How Massage Therapy Saved My Two Week Spa Vacation

What would happen if on the third day of a two week fitness spa get-away you fall off the sidewalk on the way back to your room and badly sprain your ankle? Is your vacation doom before it has barely begun? Nope, not even close. First, go to the emergency room to make sure it's not broken. Then get the next available appointment with one of the on-site massage therapists. Massage in this case has benefits in several areas. I know because this actually happened to me. So please join me for a short tale of how my massage therapist saved my two week spa vacation or three benefits to massage therapy!

First let's start with stress. Within minutes of the accident beautiful colors were already tinting my ankle and foot. The thoughts running through my head during those first couple of hours, first in emergency and then through dinner, echoed the main question of my fellow spa-mates. "Are you going home?" I don't know about the rest of the population, but I go to the spa for stress relief as much as for exercise and in my book this rates up there as a stressful situation.

Thankfully I had a massage scheduled for after dinner that night. After several minutes into my massage the massage therapist worked her magic and I had no choice but to begin to relax under her artful hands. You see the injury had not just effected my ankle. My whole body had become more ridged in support of that injury. But the muscles, the lymphatic system, my blood pressure all became putty in her hands. And then she worked the pressure points that make you want to breathe deeper encouraging a more relaxing state of mind. My brain calmed down and "Are you going home?" stopped ringing in my head. I was in a state of calm.

Then, she got to the ankle. This is the physical healing part of massage. Ever so gently she worked around the injury. Encouraging those muscles to loosen and relax. Encouraging that ankle to not hold onto the blood but to move it through and around to bring faster healing to the injury. I got off her table that night walking out of her office much better than walking into it.

And I had a smile on my face. You see I had made a decision. I'm not going home. I'm not yet clear how it's going to work out but I'm staying! That was the emotional benefit of massage.

That was Wednesday. I had two more massage treatments with my massage therapist over the next three days. These treatments keep my muscles loose and in a better state for healing. It was hard not to favor my ankle because I refused to stop going to the exercise classes! Yes, I could have parked myself in the sunshine and gotten a GREAT tan but that tan wouldn't look so good in my clothes when I got back home if I stopped exercising. So I did what I could. I could still work my upper body and I could still work out in the pool. I attended each class and did what I could, even the kick boxing class. And boy did I ever punch that dummy bag. Kicking, well not so much.

The following Monday on the timed four mile, sidewalk/road, up a thousand foot walk I bettered my time from the week before by 10 minutes! By the end of the second week I had lost a pound more than from my two weeks stay the previous year! And even with the added stress of an injury clearly my spa vacation was saved by massage and my massage therapist! (Thank you Jane Ann!)

By Pamela Ann

About Author
Pamela Ann does administrative work at the Ann Arbor real estate buyer's agent company For more information on how massage therapy can help you reduce stress and heal faster, visit Ann Arbor Massage Therapy

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The Top Ten International Spa Destinations

When you think of a spa vacation, do you imagine being pampered to perfection or pounded into shape? Are you more intrigued by the idea of an ocean-side hot stone massage or a ten-mile hike in the mountains?

The best spa vacations can offer the opportunity to rejuvenate weary minds, bodies and spirits in luxurious surroundings or physically challenging agendas in sparse accommodations. Spend the hours in meaningful meditation or learning Yoga. Or pass the time following a regimented schedule filled with body-toning endurance activities.

There have never been more tempting options in spa vacations and in some of the most exotic locations around the world. When a spa is the destination, the choice is yours.

ROMANCE

SIX SENSES HIDEAWAY, Hua Hin, Thailand

More and more couples and honeymooners are choosing to either begin or renew their relationships at destination spas around the world. For unparalleled privacy and a world class romantic retreat, the Six Senses consistently ranks as one of the best. Bath Spa Rituals with names such as Heart Chakra Milk Spa and Romantic Petals may put you in moon to tie the knot with a Hideaway Wedding, another specialty of the resort. Reach the spa by driving or flying a shuttle from the Bangkok International Airport.

WEIGHT LOSS

CANYON RANCH, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Since 1979, the Canyon Ranch has been an encouraging source of change for those seeking a healthier way of living. Their gentle but effective motto inspires participants with "The Power of Possibilities." Fitness director Katherine Brumfield prefers the term "lifestyle change" over "diet" at the resort and spa. Healthy gourmet meals have replaced the meager servings of lettuce and fruit that were once common at weight-loss spas. Daily walks, lectures and an expert team of physicians and nutritionists guide the path. The stunning backdrop of the painted desert mountains more than eases the transition.

