Spa Cuisine joy...

There is such joy in staying at a Spa Resort when you experience the amazing care and attention given to the spa cuisine and their spa wellness treatments.  Keemala in Phuket is just that place. 

We are thrilled to share with you a couple of delicious recipes, so you can create and share them with your loved ones.  Of course, the best way to delight in Keemala's wholesome spa cuisine would be to be on a holiday with your loved one. Not only because their wonderful staff would be creating them for you, but because you'd simply be relaxing with your feet up looking out to ocean, swimming in your private pool, exploring the little village of Kamala and then retreating to the Mala Spa. Bliss!

Tomorrow start your day with...

BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE BOWL
Ingredients:
Banana 1pc
Mango  1/2pc
Almond milk  2tbs
Cacao powder  1tsp
Seasonal fruits  1/2cup
Mixed nuts, chopped  1tbs
Chia seeds  1tsp
Goji berries  1tsp

Preparation:
1. In a high-speed blender combine banana, mango, almond milk and cacao powder and blend until smooth.  Pour into a serving bowl
2.  Arrange season fruits on top of the smoothie and top with the remaining ingredients.  Serve fresh.

Keemala - breakfast smoothie bowl

Another wholesome meal to create that can be served for either lunch or dinner and would delight any vegetarian or vegan is Keemala's signature dish:

SPRING SPINACH SALAD
Ingredients:
Salad
Fresh baby spinach  400g
Fresh strawberries  10pcs
Avocado  1 whole
Smoked coconut flesh  200g
Edible flowers  5g
Pink peppercorn  5g
Sea salt  5g
Sicilian lemon oil  20ml

Creamy Cashew Nut Dressing
Organic cashew nut  800g
Fresh lemon juice  50ml
Garlic, finely chopped  30g
Chives, chopped  15g
Fine Himalayan salt  20g
Smoked coconut water  200g

Preparation:
1. In a food processor add organic cashew nut, fresh lemon juice, garlic, chives and smoked coconut water and pulse until well blended.  Season with salt to taste.
2. In a large bowl, add fresh baby spinach, strawberries, avocado and smoked coconut flesh and mix well. Top with edible flowers and crushed pink peppercorn.  Add sea salt and Sicilian lemon oil to taste. 
3.  Add dressing to the salad and toss just before serving.

Keemala - signature spa cuisine dish - Spring Spinach Salad

Wish to extend this insight of Keemala?
A spa resort that embraces a cultural philosophy and brings it to life through distinctive design and experiences...look here >
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For guidance, advice and reservations contact Spa Wellness Travel

Asia Spa Awards 2018...

To be invited to be a participating judge and then attend the annual AsiaSpa Awards in mid November was a great delight.  To be amongst industry persons from across many countries was inspiring. Here is an update from Asia Spa.....

14th Annual AsiaSpa Awards Recognise the Industry’s Finest

Hong Kong’s most anticipated spa and wellness event of the year, the 14th annual AsiaSpa Awards took place on November 15 at W Hong Kong with the glamorous occasion attended by representatives of the region’s outstanding brands. The 2018 Awards honoured nominees, industry icons and guests, for an evening themed ‘Tokyo Blue’.

A panel of 20 judges selected the best in the business across 26 categories. Awards were presented to spas, hotels and resorts, retreats and products recognised for raising the bar of product and treatment standards.

The elegant evening saw more than 400 professionals celebrate the winners who have demonstrated stellar products and services within the region’s best spas and resorts. These included Maia Spa, Fusion Maia, Da Nang City, Vietnam, which took home ‘Spa of the Year (Southeast Asia & the Pacific)’, while ‘Spa of the Year (North & West Asia)’ went to Chuan Spa, Cordis Hong Kong. Exception Marine, Thalgo was awarded ‘Anti-Ageing Product Line of the Year’, and MDNA Skin, MDNA Skin was recognised as ‘Natural Product Line of the Year’. Gaya Island Resort, Sabah, Malaysia, received ‘Destination Hotel/Resort of the Year’, while The Sukhothai Shanghai, China, was ‘Urban Hotel of the Year’.

“This year’s AsiaSpa Awards are even more special because we’re celebrating the magazine’s 15th anniversary. We’re really proud of the staying power we have in the publishing world as an authority on all things spa and wellness in the region. It’s encouraging to see the commitment to improvement in the industry with so many professionals who are genuinely passionate about delivering authentic wellness through alternative therapies. They are the heart and soul of any spa and we celebrate their valuable contributions to this business. We are also delighted to announce Intraceuticals as our main sponsor for the 2019 awards,” says Stephanie Shiu, editor-in-chief of AsiaSpa magazine.

