Top 5 Spas in the World

Image by foodnut.com via FlickrBy Phil Smulian

As havens devoted to pampering spas are supposed to be luxurious, but some spas are more luxurious than others. Fortunately, luxury is a global language and no matter which country you visit, you'll be able to find a little patch of heaven for some extremely indulgent me-time.

Auberge spa at the Auberge Du Soleil hotel, Rutherford, California
The Auberge du Soleil is one of California's most luxurious hotels. It's spread across a gorgeous 33-acre olive grove in the hills of Napa Valley. The spa makes full use of the beautiful surroundings with spacious stucco architecture overlooking the nearby vineyards and olive grove. Spa treatments are designed to make the most of the natural ingredients of the region. Guests are encouraged to arrive early for treatments so they can take part in the spa's unique water ritual: a delicious soak in three temperate springs with unparalleled views of the valley.
One of the highlights offered by The Auberge spa is its Melisse Suite, which offers four friends or two couples the chance to relax and enjoy all the spa's amenities together. The suite includes a fireplace, private tanning deck and heated private pool as well as floor-to-ceiling windows.
Capri Palace Hotel and Spa, Anacapri, Italy
The spa at the Capri Palace is internationally renowned for its Leg School treatments. Hollywood celebrities, including Julia Roberts, swear by its regenerative powers that make their legs look fabulous on the red carpet.
Leg School treatments include medicated mud packs, medicated bandages and "Kniepp" vascular treatments in which guests are immersed in medicated water of varying temperatures. There is also a manual lymphatic drainage massage and a power plate, which is a vibrating platform that stimulates the muscles to firm and strengthen legs.
The spa isn't all about legs. There is also a Heart School that boosts the cardiovascular system and that is said to enhance intellectual and physical well-being; a programme dedicated to weight loss and metabolic response; as well as the usual spa treatments such as facials, massages and body treatments.
Tabacon Grand Spa, Costa Rica
Tabacon Grand Spa is unique in that it is situated at the foot of a volcano, is blessed with a number of natural hot springs and boasts a rain forest practically on its doorstep. According to the website, the energy of the (active) Arenal Volcano, the heat of the Tabacon Hot Springs and the purity and mysticism of the surrounding rainforest, as well as the fertile earth of the Fortuna de San Carlos Region all combine to provide an experience that not only nourishes the body but also nourishes the soul.
Spa highlights include indigenous treatments, thalassotherapy and a three-unit Temazcal, which is led by a Mexican Shaman-trained expert. There are also volcanic mud wraps, coconut and coffee exfoliations, Ayurvedic treatments and outdoor Watsu underwater massage.
Furthermore, Tabacon Grand Spa is carbon neutral.
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental is not like most other luxury spas. It's not set in beautiful natural surroundings, but that doesn't mean it isn't serene and tranquil. The spa is 37 stories about ground, so while you're being pampered and sinking into deep relaxation, you can watch in sympathy the frenetic activity below. The spa makes use of heat and water treatments to provide an holistic experience. There is a vitality pool to ease muscle tension, a steam room and an ice fountain for extreme refreshment.
Aside from the face, body and skin treatments you would expect to find at a spa, the Mandarin Oriental also has five VIP spa suites with private facilities. These provide the ultimate in spa luxury with private showers and relaxation areas. All treatments (VIP and otherwise) begin with a foot-washing ritual and consultation to ensure that your experience is a personal one.
The Grove, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
The Grove is located on a 300-acre country estate 35 minutes outside of London. The Sequoia Spa within the estate consists of 12 specially designed treatment room and one VIP double room. Treatments combine aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, thalassotherapy and phytotherapy for a total relaxation experience.
Highlights include Ayurvedic treatments which balance the mind, emotions and body, the Sequoia spa signature ritual, which begins with a gentle body exfoliation, followed by the Grove's honey wrap and a soothing full body Balinese Massage and Advanced Facial. There is also the Jewel in the Crown, during which guests are treated to two therapists working simultaneously for an intensive, life-enhancing luxury spa treatment experience.
Phil writes about holiday spas for the South Africa travel & adventure directory, Leeulekker.

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Are You Making 2010 the Year to Get a Job on a Cruise Ship?

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Your friends and family members may well be discussing your presents state of mind if you have announced that you intend quitting your regular job and heading out to see to follow your dream cruise ship job. But since this is what your heart's desire is, why not make 2010 the year to do it?
Although it is a risk, it has huge benefits and rewards, your chance to travel and see the world being one of the greatest.
Can you deal with strict rules and regulations for months at a time?
Would you be able to handle cramped living quarters for extended periods of time?

Once you have a good understanding of what a cruise ship job is all about, you will need to decide on what type of job would match your skills and experience. You may not actually be changing your career path, but rather choosing a job that complements your experiences and skills.

Careers at sea are unique in many aspects. A couple of home truths about your dream cruise ship job are that not only do you work a seven day week, but you may end up sharing a cabin with another crew member.

Having taken these factors into consideration and if finding a job on a cruise ship is still at the top of the list for 2010, then here's what you need to know:

Some of you may have already started sending off your resumes, but are sitting back and taking a wait and see approach. That won't work.

Some of you may not have sent any resumes out yet, but have filled out a number of online applications. Has that worked for you? Probably not.

And then there are others that have waited for January 1, 2010 to roll around in order to make the resolution that they will start to pursue their dream job.

Well, it's already March, so there's no time like the present. You require a plan and a strategy that you intend to implement.

First of all, reassess your cover letter and resume. Are you making any of our Top Resume Mistakes?

You will need to start following up on your applications once you have started sending them out, and that is not just the online applications, either. This is what separates those that get hired from those that don't because many people only apply once and then give up when they haven't heard back.

It is often a long process applying for a cruise ship job and if you wait even one more day you may miss your perfect opportunity!


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Ex-crewmember, hiring specialist and best-selling author Neil Maxwell-Keys has written an extensive *free* report which shows how you can get a job on a cruise ship, quickly and easily. Claim your copy now =>

http://www.WorkOnCruiseShips.com
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