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#02 / October 2018
#1 DIRECTORY PROMOTING THE BEST SPA, YOGA & WELLNESS BREAKS IN IRELAND 1
Midweek Treats at River Spa, Knightsbrook Hotel, Meath
Morning Spa Escape Druids Glen Hotel & Spa Wicklow Take time to enjoy breakfast in Hugo’s Restaurant, our breakfast buffet offers a wide selection of hot and cold specialties. Followed by a relaxing morning in our health club facilities and a 55-minute treatment of choice afterwards. Finish your morning in the relaxation room with refreshments and fruit sorbet.
Special Offer €90 per person www.gotothespa.ie/blog/morning-spa-escapepackage-at-druids-glen-hotel-and-spa--wicklow-247
Face & Body Pampering Peninsula Spa – Dingle
Mini Monday Madness Two Mini Treatments €85.00 Choose from Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage, Mini Facial, Hot Stone Foot & Calf Massage. Treat yourself Tuesday 55-minute Comfort Zone Facial €60.00 plus 20% off Retail Products Waxing Wednesday 20% off all Waxing24-hour Patch Test Required for all new Clients Tip-Top Thursday Two Week Artistic Gel Polish €25.00 Express Manicure/ Pedicure €20.00 Tantastic Friday Full Body Vita Liberata Spray Tan €20.00
www.gotothespa.ie/blog/midweek-treats-251
KO SPA SIGNATURE TREATMENT at Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel - Kilkenny
Facial Special Offer Yon-KA Alpha Vital Facial Special price of only €74.00 Suitable for dull, oily, post-acne and sun damaged skin.
Body Special Offer VOYA Hot Stone Revival Special price of only €59.00 Designed to combat fatigue and will help you rest, repair and rejuvenate. www.gotothespa.ie/blog/september-specials-offer2 at-the-peninsula-spa-dingle-skellig-hotel-254
Begin your journey with a muscle melting back neck and shoulder massage followed by our full body seaweed exfoliation and topped off with the Voya self-discovery radiance facial. Half day refresh includes complimentary use of pool, sauna and steam room
Only €150 https://www.gotothespa.ie/blog/ko-spa-signaturetreatment-at-kilkenny-ormonde-hotel-255
As the kids head back to school we can breathe a little slower and deeper! I love the summer holidays and try to make plenty of time for my daughter and her friends to enjoy fun days out and adventures. Each year we create a bucket list of things we want to do and this year I really noticed how the rest of the family listed what they wanted but I still added what I thought was best for all the family. It’s a parent thing I think! What I really wanted was some time out from everything, to create some well-being that has been rather neglected lately as I am travelling so much teaching and consulting. But what is well-being? Why do we really need it? Isn’t it just a fancy name for the health gurus?
HEIDI GRIMWOOD Editor & Spa Consultant www.linkedin.com/in/heidigrimwood
Well actually it’s more than that and if we took some time to embrace it we would really reap the benefits. Did you know that countries like France actually have treatments like thalassotherapy (sea water therapy) on their medical referral list and they can claim for these treatments on their medical insurance? Isn’t that amazing that some countries see the benefits of the spa environment and improving well-being not pushing medication every time someone visits the doctor. I’m a huge advocate of natural therapies (medicine still has its place but as another option) to heal your body. My husband has severe eczema and is in pain a lot so he bathes with the Voya seaweed and sea salt which he finds so soothing and healing; simple treatments that make such a huge difference to his well-being. So now that the kids are back to school, now you have time to breathe, what well-being treatment are you going to try? We have plenty to choose from in this edition of Back to School!
Have a wonderful day
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PAGE 6-7
THE RIVER SPA AT THE KNIGHTSBROOK HOTEL TREATMENT DAY
BACK TO SCHOOL PROMOTIONS
PAGE 9-10
INTERVIEW: WELL BEING & WELLNESS
PAGE 15
BEAUTIFUL JOBS
PAGE 8
DRUIDS GLEN HOTEL & GOLF RESORT CO WICKLOW
PAGE 12
WHAT TYPE OF MASSAGE TO CHOOSE WHEN YOU VISIT THE SPA 4
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aluronic Acid, which are essential for maintaining the entire cutaneous architectural structure. The dermoepidermal junction relaxes, the cellular interconnections are altered. The epidermis is no longer maintained by fibroblastic tensions and it loses its elastic capacities, as if it were too loose. Dermoepidermal transmission is diminished. Less oxygenated, less nourished, the skin becomes finer and wrinkles. The effects of gravity on the eyes, cheeks, chin and neck is all the more felt.
