2016 East Coast ISPA Media Event

On July 27th, I attended the 2016 East Coast ISPA (International SPA Associaltion) Media Event at Gotham Hall. Media guests enjoyed complimentary spa services, previewed products and learned about the latest spa trends. Take a look at what I experienced on my spa journey...

Epicuren showcased their latest products, with a focus on The Eye Alive Serum, Moisture Surge, Instantlift Tightening Serum. I got a chance to test out the products with a quick refresh under my eyes. Moisture Surge is a lightweight gel that gives you an extra boost of hydration, applied right after a moisturizer. 

Whish is most known for their shaving creams, but also previewed their other products, including the Kabosu Sea Salt Body Butter. 

Massage Envy showcased Murad skin care products used during their facial sessions. Murad products include the Hydrating Toner, Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum, and Healthy Skin Regimen Kits: Resurgence, Age Reform, Environmental Shield and Acne. Massage Envy offers several 60 minute skin treatments including anti-acne, customized and advanced healthy skin, exfoliating & hydrating back facial, and a men's facial. 

I was able to experience a NovaLash Eye Lash Extension treatment which only took about 15 minutes to apply. Since this was a mini treatment, the lashes only lasted a few days. Full treatments allow lashes to stay on longer, and can be more customized as to what type of lashes you are looking for. NovaLash Eye Extensions are available in thousands of salons and spas across the United States and in over 40 countries worldwide.

Aspira The Spa treatments 

I was so excited to experience Eastern Vibration's sound healing treatment using Himalayan Singing Bowls. The singing bowls produce both pure sounds and vibration that have subtle effects on the body and mind. The sounds and vibrations had a soothing effect, leaving me feeling stress-free and relaxed. 

Clarins provided skin care treatments and previewed their new Booster Energy, Booster Repair and Booster Detox products. Some of Clarins products I look forward to trying are the One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, Sunscreen Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50 and Tonic Body Treatment Oil. 

This was my first introduction to Chaleur, and tried out their self-heating facial mask, which is left on for 15-20 minutes and easily activated with warm water. It is the perfect treat in the winter, especially after exposing your face to chilly, cold air.

I had a chance to relax in the SolTec Lounge,  while wearing headphones and eye mask. The SolTec Lounge delivers soothing magnetic vibrations while listening to a soundtrack of chants and drums. It was a very unique experience, feeling myself drift into a relaxed state with a clear mind. I was amazed at how all the background noise from the event just faded away. 

Spa Ssakwa'qn products

I stopped by The Spa at Mandarin Oriental for some digital detox tips, scheduling time in your day where you disconnect from technology. Mandarin Oriental works with the Mayo Clinic to provide guests with health and wellness tips. 

My last treatment of the evening was at Kohler Waters Spa using lava shells to melt away aches and pains and release tension, knots and stiffness. I can't wait to try this Lava Shell kit for an at-home spa treatment. 

MINDINMOTION apparel was founded by acclaimed athlete, motivational speaker Leigh Weinraub.

During the evening ISPA provided a field to table station with grilled boneless chicken, seasonal greens, cubed watermelon and goat cheese, beet &walnut salad, local heirloom tomato saladwild rice bowl and local artisan breads. 

Thank you to ISPA and all the sponsors for hosting another great spa media event!

- Kim Weling

East Coast ISPA Media Event Recap

The 21st annual East Coast ISPA Media Event took place on August 12th at Gotham Hall. During the event I met with close to a dozen different spas and sampled their relaxing spa treatments. My evening ran smoothly thanks to treatments pre-booked through ResortSuite - having an itinerary was really helpful for keeping me on schedule. 

My first appointment was with Omni Hotels & Resorts, for a Restorative Native Foot Treatment, a steaming aromatic herbal treatment to penetrate into tired soles to reieve muscle tension. During my treatment, a muscle therapy cream with infused rosemary, clary sage, and eucalyptus essential oils was applied. It was definitely a great way to kickoff the event. 

Mirbeau Inn & Spa was offering Monet's Favorite Fragrance Massage, an aromatherapy massage to address physical, mental and emotional well being. Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Body Oil was used for my massage - an amazing blend of pink grapefruit, rosemary and juniper berry essential oils. 

My next stop was to Beau Rivage Resort & Casino for a Hanakasumi treatment inspired by Japanese tradition, reviving energy through the use of reflexology. As part of the treatment, Sothys Nourishing Body Elixir was applied, and I have been obsessing over this product ever since, with a delicate scent of cherry blossom and lotus. 

I opted not to get a colorescience makeover since I was getting a facial, but I have been using a number of their products, since the event. I am so bad with applying SPF separately, that it's been so helpful to have SPF built into their products. My favorites are the Skin Bronzing face primer, which helps with uneven skin tone and has SPF 20, even up Clinical Pigment Perfector, which I like to use during the summer since it has SPF 50, and Tint Du Soleil for sheer to medium coverage, which has SPF 30. 

Unfortunately I didn't make it in time for my appointment at Cranwell Spa & Golf Resort, who was offering luxurious BABOR hand and face treatments to boost the skin's moisture and nutrient levels. 

Next stop was Jindilli, featuring a BoomaGlam Massage, which uses a boomerang and Macadamia Oil, honoring the company's Australiam heritage. The BoomaGlam is best when it's warmed up (I like to use heated mittens warmer gloves) and can also be used to exfoliate skin. 

After my BoomaGlam Massage, I went over to Massage Envy, for my Healthy Skin Vitamin C Infusion Mini Facial, with the use of Murad products formulated with pure Vitamin C to repair and prevent free radical damage. 

Travaasa Experiential Resorts demonstrated Herbal Tincures for Healing, as Travaasa's Farm Manager walked us through how infusions are made using ingredients from the resort's farm. 

Eau Spa at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa offered HydrEAUfacials, using HydraFacial MD technology to extract and remove impurities and dead skin cells. The process is free of painful extractions, and includes a hydradermabrasion, chemical peel and a delivery of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and peptides all in one treatment. My skin immediately felt and looked refreshed without any irritation or redness!

To close out the evening, my last appointment was with Grand Velas Resort, who was offering the Bacal Massage and Grand Cora Massage. The Bacal Massage utilizes Mayan corn and honey, in which pressure is applied with corn cobs for an exfoliating and detoxifying treatment. It was so soothing on my feet - such a unique and natural treatment. I can't imagine how amazing it would feel as a whole body treatment! 

The Grand Cora Massage is a highly energetic massage inspired by the Huichol region, rich in colors and traditions. Each movement is focused on restoring the emotional, intellectual and spiritual wellbeing through Iztli (the power of Earth on the body). The sensorial perception is stimulated through a sound ritual of wixarikas instruments such as rain stick, rattle and "God's eye" to reestablish the harmony between body and spirit. 

Clarins Spa, essie, the Indigo Spa at Hilton Head Health and Salamander Hotels & Resorts also offered mini treatments.

Through a partnership with FEED, attendees received a FEED tote bag. Proceeds from FEED bags go to feeding a total of 20,000 hungry children through the World Food Programme. Thank you to Spa Week for sponsoring the gift bags!

- Kim Weling