I could account for the seemingly “lifted” result, but the fuller, taunt feel? That was undeniable evidence that something had happened under the skin in that short session. I’d have to see how the lifting/tightening element played out over the next six months, but the skin was undeniably firmer immediately . . . maybe just swelling under the skin, my inner skeptic suggested.

 

With this skin-tightening treatment, skepticism comes naturally, mainly because it seems too good to be true. In the completely non-invasive category (no scalpel, no surgery, no injections), Thermage® is one of the most exciting cosmetic technological advancements of our time. The promise is exhilarating: skin tightening and toning—all happening beneath the surface of the skin—with absolutely no downtime. No redness, no bruising, no peeling. According to its manufacturer, Thermage is a “safe, clinically proven way to tighten and contour skin, with improvements in tone, contour, and texture occurring naturally through the stimulation of the recipient’s own collagen.”

 

Along with its miraculous capabilities, Thermage has had its share of criticism, and inconsistent results, since its FDA approval in July, 2000. It has been one of the most debated cosmetic treatments, with a bit too much variation in efficacy for some. Why this great dissonance surrounding such dream technology? Sara Goza, who heads up the clinical team at Blue Medspa, under Medical Director, Dr. Paul Cox, explains, “Technology is ever changing. Thermage went back to the drawing board when patients and clinicians began to complain,” she says. The subsequent reworking of this promising technology resulted in what Goza refers to as “new generation Thermage”.

 

Now, using a larger tip, to reduce pain and increase effectiveness, as well as revamping the training and techniques for practitioners (such as increasing the number of passes over the face) Thermage is now delivering on its technological potential more effectively with less pain. My result is a good indication that “New Generation” is on solid ground and recipients can look forward to more consistent results.

 

As the underlying skin responds over a six to eight month period following treatment, results continue to reveal themselves. This is why I had to do one half of my face—who remembers the details of her face from six months ago? I suspect this contributes in part to the controversy. It’s hard to miss the results when you’re looking at the before and the after all on one face staring back at you in the mirror: left side: “before”; right side: “after”. That exactly what I did for six months.

 

In my case, the right side (treated side) began to subtly re-contour. The cheekbone became more pronounced, higher, and slightly rounder, the eyebrow lifted slightly, and the lines (crows feet) were definitely less defined. The hollowness under my eye was completely absent. These are all very good things, since they epitomize what the entire beauty world has become obsessed with and what New York Magazine has termed the “New New Face”. This is the same modern aesthetic ideal that has made dermal fillers, like Juvaderm® and Cosmoblast® all the rage. It asserts a beauty standard of youthful volume, concentrated not on pulling up and back, like the facelift does, but pushing the face outward. Think baby face—round, firm, thick-skinned. That’s what modern beauty strives for—more volume—fuller, plumper, contoured. And that’s just what Thermage provides. At the five-month mark, shown below, I was a believer (and anxious to get the other side done).

 

This is really a story about collagen—that magical underlying tissue that holds everything together and provides volume. The thicker it is, the younger you look. It’s not a dramatic change on the surface, but for the “new new face”, that’s exactly the goal. For natural plumping from underlying collagen stimulation, Thermage delivers.

  

 

 

 

 

 

Why did it work for me?

There are several factors that influence results with Thermage. Below are some that could have contributed to mine.

 

• Age - younger skin, with more collagen to work with may respond better. (I’m 35.)
• Skill of technician - Thermage is very technique dependent. The person performing the treatment should be trained in the latest protocols, like completing the correct cycle time, providing multiple passes, and focusing on areas known to achieve best results. (My technician, Michael at Blue Medpa has had recent and extensive training.)
• Feedback from Client – Because Thermage uses radio frequency energy, giving pain feedback is vital to letting the technician know your individual “impedance” (resistance to the energy) level. This impedance level corresponds to the energy needed to cause the collagen to contract adequately. (So, my saying “uncle” helped Michael ensure the right level of energy was delivered to the skin . . .not to mention made the experience much more pleasant for me. )
• Nutrients  - Recent nutritional concerns have emerged surrounding many cosmetic treatments because, it is theorized, all that regeneration can tax the nutrients the body has in stock. So, I stocked up before and after Thermage with nutrients that support, what else? Collagen production! Namely, Aloe juice, 1000 mg of vitamin C, and extra 500 mg of calcium.

Spring Into Summer - Coolest trends for the hottest season

By Crystal J.

 

Summer is in sight and you want to sizzle!  But after hibernating, you’re not sure which beauty trends are hot and what’s gone with the winter wind.  That’s where we come in! Read on - these tips and tricks from industry pros and top salons will have you fabulous faster than you can say “May Day“!

