Publisher's Lounge

Publisher's Lounge

A word from SpaBound publisher and editor

by Lisa Kasanicky

Apr 15, 2009

Life is good as a spa girl. Well, most days. During the process of putting together this chic little book, my perfectly groomed eyebrows morphed back into one giant mono-brow and my "naturally" blond locks turned a frightening shade of green. What's left of my fingernails chipped to the point of no return and my lower back was wracked with muscles pulled so tight, one wrong move and I would be down for the count. I won't even mention my neglected diet and yoga routine. These are the war wounds of everyday life -- as I'm sure you well know. And putting ourselves back together again takes time and funds. That's where this little book comes in.

We came up with the concept of the SpaBound Summer Passport long before the plummeting economy. It was just an inkling in our eyes until we dangled the idea in front of our friends, female cohorts and eventually local spa directors and owners. The response? Bring it. We found that undoubtedly, what women really want is a day off to put themselves back together again. And where does a place exist that this cosmic transformation can take place sans the BlackBerry, cell phone and laptop? You guessed it. THE SPA. The question then became how you afford to go hightailing off to a fancy spa with the economy on such shaky ground.

Uh, leave that to us.

We went to bat for you. In the pretty pages that follow, you'll find the amazing deals you really want...you need...you've earned! We pushed the envelope to make sure that these were not wimpy offers. They are, however, only valid through the end of the summer (Sept. 30 to be exact) because our mission is to rev up the engines on the local beauty and wellness industry during their off-season while also painting your summer with affordable, beautifying, spirit-filling, mood-lifting spa and salon services.

And there's more. We also tapped a handful of talented writers to craft enlightening and entertaining stories -- perfect to read while you dangle your toes in a spa pool or lounge in a dimly lit meditation room. You'll find light and delish spa recipes to make in your own kitchen, luscious products that feed the skin and the spirit, and profiles of beauty pros that make this community tick.

So, enjoy. Cut this little book up into bits. Snip out a coupon and give it to a frazzled friend. The SpaBound Summer Passport is your ticket to bliss, beauty and a summer laced with relaxation. And don't forget to collect your Visa stamps and qualify to win the Montelucia giveaway. Now off I go to do something about these eyebrows!

Taste

Fresh Bites

A trio of tastes to please your palate and nourish your soul

by Michelle Jacoby

Apr 15, 2009

The true spa experience not only satisfies the body and soul, it also delights the taste buds. If you're looking for a few healthy alternatives to traditional seasonal fare, here's a trio of recipes from the kitchens of Arizona's most renowned spas that will refresh and re-energize you on a hot summer day.

1 cup Mango-Chile Dipping Sauce
2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil
1-1/2 tablespoons snow peas, matchstick-sized pieces
1-1/2 tablespoons red bell pepper, matchstick-sized pieces
1/3 cup carrot, matchstick-sized pieces, divided
8 ounces crabmeat, drained and picked
over to remove shells and cartilage
4 pieces edible dried rice paper (spring roll skins), each about 8-1/2 inches
4 teaspoons minced fresh mint
4 tablespoons daikon sprouts
4 teaspoons Sriracha hot chile sauce

Mango-Chile Dipping Sauce
1 cup mango puree
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon tamari sauce
1 tablespoon minced green onion (scallion)
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon Sriracha hot chile sauce

In a small skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add the snow peas, red bell pepper and 1-1/2 tablespoons of the carrot. Cook, stirring and tossing for 1 to 2 minutes until crisp-tender. Scrape the mixture into a large bowl and set aside to cool. Add the crab to the cooled vegetable mixture, tossing gently to mix. In a shallow bowl, working with one at a time, soak the rice paper in hot tap water just until soft and pliable, about 45 seconds. Carefully remove it from the water, shaking off any excess, center and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the mint. Fold in the top and bottom edges of the paper to enclose the filling, then roll to form a tight cylinder. Place it seam-side down. Repeat with remaining rice paper and filling. (The rolls can be kept at cool room temperature for up to one hour when covered with a damp paper towel. If longer, refrigerate.) Cut each spring roll in half diagonally and arrange it on a plate. Top each roll with 1 tablespoon each of sprouts and additional carrot. Drizzle the chile sauce -- made by blending all the ingredients together -- over the plate for garnish. Serve at once with 1/4 cup of the dipping sauce on the side. Makes 4 spring rolls.

More in Taste:

• More Fresh Bite recipes
• Smoothie Moves. Refreshing, healthy drinks to mix up at home.
• New O2. Thirst quenchers with a twist.

Touch

The Great Coverup

Defending against the sun's rays has never been so glamorous

by Kelly Carr

Apr 15, 2009

Shielding your skin from the sun might conjure up childhood images of rubbing on pasty creams, loading waxy, white balm onto your lips and brushing zinc sticks across your face like a football quarterback. But thankfully, the world of sunscreen has advanced. Luxury products now make protecting your bod from the sun chic and stylish, a far cry from the ointments your parents camouflaged you in as a child.

