I met with Jay Rohrer, the founder of Ritual Alami™, the authentic Indonesian body care line made right here in Bali.  Since everything in Bali is done on an extremely casual basis, our business meeting was conducted in shorts and flip flops, and Jay picked me up on a motorcycle. We toured the trendy city of Seminyak with its collection of eclectic boutiques (where I plan to return and shop another day), and we had lunch at a great vegetarian restaurant.  

Later, we went to see one of the newest spas in Seminyak: the AWAY® Spa at the W Hotel. Smart and glamorous, it is open 24/7 and operates on a whatever/whenever basis–the first of its kind!  The spa features 3 single treatment rooms and meditation platforms, two couples’ treatment rooms with vitality baths, two spa suites with wet and dry treatment areas, and two facial rooms. Separate male and female changing rooms provide the perfect place to pause and unwind, as they each feature a hot stone bath, vitality pool, and an hammam-style detox/oxygen room.  

Do you have favorite places in Bali that you like to visit? Please do tell!

During  our new Control Corrective Skincare Systems rebranding launch, we invested in some terrific  samples, and we happily give these attractive multi-dose tubes away to very appreciative customers. Everyone likes to try a product before making an investment in it, and while this is one of the reasons we give out samples, it isn’t the only one.

I’d like to make an argument for sampling more in the spa.  Even when clients buy a product, I suggest you give them additional samples, every time.  In his marketing book Free Prize Inside, Seth Godin makes the compelling argument that we have to do something “extra” to engage our customers.  Sampling is one easy way to do that, and it often encourages brand loyalty.

Recently, I was in Nordstrom purchasing a gift for a friend in the cosmetics department.  I was surprised to find out that they no longer readily offer samples–they’re very discretionary.  Then, I went to Sephora, and it was the complete opposite.  In fact, they even gave me a perfume sample, sprayed from a tester.  I loved it. 

Find a way to sample!  Build it into your cost of marketing.  It could go further than a full page ad or some of the other marketing initiatives you use. Sampling increases your sales and may provide a longer term return on investment. 

Myth: I don’t need to wear sunscreen on a cloudy day.

Fact: Up to 85% of UV can penetrate light cloud cover.
 

Myth: I have a tan, so I won’t burn.

Fact: Having a tan is only the equivalent of about SPF 4. This does not mean you won’t burn.

Myth: I am young; I don’t need to worry about skin cancer.

Fact:  Melanoma (skin cancer) is the #1 cancer seen in ages 25-29.

Myth: I need more vitamin D, so I shouldn’t wear sunscreen.

Fact: You only need about 10 minutes of sun exposure per day to get enough vitamin D for your wellbeing. (And remember, even with sunscreen on, you will get sun exposure.)

Myth: Getting just one sunburn won’t really harm my skin.

Fact: A single sunburn in childhood will increase the risk of melanoma. And, it can take up to 5 years for the skin to fully recover from one sunburn!

Myth: Tanning beds are safe.

Fact: UVs matter inside and out; indoor tanning may increase the chance of getting melanoma up to 75%.

Myth: Sunscreen will block all UV.

Fact: “Sunscreen is not enough,” says Dr. Karen Burke. Remember to layer your antioxidants under your sunscreen, so you have a second line of defense (try Alchimie Forever Diode 1 + 2 serums for your face and Alexandrite gel for neck, bust, and body).

Other interesting truths about the sun and sunscreens:
 

UVA versus UVB:
*UVA damages DNA and leads to skin cancer (damage is not initially visible to the naked eye).

*UVB leads to redness and ultimately wrinkles (the visible effects of sunburn).

Chemical versus physical sunscreens:

*Chemical sunscreens absorb the UV rays. These are typically lighter sunscreens.

*Physical sunscreens (really known as sunblocks) reflect UV rays. Ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are used in physical sunscreens. The usual “thick, white, sticky” feel of sunscreens comes mostly from physical sunscreens.

Water-resistant versus waterproof sunscreens:

*Water-resistant sunscreens maintain their SPF levels after 40 minutes of water exposure.

*Waterproof sunscreens maintain their SPF levels after 80 minutes of water exposure.