At 50, OUT with the plumping of adolescence, the face lacks density and plumpness, the cheeks become hollow. Frown lines and the very marked nasolabial folds make the face appear harder and sadder. The facial contour loses its shape, droops, the skin under the chin is no longer taut enough. Lacking material, firmness, oxygenation, the skin of the face and dĂŠcolletĂŠ becomes fine, wrinkled, pale and transparent.
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THE RIVER SPA AT THE KNIGHTSBROOK HOTEL TREATMENT DAY The River Spa at the Knightsbrook Hotel in Meath is a real gem. I almost felt like royalty when I drove through to the hotel; with big stone arches either side of the road welcoming you to the hotel, spa and golf resort. For those of you who know me I am a terrible golfer so I didn’t embarrass myself by booking time on the golf course, my day was dedicated to a spa day and I was in for a real treat. The River Spa is situated close to the hotel reception so it is really easy to find. Some hotels I visit I walk around and around in circles and can never find the spa entrance! But it was stress free today. As I am welcomed with a warm smile and reassurance I check myself in and head off to the changing room to prepare for my pre treatment pampering – the thermal area. I always feel it’s such a waste when people forget to make time prior to their treatment and don’t use the thermal rooms. The Thermal area is a tranquil area with hot and cold cabins designed to create balance of the mind and body. Many people 6
don’t really understand the difference between the different rooms so I asked Louise one of the team about the benefits: HERBAL SAUNA This is a dry, heat experience that warms the body quickly. It’s a dry intense heat reaching anywhere from 60-90 degrees. It’s excellent for opening the pores. COOL SHOWER A great way to stimulate the blood circulation is to switch from hot to cold, so between treatments use the shower. SALT GROTTO This is a steam room with salt infusion. It is excellent for blood circulation and also respiratory problems. Ideal for a pre treatment exfoliation of the skin also. LACONIUM This chamber is very different to the traditional saunas. May people say they don’t see the point in a lightly heated dry room; however it is used as a middle room between the intense heat rooms.
STEAM ROOM This room is excellent for encouraging detoxification through the skin with an intense steam to open the pores, and increase perspiration. Don’t forget on your journey around the thermal suite to take in plenty of water to replenish after all the detoxing you will do. You can also use the pool and Jacuzzi, it is situated next door in the leisure centre and also included in your treatment spa day. There is an additional room in the thermal area which you can privately book called the Mud Rasul. There is a private steam room, you are given a mud mask to apply all over your body, you sit in the steam room and reap the amazing benefits of this treatment. It’s excellent for removing toxins and is a stimulating therapy as well, targeting our five senses. The mud, steam, heat and water work together in what is often called a “cleansing ritual.” It is recommended to have a facial or massage after the treatment but you can also book it as a standalone treatment. It is ideal for couples, friends, and quality family time.
I’m not a great sleeper so when I saw The River Spa Tranquility ProSleep Massage I knew that was the treatment for me. Apparently its also great for people with jet lag so would really suit international travellers to the hotel. This is how they explain the treatment in their brochure: [Comfort Zone] Tranquility Pro Sleep Massage Our signature treatment, tranquility pro-sleep massage is an innovative experience acting on three different sensorial pathways for profound relaxation, The synergy of a unique blend of essential oils, the bespoke Tranquillity™ Sound, Ayurvedic and Indonesian Sea Malay manualities combined with the use of soft brushes, gently guide the way to achieve a quiet and peaceful mind and body state favouring sleep and helping to recover jetlag side-effects. The Pro Sleep massage is a deeply relaxing treatment for all especially Recommended for those who feel stressed, unable to relax and have problems sleeping well. Ideal after long flights or travelling to a new time zone.
lie I can’t tell you every element of my journey as I was hoping to do as I drifted in and out of consciousness throughout the entire treatment. However I remember feeling rhythmic strokes combined with light pressure point touches. The gliding of the soft brushes with the warm oils sent me into a place of pure tranquility (the treatment name is so apt I tried to think of another word to explain it but failed). it included hands on strokes, rhythmic movements that almost felt like a dance; all I can say is its been a very long time since my well-being has been bought back into balance after a treatment. The only down side to it was it only lasted 55 minutes and I wanted another 10 hours! As my therapist finished my treatment I was taken to the gorgeous relaxation area where I fell asleep once again but not before enjoying some fresh fruit and juice. My only regret was I was travelling home that day, next time I will book in the hotel overnight and make the most of this new state of well-being. My entire journey through The River Spa has changed my perception of the treatments that are not run
of the mill standard massage or facial. I really didn’t think a treatment that was not digging into my tense shoulders would be able to make my muscles feel like putty and my mind so free. I will be back to visit the gorgeous team where every single person I met even in the walk ways where warm and friendly making me feel so welcome. Thank you guys and until the next time.