 

Taming our tresses can be tough in warmer weather.  Recent runway trends come to the rescue with styles that can stand the heat!  At DKNY and Dsquared the blow out was back with a twist - skip stick straight and make waves.  RuMM Color Studio (Alpharetta, GA) shows us how: Owners Russell and Millie Baggett comment, “Modern styles are organic and natural with mixed textures.” Irina Palas achieves this look by prepping with a volumizer like Prive Shining Weightless Amplifier. Using a medium round brush, blow dry 2 inch sections and “twirl” out vertically to create a soft wave. Let cool and separate.  Use a finishing product to add more body and shine.

 

Prefer the ease of an updo? Add panache to that ponytail like they did at Versace! Meghan Bridges of RuMM, starts with Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo at roots to add texture and volume.  Tease the front and crown and then smooth into ponytail.  Conceal the band with a ribbon of hair and secure.  Slightly tease the ponytail and finger style using Rene Furterer Shine Wax.  Create varying lengths within the ponytail using hair pins, add finishing spray for hold.  Visit www.rummcolorstudio.com

 

Now that our mane is amazing, how do we achieve summer‘s fresh face?  Color makes a comeback and a light touch prevents messy meltdowns.  Bright shades light up lips and semi-matte skin is oh so season-friendly!  Celeb-sightings from Nicky Hilton to Katy Perry reveal that pretty pops of color are not just for flowers.  Industry insiders show you how to blossom.

 

Emmy-winner, noted Makeup Artist and self-proclaimed “Product Junkie”, Kevin James Bennett (www.kjbennett.com) reveals hot looks and cool techniques.  For skin, “I love a velvet matte finish”. Actual velvet isn’t very reflective, but it plays with light beautifully.  Use matifying products like Make Up For Ever All Mat or Benefit Dr. Feelgood to achieve this effect. “Powder is never invited to the party, it’s just too dry and flat.”  Kevin’s been making his own lip shades forever.  Pretty your pout with a cream like Make Up For Ever Flash Color.  This gives you control to customize color, coverage and finish by adding gloss etc. 

 

Famed Makeup Artist and Instructor Tobi Britton (www.themakeupshop.com - tobibritton@aol.com) shares her summer secrets.  Tobi favors a fresh face. Mix a bronzy foundation with an spf for a healthy glow and blend crème blush onto “appletops” to mimic a day at the beach.  Perfectly groomed brows and lashes make for a polished look.  “Sweep on a healthy helping of mascara (I use only black), my faves are Loreal Voluminous (ooh, mine too!) and Tarte 4-in-one.”  A smokey eye is a perfect touch for Evening.  Smudge a soft pencil (blends without tugging) like Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier into the lash line then lock in with a sweep of a powder shadow for staying power.  Glamour girls can add a few well placed lashes like “Andrea Naturals Knot Free” and top with a glossy lip!

 

There’s all you need to emerge from winter’s cocoon a summer beauty.  These tips meet the demands of summer by combining lovely with long-lasting.  The only things you’ll melt this summer are hearts!

Tanning Options: Pros and Cons of Various Spray on Methods and Aromatherapy and The Effects from Scented Sprays.

By Carrie Ellis and TJ Yelich

 

Spray on tanning product are also known as sunless tanning, self-tanners, or tanning extender products.  Sunless tanning is a fast, easy alternative to getting a tan – and you can do it without exposing yourself to the sun.  Sunless tanning products are commonly sold as creams, gels, lotions, or sprays that apply directly to your skin.  When applied to your skin, DHA  (dihydroxyacetone) reacts with the dead skins cells in the outermost layers of your skin to temporarily darken it.  The color will than last five to seven days.

 

Sunless tanning products go on clear, and you may see results after about an hour.  Full color appears within eight to twenty four hours.  Some products contain a tint which colors your skin right away.  Besides at home products, spray on tanning is also available at most salons.

 

All spray tanning products are FDA approved.  But there are some cautions you have to watch out for.  For example when spraying on your face, hold your breath and close your eyes.  You may want to wear goggles or nose plugging devices.  After applying tanning products to your skin make sure to wash your hands right away.  To avoid stains on your clothes, wait to dress for about twenty minutes after applying.