The sun’s reflective powers are great:

*17% on sand

*80% on snow

Remember, no sun is safe sun. And, you earn the skin you’re in!

Part of my Indonesian adventure was the hike to the top of Mount Batur, the second highest mountain (about 5,600 ft. above sea level) in Bali and the site of one of several active volcanoes on the island.

In order to make the 3 hour trek to the peak for sunrise, I started the climb at 3:30 am. With a flashlight in hand and with Kadek, my friendly Balinese guide, leading the way, I made it to the top with time to spare.  Volcanic ash and sand plus rocky–sometimes slippery–terrain made walking a bit tricky, but I found it was very doable as long as I stayed intensely focused.  Later, with the light of day, I realized just how precarious it was when we hiked back along the same narrow rim around the perimeter of the crater–this time I could clearly see the crater wall falling steeply to one side.

The last major eruption of Mount Batur was in 1917 when the lava destroyed an entire village, killing thousands.  The most recent eruption, although moderate, occurred in 2000.   Throughout the trek, Kadek pointed out various vent holes which were spewing steam from the smoldering volcano inside.  These vent holes provided natural convenience, as Kadek used one to prepare our breakfast: a hot banana sandwich and a hard boiled egg. It was delicious—I had worked up such an appetite.

I found the entire hike meditative; the intense need to concentrate on navigating safely in the dark allowed me to clear my mind and to be completely present in the moment, something I haven’t always been successful at doing.  After coming off the mountain, we went to a natural hot spring that offered instant relief for our overworked muscles.

Lastly, we visited a kopi (coffee) plantation where the aroma of roasting beans decadently wafted across the landscape. As I sipped delicious Balinese coffee, I learned more about the varieties and the process of creating pure kopi powder, one of the key ingredients in Ritual Alami products, which are all handcrafted in Indonesia.  My next post will tell about my meeting with Jay Rohrer, the founder of Ritual Alami, and our visit to the chic, elegant W Retreat & Spa.

One of the reasons I chose to visit Desa Seni Village Resort was because of its eco-friendly initiatives. Their mission is, as Gandhi famously said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”  The entire resort was built with recycled, repurposed, and sustainable products from local sources, all without altering the land structure and waterways.  Plus, a generous 40% of the property was set aside for organic farming, enabling the resort to grow 80% of the produce served in its restaurant. And, because of the careful consideration that has been given to the land, wildlife is still very much at home here. I even caught a gecko sampling a little of my honey as I was having some tea on the front porch.  

In addition to utilizing sustainable building materials and being a good steward of the land, Desa Seni has initiated several environmental programs, including waste minimization through composting and recycling operations. What’s more, they use only natural and biodegradable cleaning products, energy efficient lighting, and they’re very involved in giving back locally. One of their chief projects is a work-study program with an area orphanage which offers the older children an opportunity to apprentice and experience a positive working environment.  

Like many other spa-goers who visit environmentally and socially responsible facilities, I feel I’m taking part in something positive while taking care of myself at the same time. Clients really do appreciate the conscious efforts spas and resorts make toward addressing the needs of their communities and the planet–it truly enhances the guest experience.

So how was it that I was so fortunate to be able to spend a whole month in Bali?   In my earlier blogs I mentioned that after 29 years of day-to-day entrepreneurship, I decided it was time for a change.  Leaving my capable team in charge, I stepped away from being involved in the operational details of Universal Companies and have since been learning the art of letting go of many of the things I used to do.  Add to the fact that my son is now away at his first year in college, so if there ever was a time to take some “me time”, it is now!  So when the invitation to attend the Global Spa Summit in Bali arrived, I eagerly accepted.  I also realized that for the first time in my life, I didn’t have to rush back from my travels, so I decided to stay a month.  Bali has always been on my bucket list, it’s fairly inexpensive once you get there, and I can certainly find inspiration for two of my passions: spa products and eco-friendly solutions.  

I arrived at the Desa Seni Village Resort, located on the southwest side of Bali, in the middle of the night after a 30 hour journey.  It wasn’t until I woke up the next day that I absolutely fell in love with my new home away from home. 

