Daily Pampering: Golden needle acupuncture face lift in Paris

by Annie Scott on

The Villa & Hotel Majestic & Spa‘s brand new MajClub Wellness Centre in Paris has developed a 100 percent natural face lifting procedure with the use of golden needles and acupuncture.

The MajClub Wellness Centre features a number of treatments developed by Céline Claret Coquet, creator of Clé des Champs, an organic line of products inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. You can find out more about her products here, but to get a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, visit the MajClub Wellness Centre and ask for the three-step program.

“With just three, painless, simultaneous actions, therapists can provide their guests with 100 percent natural rejuvenation. ‘The first step is an acupuncture session, to relax and harmonize the body’s energy,’ explains Coquet. ‘This is followed by a facial lifting created by acupuncture, which considerably improves the skin’s elasticity by stimulating the facial muscles and encouraging microcirculation. The third step involves a natural beauty prescription using Clé de Champs beauty treatments, optimizing the benefits of the acupuncture lift.'”

That’s right. Gold needles in your face. It may sound scary, but it’s a lot less invasive than, say, plastic surgery. I asked why the golden needles make a difference:

“Each session of acupuncture makes it possible to relax and to harmonise the body’s energy,” replied a representative for MajClub. She also called lifting with acupuncture “the must have treatment for wrinkles.”

“Lifting with acupuncture fights against the loss of elasticity in the face, the only place where the muscles are closely attached to the skin. Whatever the age or condition of the skin, wrinkles are mainly caused by a loss of firmness. Lifting with acupuncture considerably improves the skin’s elasticity with a stimulation of the facial muscles. Moreover, you can often notice that it has effects on the quality of the skin, due to the stimulation of the microcirculation. This is how fragile and irritable or spotty skins are considerably improved and how dry and oily skins are regulated.”

That makes sense to me. Regular treatments (every couple of months) are recommended for optimum results, but even one session can make a dramatic improvement in your skin’s appearance; as you probably know, circulation is tantamount to magic.

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

White Collar Travel: Airline reward programs do it wrong

by Tom Johansmeyer on

It’s always amazed me that airlines reward passengers for the distances they go rather than the outlay of dough. Think back to the mileage run made a few months ago by Gadling‘s esteemed top dog, Grant Martin. He sought the cheapest fare he could find to rack up the miles he needed for the next status level. The upside, of course, was another year of premier treatment, and the dollars he put out were essentially irrelevant. Meanwhile, a business traveler who spent the year dropping a few hundred bucks a week on shorter flights doesn’t get the same level of recognition, despite having spent far more. The airlines take care of the wrong passengers.

A better model for rewarding customer loyalty can be found in the hotel space. It doesn’t matter how many nights you spend in a hotel throughout the year – the points you pick up are based on the money you spend. Yet, frequency isn’t overlooked: you can amass status levels based on how often you stay. So, as long as you’re in a room, you benefit from how often you stay. When it comes to cashing in your points, you are recognized for how much you’ve spent.The doling of points based on your financial value reaches beyond the guestroom, as well. The money you spend in the restaurant, spa, gym and anywhere else translate to points. Meanwhile, the airlines only take into account how long you’ve occupied a seat. It doesn’t reflect your full value to the company.

For the airlines, the upside of a more appropriate award system could be greater than they realize. Even though business travelers rarely spend their own money on tickets, they do decide which airlines they’ll take. So, they control the cash, even if it isn’t their own. By thanking passengers in accordance with the financial commitments they make, the airlines could shift how they distribute their goodwill and turn unwilling passengers into regular fliers … and vocal advocates.

The “REAL” Topnotch Resort and Spa

by Melanie Nayer on

Props to the team at Topnotch Resort and Spa for participating in yesterday’s April Fool’s prank on new spa amenities in Vermont’s snow-capped mountains. The real Topnotch, however, is nothing short of warm, comforting, and luxurious.

Consistently ranked as one of the Top 10 spas in the US, Topnotch spa is referred to the “jewel of the mountaintop” by those who have visited. Complete with 35,0000 square feet of zen space, the Topnotch spa team is available to cater to your every ache, pain and relaxation needs. The more than 120 spa treatments and services were devised by Spa Director Alexandra Sharpe and take into account the passions of her team.

“When we devise our treatments they are not only unique to Topnotch, but yield true results. Our therapists are invested in what they do, and it shows in the service and treatment,” said Sharpe.

Among the many offerings in the spa are three heated swimming pools – a large indoor family pool, and two outdoor pools (one for families and one for adults ages 18 and over). The waterfall whirlpool adds a dramatic effect to the landscape of the Vermont mountains. Guests can take advantage of the spa lounges with fireplaces, steam, sauna, Jacuzzis and juice bars.

If you can’t possibly choose from the hundreds of services, Sharpe recommends one of the signature treatments, which are designed specifically for each individual client.

“The treatments are focused on a variety of elements and use organic oils that are blended in house,” said Sharpe. “Each signature treatment ensures the guest has their own unique individual experience.”

Take a break, relax and don’t worry – no one is going to bury you in the snow. The Topnotch spa is the ultimate retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation in New England.

A unique retreat at the Lost Iguana Resort in Costa Rica

by Tom Johansmeyer on


So, what are you doing in May? If your plans are open, check out the “Volcanic Yoga & Spa Retreat” at the Lost Iguana Resort in Costa Rica. You’ll save almost 40 percent off the price of the six-night getaway with a price tag of only $800 while enjoying the “eco-chic” property and (more important), giving yourself the break you deserve.

From May 14 – 20, 2010, the Lost Iguana is hosting this unique retreat, which includes airport transportation, breakfast and dinner every day (you’re on your own for alcohol, though) and a $300 Golden Gecko spa credit along with your accommodations. And, there are daily yoga and water fitness classes to keep your body moving – when you’re not out on a guided nature hike.

Now, let’s get to the spa – nothing beats an amazing spa treatment. With your $300 spa credit, you can take advantage of a wide range of treatments in private open-air thatched bungalows. Volcanic clay and stone facials are on the menu, not to mention exotic body polishes to help you push out the toxins and stimulate your circulation. I’m particularly interested in the cocoon stream therapy treatment, which purifies and softens your skin.

If you have an open week in May and an itch to get on the road, this is the only way to scratch it. Sit in a spa, and let someone else do all the work of stretching your muscles for you.

Daily Pampering: Indulge in an ancient inner peace therapy

by Annie Scott on


At the blissfully tranquil Miami oasis Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa, there are many unique spa treatments designed to bring harmony and quiet to your chaotic, crazy life.

This Monday, I’m so tired that my hair hurts. Consequently, I’m completely enchanted by the Shirodhara treatment, which is based on ancient principles for restoring inner peace (and makes your head feel awesome, and encourages hair growth):

“An ancient therapy used for centuries to restore an inner calm and balance to the emotions and to rejuvenate the hair and scalp. Shirodhara begins with a gentle stream of warm oil onto the third eye to quiet the mind and soothe the senses. The oil is then massaged into hair and scalp and followed by an herbal treatment to nourish hair roots and condition the scalp.“

Um … yes, please. The 50 minute treatment is a steal at $130. I suggest you don’t try pouring warm oil on your face at home — you can stay at the Pritkin Longevity Center and Spa, with its huge fitness center, saltwater pool, cooking school, medical center and “experiential showers” for one week at rates starting from $4,500.

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.