 

While many people attempt to give themselves a suntanned look at home, you may decide to go the spa route and get airbrushed at least once every 30 days or so to keep your tan even and perfect. When you are selecting a spa for sunless tanning, consider these factors before making your selection:

 

• • Are there accompanying treatments?Most spas offer a selection of exfoliating and cleansing treatments to make your tan “take” better than it would otherwise. While these treatments may add between 20 and 100 dollars to your treatment, they can extend the life of your spray tan by two or three weeks.
• • What type of spray tan are you dealing with?Spray tans and tanning lotions can be applied in various manners. Some spas offer airbrush tan treatments, which insure that your tan is evenly applied and that not a single strip of skin is missed. Spray tanning booths may require you to apply product yourself or to stand in a mist, which can cause people to cough if they accidentally breathe it in. Other spas may sponge on your tanning treatment or even incorporate it into a massage. When someone else is applying your tan, you can always be certain that it will be more thorough than if you have to twist and turn to do it yourself.
• • What are your aromatherapy options?Many spray tans offer aromatherapy complements to make the spray smell better and help ease your mind, relax your body or sharpen your senses while you enjoy your spray tan. This addition is generally an inexpensive luxury that really “ups the ante” on the enjoyment factor of your treatment.
• • What are your plans for the rest of the day?Sunless tanning generally requires that you remain unclothed or wear loose clothing until the color “sets.” While you can get dressed in just a few minutes after the treatment, you may have trouble with the tan rubbing off on your clothes. Getting the treatment along with a manicure, pedicure or facial is a good way to prolong your time in a spa robe and make sure that your tan stays on your skin instead of on your clothes. 

 

Once you have gotten your “spa-perfect” tan, you can maintain that look using at-home products.Here are a few products that give your skin that sun tanned looked without the sun:

 

• • Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning, Sunless Spray Deep

 

Neutrogena MicroMist tanning spray applies like an airbrush spray for hands-free application.  It dries in five minutes and gives you that a great dark tan.  Although a major downside to using it is, it tends to be uneven and presents an unnatural color. You will need to use this product over an excellent quality spa-spray or spa- airbrushed tan to get the best results. 

• • Banana Boat Summer Color, Self-Tanning Mist, Fresh Citrus Fragrance

 

Banana Boat Summer Color makes streak-free self tanning quick and easy.  The citrus fragrance in this spray also makes you smell fresh and summery, while the time release color enables the tan to last two days longer than traditional spray-on tanners.  This lotion is ideal for touching up a spa tan after 7 to 10 days if you are trying to prolong time between visits. 

 

• • Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

 

This is a daily product made for moisturizing.  However it is also good for applying a good mild tan to your skin.  It does not have to be applied daily.  The tan is good for about three days if it is not refreshed, and is a great way to moisturize daily without rubbing off any of your high-quality spa tan.

Do not attempt to strap food to your head outside the privacy of your own home

by Jen Van Leigh

In the middle of wedding season, I got married. Wedding season means trends, particularly in hair. Top trends for this wedding season are looking to be long, loose waves and the classic-to-modern tousled updo. Using sparkly pins, or wrapping a gemstone necklace around a bun, hair jewelry is also making a sparkly splash in bridal hair. Updo’s are a can-do. Long flowing locks are another story, since I’m fond of my mid-length rocker shag. However, there aren’t many everyday opportunities to be a fairy princess-mermaid hybrid, so I figured I’d go for it.

Being new to the world of hair extensions, I wanted to take a look at all of my options and figure out what would work for me. After checking out a glue-in weft, several wigs, cold infusion and hot fusion, I made my way to clip-ins.* Apparently, no matter how little or how much you’ve got of your own hair, help is only seven, three, or even one clip-in piece away!

 

After practice and much thought, I’ve developed a method of preparation* that may help a transition into weave-land, even if you’re just visiting: At any drug store, while you’re there stocking up on hair care products, grab an ace bandage and a king-size bag of plain M&M’s (a small bag of rice or beans will work as well).

Upon returning home, place the M&M’s on the crown of your head, positioned like a yarmulke. Secure in place by wrapping the ace bandage around your head, the way injured characters in vintage films appear. Put your hair products away, and notice the way your body is more upright, your movements more deliberate.

Go ahead, do the dishes and vacuum. Go on with your home life the way you do every other day and try to forget that there’s a bag of M&M’s strapped to your head. Instead, imagine the long flowing hair you’ll have in a day or two. Practice every night until your appointment. By the time you’re catwalk-ready, you won’t notice the difference. Now, reward your pretty self with the M&M’s (or rice and beans).

After “I do” was said and done, I was reluctant to let go of the hair, even though learning to work it was a bit of a pain. During my research into wedding-ready weave, I discovered that there’s typically eight ounces in a full application of hair extensions. “That’s a lot,” I thought with worry, recalling an episode of “I Love Lucy” in which her headdress is so large it causes her to collapse down a flight of stairs.