YOGA

LOS ALTOS DE EROS, Costa Rica

Serious Yoga practitioners are returning year after year to renew the body and spirit at this adults only, five-star spa in the hills of Costa Rica. Sunrise and sunset Yoga classes, a Yoga immersion program and exceptional spa treatments in one of the most tranquil settings on earth make for a completely rejuvenating experience. Guests rave about the all-natural Yoga cuisine and complementary fruit smoothies. Should you decide to explore the island you'll find lots to do nearby in the small village of Tamarindo. For a change of pace there's a vibrant nightlife, sports fishing and a beautiful beach at Playa Avellanas. Fly into the Liberia Airport where a representative will greet you and drive you to the resort.

ADVENTURE

THE ISLAND EXPERIENCE, Ilha Grande, Brazil

The spa experience comes full circle by combining luxury and adventure on a breathtaking island off Rio de Janeiro. The week long program maintains a focus on spiritual renewal while challenging you physically with sea kayaking, snorkeling and hiking. One guest summarized their week at the resort as "Indiana Jones and the Spa Break." Arrive in paradise via the Rio International airport where you will be met at the gate and privately transported to the lodge.

GOLF

THE WESTIN TURNBERRY RESORT, Scotland

Pure heaven for the uncompromising sportsman may very well be found here at the Westin. The best spa in Scotland happens to be the site of two championship golf courses, archery, horseback riding and mountain biking. The award-winning spa offers the choice of a fast-paced fitness studio or the serenity of hydrotherapy, reflexology and holistic body care treatments. Why not indulge in both while viewing its magnificent stretch of the Atlantic coastline? Glasgow International and Glasgow Prestwick airports are within an hour's drive and Edinburgh International airport is under two hours away.
www.turnberry.co.uk

ECO-FRIENDLY ESCAPE

DAINTREE ECO-LODGE & SPA, Daintree Rainforest, Queensland, Australia

The Daintree may be about as green as it gets for the ecologically-minded spa traveler. Massages and therapies inspired by Aboriginal traditions are administered in the lush natural surroundings of a rainforest. You'll discover secluded pristine waterfalls and dine on contemporary Australian cuisine with a native twist. Each of the 15 well-appointed villas surprisingly offers all the amenities you'd expect of a more urban location. The lodge is a scenic 90-minute drive north of the Cairns International Airport.
www.daintree-ecolodge.com.au

FAMILY FRIENDLY

ADLER THERMAE SPA & WELLNESS RESORT, Sienna, Tuscany, Italy

Many of the great destination spas are family friendly but few can compare with this Italian oasis. Parents tour the expansive wine cellar or soak in thermal healing waters while children are entertained at the popular Kid's Club or Teen Lounge. Even the fussiest kids will love the workshops, barbeques, movies and water games designed especially for them. The whole family can spend time together horseback riding in the Orcia Valley, mountain biking or dining poolside on authentic Tuscan cuisine. Arrive by air through Perugia, Florence or Rome.
www.adler-thermae.com

FITNESS

AMANSALA, Tulum, Mexico

Amansala makes the list for its acclaimed Bikini Boot Camp in an "eco-chic" environment. Forget the fancy amenities and plush accommodations; there are no televisions in the rustic-but-stylish cabanas. The Amansala philosophy is to get you into shape with beach or jungle power walking, body sculpting and power ab sessions. For any "downtime" there's meditation, Mayan Clay spa treatments and plenty of sunshine. Tulum is located about two hours south of Cancun near the historic Mayan ruins.
www.amansala.com

HOLISTIC HEALING

GRAIL SPRINGS, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Among the best spa destinations in health and wellness is Grail Springs. Guests are introduced to the Grail Holistic Lifestyle as a healthier way of living and a path to longevity. They offer a comprehensive menu of health boosting tonics, organic meals and anti-aging treatments. Evening lectures, life coaches and meditation classes are a treat for the mind and soul. Yoga, Pilates and cardio-strengthening workouts are a part of the daily activities through individually customized plans. The Feng Shui certified interior is filled with antique tapestries stone fireplaces, making this castle-like spa destination the perfect retreat.
www.grailsprings.com

ABSOLUTE LUXURY

BANYAN TREE DESERT SPA & RESORT AL AREEN, Manama, Bahrain

Experience incomparable six-star luxury and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Middle East at this architectural masterpiece. The tiny Arabian Gulf island is a cultural fusion of ancient Greek, Portuguese and Arabic influence with an old-world charm, reminiscent of the fabled 'Arabian Nights'. This is the visually stunning resort where true spa connoisseurs live like royalty, if only for a few days. The Bahrain International Airport is only thirty minutes away.

