A Celtic storm of music, dance and artistry rolls into Historic St. Augustine, America’s oldest city, just in time for the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The city’s Colonial Spanish Quarter will be host to six days ( March 11-17) of festivities featuring weekend concerts, workshops and a parade.
Advance Ticket Discount pricing is available through March 10.
VIP Passes are only $190 for the full week, so why not pack your bags for a road trip to the Ancient City and enjoy 42 miles of the Atlantic’s most pristine beaches and some Leprechaun fun in the Florida sun!
Contact the tourism office for help with all your planning needs and a free vacation guide.
Have you ever asked yourself the question ‘Are you doing what you love?’.
Try it now.
What is your reply?
What is your reaction to that reply?
For many, doing what you love is easier said than done. We immediately come up with reasons why we aren’t doing it – too little time or money, too many obligations or commitments and so on. We daydream about following our passions, and maybe even making a business out of it, but we tag on that dangerous little phrase ‘one day’.
Why not today? This is your life we are talking about.
What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? Or if money was no object? Can you translate a version of that into your everyday life?
It takes time, concentration and voices of support to move us to a place where we believe we really can do what we love. And now there is an opportunity to have all those things, and carve out a path to the life you want to lead.
If you love to travel, and create, and are thinking about starting or growing a business to monetize your passion, this is for you. Combining creativity, enterprise and community, this unique retreat will set you on that path. Besides art workshops with amazing teachers, you will have access to a series of creative enterprise sessions where you can interact with successful entrepreneurs, and take away their advice and wisdom.
It will be an intimate gathering of creative souls, sharing a special journey of change.
Everything will be taken care of. You just have to take care of yourself.
It might just be the most important investment you ever make in yourself and your creative business. Explore more!
Our Guest blogger Beth Nicholls, founder of Do What You Love, was recently honored to be chosen as one of UK’s 16 most exciting young female entrepreneurs, and awarded a place on Marie Claire magazine’s groundbreaking Inspire & Mentor program. “I have always tried to make choices which have allowed me to do what I love – travel, create, meet new people, learn and explore. As a result, lots of weird and wonderful things have happened in my life so far – some seemingly random and some not so random.”
The sun is shining in the big City by the Bay! And we just took a colorful, inspiring virtual stroll with Tara and her adorable family. Tara Whitney is a professional photographer out of Orange County who clearly finds inspiration in the natural beauty of everyday life.
There are so many reasons that San Francisco is consistently voted the #1 travel destination in the U.S. – the scenery, the dining, and the diversity are among the
reasons people visit. In this post, we’re going to highlight the best things for women travelers to do on their own when visiting the city by the bay. This is not your usual “Top Tourist Attractions” list, since women travelers are uncompromising, have high standards and are seeking deep, rich and meaningful travel experiences.
With that in mind, here are our top 3 things to do in San Francisco for the Tango Diva traveler:
Wander the back alleys of Chinatown. Yes, San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the top tourist attractions, but 99% of visitors don’t veer off of Grant Street, which is tourist central. To truly get the cultural experience, you need to do three things: 1.Go to Portsmouth Square. We call this Chinatown’s living room, and it is in fact the former center of San Francisco as you will see by the numerous monuments dotted around the square. Currently it is where residents of Chinatown gather to gamble, gossip and pass time. Sit amongst the locals and soak it all in. 2. Visit Tien How Temple on Waverly. Up three flights of stairs, visiting this 100 year old temple is a magical experience. Wander on to the balcony for some of the best views in the city. 3.Spend an hour at the Chinese Historical Society. Not only will you get a deep understanding of the Chinese community in San Francisco, you’ll likely meet a couple of long-time Chinatown residents who are staff members.
Enjoy dinner at a community table. There’s no reason to pass up San Francisco’s famous dining, just because you’re on your own. Community tables are everywhere in San Francisco, so not only will you get a great meal at a top restaurant, you’ll also make friends. Our three favorite community tables are: 1.OTD on Bush Street for Vietnamese food from Charles Phan of Slanted Door fame. 2.NOPA for classic California food in a buzzing atmosphere. 3.Flour + Water for some of the best pizza, pasta and pig you will ever eat.