 

In lieu of actually falling, I learned to shake my head around like a glamour girl in a shampoo commercial. The good thing about this added weight is that it’s impossible to slouch. I don’t understand the mechanics of it, but it keeps your head up and back, your shoulders squared. Sure, you get used to it over time, but in the early stages, it’s really quite a different, confidence-inducing thing. Perfect for a wedding, or any time you need that extra something.

 

*For more information on hair extension options, you can visit greathairinfusions.com or sunnyshair.com.

**Do not attempt to strap food to your head outside the privacy of your own home.

How to Keep Your Cool on Vacation Even When Things Get Hot

If you are like most people, you spend a great deal of time looking forward to planning your vacation. Some people plan every second of their vacation down to the last detail, while others prefer to let things come naturally and “go with the flow” on their time off. Either way, however, vacations often spiral out of control as you try to pack as much fun into a limited time and an exclusive location as possible. Fortunately, there is an easy, relaxing secret that you can employ in order to relax on the most packed-out (literally and figuratively) vacation: hit the spa.

“Wait,” you may be thinking, “I’m here with three kids, one baby, one angsty teenager, a husband and two sets of grandparents. When am I going to fit in a spa day?” This is where most people are confused. They assume that going to a spa is an all-day event. In fact, most resorts offer a variety of “quickies” designed to help you relax, lay back and chill out even if you only have about fifteen minutes to spare. Anyone can grab a fast shoulder massage, a refreshing facial or a pleasant session in a steam room while the kids are on the beach with their grandparents or the baby is snoozing on the couch with dad. Even better, these fast spa sessions are a great way to bond with teens who may be eager to enjoy the glamour of a spa experience with you – even if it ends up being a bit abbreviated.

Here are several options that you can indulge in when time is short – whether you are on vacation or just need a quick refresher during your lunch hour:

 

·       15 and 30 minute facials

Popular spas like Spa Sydell in Atlanta offer “lunch breaks” that consist of a single, relaxing treatment designed to make a noticeable difference in a short period of time. While a fast facial may leave some issues untreated, you will return to your life after your short break in luxury with a smoother, brighter, more youthful look – and your pocketbook will not be much lighter than it was before.

·       Quickie Massages

If you are feeling tense, then focus some energy in the direction of your worst aches or pains to fight the problem. When you do not have time for the full-body treatment, opt for upper or lower body, or even just have your technician focus on the problem spots. Even spas that do not offer quickie services often will work with you if you make a series of appointments that you can keep over a few weeks on your lunch break or after work before heading home to a full evening of making dinner and helping with homework. Even better, if you live in Atlanta your spa session will be far superior to spending that time sitting in rush hour, and you will still get home at the same time.

·       Mani and Pedi packages

Love foot or hand massages, but really need a manicure or pedicure? Doubletask with a spa manicure or pedicure that comes with a relaxing hand or foot massage. Nearly all spas offer them, and you get the benefit of a trained technician not only beautifying your feet, but relaxing you in the process.

Whether you are on the go for the summer or just trying to beat the heat after a hard day at work, spa sessions can work wonders on you for relaxation and stress relief. 

Hot Stone Massage: History, Therapy and Technique

By Carrie Ellis and TJ Yelich

 

If you have been feeling out of sorts or experiencing major tension in your muscles than probably the last thing that you want to do is pile rocks on your back. However, that just might be the solution. Hot stone massage, while it sounds heavy and painful, is a highly specialized form of massage that uses smooth, heated stones to sooth and relax your body and your mind. This type of massage is particularly popular when people are on vacation and interested in trying out a new indulgence that they might not normally experiment with.  

 

The secret to hot stone massage is in the types of stones used. Most of the time they are made out of basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well.  Massaging with black volcanic stones is a soothing, relaxing form of massage.  It helps to release tightened muscles and sooth aching pain.  These stones rubbed on the tense spots of your body will help calm and relax you after a long or stressful day – something that most of us experience at least one day on vacation when we have trekked all over an amusement park or shopped, lounged and laid out longer than we intended. Hot stone massages can take as little as half an hour or as long as two hours, and can be customized to fit your needs and budget. 

 

Hot stone massages can be rather expensive, but they tend to be slightly less pricey in resort areas, which is unusual since services like this generally run higher in exclusive environments.  In most cases, they run about one hundred and fifty dollars for one session.  However, these sessions are often longer than conventional massages and highly customized. In a session, a therapist will uses many stones of different shapes and sizes.  Technique is very important.  Therapists encourage patients to speak up if a stone massage is uncomfortable so that adjustments can be made. Now is the perfect time to get a deal on a hot stone massage that is totally customized to your needs because many spas are running specials to encourage people to try out new relaxation techniques. 

