A Dream Assignment: Capri Italy (part 1 blog)

Okay, I admit it, this past year I have been spoiled -- can you believe I have been to Italy 3 times in the past year ... especially since it took me 31 years to even leave the USA. I guess I'm hooked. My most recent trip was a dream assignment; Your Wedding Day Magazine sent me on assignment to cover a celebrity wedding on Capri (Island) Italy.

Yes, I know ... dreamy, huh? Oh, it gets much more interesting! I'll tell you a little bit about the whole 10-day trip, but you will have to wait for the article to be published in the fall for the entire fairytale, complete with a pop singer princess, a smiley groom and wedding guests that kept everyone up all night, every night! Let's do this in a few blog entries ...

Not only was this going to be my best writing assignment yet, but ... I also squeezed in two spa reviews at the best spas on Capri, a day trip to Positano to visit Sirenuse again, and two days in Rome. I travelled with my friend Ricky Mia, as he was chosen as the wedding photographer for the event and the magazine article!

We arrived a day early before the wedding week would begin; flying into Rome, driving a Fiat through Naples (that's a short story alone) and then taking a ferry to Capri, we were exhausted and jetlagged. However, upon arrival at the Capri Palace, a Leading Small Hotel and Spa, where I would do the first spa review, I was miraculously not sleepy anymore. Situated in Anacapri, the property was stunning; I wanted to stay up all night to walk around in awe and in fact, I don't think I was saying much except "Wow ... wow ... wow." I've stayed at some of the most amazing hotels and spas and still, I can be stunned by a place so different and so beautiful.

The Mondrian Art Suite where we stayed was nothing short of breathtaking with a contemporary style, art throughout the suite and the bathroom alone seemed like a mini spa with a jacuzzi tub, a rainwater shower and view. The Suite had two rooms and a balcony overlooking the gardens, pool, Mediterranean Sea and the Island of Ischia in the distance. I was certain at this point someone would have to pull me away from this hotel the next day when we would be moving on to the next adventure.

The next morning, after a beautiful breakfast spread and a couple of espressos, Caroline Courteau, the Director of Sales and Marketing of the Capri Palace, beautiful and sophisticated, offered prosecco and a tour of the entire hotel. Just from the tour alone, I think I most enjoyed the amazing art throughout the Capri Palace, Caroline's demeanor -- a sort of serious sweetness and ecclectic accent (Speaking beautiful, perfect Italian with accents from at least 3 other languages), and just walking in the midst of such a magnificent property.

And of course the Spa -- The Capri Beauty Farm as it is called, il Benessere nel Corpo e nello Spirito (The Wellbeing of the Body and of the Spirit.) Just reading and saying these Italian words make me take a deep breath and relax. The experience and treatment turned out to be a highlight of my trip for a few reasons. I had arranged with Valeria Durante, the spa manager, to experience the Scuola delle gambe (Leg School), a treatment created by Dr. Francesco Canonaco. This treatment was ideal for me because it was created for women with circulation problems in their legs, thus suffering from uncomfortable, unsightly swollen ankles, only worsen by sitting in a plane for 12 hours. This couldn't have been a better way to start my week as I would be wearing skirts, shorts, high-heels and walking on cobblestone streets everyday.

After a tour of the spa, which is more medical in philosophy and treatments (which I loved!), I received the beneficial leg school treatment. Notice, I said "beneficial", not relaxing or pampering ... not to say this treatment wasn't those things, because there was a bit of the pampering element, but it was more focused on a condition (I have suffered from for a few years) and assisting me with healing the issue.

