Seasonal Promo: Philanthropic Pampering

On a recent visit to the Rosario Resort & Spa in the San Juan Islands, Spa Hopping columnist L. Brooks Baldwin discovered just how wonderful it can be to “vacation for a cause.” It inspired her to explore how spas support charitable causes, and she discovered that many business owners are truly passionate about giving back.

To educate those who are less involved, Baldwin has declared a newfound mission: “I’m going to educate spa professionals on the benefits guaranteed to accrue if they commit to making worthy causes part of their business plans,” she writes.

Baldwin’s two-part series lauds several industry members for the ways they incorporate charitable endeavors into their work. Her articles appear in the June and July issues of DAYSPA. We present the second part of the series:

Click Here to view a pdf of the article as it appears in the print magazine.

Star Treatment: Caviar Dreams

Located in a quaint Russian neighborhood in West Hollywood, California, VODA Spa combines Eastern European spa tradition with innovation and indulgence. Its luxurious Russian-inspired Caviar Wrap (50 minutes, $150) takes detoxifying body treatments to the next level.

The soothing service includes an exfoliating caviar body scrub, abalone firming gel wrap and a finishing green tea lotion application. Fatty acids in the caviar extract offer skin hydration and suppleness, while protein and phosphorous stimulate cell growth and renewal.“

Caviar has long been recognized as a supreme delicacy throughout Russian history,” says LG Taylor, VODA’s spa director. “Loaded with proteins, vitamins and minerals, caviar moisturizes and regenerates the skin cells, giving a younger, firmer appearance to the skin.”

The 20-minute wrap portion of the treatment feels like a warm, healing cocoon as a scalp massage transports you to Russia with love. The marine collagen in the abalone firming gel gives the skin a luminous glow. “Guests revel in this treatment because of its decadence and antiaging properties,” Taylor says. “While they’re nurtured like royalty, their skin is detoxified, remineralized and nourished on a cellular level.”

THE PROTOCOL

1) Begin skin exfoliation with caviar body scrub in a clockwise direction. Start with the left leg, back area, arms and right leg.

2) Rinse the back of the body and have the guest turn over by rolling away from the therapist with the towel for privacy.

3) Carefully place a neck towel, insert a leg bolster underneath knees for comfort and begin exfoliating the front of the body.

4) With guest face up, continue the exfoliation process in a clockwise direction. Start with the left leg, torso and chest area, and then use privacy towels for women’s breasts and stomach areas. Proceed to arms and right leg.

5) Rinse the front of the body and wrap the face with a warm towel.

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6) Application of the abalone firming gel body wrap is the next step. With guest lying face down, use effleurage (long, gliding strokes), beginning with the back, spreading to the left arm, and continuing in a clockwise direction to the right arm. Move quickly so the guest does not get cold. Continue application of the firming gel down the right leg and foot, and cover with a sheet. Repeat the process on the other side.

7) Place a rolled hand towel underneath the neck and apply firming gel with effleurage strokes. Begin with chest and stomach, continue clockwise down the right arm then the left. Reapply gel and continue application down the leg and feet. Repeat process on the right side.

8) Wrap guest with blankets for 20 minutes, and massage the scalp for five minutes.

9) Application of the green tea lotion is the last step. Apply it on the chest, arms and legs with effleurage strokes, and then on the back. Clean any products off the bottom of the feet.

10) Bring a robe to the guest. Turn your head for privacy and hold it up, so guest can easily slip it on.

To the previous Star Treatment, Truly Soleful, from Spa Montage.