Category: Health & Beauty

Buzz-Worthy Luxe Spa Treatments

The song and dance of beauty treatments. One that ends with a grand finale of skin perfection. And this summer, we’re trying and testing the top three beauty procedures, products, and treatments that are A-list worthy, expert-approved, and promise precision. Between the 24 Karat Gold Facial at Bamford Haybarn Spa and Bee Venom Cleaning Balm by Rodial, these ultra-luxurious services are top-notch and raising the bar for what’s in and out. So we scoured the coasts to get the inside scoop on these buzz-worthy spa treatments.

24 Karat Gold Facial at Bamford Haybarn Spa

Nestled off the art deco streets of south beach, locals and tourists can indulge in a signature spa treatment that’s ultra-luxe and extra plush. Located at 1 Hotel South Beach, the Bamford Haybarn Spa is a soothing haven of holistic premium services devoted to nurturing the mind, body and spirit. Coined by Carole Bamford in the English Countryside, this first of its kind sanctuary crafts signature facials using eco-friendly and all organic ingredients. And to dip into the ultimate spring renewal, we suggest splurging on the 50 minute 24 Karat Gold Facial, proving to instantly repair and firm skin using Knesko’s nanogold-infused face collagen treatment.  An ancient prophesy, the effects of gold on skin to hydrate, reduce fine lines, and diminish inflammation, redness, and puffiness have been believed to have extraordinary healing powers by the Egyptians, Chinese, and now twenty first century A-list beauty editors and actress Kate Hudson. A seasonal #musthave that’s upping the standard of gold to glitter.

HD Ruby and Diamond Peel by BORBA

 

Although red carpet award season is coming to a close, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t take a leap of faith with this $7000 procedure –and look just as flawless as Black Swan star, Mila Kunis. A treatment born from the CEO and founder of BORBA, Scott-Vincent Borba, this diamond and ruby encrusted peel is one fit for blockbuster royalty. And all it takes is a handful of gemstones and ice cubes. First Borba applies rubies to act as an antioxidant and then diamonds for a topical sheen. For the grand finale, he performs a paraffin silk fiber facial while having her suck on an ice cube to decrease puffiness. Now, that’s quite the curtain close.

Bee Venom Cleansing Balm by Rodial

A buzz worthy skin mask that’s wildly wacky and all the rage. Beloved by Kate Middleton and Gwyneth Paltrow for its natural ability to deeply penetrate the skin and mirror the anti-aging botox, this new to the market beauty trend instantaneously lifts skin to make it appear firmer and plumper – with no needles necessary. And that’s not all. This straight from the hive mask increases blood circulation, filling and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, while stimulating the production of natural collagen and elastin. A top seller amongst the go to products of the year, we recommend Rodial’s Bee Venom Cleansing Balm by UK born celebrity beauty curator, Maria Hatzistefanis, to brighten and firm winter skin just like honey.

 

Popular Health Food Trends for Wellness

Oat Milk

This alternative milk is trés popular as it can be frothed for lattes and cappuccinos and has a similar taste to dairy milk.

Moringa

Normally taken as an energizing morning beverage, moringa, native to India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan is entirely edible and full of nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium.

Probiotics

Shelf-Stable Probiotics Products containing strains of probiotics that are safe to eat when stored at room temperature can now be found in granola, oatmeal, nut butters, soups, and more.

Alternative Fats

MCT oil, coconut butter, and ghee have been used in Southeast Asian cooking and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

Meatless “Meat” Snacks

Meatless “meat” now available in snacks like pork rinds made from mushrooms and vegan jerky made from soy protein.

Frozen Treats

Supermarkets, shops and festivals are stocking their freezers with exotic frozen treats including: avocado popsicles, Taiwanese snow ice, and ice cream flavored with hummus, artisanal cheese swirls, stretchy, chewy Turkish-style, and Thai-rolled, to mention a few.

Discover luxury wellness with health-focused retreats that include yoga, meditation, mindfulness and more. Designed to restore, reconnect and rejuvenate through laughter, joy and healing moments that inspire transformation. During these 3-day retreats, you will learn practical tools to enhance your well-being, reduce stress and live more presently in your everyday life. The experience is infused with movement, workshops, and nourishment for the mind, body and soul.