Desa Seni (which translates “art village”) is a unique cluster of antique wood homes that have been imported from the many islands of Indonesia.  Each house has its own individual history and has been completely restored and decorated with original artifacts and antiques that reflect Indonesian culture.

My house is called the Rumah Mandau and dates back to the 1940s. It is a traditional rumah tinggal (or “dwelling house”) imported from West Java and is made entirely of teak. It’s quirky and rustic yet luxuriously comfortable.  The spacious front porch has been the perfect spot for lazy afternoon reading, relaxing, and enjoying the abundance of tropical flowers.  

The spa is small and intimate, and to help me nurse my jet lag on the first day, I indulged in a 3 1/2 hour Javanese lulur body scrub and organic facial. It was heavenly, but I almost felt guilty when the nominal bill for $82.00 was presented. Needless to say, the staff has come to know me well already, and it is just Day 3 of my week long stay at Desa Seni. Yesterday, I had a healing massage with a 5th generation traditional Balinese healer named Pak Sami. He has an intuitive gift with which he can feel energy blockages and physical ailments, and I must say he seemed to find every sore spot on my body.   Earlier today I indulged in a mani-pedi performed on the front porch of the spa while I lounged in a comfortable antique chair.  It was such a contrast to my usual fast paced mani-pedi treatments at home.  While I was being pampered, I peacefully read my book and heard the distant clip-clip-clip from the gardeners who were lovingly hand-shearing the grass nearby.  

In my next post, I will write about Desa Seni Village Resort’s commitment to the community and the environment. Bali is such a beautiful, magical place.

 

 

 

Now that I no longer have day to day responsibilities at Universal Companies, I have a little more time to focus on following my passions. This year will take me around the world on some amazing adventures.

A few months ago, I was invited to join a group of fantastic women on a once in a lifetime trek to Machu Picchu in September.  Without a second thought, I jumped at the chance to see a place I had always dreamed about.  A few weeks later, however, I realized I might have gotten in a little over my head when I started receiving travel emails warning, “All participants must be in excellent physical condition and be well coordinated.  Full day hiking at high altitudes reaching heights of 14,000 on steep narrow, slippery terrain….”   

Despite my involvement in the wellness industry, I have not always been the perfect picture of fitness. Over the last 20 years, my sporadic workouts were planned around a very hectic work schedule, and most of the time, several weeks would go by before I would squeeze in a little time for yoga or light cardio. I always put it off, telling myself, “I’ll get back in shape after the next catalog is launched” or “I’ll get back on an exercise routine after the next big trade show is finished”, but somehow I always seemed to find something else that seemed to prevent me from focusing on my health.    

Realizing that the other women on my upcoming trip to Machu Picchu were in better shape than I was and not wanting to hold anyone back was enough motivation to step up my exercise routine–in a big way.   Now a day doesn’t go by without major cardio activity, and if there is a mountain anywhere in the vicinity, I feel compelled to climb it.  It’s funny how this one little shift in my mindset has spurred me into action. I was invigorated by the thought of challenging myself in this spectacular way and now, every time I even think about skipping my workout, I remember my goal to hike the Inca Trail this September.   Instead of planning my workouts around my schedule or when I might feel like it,   I’m now planning my life and my schedule around my workouts! 

My life-changing shift happened just a couple of months ago and I already feel different; I have more energy and an amazing feeling of strength and empowerment.  My commitment to working out has even been rubbing off on friends and family. Now, instead of meeting for a meal, we’ll meet for a hike.

So, is it possible that spas can influence their clients or their staff to stay fit?  Spas and fitness are inextricably linked.  In fact, the International Spa Association was formerly called the International Spa & Fitness Association—very appropriate given that one of the most important things we can do to maintain our wellness is to stay active. 

Even small lifestyle changes can make a huge difference. A recent study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine highlights the dangers of sitting at a desk all day, even if you do exercise. The Institute is experimenting with vertical work stations that allow an office worker to use a standard personal computer while walking on a treadmill.  At Universal Companies, we constructed a walking trail at our facility, and we encourage our staff to walk it several times a day, and they do!

In my next entry, I will share details of my month-long journey to Bali for the Global Spa Summit . In my continued quest to train for my trip to Machu Picchu, I plan to hike Mount Agung, which happens to be the highest point on Bali.  It is also where Bali’s most important temple, Pura Beskih, is located.