Coola Face 30 may feel delicate, but it's packed with organic extracts and stands up to sweat. $32 at Glam Lounge, Scottsdale (480.945.1760/glamlounge.net).

If you're feeling the burn from too much sun, massage Ole Henriksen's Aloe Vera Gel into your skin for a revitalizing cool down. $30 at Sephora stores, Valley-wide (sephora.com).

Best of Skintentions from Bliss is a versatile moisturizer that bestows essential vitamins, protects from dehydration and leaves your face glowing. $35 at Bliss Scottsdale at W Hotel (877.862.5477/blissworld.com).

Make guarding your body effortless with Peter Thomas Roth Sunscreen Mist SPF 30, which is ozone friendly, oil-free and offers a multidirectional dispenser for tricky spots. $30 at Sephora stores,Valley-wide (sephora.com).

More in Touch:

• More Great Coverup products
• Beauty Aphrodites. Meet Cristina Carlino, philanthropist and creator of the Phoenix-born Philosophy line and Arizona native Deborah Lippmann, celebrity manicurist and creator of the Lippmann Collection
• A(Z) Listers. From the facialist to the foot soother, the brow perfectionist to the Brazilian waxer, Top Valley spa and salon pros to have on your speed dial

Tread

Weekend in Vegas

When the Valley heat gets too hot to handle, head to one of these cool Las Vegas casino-side retreats

by Carrie Wheeler

Apr 15, 2009

Bathhouse
THE hotel at Mandalay Bay, 2nd floor
702.632.9240/mandalaybay.com

Bathhouse's clean lines and color palette create a modern, soothing aesthetic that helps guests to follow the spa tenet: Immerse, infuse, submerge, retreat. Named for the Roman-style "experience baths" where the spa dispenses its signature Black Moor Mud Bath (among others, $65), the Bathhouse has a Zen feel that fosters relaxation and tranquility.

Meandering through the labyrinth of high slate-colored walls, the calming space is peppered with rain fountains, hot and cold plunge pools, a hot tub, eucalyptus steam room, traditional steam room, saunas and seating nooks. Each new corridor uncovers a new sensory experience, giving this 14,000-square-foot space a private feel.

Spa guests choose from a menu of treatments with some unusual additions. The signature bath treatments take place in private rooms with personalized tea service. Each chair for the regular or hot stone pedicure is equipped with a flat-screen television for personal viewing.

A day pass for the spa is $30 for hotel guests, $35 for non-hotel guests. Weekends (Friday through Sunday) are reserved for hotel guests only.

More in Tread:

• More Las Vegas spa destinations
• Leaving Arizona. Get outside your pampering comfort zone with a blissful trip to Southern California

Treat

Road to Glow

Take the short (and safe) path to dewy, summery skin worthy of showing off

by Melissa B. Williams

Apr 15, 2009

Summer has landed in the Valley and with it comes bikini and strapless dress season. To reveal your summer-ready skin, you'll want to scrub, buff and keep it well hydrated. And, if you're feeling a little pale, a safe bronzing treatment is the prescription for a healthy glow -- and a boost in self-confidence. Follow these simple steps to get your bod -- and your face -- ready for their poolside appearance.

Scrub. Get rid of your dry scaly skin with Sanctuary at Camelback Spa's Signature Body Ritual (60 min, $190). This tropical experience, featuring fresh coconut, jasmine, vetiver and buffing grains, will polish and smooth your dry skin. After shedding your rough winter skin, you'll receive an application of Creme de la Creme lotion, leaving your body oh so soft -- even in this dry desert clime.

Buff. Give your face a fresh glow with the Citrus Grove Facial (90 min, $200) at the Royal Palms Hotel's Alvadora Spa. This 90-minute treatment enriched with Neroli oil -- made from the orange blossom, which acts as a powerful antioxidant -- helps to combat premature aging. And an acupressure massage lifts sagging skin. (Plus the spa will send you home with an extra ampoule of vitamin C serum to help you continue the stellar results.)

Bronze. Do your arms and legs -- we won't even mention your stomach -- feel a little ghostly? Although you may feel desperate, don't take up residence in a tanning bed. Instead, give yourself a safe tan with the Red Door Spa at the Wigwam Golf Resort's St. Tropez Body Bronzing Treatment (50 min, $145). After a light exfoliation to even skin tone, a moisturizer and self-tanning lotion is applied by your therapist, ensuring an even tan with no streaks. Your new glow will last 3 to 5 days -- perfect for special occasions or even better -- romantic escapades!

More Treat stories:

• More Road to Glow treatments
• Desert Island. Bring on the beach with these ocean-inspired lotions and potions
• Home Turf. Affordable, fun and offbeat online finds that bring the spa home