The treatment started with cold mud with a combination of healing herbs (decongestant properties), packed on my legs; as I lay there for 15 minutes, I stayed warm by sipping a hot herbal tea, specific to the treatment to detoxify. The mud was then washed away and my legs there then wrapped in a very cold gauze medicated with savoactive substances to treat the venous walls, assisting my natural system to get rid of adipose deposits ... (Brrrr) ... I ask for another cup of hot tea. After another 15 minutes, the gauze is removed and my legs are massaged. I'm already feeling "lighter" in my legs; then I was escorted to a hot (100 degrees) & cold (64) pool medicated with marine extracts, where I walked through the water, up to my waist and walked in a circle from hot water, then to cold with rounded rocks at the bottom for pressure point and increased circulation stimulation. They had to practically push me in the cold water .... brrrrr....but then back in the hot again (ahhhh) .... cold (brrrr) ... and this went on for 10 minutes. The entire treatment was about an hour and my legs and feet felt ... incredible and normal. Being a bit skeptical, I thought that the results would last a day or two, but in fact, I am convinced this treatment helped me not only the whole week in Capri, but since then I have not suffered from swollen ankles!

Perhaps just as wonderful as the results of the treatment, was getting to meet Dr. Canonaco. I didn't realize at first that I would actually get to meet the doc who created this treatment, but when Valeria said, "And we have you a meeting scheduled for you with Dr. Canonaco after your treatment, " I was so excited! An older, handsome and humble doctor, he was so kind ... with a flirty sense of humor, who would not give up his secret herb recipe. Capri being just a small island, for the remainder of the week, I often saw Dr. Canonaco walking around the Piazetta with a sweater tied around his shoulders, greeting just about every person who walked by; I think he knows everyone on the island. "Ciao ... buongiorno ... buonasera" he would say with a smile everytime I saw him.

And that was Capri Palace and Spa ... thank you to the entire staff -- Caroline, Valeria, Natasha and Dr. Canonaco for your enthusiasm, sincerity and hospitality!

Napa Valley and Two New Friends

Recently I ventured up to Napa again to visit Spa Terra, The Villagio and Solage. All three spas are new (or newly rennovated) and incredible as you can imagine! The majority of my visit centered around Spa Terra where I spent a whole day at the spa, but I did find time to tour the new Villagio Spa Suites and stop by Solage just off the Silverado wine trail.

My trip started with the road trip itself; this for me is definitely part of the spa getaway weekend. Five hours later, I arrived in Napa at the Meritage Resort where Spa Terra is located. I had been to the Meritage Resort a year earlier, but Spa Terra was not complete yet. I was so excited to experience the first and only spa located in a wine cave built in the hillside of a vineyard.

Victoria Boscarino, the Spa Manager, had arranged for me to have the Spumante Private Bath Soak and then a Grapeseed Facial. Even though I hadn't met Victoria yet, I felt like I already knew her as we had been emailing; she's from Italy and was a lead effort in creating the Italian-themed spa menu. I think I was just as excited to meet her as I was to experience the spa treatments! Watch the video tour at Spa Terra and you'll get a glimpse into Spa Terra as Victoria discusses the spa cave and treatments!

The spa cave is located just behind the Meritage; it looks small from the outside as you enter the archway into the cave. However, as you walk in, you see and sense the depth and complexity of the architecture. The atmosphere had a cave "stillness" and quietness; the actual feeling of walking through this cave was an experience alone.

Every step was a treat ... walking through the spa cave, then prepping for relaxation in the women's locker room where there was a steam room and jacuzzi. I slipped into a robe and was escorted to the bath suite where I lounged in a bubbly bath of Spumante, while also sipping a glass of refreshing Spumante.

About 30 minutes later, I had a Grapeseed extract Facial (many of Spa Terra's products are made with Grapeseed extract -- full of antioxidants!) The facial was a super pampering facial and I couldn't help but notice the wonderful, unique facial massage techniques of the Cindy the esthetician.

After the facial, I lounged in the relaxation room for a bit. Victoria came in to greet me and offered another Spumante and her conversation. We talked spa and we talked Italy and the more we chatted, the more I liked her -- she has such a big role in creating such an amazing, unique spa and she was down-t0-earth too. Victoria asked if I wanted to join her and a friend for a drink later at Giovanni's -- a local Italian place owned by her friend. I was happy about this because staying at the Meritage that night seemed delightful ... but full of newlyweds and retired travellers. I had so much fun meeting Victoria and her friend Michael for dinner and a drink at Giovanni's (with the Italian language, risotto and wine, I really thought I was in Italy again!), then over to Bouchon located in quaint Yountville for more fun.