As I lay down ready for my treatment I wonder how using soft brushes will de-stress my over active brain and tense body. I am not a huge fan of the standard massage, I prefer a Thai massage or even hot stone massage, but I rarely feel completely rejuvenated after a regular massage. My treatment journey starts with beautiful oil inhalation, it is right what my Yoga teacher used to say, we forget how to breathe right and wonder why we are ill and stressed all the time. I immediately start to relax and I concentrate on my breathing. Now I’m not going to 7
Step into the small yet perfectly formed boutique Spa at Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort in Wicklow and you will be entering an effortless cocoon of calm delivered by our specialised team of therapists. Indulge your senses with the aromas of fragrant essential oils and a full range of treatments in a softly lit haven. Once your treatment ends unwind further in the relaxation room. Take a trip to the health club and enjoy an invigorating dip in our 18 metre swimming pool, followed by time in our jacuzzi, sauna, plunge pool and steam room.
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The Spa at Druids Glen is a truly restorative experience
WELL BEING & WELLNESS Hi I am Joanne Morgan and I am a Life and Business Coach and Mentor. I am based in Kerry in a beautiful area called Dooks near Glenbeigh on the Ring of Kerry. I work with people who want to create a better and happier life for themselves. A typical client may be stressed, anxious and struggling with work/life balance. Generally, people who know there has to be an easier way but don’t know how to find it. Having had suffered from severe anxiety myself for many years I tried several treatments to end the pain I was feeling. During my own search for peace and happiness I found several techniques that brought me relief and I now help people to ‘reprogramme’ themselves, make necessary changes and live a happy life.
Why has well-being and wellness become such a huge topic lately? Wellness has become such a huge topic lately as people are feeling disconnected from their true selves. There is ever increasing pressure on people from work and a focus on performance and a striving for perfectionism (that does not exist!). There is pressure to be the best Mother, the best Father, the best boss, the best friend to be the best achiever in the company. It comes from many sources. This is creating stress and overwhelm for many people as they struggle to get the balance right. However, many people know at a deeper level that there must be an easier and more peaceful way to life. And so the search begins. The good news is that we are programmed with the ability to make ourselves happy – it’s just that many of us have forgotten how. Many people believe they don't have time to improve their well-being, what would be your advice? My advice would be to start with something each day no matter how small it may seem to you.
Too many of us are living with unhelpful beliefs and unnecessary behaviours, labelling ourselves as anxious/depressed/unhappy and staying in a miserable state. But some, simple reprogramming of our brains could have a profound effect on our lives. There is so much help available now. Just make a decision to invest in yourself and live the life you deserve. We often exercise to improve our physical well-being but what can we do to improve our mental well-being? The breath is powerful: become aware of your breath, then take a couple of deep breaths; this is good to ground yourself become mindful and calm the mind. Exercise is very good for our mental wellbeing too as well as physical. I love to walk in nature – this really helps me to recharge and also cleanse myself on any energy that I may have taken on throughout the day. Beliefs: Take a look at any beliefs you have that are not positive or serving you well and change them to make life happier. Keep tabs on your thoughts and Stop any negative self-talk. With-
Website: joannemorgan.ie
out even knowing it, you might be caught in a vicious cycle of negative thoughts, which seem to sprout naturally. Not only do these thoughts sink our mood but we also start to see them as truths. Fortunately, we can work through these thoughts and see them for what they are: untrue and changeable People: Surround yourself with positive people. Negativity in the form of gossip, judging people or being unkind is a very toxic environment to be in. Protect your energy and choose your tribe wisely. Carve out time to meditate. “Take a few minutes each day to sit, relax and breathe,” People tend to think that meditation is complicated. But you don’t need much time or effort to meditate, just sit in silence and it’s quite soothing Practice gratitude. At night time before you go to sleep make a list or think of 3 things you are grateful for each day. A grateful mind going to sleep is a happy waking mind. Sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep is important for our mental wellbeing. I recommend eight hours sleep. 9
Why do people see a life or business coach? There are many reasons why one chooses to engage with a coach. Here are some of the reasons why clients have come to me: Overwhelm and Anxiety S tress and burnout but would like to feel calm P rocrastination is a problem and they want to change it Sick of being frustrated S elf-sabotage and lack of confidence F ear – but don’t know how to overcome it F eeling “stuck” – and want to get “unstuck”
