Be pampered.  Get pampered.
Cozy Petal spa gifts eBoutique is all about pampering you.
I enjoy traveling and often discovering new spa locations along the way.  The next time you are in Hong Kong, here is what Travel DK say about Top 10 Ways to get pampered

1. Spa-ing

Check into the Peninsula Hotel for a stress-busting two-day Spa Retreat.

(bonus: I also enjoy the relaxing Tea Time at the hotel – another way to pamper yourself after a long day of shopping.)

2. Rubbed the Right Way

Go for a deep-tissue Chinese massage and get the blood circulating.

(tip: Do your research or ask for reference.   Let your massage therapist know about any chronic pains.)
3. Breath of Fresh Air

Beat the pollution and enjoy the buzz at Oxyvital’s Central “oxygen bar”.

4. In a Lather

A Shanghai-style shave at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel will leave your face feeling like a baby’s bottom.

(bonus:  Their luxury Spa Suites will put you in the right mood for relaxation and pampering.)

5. Love Potion No. 9

Boost your staying power with a tonic drink from one of the many curbside Chinese medicine shops.

(tip: Personally, I prefer to go to a tea shop for this.)
6. Geomancing the Stone

Make sure your house and garden are in tune with the elements with a private Feng Shui consultation.

(note:  Good read – pick up a few books  and learn about the topic of Feng Shui.)

7. Pins and Needles

Loosen up with an acupuncture session.

(note: They do wonder to my back pain when traveling as well as the traditional massage.)
8. Plateau

Splash out at the Grand Hyatt’s 11th-floor Plateau Spa with outdoor pool.

9. Put Your Feet Up

Fans rave about the traditional Shanghai pedicure at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

(note: Your feet are going to need it after all the sight seeing + shopping.)
10. The Doctor Is In

Try some alternative medicine from a traditional Chinese doctor.

Source:  Travel DK

I often find it very interesting to learn about the various beauty rituals from women around the globe.

Australian women love tea tree oil which gives their skin a youthful glow.  This oil can help to heal some skin and hair problems such as acne and dandruff.  Just add a few drops to your normal cleanser or moisturizer or to your shampoo to stop the flakes.

There are many natural ingredients you can use from your own pantry as beauty skincare products.  Turn avocado, honey, and cucumber to be your home-spa products. These wonder foods of nature can help to moisturize and revive your skin.   Belgium women apply their body with avocado which can also reduce fine wrinkles.

Women in Hungry and Poland use honey to heal their chapped lips.  In Croatia, it is common to mix ground almonds and honey to create a peel-off mask since honey has amazing effects to tone and hydrate the skin.

Try this anti-aging facial mask commonly used by the women in Ukraine to smooth fine wrinkles.  Mix cucumber puree with one egg white and one teaspoon of lemon juice.  Apply it to you face and leave it on until it dries; peel it off  and rinse with warm water.  For a rejuvenating mask, Indian women will mix a little yogurt with a teaspoonful of saffron.

You might have already heard about the chocolate spa treatments that are offered throughout many day spas and resort hotels.  Naturally, the most fitting place to receive such descendant spa treatment would have to be Hershey, Pennsylvania.  The Hotel Hershey has a Chocolate Spa that attracts many clients for its Chocolate Fondue Wrap.  This cocoa-mud wrap is filled with antioxidants which are prefect antiagers.

To maintain that fabulous spa experience at home, pick up a couple of spa and bath products.  Pamper yourself or spoil your best friend with the Restoring Body Cream with Extra Dark Chocolate from Cozy Petal.  This sumptuous body cream can make every day a spa day by offering the ultimate indulgence for both body and soul…chocolate has never felt so good!

Source:   Chocolate Spa

Most of us are still living in a stressful climate, and we all can use some pampering…a trip to a Day Spa or a Spa Resort vacation is the perfect escape from the daily grind.  Some might think that this is a luxury indulgence, but think again…de-stressing yourself with relaxing massages can benefit both your body and mind.  They revitalize your heart and soul, and rejuvenate all of your senses.

More and more Spa resorts and Day Spas pop up everywhere locally and globally.  Most Celebrities love Spa vacations. For some, having flawless skin and perfect bodies have become part of their status symbol.  Some Celebs would seek out vacation-inspired Spa locations for their stress relief.