By Shelley Cantrelle

About Author
Shelley Cantrelle is a freelance writer, editor, blogger and career consultant. She is the also the owner of Transitions Professional Writing Inc., which specializes in providing web content and business writing services for corporate and private customers.

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Fitness Spa Vacations

We all have different ideas on how to define an amazing adventurous vacation. Some of us define an adventurous trip by conquering a mountain on a hiking getaway, setting off the highway on a road trip or sleeping in the wild on a camping trip. The common factor for these kinds of vacations is to go outdoors. With the goal to experience the outdoors in mind, make the most of the remaining days of the summer by having a unique adventurous vacation - a fitness spa vacation.

To go on a fitness spa vacation is one of the most amazing things in the world that you can treat yourself with. Imagine being able to bring home memories of an incredible blend of experiences with Mother Nature and the relaxing confines of a fitness spa resort. Top that off with the most delightful, salivating and, most importantly, healthy cuisines that the world has to offer.

The words "fitness" and "spa" are definitely correlated. While they do differ in actual definition and a lot of other ways, the end-result they offer to us is basically the same. Whether you work yourself out for hours in a fitness activity or lay down on your chest for a soothing Shiatsu or Swedish massage, you are sure to leave the gym or the spa feeling refreshed, reinvigorated and rejuvenated.

The growing popularity of fitness spa vacations can be attributed to their programs that prove keeping yourself healthy and your body in perfect shape is not just all work and no play. The programs prepared by a team of health coaches are varied and have different levels of difficulty. Hiking trips, for example, are offered with easy, moderate and difficult treks. These trips, however, whatever the difficulty level, are supervised and facilitated by a professional hiking guide. Also, before setting off for any of the activities offered, a pre-assessment is administered to check on the type of activity your body can physically endure. They should be not too easy and not too hard. The main goal, after all, is that you enjoy your trip the way you would enjoy your regular vacation.

These amazing vacations are experienced in fitness spa resorts. These resorts are usually located far from the sights and sounds of the busy and fast-paced urban environment that you deal with everyday. They are situated in remote and exotic areas that are close to nature - an ancient city, a relaxing body of water or a rainforest. You might also find one or two in a major city, but they are confined in a quiet and tranquil environment. They aim for you to have a good physical shape and also a healthy mind.

One of the things people look forward to when visiting a new place is to have a taste of the local cuisine. One might even say that it is through the food that you truly experience a certain place's culture. Although the objective of fitness spa vacations is to have you leaving in good shape, fitness spa resorts have dieticians and nutritionists that develop nutritious, well-balanced and exquisite menus made up of the local favorites and must-try's in proper servings that will help you achieve your recommended daily intake of nutritional levels.

Fitness spa vacations combine rugged adventure and pampered sophistication. After an all-out vigorous workout, you have the wide range of options for relaxation. There are muscle-soothing massages and various facial treatments offered, including anti-aging facials! You even have the option of attending yoga and meditation classes as well as other relaxation techniques. Fitness spa resorts send out an impression of sophistication.

Some might think of them as luxurious and extravagant while some, due to the highly stressful environment that we live in, think of them as a necessity. It all boils down to your ability to deal with the worries that your day-to-day activities bring. Treating yourself to this kind of pampering is not being selfish and impractical. It is merely taking care of yourself, beefing yourself up with a healthier mind and body in order to cope with our perpetually busy lives. After all, a fitness spa vacation is bound to yield nothing but great positive results.

By Tomer Harel

About Author
Tomer is the founder and CEO of Key Scouts, an Internet Marketing firm specializing in global Search Engine Marketing and providing website promotion services focused on the needs of small to mid-sized businesses.

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