W ant a better life all round for themselves but can’t seem to grab or manifest the life they want Want a better work/life balance K nowing here must be more to life but they just don’t know how to experience it W anting to learn how to deal with difficult people and difficult relationships. T ired of being a people pleaser and they want to know how to manage it L ack of clarity and don’t know how to find it. C arrying emotional baggage
from the past and they want to leave it behind P ursuit of goals and dreams in a more proactive way W ould like to be living their life purpose What services do you offer? I am a Life Coach, Business Coach & Mentor, NLP Practitioner and I also offer Integrated Energy Therapy. To bring the emotional and mental bodies into alignment I do a lot of subconscious mind work in flat lining behavioural patterns and emotions that do not serve a client well. Then I can also work on the physical body with energy healing work to clear any energetic blockages that may exist thus bringing all aspects into alignment. HOW CAN PEOPLE CONTACT YOU FOR MORE INFORMATION? Look up my website: joannemorgan.ie or email me at : info@joannemorgan.ie My mobile is 086 8217 618
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Phone: 066 7185776 Email: info@sanctuarybeautyacademy.com
WHAT TYPE OF MASSAGE TO CHOOSE WHEN YOU VISIT THE SPA Your BFF calls, you have a booking for an afternoon in your favourite spa - It’s going to be the best day ever!! Now you just have the ‘simple’ task of choosing a treatment. So you go online, down load the brochure and all you see is Yes you have been hit with the spa brochure jargon. It hits us all at some stage unless we are real spa boffs. You know in this encyclopaedia of total bliss and relaxation that there is the perfect treatment for you; but how can you decide when there are so many options? We have listed some of the better known spa treatments and why you should book them:
HOT STONE MASSAGE
REFLEXOLOGY
HYDRO BATH
What is it? A hot stone massage is a full body or back massage treatment using Basalt river rocks which are smooth and heat up when placed in water. The therapist places stones on certain healing points/chakras of the body and uses various size stones to massage your body, leaving you feel deeply relaxed and de-stressed.
What is it? Reflexology is known as an alternative therapy or holistic therapy that works on your feet (or sometimes your hands) targeting the pressure points associated with Chinese medicine points in your body. For example the top of your big toe is connected to the top of your head in Chinese medicine and if you suffer from migraines or headaches your therapist can work on this area to assist with relief.
What is it? A hydrobath massage is a water based spa treatment which uses high pressure jets to massage your muscles. Some baths are fresh water and spa based products will be added others have sea water which has amazing benefits all on its own.
Why choose a hot stone massage versus a regular massage? Most of us have very tense muscles and want the best results from our treatment. However lying on a bed and jumping every two minutes because you are trying to get through the pain is not the ultimate spa experience you want. The Basalt stones will warm your muscles making it easier for the therapist to work deeper in your muscles without the pain but with maximum relaxation benefits.
Why choose reflexology versus a regular massage? You don’t necessarily have to work directly on your points of pain and discomfort to achieve results. Reflexology has been practised in China for as far back as 4000 BC and is well documented for its results in physical well being and pain relief. You will feel deeply relaxed after this treatment. It is also an excellent choice for pregnant ladies.
Why choose a hydro bath versus a regular massage? The hydro bath has amazing health benefits and really boosts circulation. Whether your bath has fresh water (with a spa product added to it) or sea water, your skin will feel amazing, your muscles will feel relaxed and softened and your circulation will have improved immensely – which is amazing as part of a detox.
BACK TO SCHOOL PROMOTIONS
Pamper Me and Afternoon Tea package at Osprey Spa - Osprey Hotel – Kildare www.gotothespa.ie
Exclusive Christmas Edition We are looking for spas and product companies who have Christmas packages and gifts to promote. Our special edition will promote what and where to buy.
Prices are listed below. Submissions required by 19th October 2018. PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS WITH GO TO THE SPA We are delighted with the success of the Go to the Spa web directory. In the past 18 months we have introduced day spas, hotel spas, product companies and new categories inclusing well-being breaks and yoga retreats. We are excited to announce the development of an online magazine connected with our spa web directory www.gotothespa.ie But wait – if you are Full Digital Member on the Go to the Spa directory your business will be promoted absolutely FREE! Plus we will give you a full page feature once a year at no extra charge. So feel free to add or claim your business listing right here https://www.gotothespa.ie/join 14
Our quarterly subscription will be full of treatment, product and feature promotions on your business. As an introductory promotion we are offering you an opportunity to promote your business in a paid advert at the below rates: ¼ page ad €50 ½ page ad €100 Full page ad €200
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