We at AsiaSpa would like to express our gratitude to our event sponsor, Lapidem Tokyo and special thanks to W Hong Kong for sponsoring this year’s stunning venue. We are also thrilled to have the support of Sans Souci as our trophies sponsor this year. Sans Souci is a Czech producer of bespoke decorative lighting fixtures with over 12 years of experience and expertise in hospitality projects and interior design jobs around the world.

And the AsiaSpa award winners for 2018 are:
Spa of the Year (Southeast Asia & the Pacific)          Maia Spa, Fusion Maia, Da Nang City, Vietnam
Spa of the Year (North & West Asia)                         Chuan Spa, Cordis Hong Kong
Urban Spa of the Year                                                 Bliss Spa, W Hong Kong
Day Spa of the Year                                                    Lapidem Tokyo Spa, Tokyo, Japan
New Spa of the Year                                                   PANPURI WELLNESS, Bangkok, Thailand
Men's Spa of the Year                                                 The Ritz-Carlton Spa, The Ritz-Carlton,                                                                                                       Millenia, Singapore
Eco-Spa of the Year                                                    Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Gold Coast,
                                                                                         Australia
Medi-Spa of the Year                                                  Dii Wellness Medi Spa, Bangkok, Thailand
Destination Retreat Program of the Year                    7-day Ayurvedic Journey, Anantara Spa,                                                                                                      Anantara Tangalle Resort, Sri Lanka
Spa Treatment of the Year                                          Bamboo Fusion Massage, Willow Stream SPA,                                                                                            Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai, China
Couple's Treatment of the Year                                  Vitality of the Hearts, Holistic Sanctuary and                                                                                                Healing Sanctuary Spa, The Farm, Philippines
Men's Spa Treatment of the Year                               Pedi:MENi: Cure by Bastien Gonzalez, The                                                                                                  Oriental Spa, The Landmark Mandarin                                                                                                    Oriental, Hong Kong
Medi-Spa Treatment of the Year                                High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Aesthetic                                                                                                Facial, Sense of Tough, Hong Kong
Innovative Spa Treatment of the Year                        MARGY'S Monte Carlo Prestige Facial with                                                                                                Platinum Mask, Morpheus Spa, Morpheus                                                                                                Hotel, Macau, China
Professional Spa Product Line of the Year                 BioPhyto, Christina
Results-Orientated Product Line of the Year              Hydrating Collection, Aromatherapy Associates
Anti-Ageing Product Line of the Year                        Exception Marine, Thalgo
New Product Range of the Year                                  Ampoule Concentrates Grand Cru, BABOR
Natural Product Line of the Year                                MDNA Skin, MDNA Skin
Men's Product Line of the Year                                   Muscle Ease Blend, Subtle Energies
Spa Cuisine of the Year                                               Kamalaya Cuisine, Kamalaya Wellness                                                                                                         Sanctuary and Holistic Spa, Koh Samui,                                                                                                   Thailand
Destination Hotel/Resort of the Year                          Gaya Island Resort, Sabah, Malaysia
Urban Hotel of the Year                                              The Sukhothai Shanghai, China
Family-Friendly Hotel/Resort of the Year                  Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
Eco-Hotel/Resort of the Year                                      Fivelements, Bali, Indonesia
Romantic Hotel/Resort of the Year                             Ayana Resort and Spa, Bali, Indonesia

Congratulations!

           

a Hyatt spa here or there...

Booking into a spa hotel or spa resort that is a global brand you can expect the ethos, intent and spa product being offered to be consistent, after all that is why loyalty prevails.  

The Barai within our Collection offers only eight exclusive residential spa suites, is a part of and located adjacent to the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, Thailand.  Unable to retreat to Thailand at this point in time, my mind pondered the options of a spa hotel or day spa in Melbourne that would suit my needs.  Knowing The Barai’s emphasis on water treatments and facilities and the quality spa products they use, my attention quickly diverted to the Park Hyatt which is home to the Park Club Health & Day Spa.

Perfect!  The Park Club Health & Day Spa provided a steam room, sauna, jaccuzi and pool for me to restore and rejuvenate.  Dedicating time to the warmth of steam and a sauna is a must for me before a treatment and the pool allows for a few laps to stretch my limbs. Beyond the facials, body treatments, massages and beauty treatments for men and women within the spa menu, there's also wellness retreats, which equates to a ‘signature treatment’.   Wanting a bit of everything, I booked a Peace wellness retreat encompassing a calming massage, revitalising facial and scalp massage.