Learn a new skill. Connecting with the creative community is a great way to truly experience San Francisco. Here are a couple of ways to do that: 1.Take a class at Workshop. Workshop offers affordable, one-off DIY classes at a super cute space in the NOPA neighborhood. Bookbinding, screen printing, Bloody Mary making and heavy metal aerobics are a few options. The proprietor of Workshop, Kelly Malone brings together some of the best creative talent in the city to teach the classes, and most are small so there’s lots of opportunity to meet and chat with fellow creatives. 2.Craft Bar with Etsy Labs.The Museum of Craft and Folk Art hosts a craft night with Etsy the first Thursday of every month. Making and socializing come together at this fun event.
Of course sometimes when you’re traveling, you don’t want to do it all on your own. In that case, consider a day with Carried Away. Ranging from a few hours to an entire day, a customized experience with Carried Away will connect visitors with the places and people that give San Francisco its unique flavor. The intent of each outing with Carried Away is to let the guest truly experience the city, versus watching it roll by from the window of a bus. Guests say that spending time with Vikki and Dianne – who personally design and go on each outing – is like hanging out with local San Francisco friends. After spending an afternoon exploring the urban wine scene with Carried Away, Bonnie Hebert of Boston said “I feel like I just spent a fun Sunday with friends in San Francisco who know the city and the people really well and just love to share it with friends”.
Plus, savvy travelers appreciate the intimate knowledge of the hidden nooks and crannies of San Francisco, a city that can sometimes be difficult to navigate on your own. Barbara Jacobs of Manhattan enthused “I never could have found any of the shops or neighborhoods on my own that Vikki and Dianne showed me. They picked out spots just for me and my specific interests, rather than just taking me to the usual canned tourist destinations.”
Since the Ladies of Carried Away are themselves travelers, they know what it takes to please other women who are looking for rich travel experiences. Admire notes “When we’re designing each outing, we are constantly asking ourselves if we have provided ‘wow factor’. We want our guests to leave us feeling enriched, stimulated, excited and ready to come back to explore the Bay Area more”.
About our Blog Guest. Dianne Admire is the co-owner of Carried Away. Carried Away offers private, custom, experiential tours of San Francisco and the Bay Area for up to 4 people. Dianne and her business partner Vikki Garrod (a.k.a. The Ladies of Carried Away) are known for their insider’s knowledge of the Bay Area, especially San Francisco and Marin. To book one of their sights, food, wine, or shopping outings you can contact them at www.CarriedAwaySF.com.
Sis, tired, hungry and totally disgruntled from her flight (plane was overbooked, no hot water was available ergo no coffee, endless delays at the airport, etc.) met me at Rancho La Puerto’s lobby. Within minutes our luggage was whisked into our spacious villa while we were whisked into the dining room where we promptly filled up at the bountiful buffet of healthy fruits and veggies straight from the Ranch’s organic garden.
By the end of lunch, Sis’s frown lines looked like she just received two shots of botox.
Rancho La Puerta was founded by Deborah Szekely and her prophetic husband, Edmond, (a Hungarian scholar, philosopher and natural-living experimenter) in 1940. The family-owned and operated Ranch has always been at this location– although there have been quite a few changes since the “good old days” when it was priced at $17.50 a week and BYOT: bring your own tent!
The Ranch in 1940. You've come a long way, baby.
From the get-go, the founder’s mission was to “make healthy people healthier so they could change the world”. Refreshing and wise, The Ranch’s emphasis is on health, not calorie count, weight loss, or looking younger. Pure air, the ever-changing beauty of the desert valley, challenging mountain hikes, naturally grown farm-fresh food, abundant sunlight, along with Deborah’s “always changing” motto all combine to make a healthy tonic providing incomparable peace and contentment.