2011 is off to a roaring start! Universal Companies’ Spa Development Division has been working on several new openings in the US and abroad. Our projects have sent my team and I all over the globe to help with brand development, service development, and technical specifications, working with consultants, architects, designers, and engineers to make sure everything gets done right the first time.

Here’s a look at some of the newly launched spas and development projects on the horizon:

The Tides Sugar Beach, St. Lucia

The newly opened Tides Sugar Beach in St. Lucia is one of the most beautiful and unique resorts I have ever seen.  Formerly the Jalousie Plantation, the resort is Viceroy Hotel Group’s first Tides in the Caribbean. Tides Sugar Beach is set on 192 acres of rainforest and white sandy beaches. This world-class spa is housed in three palapas overlooking the Caribbean—literally set on stilts in the middle of the rain forest!

Sense, A Rosewood Spa in the Hotel Georgia, Vancouver

We continue our partnership with Rosewood Hotels and Resorts as they launch their new Sense, A Rosewood Spa in the Hotel Georgia  in Vancouver, Canada. Located on the fourth floor of the hotel,  the full service spa also includes a fitness center and a 54′ indoor saltwater lap pool and an outdoor courtyard. Other Sense Spas are located in the Riviera Maya and San Miguel Allende, Mexico, Antigua, and Virgin Gora, BVI in the Caribbean, New York, and two California locations—Menlo Park and San Martin.

Viceroy Maldives

We are working with veteran spa director Patrick Huey of Viceroy Hotels & Resorts to open Viceroy’s new spa in the unchartered north of the Maldives Islands in the Indian Ocean. . The resort rests on 17 acres, and the spa is housed in over-water bungalows that feature Reiki, yoga practices, and Viceroy Signature Journeys which include Ayurvedic, regional, and traditional treatments. We have also recently completed Viceroy projects in Anguilla, Snowmass, and we’re working on some new custom equipment concepts for the Viceroy Miami.

In the US, there’s an inherent fascination with European women. How can they be so thin despite eating so much cheese? How can they be so healthy despite drinking wine, often at lunch? How do they achieve their quintessential elegant look? How come they seem to age more gracefully? Perhaps these are questions that you’ve actually received from your clients.

While I don’t pretend to have answers to the first two questions, I do believe that the European woman’s approach to skin care has much to do with the answers to the third and fourth questions. While speaking about European women is obviously a gross generalization, here are some tips on skin care habits that my Swiss mother engrained in me from my early teens. Please do share with your clients as part of their self-care regimen.

1. Skin care is a part of self care, part of health care. Facials are not luxuries, and a good moisturizer is not a frivolous expense. Indeed, I was taught that going to the spa should be considered as necessary as going to the dentist on a regular basis.

2. Prevention is more important than correction. Don’t wait until you start seeing wrinkles, brown spots, and sagging skin to incorporate anti-aging products into your routine. If you are old enough to drink (and remember,   in Geneva, this is 16), you are old enough for   an eye cream.

3. Spend time in your bathroom; it is your sanctuary. Growing up, I watched my mom take long baths, apply lotions and potions, and  spend a lot of time in her bathroom. That was her special time each morning–her way to get physically and mentally prepared for the day, and in the evening, it helped her remove the effects of the day. 

4. For every year you grow older, spend an extra 30 seconds in your bathroom. When you are 20 years old, you can jump out of bed, tie your hair in a ponytail, and leave the house in 5 minutes looking fresh and beautiful. As we age, getting to that look takes more time and more effort. Don’t fight against it, embrace it, and spend more time in your bathroom.

5. Look at your self in the mirror. Really look–don’t just glance. This will enable you to see every wrinkle starting to form, to see the appearance of very light brown spots and watch them turn darker with the passage of time. The process of looking, observing, and assessing will give you a feeling of control over the changes happening on your face and body and will ensure that you don’t just wake up one morning and think, “I have just aged 20 years overnight.”

6. Taking care of your body is as important as taking care of your face. Treat your neck and décolleté with specific products. Nourish the skin of your body. Take particular care of your hands and feet. Not just once a week, but every day, twice a day.

