Why not have both?
July 24, 2008
I had a facial yesterday right in the middle of a sunny summer day. At first I felt a little guilty being inside instead of taking advantage of our all too short summer. Let's face it, there are only so many days a year where the stars align and the weather is beautiful and here I was inside?
Then Sheb, (my esthetician), started my service. First, with a relaxing cleansing, and then, with a remarkable facial massage that removed any doubt about my choice to treat myself on this particular day. Following the less sexy, but surprisingly rewarding extractions, I was immersed in the creamsicle scented Teye Vibran C Mask, which was uplifting and perfect for a summer day. After an hour I emerged from my sanctuary feeling refreshed and peaceful and ready to go back to the real world... or was I?
Actually, I was feeling so great that all I wanted to do was get outside and go for a walk through one of my favorite neighborhoods. Why not? I deserve both, and yet I rarely allow myself such indulgence. Needless to say, it was a perfect day and I had learned something about myself. Whatever day or season, I do not have to always choose one experience over another. Sometimes I deserve both... and so do you!
By Peter Smed.
More than a massage
May 20, 2008
We are fortunate to have some of the industries best massage therapists and we are frequently recognized for it. Testimonials from our guests rave about our team and reward them with their loyalty. In fact, massage has become our single most popular service at the Oasis, far exceeding any other. So what gives?
Are we suddenly needing more massage? Is life putting more physical demands on us and our muscles are requiring even more maintenance? Maybe it is the growing number of company extended benefits covering massage therapy?
I believe there is something much more. I believe many guests are actually becoming aware that massage goes beyond mere "physical" therapy. In fact, I believe that the body is a metaphor for our mental, emotional and spiritual well being. Our physical tension actually serves first and foremost to bring awareness to our whole state of wellness. Aches and pains are reminders of where we are neglecting or overexerting ourselves in our lives. Louise Hay, a bestselling author on the connection between mind and body, states that "mental patterns create dis-eases in the body". These patterns can be changed once we become aware of them. That’s where massage comes in.
Next time you have a massage, pay attention. Are you always suffering from the same dis-ease? Is there really a physical explanation for the tension in your body or might it be the result of other stresses? The true gift in massage is awareness. Our body is communicating with us at all times, showing us where we need to restore balance. Once we are aware, we can make a different choice. The fact that massage feels great makes the journey even better!
By Peter Smed.
The Spa Industry is Booming!
May 8, 2008
The spa industry is booming! Consumers like you and I are all scrambling to discover the holy grail of youth and vitality. Not for the sake of vanity of course? We are too enlightened to be swayed by the promise of "anti-aging anti-wrinkle" treatments that offer only superficial results. We all know that happiness and well being can only come from within. We are interested in the noble pursuit of "life balance" and "wellness"?
Then why all the fuss now? It reminds me of the 80's when Tom Cruise's character in Cocktail made owning a bar the pinnacle of social status. Now it seems, owning a spa is in. Fueled by massive media campaigns from cosmetics manufacturers and the promise of a "new" and "better" you, the spa industry is exploding into communities, hotels and resorts across the world. Consumers of all ages are exploring the endless offerings of spa treatments from basic manicures to therapies no one really seems to fully understand.
We appear to be losing our way and are now in jeopardy of being caught up in our own self importance. Spas appear to be more focused on impressing customers with their opulent facilities and exclusive practices, than creating value for all guests. We are slowly forgetting why we chose this industry in the first place. People need viable options to deal with an increasing stressful world. I truly believe the spa industry has a significant role to play. Not exclusively, but as one of the choices our guests have to find the health and vitality we all crave. It is an honor to serve our community and a sense of humility is central to our role. Without it, our guests will be forgotten.
By Peter Smed.