In fact, the whole week we never heard a single word of discontent (a major miracle in the spa world) from the other dressed-down guests. While who did what/when/and where was not given much notice, I did find out (hey, a girl needs to do a little sleuthing for her story) that our group of approximately 125 guests, was composed of roughly 25% men, including some of the most mannerly, good guys I’ve met in some time. Our guests included four female judges (from all over the country, who made this their “Annual Girls Getaway”) a psychologist who specialized in the area of Sleep and Dreams, a man who married and divorced another man, a leading designer of wedding veils and her sister the CEO of several successful businesses, a loyal ranch devotee who, at age 79, was celebrating her 45th visit. This gaggle of sisters, brothers, singles, mother-and-daughters, couples and longtime friends all found what they needed at the Ranch.
However, what really makes the Ranch extra special is the incredibly happy, sweet, gracious, impeccably trained staff who exceeded our every expectation (and believe me, my sister “expects”). Such warm professionalism is just one of the reasons Rancho la Puerta was named “World’s Best Destination Spa” in 2010 by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.
When I asked our hiking guide, Ernesto, what he liked best at the ranch, he looked around at the breathtaking mountains surrounding us, and thoughtfully replied, “Well, I would have to say, EVERYTHING, because if you take anything away it just wouldn’t be The Ranch.”
Just one part of the organic garden
Clearly, Enrique, the Head Landscaper feels the same way– he’s been at the Ranch for over 25 years. Responsible for acres of property, along with a staff of 22 gardeners, Enrique oversees 200 flower and plant species, all of which were selected for their capacity to thrive in the Baja Sur climate along with their ability to “just say no” to chemical dependency, pesticides and insects.
And then there is Joe Sweeney, Fitness Counselor, Hike Leader, Bird Walk Maven and one of the funniest guys I’ve ever met, who’s been at the ranch for about 30 years! Oh, I forgot to add that he also has written a dynamite lil’ book, “I KNOW I SHOULD EXERCISE, BUT…7 Steps To Removing Your “But” From Exercise.” Available on Amazon and no, I’m not getting a commission. He welcomes all the newbies at a group lunch where he helpfully highlights the not-to-be-missed activities offered during the week.
• Hiking: Every morning began pre-crack of dawn, when Sis and I took a heart-pumping (sometimes downright “pounding”) 3 to 7 mile hike returning for a well-deserved buffet breakfast. At home, I usually gulp down a Sbux non-fat latte for brekkie, here I blithely piled my tray with a scoop of steaming hot oatmeal topped with a spoonful of homemade marmalade, a piece of the scrumpy orange toast, a kaleidoscope of fresh fruit AND whatever the hot entrée of the days was-for example, poached eggs over spinach that I would cover with assorted fresh salsas.
The dining staff always went above and beyond to make certain that they adhered to all personal food preferences . . . case in point, they always put out three pots of coffee: Decaf, Strong and Stronger and a pitcher of hot steamed milk.
We were rewarded with dessert every night
• Fitness Classes: While some guests opted to read, lounge, or chat, just walking the winding grounds of The Ranch to get to meals and spa appointments can easily tote up to three miles a day- all part of the clever master plan. Sis and I sampled a wide variety of fitness classes. She went the stretch and Yoga route, while I steered toward the strength training/ cardio path.
Standouts among the gifted instructors included Diane, an attractive, 70-something, who teaches Yoga in an easy to follow yet challenging format. Heartthrob, Manuel, the King of Fiery Latin Dance had Sis and I howling with laughter as we tried to match our hip swivels to his. Kevin, who I swear has negative percent body fat, graciously let me take the “For Men Only” weight training class. We learned in Roberto’s drum class that banging on drums can be an invigorating, stress releaser for even the most rhythmically challenged. The one and only, Yuichi, had us high-kicking around the gym like we were trying out for a B’way chorus line. Who would have guessed that John, the steel limbed, ex-military fighter pilot, would lead such an amazing zen-stretch class? We never had time for sand volley ball, the Olympic swimming pool for aquatics, or the clay sculpting class, but heard others raving about them.