Beyond a fitness regimen, wellness events at One&Only Palmilla blend the natural vibrancy, culture and spiritual traditions of Mexico with the art of mindful living. We promote a skillful blend of cooperative workshops and ample quiet time for personal contemplation, alongside the opportunity to indulge in delicious and nutritious cuisine with five-star flair. Surrender to the healing hands of pampering spa therapists with bespoke treatments designed to calm, soothe and restore. Rejuvenate with daily yoga in a tranquil garden or find strength training in a state-of-the-art fitness facility. Activities are perfectly paired with fresh, vibrant menus of deliciously healthy cuisine and body nourishments. Plus, enjoy wellness amenities that promote rejuvenation and vitality along with special gifts.

The Experience Includes:

2 Night stay (single/double occupancy)

Daily yoga and meditation

Self-Discovery Workshop

Fitness classes

Temazcal Steam Bath

60-minute massage

Daily smoothie, brunch & dinner

Wellness gifts and amenities

 

Retreat Dates:

New Year, New You // January 11-13, 2019
Yoga & Mindfulness Weekend

Vino&Vinyasa // March 8-10, 2019
International Women’s Day

Vino&Vinyasa // May 10-12, 2019
Mother’s Day Celebration

Global Wellness Day // June 7-9, 2019
Yoga & Mindfulness Weekend

Vino&Vinyasa // September 27-29, 2019
Girlfriends Getaway

Eatwell // November 1-3, 2019
Nutrition & Yoga Retreat

For more information, visit: OneandOnlyResorts.com/One-and-Only-Palmilla.

 

Reservations & Inquiries:

[email protected]

+52 624 146 7000 (Resort Direct)

(855) 878 5831 (USA Reservations)

The birthday wish of many women becomes a reversal of the clock, for younger, brighter looks. But with these three anti-aging products, your wish is our command, because we’re lending you the secrets to conquering ageless beauty, one fine wrinkle and sunspot at a time.

So for this season, indulge in these must have products that are clinically tested, dermatologist approved, and ultra-luxurious. You’ll be ready to embrace 2019 with a spring in your step, and with your best face forward.

Here’s the scoop:

OR Rouge Crème Riche by Yves Saint Laurent

For centuries, women have been tirelessly trying to find a solution to the problem of wrinkles. And now, with this ultra-luxurious face cream that works to maximize hydration and defy any and all signs of aging. Women can say arrivederci to fine lines and dry skin, and welcome soothingly soft skin. Made with Saffron flower to replenish the skin’s cell energy, the OR Rouge Crème Riche is the go-to solution to finding younger and, not to mention, healthier skin. So we recommend indulging in this creamy formula to snap your skin back to perfection.

Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum by DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE

Just as the doctor ordered. An eye serum that looks out for your eyes and is super-powered with retinol and ferulic acid. DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE’s Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum uses professional-grade ingredients and is dermatologist approved by the New York doctor, Mr. Dennis Gross, himself.  And with triple potency to target wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles, you’re sure to feel well rested with a boost of collagen for extra protection. Sprinkled with licorice root and caffeine, this vegan product will give sleeping eyes a refreshed look so you can brace the harsher winter weather.

Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

Moisturize. One word that can change your life and your skin forever. Guarding against free-radical damage and dehydration, a good moisturizer should be number one on your list of must have beauty items. And with so many products on the market, it can be difficult to chose just one. So we’re making the process easier for you, and leading the way with a moisturizer that nurtures, improves, and defends to nourish, smooth, and strengthen skin in just one week. Yes, we said one week. So we suggest taking our word for it, and adding this clinically proven product mixed with blackberry and dill extracts, coined Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Daily Moisturizer, to your regimen of daily rituals. We even swear by it!

You may think you’ve journeyed to the centre of the earth as you drift languidly in an open-air thermal pool, steam swirling around you and the snow-covered Ötzal Alps rising skyward on all sides of the valley.

Relax and recharge your batteries at the Aqua Dome’s Thermal Spa, in Längenfeld, Tirol. Covering a total of 2,200m² Aqua Dome has twelve indoor and outdoor pools – each with their own specific properties. The Ursprung Spa Dome area comprises two large indoor pools filled with sulphurous thermal water heated to a comforting 34 – 36 degrees Celsius; several quiet rooms for a more exclusive experience; solariums; and even a waterfall. Enclosed by large glass and steel walls the Spa Dome affords striking views of the surrounding mountains.

Venturing outside, you’ll be amazed by the Talfrische thermal area … three bowl-shaped pools appear to be floating in mid-air. Connected to each other by an illuminated glass cone, each crystal-blue pool has a unique feature. In the first pool, underwater music and light effects provide a magical experience, especially after sunset. In the second pool, experience the energizing effects of sulphurous water and enjoy a massage at one of the tables located around the poolside. The third pool’s high concentration of salt water makes it easier to float. On Fridays, the pools are open until midnight for “Moonlight Bathing”. Check your moon phase calendar when planning your visit!