So get a little pampering…whether taking a few hours at your local Day Spa, or enjoy a package of Spa treatment services while you are vacationing that most hotels provide.  Here are some of the recommendations of Top Spa locations in Mexico…and don’t forget to stock up your spa-bath-body products from the spa boutiques.

So, just relax, refresh & reboot!

Need a little inspiration for your next romantic getaway?  If you have the budget, look into the Hollywood’s elite for ideas on couples vacation hot spots.  Eva Longoria and husband Tony Parker like to head south of the border for some sun in Mexico. 

Central and South America attract many Hollywood romantics with their abundance of fabulous beaches and their warm temperatures during winter months of the year.  For those celebrities who live in LA, they can take a quick spa getaway to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico which is a two hour plane ride from LA.  Jennifer Aniston and other stars have known to stay at celebrity favorite Las Ventannas.

Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Los Cabos, Mexico

The Spa at Las Ventanas embraces a holistic approach, drawing upon the belief of the ancient healers of Baja California that emotion, spirit and physical well-being must be constantly balanced.

The healers were masters of the four elements of Earth, Water, Air and Fire, recognizing that each element evokes a specific power within oneself. The elements were the foundation of their holistic ceremonial rites and healing rituals. At The Spa at Las Ventanas, the four elements are the foundation of our techniques, treatments and products.

Read more:  http://www.lasventanas.com/

Esperanza, Los Cabos, Mexico

With its signature water passage, the Spa at Esperanza is world renowned as a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. It has been named the #1 spa in Latin America by Travel & Leisure.

Celebrated for its coastal desert environment and hand-crafted botanical treatments, the spa features 14 treatment rooms, including a couples suite, a large soaking pool, an outdoor shower and a private sunbathing area.

Read more:  http://www.esperanzaresort.com/spa/

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico

The Apuane Spa at Four Seasons offers a full range of massages and spa treatments designed to relax, invigorate, detoxify, heal – and provide a unique taste of Punta Mita (Spanish for resting place). Try the Punta Mita massage, which uses indigenous sage oil and tequila; or try an exfoliating chamomile body scrub or seaweed mask.

Read more:  http://www.fourseasons.com/puntamita/spa.html

Pueblo Bonito, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Review their assorted spa options:  Rose Resort & Spa, Emerald Bay, Pacifica Holistic Retreat & Spa,  and Sunset Beach Resort & Spa.

Read more:  http://pueblobonito.com/

Source:  Spa Finder, Travel & Leisure Magazine, Forbes Magazine, Modern Mom

There is a buzz about The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa this weekend.

No official announcement from the White House, but it seems most likely that President Obama and First Lady Michelle will be spending a romantic weekend retreat there. Will that be an early Mother’s Day celebration without the girls?

The Spa’s pool are at the Grove Park Inn is greatly designed with a glass skylight and waterfalls for that ultimate water experience.

What a getaway retreat without going to the spa? The White House couple can sample many of the unique Spa Treatments to release stress and tensions. Special spa packages such as:

‘Fire, Rock, Water and Light’ – Indulge in a rejuvenating full-body exfoliation, softening buttermilk and honey whirlpool bath, cozy body wrap, and a remarkable Vichy shower waterfall massage. How fabulous!

‘Sanctuary of the Senses Facial’ – The spa’s most extravagant treatment consists of a luxurious European facial choreographed to the music of the mountains. Spa gift products and Sanctuary CD are included to relive the memory at home.

‘Grove Stone Massage’ – A classic massage combined with warm, smooth basalt stones can certainly help them to de-stress and melt the tension away.

‘Aromatherapy Massage’ – Relax and reboot with healing oils rubbing through the skin for spa therapy. What a great way to renew the body and mind!

Well, with these pampering spa treatment packages, it sounds good for anyone who wants to check out this resort hotel for a little R& R.

Source/ Photos: Discovery Spas by Julie Register

On my way back from a business trip several years ago, I stopped over to Bali, Indonesia for a little R&R.  It was one of my memorable trips. 