My day started in bit of a flurry as I had an hour and half drive and the weather was horrendous. Thank goodness for complimentary valet parking, to simply arrive and hand over the car makes life easy. Within minutes, I was in the infamous white cozy robe and sipping a cup of warm ginger and lemongrass tea.  Perfect – by now I’ve forgotten the outside world.   Uki, my therapist was amazing, asking after areas that I wanted attention given to and questioning my comfort throughout. Having only a thirty minute massage was not going to treat a full body, but I know if it was I would have been snoring.   

Time from my scalp massage was taken and given to pressing and kneading my glutes (bum muscles), whilst working through my tension and pain, Uki advised this is a common area that needs attention for people who sit at a desk working for a long period of time. Oh the joys!  Whether a sixty minute plus or express facial, Kerstin Florian the exclusive spa-only brand that is developed using natural ingredients and is free from heavy preservative and perfumes is used at both the Park Club Health & Day Spa and The Barai.  Uki offered more advice suggesting I apply vitamin c+ serum under my moisturiser on my face at night to assist with fine lines; I thanked her for the advice and the sample, but eagerly purchased the Rehydrating Neroli Water at the account on my departure.  I love having a hydrating mist in my bag.  The serum maybe next times purchase. 

I was out the door and off to a lunch meeting feeling blissfully relaxed. 

Park Health Club & Day Spa

bliss massage

bathe with these beauties - keep swimming to the end...

The Barai suite batheing

For all Spa Wellness Travel advice and reservations contact:  T: 03-5254 1411

Now, we encourage you take a little time our for yourself.  During November there's TWO OFFERS for you to experience the wonderful therapists, spa products and treatments at the Park Hyatt Melbourne.

1st - Unwind with the Pure Indulgence package - 60min Turkish Salt Scrub, 30min Relaxation Massage, 75min Advance Facial + 30min lunch. Mon-Sat cost $369 and you'll be gifted with an Eucalyptus/Wildflower Bath Soak to take home (valued $65).

2nd - Book any 1hr treatment and receive a complimentary foot or scalp massage (valued $49). Remember to mention Spa Wellness Travel. 

Contact the Park Club Health & Day Spa on 03-9224 1222. 

NEW Lifestyle Collection at The Barai

The Barai is an amazing spa resort located on the beautiful beach at Hua Hin, Thailand.  It was the sister property I.Sawan Residential Spa & Club at the Grand Hyatt Bangkok that brought The Barai to my attention. The space, the treatment, the facilities and the comforts that were dedicated to allowing an individual to retreat and switch off, was breathtaking.

It is a thrill to be advised that The Barai at Hyatt Regency's new Lifestyle Collection has just been released.  To clarify, all though the package may seem dedicated, it is still a spa resort, there are no medical persons conducting or monitoring treatments, but there is a dedicated Director of Spa, Sylvia Marsden overseeing all.  Here is a bit of insight to what you can expect...

THE BARAI Lifestyle Collection was created around the three pillars of good health: rest and relaxation, exercise, and healthy nutrition, all of which are essential to leading a long, happy and healthy life. Programs are available in 3, 5 and 7 day choices:
- Ultimate unwind
- Bespoke yoga journey
- Vital body cleanse
- Dynamic fitness kick-starter
- Healthy weight kick–starter (5 and 7 days only)

 “We are very proud to launch our new Lifestyle Collection programs which will focus on identifying our guests personal lifestyle needs, offering support and guidance to help recover from the daily stresses of modern life. After completing the program, our guests will leave THE BARAI feeling revitalised and healthier at the end of their stay. With each program, our guests will receive a Healthy Lifestyle Consultation including a comprehensive Body Composition Analysis with our new InBody machine which goes beyond traditional body composition analysis. Guests will be able to get a detailed analysis of their body fat percentage, lean body mass, and total body water in order to track their health progress and understand how their diet, lifestyle and training regime are influencing overall body composition,” said Ms. Sylvia Marsden, Director of Spa, THE BARAI.

 This Lifestyle Collection offers a wide range of relaxing and result-oriented programs that draw inspiration from ancient traditional Thai health rituals, along with the best and most innovative of Western therapies. Taking a holistic approach to mind, body and spirit while focusing on a customised itinerary, the programs are designed to meet the needs of each guest, addressing the most important elements of health & wellbeing. Each program also complemented by a new healthy menu to be served at McFarland House restaurant.

