The chain :10 Minute Manicure has provided miniature nail services in multiple airports across North America for the past several years. However, it appears that more spa-based treatments may soon be ready and waiting to soothe travelers frazzled by delayed flights and packed security lines. Portland, Oregon-based The DragonTree Holistic Day Spa was recently chosen from among various area applicants to open a satellite space inside Portland International Airport.

The new spa locale won’t skimp on The DragonTree’s customary service levels for the sake of space—private treatment rooms will enable travelers to receive massage, facial and waxing services. Meanwhile, a common space will permit clients to receive foot treatments and targeted massage in a relaxing environment. Manicures and pedicures will be added to the menu at some point after the spa’s initial opening.

The products used in both services and on the retail shelves will emphasize bolstering the immune system through vitamins, herbs and other organic means. This may prove helpful airborne illnesses can particularly affect stressed travelers in enclosed spaces.

It’s official: The green-spa movement is more than just a passing fad. The industry is making a conscious effort to increase its use of Earth-friendly design, water- and energy-saving procedures, and organic, sustainable products and services.

Miami Beach is making big waves with an influx of green spas. Seven hotel spas have been awarded the Green Eco-Leaf Rating by iStayGreen.org, an online social network that rates environmentally friendly travel destinations.

Each hotel and spa passed a 70-point eco-audit administered by iStayGreen to meet strict standards. These include the inclusion of energy-efficient lighting, water conservation initiatives, drought-resistant landscaping, prominent displays of recycling bins throughout the property, use of recycled paper products and environmentally friendly cleaning products, and a nonsmoking policy.

The hotel/spa destinations that made the elite list include Lapis Spa at the Fontainebleau Resort Miami Beach and Raleigh Hotel & Spa Miami Beach.

“These properties have taken the environmental lead by reducing their carbon footprint and insuring a more sustainable future for Florida,” says Richard Varner, founder of iStayGreen.org.

To view the complete list of Green Eco-Leaf facilities, visit iStayGreen.org.

To increase your own environmental efforts, see our monthly Green Tip, and read Green Scene in each issue of DAYSPA.

October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many throughout the spa industry are doing their part to contribute to the cause–from day spas donating services in support of cancer patients to skincare manufacturers turning their products pink and allotting proceeds to charity.

One of the most recognizable charities is the annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Thousands assemble to raise money for underserved cancer patients during this event, being held Oct. 10 in New York City this year.

Event participants work hard to collect signatures and contributions all year and must complete a 39.3-mile course–so they could use a little pampering. ZENDALS, a global spa design and product-manufacturing firm, is stepping up to treat these good Samaritans. It’s awarding every walker with a pink MinQ robe the night before the event.

The New Jersey-based business regularly gives back to the community through the ZENDALS Community Program, a nonprofit organization developed to support charities and promote environmental sustainability. The company’s line of bedding and robes includes products made from eco-friendly fabrics.

For additional information on ZENDALS Community Program or to preview the 2009 ZENDALS Spa Collection, call 888.ZENDALS or visit the company website.

To read about how others are contributing to the breast-cancer cause, read Think Pink from the September issue of DAYSPA.

Now that Labor Day has passed, TV shows are starting to return with new episodes, kids are heading back to school and—our favorite—fall makeup and skincare lines are hitting spas and salons across the nation. For those who provide nail services, that means the hottest trend in a long time is heading your way—matte polishes.
We’ve had our hands on the trendy lacquers in the DAYSPA offices for several months now. We find ourselves intrigued by how quickly this movement toward a manicure with no shine—the antithesis of what technicians normally try to provide—has gained a following. At first, it was just a few bottles of polish, such as Zoya’s Matte Velvet collection. But soon enough, top coat after top coat landed in our mailbox—which is arguably a more versatile way to incorporate the trend.
So what’s the appeal? We asked DAYSPA art director Dannie Caseñas, who started lusting over the darker matte polishes as soon as they came across our desks—and finally made off with a top coat of her own. We also poured out polishes with her for DAYSPA’s September Must Have photo shoot, including a matte Zoya color, and marveled at how it dried to a lusterless finish (top left). “I’m not big into painting my nails all the time, and when I do it’s usually very dark—or definitely not pinks or reds,” she says. “However, I thought [the matte trend] was really wild since polish has been glossy all these years. Being so different is what stood out for me.”
Dannie says she soon realized how ahead of the fold she was. “I wanted to wear my matte nails out and see if anyone noticed. Only a few said anything, but it went over so big with my husband (of all people!) that he couldn’t stop talking about how cool it was,” she says. “He even told some female coworkers about this ‘fall polish’ phenom. Ha!”

The editorial staff at DAYSPA has been experimenting too. We’re finding that glittery polishes used for French tips or as nail art on top of matte bases really pop, but adding matte top coat to already lusterless polish doesn’t necessarily double the dull factor. Application can be a little counterintuitive; the polishes tend to dry fairly quickly, while the top coats go on a tad milky before drying to their matte finishes. But given all the varieties of varnish still coming in, we’re pretty sure we’ll keep having fun all autumn long.

For matte polishes and top coats, check out Barielle, China Glaze, CND, Color Club, Essie Cosmetics, Orly, OPI Products and Zoya.