Bali is truly a magical place fills with rich culture and artistic spirits.  I particularly enjoyed watching the locals creating their arts and crafts.  From silver jewelry, wood cravings to Ikat textiles, they are made with so much love and attention to details to their work.  They can transform a handful of simple twigs into a beautiful crafted basket.  The way to wrap little packages for their daily offerings to the Gods are exquisite and yet simple.  I often use this inspiration of gift wrapping for our Cozy Petal gift baskets.

While staying at Amankila (part of the luxurious Aman Resorts), I have enjoyed a few spa treatments at various hotels.  The word ‘Amankila’ means peaceful hill. Their 34 free-standing thatched roof suites are elevated which takes advantage of the spectacular views to the sea and natural surroundings of the hillsides. And what a view!

One of my favorite spa and beauty treatments was the traditional Balinese massage at my own suite.  The body scrub & wraps were used with natural ingredients of luxury spa products that stimulate and restore my body well.  Not to mention about the enjoyment of the ultimate relaxation at a gorgeous place.  Only if I could wrap it up as a Spa-in-a-box!

Guests can also enjoy their massages at the outdoor pavilion, or at the Beach Club where teakwood massage tables are hidden away in amongst the tranquil coconut grove and flower bushes.  I fell in love with the scents of Frangipani, gardenia and orchids that linger in the air through the day.  As I strolled down the garden path to dinner, I found myself less of a stressful New Yorker before my vacation. 

Aaah, I’ll always have Bali…

(Left) Mandarin Oriental Spa, Hong Kong/ (Center) Four Seasons Resorts Chiang Mai / (Right) Banyan Tree, Phuket Thailand

If your budget permits, here are some of the recommendations of Top Spa locations in Asia. 

Banyan Tree, Phuket, Thailand –

Bordered by the golden sands and gentle waves of the Andaman Sea, Thailand, amid a cluster of luxury resorts located in Laguna Phuket, Banyan Tree Phuket Resort & Spa is a luxury resort in Phuket exuding rest and tranquility. A tropical paradise of extraordinary natural beauty, it is no wonder Banyan Tree Phuket Resort & Spa has earned accolades from leading magazines the world over. 

Read more http://www.banyantreespa.com/

Mandarin Oriental Spa, Hong Kong - To enter their spa is to step into a haven of serenity.  A rare space, where you can relinquish yourself entirely to their professional therapists dedicated to your wellbeing.  The Mandarin Spa has been created to soothe mind, body and soul through its sensuous spa treatment and intoxicating blend of 1930’s Shanghai textures. 

Read more http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong/spa/

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand - Step into the spa and you enter a luxurious temple of harmony of body, mind and spirit – an indulgent sanctuary created exclusively for your pleasure and well-being.  The fragrance of specially blend oils, herbs and spices fills the air, and your body and mind immediately relax in anticipation of the exotic experience that awaits. 

Read more http://www.fourseasons.com/chiangmai/spa.html

Source:  Spa Finder, Travel & Leisure Magazine, Forbes Magazine

Anyone who had the chance to visit the Dead Sea Beach in Israel would tell you their amazing experience with the ‘First Spa Resort in the World’, and so would I several months ago.

The Dead Sea is really a saline lake.  It is located 400 meters (1,300 feet) below sea level and is the lowest point on the surface of the earth.  The waters of the Dead Sea are unique, not just by having a total salt concentration that is ten times higher than ocean water, but also by its unique composition.  I learned a lot from one the incredible places I have ever been.

Since ancient times, the medical healing properties of the Dead Sea have been well-known.  I read that Queen Cleopatra was well aware of the miraculous influence of the minerals and used the salts and mud from the Dead Sea to regain her youth.

The Dead Sea is an ideal spot for many people who seek relief from skin and rheumatic disorders.  Modern medical researches confirm that these Spa-Bath and Body Products have healing properties.  Many skin allergies such as psoriasis and eczema may be helped by using Dead Sea minerals.  If you don’t have the opportunity to visit this ‘First Resort of the World’, you can enjoy these benefits by purchasing from the many skincare products out there.  Buyer beware!  You should purchase from reliable sources to avoid getting garden mud in your face.