Don’t leave the Aqua Dome without a sauna session. Like any other sauna facility in Austria, most of the diverse saunas experiences are FKK (nude) areas. “Freikörperkultur” or Free Body Culture means nude is normal. Don’t be shy – we’re all the same!

Children are welcome at Aqua Dome. The specially designed water world and expert child-minding services keep the little ones safely occupied while you relax.

Food and drinks are also a priority at Aqua Dome with an emphasis on locally-sourced produce – you’ll be spoilt for choice with cuisine for all appetites, whether you prefer something light and detoxing, or a hearty soul-filling Austrian speciality.

Its close proximity to Sölden, one of Austria’s top ski resorts, ensures that the Aqua Dome is particularly popular in winter. Swimming in hot water while surrounded by steam and snow-covered mountain slopes is a truly surreal experience, but the resort is just as spectacular through most of the year as the scenic Ötzal Valley changes its colours. Treatments and beauty therapies are updated seasonally, maximising their effects and benefits for whenever you visit. If you don’t mind taking your chances with darker days and a little rain, a visit in the autumn will offer the luxury of a quieter time and more privacy. Weekdays outside of school holidays also tend to be less busy.

Längenfeld in the Ötztal Valley has long been known for its hot springs; when these springs dried up in the 1970s, some exploratory drilling was needed to restore them. Built to take advantage of these hot springs, the hotel’s rustic wood and stone architecture hugs the valley floor, in contrast with the modern glass and steel structures of the thermal spa area which seems ready to rise from the ground at any moment. The Aqua Dome welcomes you to experience these historic thermal waters in this majestic and exclusive setting.

With the holiday festivities and family functions over, the beginning of January is traditionally a time to organize and plan for the year.  For many these plans are work related, projects for a business, conference dates go into calendars and so on.  This year make January a chance to set up a balance between work and personal life.  While this can be difficult and means something distinct for different people, here are a few key tips and strategies.

Write out a weekly work schedule and see where there is an opportunity to put social or personal blocks of time and actually put it in the calendar.  It seems silly at first since it is not as ‘important’ as work but in reality it is.  Making time for yourself and friends or family or exercise will help you be a healthier and happier person which will make you a better worker or boss.  Success goes beyond material wealth, successful people are also people who value their health and wellbeing.

Personal goals are important.  If there are hobbies you already know you enjoy, set a goal to help motivate your continued progress.  Sign up for a race or tournament if it’s an athletic hobby.  Reading a book a month is a great goal which helps us develop personally and professionally, provides quiet time and improves our mind.

Take the days off you deserve and decide whether you want to use them to relax and recover or adventure and develop.  Either option is valid as well as a combination.  Wellness days at the spa or yoga classes are wonderful ways to pamper oneself and recharge.

For those fortunate enough to run their own company, focus 2019 on learning to delegate or finding the right people to be able to delegate to.  This might be the hardest thing to do but can make the biggest difference in work life balance. 

The healing powers of the moon. They return each and every lunar cycle. And with astrology becoming more popular, experts in the beauty industry are infusing crystals into skincare and producing zodiac inspired makeup. So with this rise of lunar enthused products, we’ve decided to discuss one of our favorite new go to collections by MAC.

Coined the 2018 Lunar New Year Makeup Collection, this one of a kind launch boasts five lipsticks, an eye shadow palette, and a blush duo compact. And with a variety of lipstick shades that come in rosy vibrant colors such as Peachy New Year, a sheer light pink Pure Happiness, a bright coral matte Prosperity, a nude satin Good Health, and last but not least MAC’s soft but dusty To Luck!, your lips will be smooth as lemon drops with a touch of rosy hues just in time for midnight, to pucker up.

But if you’re wondering why MAC decided to indulge in the powers of the moon. It’s simple. With the coming of the New Year, we can expect a full moon on January 1^st, delivering dreams in abundance and granting wishes on each twinkling star. And with this new collection, you’ll be ready to embrace the possibilities ahead and bare desires into destiny.

So, to prepare for this magical 12 month year ahead, makeup your eyes with their nine-shade eye shadow palette containing satin and matte shadows including their Sweet Vapours, Spirit of the Season, Georgia Peach, Precious Occasion, Couplets, Special Charm, Luck and Fortune, Lucky 8, and Auspicious.