7. Makeup is meant for highlighting and color, not to treat skin. If your skin looks good, you don’t need to cover it with foundation. Show your skin. Use makeup to brighten and color.

8. The worse you feel, the brighter your lipstick should be. Red is the color of power, wearing it will not only have people commenting on how great you look, but will make you feel powerful and in control, hence better. Find the shade of red that suits you, and use it.

9. Keep your nails real, short, and oval. Did Princess Grace of Monaco have long fake nails? I don’t think so. Short is elegant. Nude is the best neutral, but bright red works on short nails too.

10. Smile. You will look better, feel happier, and everyone around you will too.

I recall the beauty advice my grandmother gave me almost twenty-five years ago: 1. Stay out of the sun—carry an umbrella if you must. 2. Only wear mascara on your upper lashes and don’t use eyeliner. 3. Don’t smoke (even though, ironically, she once modeled for Chesterfield cigarettes).  At the time, I thought I knew better than she did and politely agreed with her, ultimately doing what most other teenage girls did in the 1980s: tan. And, uh, mmm. . . I won’t address the years I listened to new wave and ignored her suggestion by applying makeup in the fashion of Siouxsie Sioux.

Growing up in Florida, I spent most of my teen years on the beach, eschewing sunscreen and rubbing in the baby oil. Now, as I approach 40, I’m becoming increasingly cautious about how I treat my skin. So are your clients. Perhaps they ignored good guidance from their grandmothers too. As they age, they’re more willing to listen, so here’s your chance to offer them some practical pointers, perhaps the same they were given years ago but disregarded.

Don’t Smoke
A major contributor to premature wrinkles, especially around the mouth and eyes, smoking depletes skin of oxygen and nutrients because it impairs blood flow. Studies also show that smoking also damages collagen by destroying the ascorbic acid (vitamin C) molecule, which is integral for the production of collagen.

Drink Water
Much has been written about drinking water to moisturize skin from the inside out, but some dermatologists disagree with promoting this theory because it lacks a controlled study. This isn’t to say, however, that you should lower your water bottle. Maintaining proper hydration helps reduce the appearance of fine lines–it just doesn’t prevent dry, flaky skin.  So, continue to drink plenty of water, just don’t rely on it to replace your daily moisturizer.

Choose Highly Nutritious Foods
A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins will deliver the nutrients your skin needs to look its best. Avoid low nutrition meals like processed and fast foods—they’re mostly comprised of salt, calories, fats, and unhealthy additives.

Exercise
There are two reasons why exercise is good for your skin: It reduces stress and boosts circulation. Your skin tries to keep out viruses and antigens, but sometimes these wicked little assailants get through. When this happens, your skin discharges an immune response (white blood cells) to destroy them. When you are under a lot of stress, there’s an increase in the frequency of this occurrence, which can lead to blotchiness. Stress also releases cortisol, a hormone that triggers the production of sebum. While sebum is beneficial for pushing out impurities from the pores, too much of it can actually clog them, causing a build-up of dead skin cells, resulting in inflammation and acne.

Boosting circulation is important too. Blood removes waste and carries oxygen and nutrients to the cells. The more often blood circulates, the better.  When skin cells are nourished, they function properly.

Get Some Sleep
Chronic lack of sleep can alter your complexion by causing puffiness, bags, and dark circles. Research even suggests that it slows collagen production. Most people need 7-8 hours, but some may require slightly more or less. 

Avoid the Sun
You don’t have to carry around an umbrella–you can avoid harmful rays by utilizing sunscreen/sunblock, hats, and sunglasses. The difference between sunblock and sunscreen? Sunscreens are light and water-soluble.  Their function is to filter certain UV rays. Thick and water-resistant, sunblock actually blocks UV rays, so they don’t reach the skin at all. (Think of the thick white zinc oxide that lifeguards use on their noses.)

Gently Cleanse
The following will strip oil from your skin: bathing in hot water, using harsh cleansers, and toweling off completely dry.  Try warm water, gentle cleansers, and patting dry, allowing a little moisture to remain on the skin. Then, follow up with a moisturizer.

I’m sure there’s more! Have suggestions? Reply to this post and share them.