Yuichi showing us some B'way moves
• Accomodations: We absolutely loved our casita. The décor was comfy chic, filled with a happy riot of color from the museum-quality, local folk art that adorned the walls. Other nice touches were the cathedral wood-beamed ceiling, a welcoming stone fireplace with a big bin of wood at the ready, a double bathroom lined with handcrafted Tecate tiles, more closet space than I have at home, a small kitchen filled with fresh fruit, coffee and assorted teas and a private patio overlooking Mt. Kuchumaa.
Such a happy room
• Lectures: DO NOT MISS the evening lecture by Deborah, The Ranch’s guiding light and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment. This 88 year-young visionary, chose the topic “Time and Choice” for her inspiring chat.
She makes it simple. “When you put your head on the pillow at night and can say to yourself “wow, I had a good day today”, you’ve used your time in a meaningful manner.”
She went on to divulge one of her secrets for staying healthy and fit in later years.
“As most people grow older, they become less active and more sedentary,” Deborah chortled. “I’m just the opposite. I add more exercise every year. I’ll be turning 90 soon and really enjoy my life and want to keep living it, so for my next birthday present I’m looking for a good tai-chi class to add to my regime.”
Deborah Szekely
One afternoon we heard Alex Von Bidder, co-owner of the famed Four Seasons Restaurant in Manhattan, read aloud from his delightful children’s book (co-authored with designer Leslie McGuirk) where his alter-ego, a chocolate Labrador puppy named Wiggens learns about manners. A great stocking stuffer for many adults I know.
• Cooking: an all-time favorite activity was the “off campus,” hands-on cooking class at La Cucina que Canta, the “kitchen that sings”. Built in 2008 this stunningly attractive Cooking School and Culinary Center came to be because guests kept asking Deborah “teach them how to cook and eat in a healthier manner”. The guest chef/instructors change weekly. We scored with the talented, charming Dahlia Hass, chef/caterer/author and a renowned cooking teacher from Hawaii, who effortlessly taught twelve of us how to prepare an Island dinner using the organic fruits and veggies grown on the Ranch. Picking edible flower blossoms, pristine Kale leaves, baby lettuces and pinching off fresh herbs from the backyard gave “grocery shopping” a whole new meaning. I couldn’t believe it when Sis, who can count the number of meals (healthy or otherwise) she’s prepared on one hand, told me that she couldn’t wait to make the Spa Shrimp Dumplings in Swiss Chard Wrappers for her fam when she gets home.
Cooking Class
• Spa Treatments: Absolute perfection! Try an in-room treatment (a lovely option at night when all you have to do is roll from the massage table into your comfy bed for a blissful night’s sleep) or trundle over to one of the three Health and Beauty Sanctuaries, the massages are an integral part of The Ranch’s wellness philosophy “aiming at achieving a deeper balance of mind/body/spirit health.” All I know is they sure as heck made me a happy camper. Although their signature treatment is a stress-melting Hot Riverstone Massage (uber-relaxing) my Two Hands-down fave was for the Four-Hand Massage, sensitively synchronized by Mike and Jesus, two gentle giants whose silken- catcher’s mitt sized hands glided up and down my body like ocean waves. Priceless.
Hot Riverstone Massage
As I sadly packed my bag to come home, I flashed back to Deborah’s fireside chat. She actually twinkled at the end when she told us that she “follows a personal North Star that guides her to lead a life where she can make a difference.” At Rancho La Puerta she has done exactly that– offering lucky guests a life-changing stay at her personal very blue heaven!
Week-long packages start at $2,985 per person for a double occupancy room, a price that includes accommodations, all meals, a wide array of fitness classes, use of all facilities, daily learning workshops and seminars, nightly entertainment, and complimentary scheduled transportation to and from the San Diego airport. The Ranch is just a short hop across the border.