You never know, you may see a shooting star.

La Prairie’s Artful Skin Caviar Collection

Ageless beauty starts with caviar. So when the ultra – luxe Swiss skincare brand, La Prairie, relaunched their sacred lifting and firming Skin Caviar Collection, it was easy to see how beauty connoisseurs were going to coin it an instant hit.

But this isn’t the first time women have indulged themselves in caviar infused skin cream. Caviar has been considered a spectacular phenomenon since the 13^th century, when it was first used for its age defying results by the English royal court. And even before British women knew about its sophisticated marvels to hydrate and smoothen skin cells, it was believed in ancient times, that when safely stored for long period of time, it could be consumed as a delicacy or even a skincare secret – providing long lasting skin and restoring elasticity tone.

So with this new La Prairie remastered masterpiece, we’re taking a look deeper into their unique caviar formula and rounding up our go to reasons to why spoil yourself with this one a kind luxury ingredient.

• The Science of Caviar

Made of caviar extract and sourced from Siberian sturgeon, this remastered, four part ingredient, sustainable skin cream was scientifically tested for four years by a team of 10 – 15 people to ensure age defying results. And with its new formula – combining Caviar Premiere with La Prairie’s Exclusive Cellular Complex – this designer skincare brand is lending a makeover to their one of a kind pioneered line. Between Caviar Extract, Caviar Water, Caviar Absolute, and Caviar Premiere, expect an instant boost with maximum benefits that are unlike any other.

• Exquisite Packaging

Since 1987, La Prairie has successfully capitalized on caviar enriched beauty products. Between sleep masks, body creams, and lifting eye creams, this state of the art European line is turning savory treats into skin moisturizing sweets. And with their innovative packaging, opening these minimalist vessels adds to the artful experience of the La Prairie Skin Caviar Collection. Resting in elegant cobalt blue bottles, the caviar collection is a gift to the eyes and a splendor to the skin.

• The Caviar Experience

Nothing adds more anticipation to a morning beauty routine then looking forward to an exotic experience filled with caviar. And with this silky smooth product that effervescently glides on the skin, you can expect to be lifted into a dream of luxury that’s fresh from the sea and feeds protein to the skin. Adding a touch of glow, the Skin Caviar Collections feels like velvet to the touch and will be sure to target your area of necessary choice. And with its light unassuming scent and delicate packing, it’s due to stimulate all five senses.

BJÖRK & BERRIES

It’s as if Mother Nature herself was behind the luxury beauty brand Björk & Berries based in Högbo, Sweden. The sustainable skin care and perfume company uses locally sourced ingredients in their line of 100% natural products. Everything from scented candles and shampoo to bath salts and body lotions. If you look closely at a label you might notice indigenous ingredients such as birch leaves and bark. Birch is known as the life-giving tree. It’s been used for years as a skin healer and body cleanser and people have even been known to consume it to beautify the skin, starting from inside.

The company began as a small project in the deep forests of northern Sweden. At the essence of what they produce are centuries-old Swedish beauty traditions. Working with local flora, wild herbs, plants and berries and combining those ingredients with advanced technology, creates their modern line of products. They work with a team of skin experts, cosmetic formulators, botanists and perfumers to get the formulas just right. Their company purpose above anything else is to preserve Swedish beauty traditions and unleash them into the world, and they seem to be succeeding.

The five scent families are: Honey-Vanilla, Birch-Apple, Ligonberry-Rose, Blueberry-Lavender and Cloudberry-Jasmine. You have to appreciate fun and colourful names like Purple Velvet Midnight Special body lotion, a homage to 80s iconic fitness and beauty fever. It’s described as a smooth lotion with a lingering, sexy and soothing scent of violet, created as part of Eytys playful Purple Velvet capsule collection—a celebration of the best beauty company that never existed.

Every formula delivers on beautifying benefits while going minimalist on ingredients, to reduce impact on the environment and your crowded bathroom shelf. At the heart of the company’s ethos is ecology. They believe in selecting active ingredients in unique blends and applying mindful application techniques and environmentally friendly packaging. The manufacturing takes place in Sweden, naturally.

In case you were wondering, björk is Swedish for birch and berries means bär. Mother Nature would approve.

As a businessman, executive, post grad moving up the ranks or simply a man who wants to look clean and good, shaving well is a must.  There are many products that are skillfully marketed but just do not make the cut.  In order to have a fantastic shaving experience, a few essentials should be present.  The first one of them is time.  Shaving in a rush will not make for a good experience.