Though I have brought back several Dead Sea beauty skincare products and now enjoy them in the privacy of my own home, but it was that special fun experience when you smearing the black mud on your face and body as you float on the well known Dead Sea. Don’t fret for those non-swimmers…you just float…like sitting on the invisible chair in the middle of the lake! 

How divine!  Everyone felt like a kid that day…laughing and giggling as we played with the soft black mud, the salty water feels oily and slippery on your skin due to all the minerals in the Dead Sea water.  My skin felt extra soft and supple, and my body was so relaxed afterwards.

Nothing can awaken your best skin like these special spa products of Dead Sea Black Mud and Dead Sea Bath Salts.  You’ll experience a healthy luminosity form the finest Spa resource in the world.  

Bring your skin back to life with the rich minerals of the Dead Sea!

‘With spa-goers increasingly seeking authenticity, tradition, and that magical spa experience that also offers true results.  Hamam (in Turkey, and the Eastern European/ Middle Eastern/ North African call it Hammam)  is among the 10 Spa Trends for 2010’  according to Susie Ellis of Spa Finder. 

The idea behind the Turkish bath is to sweat much like one does in a sauna (hamams are much less hot and humid than steam rooms),  but with the added elements of water, cleansing and massage. The hamam has been part of the Turkish culture for hundreds of years.  Traditionally built with pleasing architecture, spa-goers can enjoy both the bathing experience as well as their design structures of these rooms. 

Some of the benefits of the hamam can help your skin eliminates impurities, increases blood circulation on your body, relieves stress, tension and rejuvenate your sense of mental well-being.

 Looking for the new modern spa scene provided with Hamams by lavish Middle Eastern resort spas such as Dubai’s One & Only Royal Mirage or Morocco’s La Mamounia.

Don’t want to travel so far?  Try out The Drift Spa at Palms Place and the Mandarin Oriental in Las Vegas recently introduced hamams, as well as the new InterContinental Montelucia in Arizona.  Donald Trump’s SoHo in New York will offer separate luxury hamams for men and women early this year.  At Ten Spa, Winnipeg, Canada’s finest luxury health spa at the Fort Garry Hotel also offers hamam service.

So, if you haven’t gotten the hamam experience, this is the year to try it out.

Source:  Spa Finder, Suite 101, Rayola Turkish Bath,

‘Do you feel like you need a break from your busy life?
Come spend a fun-filled and relaxing weekend away with
Joan Lunden at this spectacular new luxury resort!’

Check out Spa Finder for this unique Spa, Yoga, Golf Getaway trip.

Joan’s taking Camp Reveille on the road!
Don’t miss this unique girl getaway!

Take advantage of this phenomenal price for The Ritz-Carlton
experience in the beautiful Sonoran desert landscape.

Pamper yourself; challenge yourself; laugh and play like a kid again;
and be inspired by Joan and other women from around the country.

Learn more about The Reveille on the Road package at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain in Tucson, Arizona – Read More>

I love this trio combination of SPA, YOGA, and GOLF!

What a fantastic way to unwind and be pampered for a fun weekend.

I read a lot about the Sturebadet Spa in Stockholm and thought that I must get a traditional Swedish Massage while I was there.  This is one of the oldest spa in Sweden and located in the heart of town, at a busy Sturegallerian shopping complex.

Founded by a medical doctor, Carl Curman in 1885, this spa was created as a communal bathhouse.  His innovative concepts regarding bathing therapy was to encourage the people in Stockholm to promote good health and wellness through exercise and many forms of bathing.

Nowadays, I can see the locals going into this modern spa for a relaxing spa treatments, or any of the exercise workouts during their lunch hours. 

The spa offers more than massages, you can get state of the art exercise facilities in the gym, personal training sessions as well as aquarobics and Yoga.  I received one of my best facials along with their spa products in Sturbadet.  My massage therapist managed to release my kinks and pains from my hectic travels.  I felt that my stress melted away quickly. 

One of my favorite spots of the spa is the gorgeous swimming pool.  Built in 1902 with beautiful Moorish tiles which blends with Art Nouveau style.  Sturebadet has a separate Turkish Bathing area which was loved by Greta Garbo back in the 1920’s. 

I also heard that the cafe serves one of the best breakfast in town.  More reason to return to Sturebadet on my next trip.