For more information go to Rancho La Puerta website.
All you do need is a love of world class wines, paired with exceptional culinary treats created by Sonoma County’s top chefs. It also doesn’t hurt if you like to get down and party, since the 45 + participating wineries pull out all the corks, throwing in everything from belly dancers to safari adventures to ensure that everyone has a great time.
If you really want to do it up right, join a select group of serious foodies for the one helluva kick-off party on April 29, at the acclaimed Dry Creek Kitchen and the Hotel Healdsburg with sumptuous cuisine from celebrity chef Charlie Palmer. Discover world-class small production wines from Dry Creek Valley wineries, all family-owned! Live jazz music.
FYI: Zinfandel is the signature varietal of Dry Creek Valley, partic their old vine Zinfandel planted in the early 1900’s as well as some tasty Bordeaux and Mediterranean varietals. Attendees have the opportunity to speak to and connect with the winemakers and vineyard owners on a personal level, and learn more about the history and culture of Dry Creek Valley and its wines
*Tip: This popular event always sells out so if you procrastinate you’ll be shut-out, so you’d better buy them NOW!
Ticket details:
Gateway to Passport—A First Class Experience: Friday, April 29 from 6:30-9:30 pm. Tickets are$150 per person.
Passport to Dry Creek Valley®—A First Class Journey activities begin at 11am, lasting until 4:30pm, Saturday and Sunday, April 30 & May 1, 2011.
Tickets for Saturday and Sunday combined are $120 for the two-day passport, or $70 for the Sunday only Passport.
The charming City of Aiken, South Carolina will come alive in early March with the masterful musical sounds of the Juilliard School of Music. The School has been an integral part of Aiken’s cultural and arts scene since 2007. Performances of the school’s celebrated faculty, students and alumni are showcased each year in the Juilliard in Aiken Festival which this year spans over seven days. In addition to the outstanding series of jazz and classical musical presentations, guests will delight in the artistic dance and theatre acts added to the 2011 lineup. Educational workshops and enrichment classes have also included to the schedule.
A visit to Aiken is an intimate invitation to enjoy true Southern hospitality. The splendor of Aiken’s green pastures, horse country, and the area’s rich history, 175 years of tradition and heart warming tales, will leave you light-hearted and mesmerized. I am told many have visited but so few have ever left. For tickets, vacation planning tips and a calendar of events, visit Aiken Tourism online or call 1-888-AikenSC. Aiken Hotel Packages starting at $89 per person/night.
Last week I was taking my sister for a well-deserved spa getaway to Rancho la Puerta, recently rated the #1 destination spa in the world by Travel & Leisure. We were flying in from both sides of the country and meeting in San Diego for the short drive across the border to the spa. However, with all the recent weather craziness, she was worried about arriving on time. Since the point of our getaway was to De-stress, I suggested we come a few days early and chill someplace lovely in San Diego and do a little exploring.
While checking out hotels I read that the Hotel del Coronado had just been named the #1 Hotel in the U.S. by the readers of Celebrated Living -a luxury magazine for American Airlines. Cool…We have a theme.
When it first opened in 1888, the Hotel del Coronado was considered THE premier vacation and health destination. Fresh from a tastefully understated $150 million dollar facelift it’s looking better than ever ….well deserving of its National Historic Landmark designation in 1977. (Perhaps my two cents worth is not quite as prestigious, but after my sister and I stayed there last week it is now firmly entrenched as one of my Top 10 Fave Girlfriend-Getaway Hotels.)
Luxe yet comfy rooms
The pristine white-washed wooden walls capped with fairytale red-shingled turrets zigzagging against the beachy-blue Pacific Ocean create a very upscale Gilligan’s Island effect. The newly renovated rooms are still loaded with Victorian charm but discreetly offer all the “necessary” modern touches which all together make the “Del” an idyllic locale for your next Girlfriend Getaway.