A badger hair shaving brush such as the one made by Taylor of Old Bond Street goes above and beyond when it comes to preparing the hairs and pores.  The natural hairs of the brush allow for greater lathering and lift hairs up from the face making them easier to cut cleanly.  Circular brushing and lathering is recommended for maximum lift, allow a minute or two to soften the stubble before shaving.

For the savvier shaver a triple or quadruple bladed razor is little more than a gimmick.  Treat yourself with a single, incredibly sharp blade that will not cause resistance and irritation.  Feather Blades are Japanese made and crafted with a platinum coating.  The durable, light blade is consistent and smooth.

 

To take care of the face for the rest of the morning requires a quality aftershave, preferably non-alcoholic which are not astringent and drying.  Aftershave balm by Acqua di Parma is a soothing treat.  Natural ingredients such as aloe vera as well as almond oil cool and moisturize the skin and are quickly absorbed.

For a relaxing and aromatherapeutic shave, the Art of Shaving Sandalwood kit has everything necessary for an incredible shave infused with Sandalwood.  From the pre shave oil to the aftershave balm, these top quality products suggest a calming experience that starts the day off right.

To take facial grooming up a level is to have a shaving station neatly arranged in the bathroom.  The Fendrihan 5-Piece wet shaving set is the way to go. It features a Merkur HD Classic Safety Razor, Super Badger Shaving Brush, Large Apothecary Shaving Mug, Shaving Soap and a Razor and Brush Metal Stand.

 

Any kind of meditation is going to help bring about a greater sense of calming of the mind and ability to focus.  For many centuries great thinkers have meditated either on a particular subject (philosophy), a particular physical aspect (breathing, walking), or way of life (non attachment, non violence).  Any and all of these can help us develop our minds and be able to concentrate better, calm ourselves and improve our lot in life.

Over the last few decades Transcendental Meditation (TM) has gained popularity in part due to the studies supporting its many benefits but also from successful celebrities and athletes promoting it.  Hugh Jackman, Ellen DeGeneres, Barry Zito, Katie Finneran, Ray Dalio, Russell Brand, and Martina Navratilova are just a few of many who optimize themselves with Transcendental Meditation.

Apart from various health benefits such as: increased longevity, reduced high blood pressure, reduced risk of heart attack and stroke in people at risk, the biggest change might be an increased consciousness.  Many people cite Transcendental Meditation as how they were able to overcome bad habits such as smoking, eating unhealthily and drinking.  Rosenthal describes an increase in the “ability to take a few moments to pause . . . and consider what you want to do next, instead of just doing it.”

Transcendental Meditation is heralded as one of the easier and more consistent ways to achieve these things.  Norman E. Rosenthal, M.D. and New York Times-Best Selling Author of Transcendence and Super Mind says that Trandscendental Meditation is different from other forms of meditation because “a special sound, a ‘mantra,’ is used in a systematic manner to slow down and refine mental activity – a more automatic type of process than focusing or open monitoring.”

TM is generally recommended to be practiced for 15-20 minutes twice a day.  Sometimes the time will seem to blink by while other practices might feel as if it has been hours.  The wandering of the mind is a common fear of meditation but is completely normal at first.  The advantage of having a mantra is that if you continue using the mantra it is difficult to think about something else.

As any specialized skill, the best way to learn is through a teacher who can work directly with you to start and provide check ins on a regular basis to make sure you are on the right track.  Improve your life by starting a habit of stillness and consciousness that will spread to all aspects of your being.

The Futuristic Wellness Technique of Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy was discovered in Japan in the late 70s by Dr. Toshima Yamaguchi. It is a nonmedical treatment where one is immersed in an unbelievably cold cryo-chamber, usually generated by liquid nitrogen, where temperatures are as low as minus 240 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cryotherapy is based on the principle that quick immersion in extreme cold ignites the body’s defenses. Sore muscles feel better, similar to placing a frigid bag of frozen peas on them, because the penetrating cold constricts the blood vessels, reducing inflammation. As the body recovers from the shock of the intense cold, it goes into survival mode. This theoretically induces weight loss because the body’s metabolism is increased. In addition, proponents say the blood is enriched by the adrenaline-assisted jolt, making the body work better, and feel less pain, which contributes to better humor and better sleep.

Scientifically, the consensus is that there has not been sufficient time nor research to prove its therapeutic benefits. However, many athletes and celebrities swear by it, including: LeBron James, Floyd Mayweather, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Aniston, and Justin Timberlake, to name a few.