Hot Stone Massage History

 

Native Americans used hot stones warmed by fire to make themselves feel better.  Mary Neslon, a native of Tucson, Arizona, is generally credited with the revival of the hot stone massage in 1993.  Mary Nelson received visions and verbal guidance from her Native American Spirit guide, San Jaunette.  Mary Nelson trademarked her style, calling it LaStone Therapy.  LaStone Therapy is a form of massage that users both hot and cold stones.  It is a trademarked style of massage that can only be preformed by someone who is certified to be a LaStone Therapist.  Most spas have there own versions of hot stone massage therapy that are as highly researched and tailored to client’s needs as this original treatment. 

 

Since  the stones used in hot stone massages are also good for natural healing, you may want to speak to your therapist about combining heated and cool stones during your massage.  If you want a healing massage then your therapist may use hot or cold stones depending on your injury.  When massaged on an injured muscle or area of great tension, the stones can bring temporary relief and speed healing.

 

Hot Stone Massage in Atlanta

 

Many spa locations offer hot stone massages, but there are several that are well known for this service. 

 

• • Salon Greco 

 

The Salon Greco offers top professionals specializing in personalized services.  They offer hot stone massages in an elegant enviroment to helps relieve stress from head to toe, believing that environment is as important as technique when it comes to rest, relaxation and healing. 

 

• • Skin Essence Buckhead 

 

Skin Essence Buckhead is another great place for hot stone massage – especially if you are focused on using this particular form of massage to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  This spa is priced to be a part of your everyday lifestyle, and you will find that you can easily work a hot stone massage or variant of this procedure into your regular fitness and beauty regimen.  

 

There are many other spas in Atlanta that offer hot stone massages and variations on hot stone massage. If you are visiting the city, then a hot stone massage will help you relax after a big day enjoying the sights, fine dining and other venues that Atlanta has to offer. If you live in Atlanta full time, then instead of keeping your cool during your vacation with a hot stone massage, you may want to take advantage of the myriad opportunities to enjoy hot stone massage on a regular basis.

Fast-Fixes for a Beach-Ready Body by this Weekend

By Carole VanSickle

We’ve all been there. About the time you polish off that last doughnut or finish off your second gym-free week, you get the call. You love it and you hate it: Your friends are headed to the beach. Now, even if you are usually in perfectly fit condition and love the way you look in a swimsuit, we all know what it’s like to get that kind of call at the end of a self-indulgent mood. However, instead of pleading off with the excuse that you have too much work or other plans, then sitting at home inside or busting your fanny at the gym while your friends are living it up at the beach, throw away that boring old one-piece and pack your teeniest bikini. There are fast fixes to this type of problem that will leave you looking beach-bathing-beautiful in no time flat.

·       Step One: Get Real

The most important thing you need to do is be realistic about what you are trying to achieve. You can drop inches from your waist and tighten up your body in general with many of these treatments, but if you are just feeling guilty because you had an extra slice of cheesecake, then you may not need to go to the time, trouble and expense. However, 99 percent of looking good is feeling good, so analyze the situation realistically and go from there.

·       Step Two: Flatten and Firm

There are a variety of spa treatments that can help trim you down, flatten your stomach and emphasize your curves to give you an hourglass figure. If you are basically happy with your shape but you are feeling or looking bloated, then a thermal body wrap or a mineral wrap can literally melt away inches and give your skin a firmer look. If you are looking for fast and serious weight loss, a clinical colonic from a medical spa can flatten your tummy down and remove major pounds in just a few hours. However, this process is not particularly pleasant and it should never be conducted without proper expert supervision. This process is a “red carpet” favorite because it removes all excess bloat from your body and makes normally firm-ish shapes look rock hard and slightly softer shapes suddenly sleeker and curvier in all the right places.

·       Step Three: Tan and Tone

It is a simple fact of life that you will look fitter and healthier with a tan. If you are ready to hit the beach, hide blemishes with a golden bronze. Air brush tanning treatments are the best option because they give you the most natural looking tan, but you can also go with spray tanning booths or beds if you prefer. These tans are generally not quite as even and may not last quite as long, but they are less expensive than personalized airbrushing. If you want to really “go into detail” with your tan, you can even request that the airbrush artist define your muscles to make them appear more toned. This requires an expert makeup artist and will likely be more expensive than a more conventional spray- or airbrush-tanning session.

·       Step Four: Relax

Once you have whipped your beach body into shape, kick back. That may not necessarily mean have another dozen doughnuts, but stop worrying about how you look and start looking forward to having fun. If you have the time, treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure, or indulge in some aromatherapy to help yourself relax and get ready for a great time at the beach.