The spectacular new spa/salon addition, with 21 treatment rooms tucked away in an underground oasis, assures that you and your gal pals can all get pampered simultaneously.
*Insider tip: You can’t go wrong with any of their signature treatments, such as the Shell Coronado Massage or the Goddess of the Sea Body Wrap but for some yummy decadence, book the “That’s S’moré” massage package that includes beachfront s’mores and champagne. Or Mimosa Monday’s when discounted treatments include a muffin and Mimosa.
Culinary Compound
A wide variety of in-house eateries mean you never have to step foot off property for a succulent meal (or for much else since the Del offers a wide variety of recreation, ranging from biking, surfing, boating, sun bathing pool or beach side and some top-notch shopping.)
* Insider tip: The Spreckels candy store offers sweeties galore in darling red, white and black packaging perfect for “just thinking of you” gifts to take home.
Doesn't an outdoor brekkie just taste better?
Our fave dining spots were Sheerwater’s for their bountiful breakfast buffet. Whether you dine inside or al fresco overlooking the beach, don’t miss the scrumptious savory soufflés (loved the spinach, onion and cheese variety) assorted island fruit, breakfast meats and eggs, biscuits and gravy and I just dare you to try and choose between their freshly baked pastries, whole-grainy muffins and steaming hot cinnamon rolls (no worries, you can work off the cals in the fully equipped gym or during a complimentary spinning, Zumba, Pilates or Yoga class).
Rich wood paneling throughout the downstairs
*Side bar: HUGE kudos to the management team. The entire staff, from the smiling young woman who greeted us the front desk (and promptly took care of all my special requests, like switching out the down bedding to hypoallergenic) to our housekeeper, who always left us extra water, to every one of our restaurant servers, provided some of the most helpful, gracious, downright sweet service I’ve ever received. Thank you.
Don’t leave without experiencing a dinner at 1500 Ocean, The Del’s signature restaurant, offering sparkling fresh Southland Coastal Cuisine, a superb wine list and that billion dollar ocean view. Chef de Cuisine Brian Sinnott works closely with local farmers and producers to ensure fresh from the garden, land and sea offerings guaranteed to tantalize the palate. There’s even a tranquil little fruit, veggie and herb garden nestled in front of the spa, where we saw buckets of lettuce and cauliflower taking their last breath before appearing on our salad plate later that evening.
Almost ready for dinner
*Insider Tip: The Tasting menu offers incredible value for this caliber of cuisine, allowing you to choose 4 courses from the run of the menu for only $75 (wine pairing is $45).
Just right for those in between times or when you just want a fun, light meal, the trendy Eno Wine Room offers the holy trinity of culinary indulgences: perfectly paired Wine, Cheese and Chocolates!
Cheese Flights are served with Membrillo, Spanish Marcona almonds and Bread & Cie Breads and arrive as beautifully arranged as a Flemish still-life painting. The fanciful offerings change often but keep an eye out for “The Blues Brothers” and “The Roaming Goats”. Charcuterie selections and a variety of olives round out your nibbles.
Delectable chocolate flights are listed on the menu under the quote,
“Exercise is a dirty word…Every time I hear it; I wash my mouth out with chocolate”.
Get serious with a trio of Dark Single Origin chocolates or break boundaries with the artisanal cinnamon roll or sea salt caramel chocolates.
Eno rules for tastings
Insider tips: Stretch out that weekend stay through Tues to take advantage of their generous “Tasting Tuesdays” where from 5-8 pm, ENO sommeliers offer guests the opportunity to sample 10 wines for just $10.
Studious girlfriends might want to sign up for “ENO-Versity” calss where renowned winemakers, cheesemakers and chocolatiers join Wine Director and Sommelier Ted Glennon in guided tastings.
Since we didn’t stay over the weekend my sister is already hinting (actually, she’s downright nagging me) to bring her back for the infamous Sunday Brunch at The Del’s historic Crown Room, voted the Best in San Diego…another #1.
Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave is a painter by training, but textile and costume are her muses. Working in collaboration with leading costume historians and young fashion designers, de Borchgrave crafts a world of splendor from the simplest rag paper. Painting and manipulating the paper, she forms trompe l’oeil masterpieces of elaborate dresses inspired by rich depictions in early European painting or by iconic costumes in museum collections around the world.
The Legion of Honor is the first American museum to dedicate an entire exhibition to the work of Isabelle de Borchgrave, although her creations have been widely displayed in Europe. The word around town is this is a MUST SEE!
Pulp Fashion draws on several themes and presents quintessential examples in the history of costume—from Renaissance finery of the Medici family and gowns worn by Elizabeth I and Marie-Antoinette to the creations of the grand couturiers Frederick Worth, Paul Poiret, Christian Dior, and Coco Chanel. Special attention is given to the creations and studio of Mariano Fortuny, the eccentric early-20th-century artist who is both a major source of inspiration to de Borchgrave and a kindred spirit.
Special Event March 6th, and March 20th Sunday 12–2 pm
Le Belle Vie at the Legion of Honor hosts a chamber music series presented in partnership with San Francisco Friends of Chamber Music and Classical Revolution featuring live music by Rhythm Sisters and artist demonstrations celebrating Pulp Fashion: The Art of Isabelle de Borchgrave. Free after museum admission. For more information, email amartin@famsf.org or call 415-750-3531
Exploring the sights, smells and shopping of Singapore on a typical hot and humid day can make any travel diva tired, torn and depleted. Just navigating through the crowded streets of Chinatown will do a number on your body… that’s without taking into account the damage caused by toting heavy bags laden with must-have market finds. As I headed south out of the Chinatown maze in desperate search of an air conditioned bistro or shop, I saw the savior sign “Beauty Empire”. This spa is in a small intimate space tucked on Erskine Road, a fashionable side street within walking distance of popular Scarlet Hotel, a uniquely decadent boutique hotel property considered one of Singapore’s hidden gems.
I peered into the window to check out the place. It was bright, tastefully decorated …and spotless. When I walked in, the staff greeted me with smiles and a kind offer of a cup of tea. I felt at home and quickly sat down to review the menu. Services ranged from manicures, pedicures, facials to reflexology and full body massages. The Oxygen Anti-Wrinkle Facial treatment caught my eye. Anne, the spa manager, carefully explained each service from benefits to cost. Unlike many resort or hotel spas, Beauty Empire’s service fees were affordable and fairly priced… and in most cases, well under the prices of typical spa or full service salon in the U.S.
I was ready to be pampered. Given my tight schedule, I opted to try multiple services at one time. The spa team was up for the challenge and quickly prepared me for my ultimate beauty experience. I was lost in a dream – Nic worked on my aching feet with a soothing therapeutic reflexology massage, while Sally coated my hands and arms in a chocolate hydrating mousse. Anne, the spa manager, administered the oxygen treatment which featured a natural facial masque and “real oxygen” via an inhaler to infuse my skin and relax my muscles. The near four hour spa session ended with a foot scrub and an artistic pedicure. I was energized and transformed – “a new woman” right down to the hand painted floral designs on my toe nails.
On your planned visit to Singapore, take time for a little royal treatment at Beauty Empire… you will not be disappointed.
Below is a quick overview of Beauty Empire’s favorite signature treatments - each a 1 hour 20 minute session averaging $100 Singapore Dollars (less than $90 US at the time of publication):
Chocolate Indulgence Package: Full Body Massage with 20 minute chocolate anti-oxidant wrap. Renews and softens skin.
Traveler’s Recovery Package: Full Body Massage with 20 minute Oxygen Recharge inhalation for Jetlag.
Traditional Herbal Therapy: Body Massage utilizing a special natural blend of herbs, rice powder and coconut oil to exfoliate the dead skin, soothe tired muscles, improve blood circulation, and recharge the body.