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) recently announced its new Board of Directors and Officers for 2009-2010. It includes:
• Chair: Bruce Selan, vice president of Zotos International
• Vice Chair: Josh Hafetz, president of Raylon Corporation
• Treasurer: Max Wexler, CEO of Beauty Craft Supply & Equipment
• Cary O’Brien, owner of Cary O’Brien’s Design & Color Spa in St. Charles, Missouri
• Scott Buchanan, owner of Scott J Salons & Spas in New York City
• John Galietti, owner of Xena’s Beauty Company in New York City
• John Heffner, president/CEO of Creative Nail Design
• Brian Graham, president of NIOXIN
• Sydney Berry, president of Salon Services & Supplies, Inc.
This group will continue promoting the work of the PBA, including Beauty Week, government outreach and a planned merger with the National Cosmetology Association. “It is a privilege to serve as chair of PBA and, along with the board, I look forward to fostering continued industry growth and the overall unification of the professional beauty industry like never before,” Selan says.

Tap into the power of pink products and therapeutic spa services
during upcoming National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I live on a cul-de-sac at the top of a steep incline. It’s tricky getting up the long, narrow road in a car—and even more challenging on foot. In fact, when I return from evening walks with my dogs, I usually zig-zag my way up—otherwise, my body might collapse.

A few years ago, a determined young woman zipped right by me as she ran up the hill. “Race you to the top,” she said, without stopping. Although it appeared her health had been compromised recently due to her slender build and hairless head covered by a beautiful scarf, she never slowed her pace.

I later learned that her name is Amanda. At the time, she lived a few miles away, but she specifically selected the landscape of our hillside neighborhood to navigate the peaks and valleys of breast cancer. Thankfully, she eventually conquered the disease and continued to use the steep incline to keep fit during and after her pregnancy with twins. I smiled with pride when she began pushing her double stroller around the neighborhood, as it marked such a profound personal and physical victory.

Amanda is one of approximately 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. About 200,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year, according to the American Cancer Society. In October, during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, day spas across the country honor patients and survivors of the disease through walks, fundraisers and special events, and by offering pink products and therapeutic services to improve their emotional and physical well-being. “Close to the Heart,” in this month’s DAYSPA, examines ways you and your clients can support the cause.

Can recovery, results and relaxation take place at the same facility? Almost 20% of spas now provide some type of program that treats the mind, body and spirit, according to the International Spa Association. To learn how to fully integrate fitness, spa and wellness services underneath one roof, check out “Minding the Body” and “A Business in Bloom.”

Estheticians and massage therapists may also soon routinely treat hospital patients alongside doctors and nurses. As more medical centers embrace wellness and esthetics, day spas are uniquely positioned to benefit from partnerships with them. See “Handle with Care.”

This issue celebrates health, healing and hope. Enjoy it!

Rhonda J. Wilson,
Executive Editor, DAYSPA

You may have provided massages outside of your treatment room, but do you have the sea legs strong enough for this therapeutic trek? The Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego, which is located on the interior portion of a peninsula, offers its guests the opportunity to receive a couples’ massage on 33-foot gondolas that cruise the Coronado Cays.

Part of the Voga Voyage package, which includes a one-night stay for a total of $499 a couple, the seafaring treatments begin with an application of sunscreen and departure on an authentic Venetian gondola from Loews’ private marina. Following a 40-minute massage on two beds, the twosome enjoys champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries for the remainder of the journey.

Once they’re back on solid ground, clients can also participate in the spa’s exercise and art classes, and take advantage of its sauna, steam rooms, fitness center and relaxation lounge.

Are you up for the challenge? If so, it may be time to take up surfing to build up your sense of balance. While the waters around Loews are in a relatively sheltered area, you never know when rough seas are ahead.

Couples’ treatments—especially massage—are one of the fastest-growing services in the day spa industry. One two-person treatment means double revenue potential for your business. But don’t skimp on the ambience. Creating a romantic, relaxing atmosphere for couples is key to keeping them coming back.

Spa Montage Ritual Suite

Spa Montage in Beverly Hills, California, has created a unique service menu inspired by the elements–and most services can be booked for couples. “Attracting both men and women is important to our business,” says spa manager Amy Olthoff. “The spa should be a retreat for them to enjoy some quality time together.”

One of the more popular services on the menu for couples is the signature Montage Massage (60 min./ $250). Here’s how the spa provides an hour of bliss:

1. The couple enters their spa suite, which is elegantly appointed with Moroccan accents and flickering candles to set a perfect mood.

2. Next, two therapists consult with the guests, assessing which areas of the body need the most attention.

3. The therapists step out to allow the couples privacy to slip under the sheets of their massage tables. Upon reentering, each guest receives a custom massage, utilizing deep-tissue, Swedish and shiatsu techniques.

4. Once complete, the couple is granted private time to relax, reflect and re-dress.

5. After the treatment, guests enjoy full access to the spa’s multiple facilities—steam showers, spa snacks, relaxation lounges stocked with books and magazines, and the standout mineral salt pool, the centerpiece to the spa’s co-ed water lounge area.

To read more about Spa Montage, see our complete review on page 18 of the September issue of DAYSPA.