Relax with a Massage

Treatment room at The Barai

The Barai Suite

McFarland House

OFFER:

To share the joy of these Lifestyle Collection programs, Spa Wellness Travel has a special offer for reservations made 30 days in advance: Stay 3 / Pay 2 : Stay 5 / Pay 4 : Stay 7 / Pay 5

For all reservations contact us: T:03-5254 1411 or  E: Spa Wellness Travel Reservations

Its been months since I’ve had a massage, due to the fact I’ve been convalescing from surgery.  But now, as the wounds have healed and as my body transitions back to its regular movements, a yearning for that massage to release the stiffness within my body from holding itself came to fruition. 

The time had come, but still not completely comfortable with skillful hands rubbing, kneading and pulling at my muscle and skin or me laying in one position for the duration of an hour, I made a quick decision to call and book. Done, I booked in for a half hour massage at a Chinese massage shop.  My massage options two, one with clothes on or the other a little more expense involved clothes off and the use of oil.  I opted for the latter.  It was a no fuss affair; curtains created cubicles while us patrons lay and the masseuse delivered a sense of ease and release.

My body did feel the benefit, but I did walk out thinking of the longer more private and comforting massage within a day spa.  There are varying types and reasons why people embrace the down time of a massage.  I don’t regret the massage, but I do so look forward to the aromas of a day spa, the rituals that can be involved in a massage, whether its selecting your aroma or the pressure of technique, to the ambiance of the room with lighting and soft tunes or the comfort in the temperature as you lay naked or under a cloth. The soothing strokes of a relaxing massage can not only benefit the body, but the mind and the soul as well.   To lift yourself from off the table, get dressed and walk out to face the world and have that smile and feeling of bliss, is why I still love a day spa experience.

Some of the physical benefits of massage include:

• reduced muscle tension
• improved circulation
• stimulation of the lymphatic system
• reduction of stress hormones
• increased joint mobility and flexibility
• improved skin tone
• speedier healing of soft tissue injuries
• heightened mental alertness
• reduced anxiety and depression

Thai Massage - The Barai

Hot Stone Massage - Mandara Spa

Swedish Massage - Huvafen Fushi

When and where was the last time you had a blissful massage experience?  

The Barai - especially for men

It's a given spa treatments are not just for women.  Peruse a spa menu and you'll often discover a dedicated 'his' and 'her' spa treatment section within the menu. Over a decade ago I was with a boyfriend transiting in a Bali, I went a booked a facial for myself and a massage for him.  On return I informed him of the spa appointments and his response was "why didn't you book me in for a facial?".  With a questioning look, I responded with "since when have you cared about your skin?", I went and changed our spa appointment to two facials.
I am delighted to advise the premier luxury spa The Barai within our Spa Wellness Travel Collection has just launched the new 'For Men' treatments using Pevonia Botanica spa products which have been designed combining marine compounds with botanical compounds in order to deliver highly visible results.
Besides the variety of indigenous 'For Men' treatments at The Barai, guests can choose from an a la carte spa menu or indulge himself with 2.5 hours of 'Men's Health' package...

THE BARIA 'For Men' Treatments:
Noir Sonic (body wrap and body massage) - 90 mins
This is a sensuous natural clay massage.  Relax and detox abilities from amino acid extract and vitamin enzymes.  Suitable for sensitive and sun burned skin.  Water lilies and an extract from white lotuses relieve muscle aches, free radicals and sooth the skin.  Ideal treatment for relaxing with a Swedish integrated massage.

Body Energise (body massage) - 90 mins
This treatment increases blood circulation and energy metabolism with the use of extracts of methyl nicotinate and niacin. It is especially designed for those who prefer heavy massage or sport lover.

Skinfitness (facial treatment) - 90 mins
This exclusive anti-aging treatment for men exfoliates and relaxes the skin, reduces wrinkles and tightens the skin with a repairing freeze-dried escutox, a natural botox registered by Pevonia. Pearl extract also helps brighten the skin and the best caviar is applied to repair and revitalise the skin to a youthful look.

DNA - Day & Night All-in-one (facial treatment) - 60 mins
The all-in-one spa facial treatment is designed especially for him.  Marine DNA polypeptides from marine collagen helps tighten pores and deeply hydrate, its potent and is quickly and easily absorbed for an immediate and visible result.

Special OFFER: 'Men's Health' Package
Spa Duration: 2.5 hours
Includes:  Noir Sonic Treatment, 90 mins + DNA (Day & Night All-in-One, 60 mins
Valid: for stays before 31 April 2016

Noir Sonic Treatment - natural clay massage

The Barai - outdoor treatment room area

Powder mask for HIM - skinfit

Discover more on The Barai and for reservations contact Spa Wellness Travel t: 03-5254 1411