Yesterday, I hit an all time low both mourning my Mom and having two Fashion Week projects fall through at the last minute. After months of bucking up and putting on my best face, I suddenly hit a wall. I have never felt worst spiritually or emotionally, just mean, mean, unshakable reds. Since shopping is out of the question now that I have to be frugal, the next best solution was a trip to the spa, which is also an expensive pacifying method. So Thank God, it was time for the annual ISPA preview! This year, the organization turned Gotham Hall into Heaven for the day and treated us to the latest innovative treatments from the best spas in the country.
I started with a hand massage from Massage Envy, where I had a wonderful chat with the therapist about the movie “The Help”. We both loved it and I told her how ridiculous I think it is that so many African-Americans are angry about the fact that the story was written by a White woman. For me, great stories are great stories. “The Help” is the most accurate and significant work of fiction portraying the ills of segregation since “To Kill A Mockingbird”. The book should be read and the movie seen. She and I became instant comrades and since she is a beauty expert, look out for her how-to contributions to TGATP in the near future.
I followed the hand massage with a Chakra Garden Massage from Aspira Spa, which in ten short minutes, totally realigned my energy. Based on the concept that the seven chakras of the body influence different emotions, flowers are placed at the corresponding chakras to create balance. Drifting from the garden to Down Under, my next treatment was one of the more extraordinary offerings of the day. Keri Krieger of the Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in Queensland, Australia treated the guests to her unique therapy, Rockpuncture. This amazingly relaxing therapy fuses acupuncture and hot stones to both relax and heal. I was very impressed with Keri’s intuitive healing skills as she instantly spotted both my sadness and an ailment I am suffering.
From Keri, I moved on to a Complete Harmony treatment from the Kohler Waters Spa which further realigned my Spirit. Since I have a strong belief in the healing power of water, I am very much looking forward to checking the Kohler Spa out. It was great to check in with the Mohonk Mountain House, which is a sprawling spa property just 90 minutes from the City, that I hope to review this winter. They were highlighting their new facials for men utilizing the Organic Male line.
My next treatment was so extraordinary it is hard to describe! While at first I kept thinking “Final Destination” at the complicated looks of it, the TAIZ Sensorium from the Miraval Resort & Spa in Arizona is a patented sound therapy that is a completely unique and exhilarating experience. You lie face down on the table with slight elevation in the middle of your body. Then Taiz strategically places balls in your hands, under your feet, and in other areas around your body while you gently vibrate in a cradle of sound. While some people inexplicably chose rousting electronica, I went with some soothing piano music and floated away. The sensation of this treatment simply must be experienced as I came away in a blissed out daze.
And last, but not least, I ended the evening with a facial featuring the acclaimed HydroPeptide products. The HydroPeptide Anti-Wrinkle Polish & Plump Peel made my skin look ten years younger after just one facial! So I can’t wait to try this line out. I am particularly interested in what the peel can do with long-term usage. Justin, at this booth was a sensational salesman, so I look forward to reporting back to you on the HydroPeptide products once I try them all out. On the way out, I chatted briefly with the ladies representing Zo Skin Health, a new line from Dr. Obagi that, if it is anything like previous Obagi lines, will be another winning one from the good doc. In addition, the partnership of ELLE magazine with the Eden Roc Renaissance in Miami Beach is an interesting one. I would love to one day have a That Girl At The Party spa featuring all my favorite products and brands!
The spas and beauty brands in attendance were: Miraval Resort & Spa, Mohonk Mountain House, Massage Envy Spa, Aspira Spa, The Spa At Trump, Kohler Waters Spa, HydroPeptide, Elle Spa at Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach, Zo Skin Health by Zein Obagi, MD, Suite Spa LLC, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Skana The Spa At Turning Stone Resort, and Precor.