The next morning, I ventured to Yountville, (surrounding town in Napa Valley) where the Villagio is located. A quick tour of the new spa suites complete with fireplaces also had a very Tuscan feel. Then I ventured up to Calistoga, the tip of Napa Valley and the wine trail where the new Solage is located. Solage is a completely different concept than the other Napa Spas -- a modern look, innovative and alternative type treatments such as sound therapy and a mud and bath bar. I must say, I am especially excited to go back and experience Solage.

With an invitation to visit for a spa treatment, both Villagio and Solage are on my list of spa visits to come. Spa Terra was incredible for so many reasons -- the unique experience of the cave, the grapeseed and olive oil treatments ... and of course refreshing spumante to help one relax. My favorite part is often meeting new people -- spa managers and spa-goers. Now ... I need to plan a girlfriend weekend at Spa Terra!

P.S. Read my article on Spa Terra in Your Wedding Day Magazine and I will also let you know when a review of it will be on http://www.spasofamerica.com/.

Aspiring Architects Create Dream Spas

Before the spring semester ended at Santa Barbara City College, I had the coolest opportunity to be a guest and "panelist" for Professor Laura Welby's beginning architecture class. Laura wanted me to present for a few minutes on the buildings and layouts of the spas I have visited, predominantly the ones in Napa (Spa Terra, Solage, Villagio) and Italy (Terme di Saturnia.)

For the first time in this class, Laura gave each student the task to design the layout of a spa (usually the final project was a house or other general building.) She had a few guidelines which each student had to incorporate into the project; they had to choose a setting (mountains or beach), the spa must include: retail, laundry area, lounge area, therapy rooms, storage, bathrooms and women's and mens changing areas. Sauna or Steam rooms were not required, so these were in a sense, Day Spas (not medical or resort spas.)

With Laura, I gave my feedback as each student took their turn presenting in front of the class and hanging their designs on the wall and giving us a visual tour and walking us through their penciled sketches and layouts. I loved listening to each student's ideas and watching them present on this spa project -- you could tell that each student put so much effort and thought into their projects! This was so fun for me ... seeing the spa designs, seeing students excited about a project they learned from and then getting to give my feedback! I felt like an American Idol judge!

Here are some of the highlights of each student's design and presentation. And thank you so much Laura and Class for inviting me in for this fun project -- I'll see you for the Fall Semester!

April: Mtn. Spa, Concept: Snow/Cozy, Incorporating Natural Elements in Design, Good separation for sound.

Angeline: Great beachy feeling and nice visual for a modern look. Liked the idea of a Coed Lounge.

Jenny: Spa by the beach, Calming Colors (blues and greens), Roman Bath Style. Nice touch was a "Wall of Water", good incorporation of hydrotherapy.

Roxanne: Loved the functional layout concept, great privacy layout

Megan: Gave a good visual of an ocean setting with nature colors. I liked that the first thing you see when walking in was a water fountain.

Tina: I loved the archways throughout the design and I also loved the water falls (sound of trickling water) in every room instead of spa music.

Bianca: Ocean, eco-friendly concept -- awesome! Bamboo and stones throughout, loved the waiting area in the couples room.

Chihiro: Mountain spa, more cozy, quaint and compact.

Colleen: Creative business presentation, loved how she spoke to me as the pretend client and referred to the "team" instead of just her. I liked her incorporation of local retailers to showcase in spa and discussed thoroughly the Finance, Image and Performance of the spa.

You're all Hired!:)

Do I sound like an infomercial?

Lately I have been reviewing many skincare products. It takes time though because not only are there a lot of products to sample, but I like to give my skin a break between each one so I can really see and know what product has which results. It's not an exact science, but it does help being an esthetician -- knowing the purpose of the product, being familiar with ingredients and labels, etc.

When it comes down to it, I have a simple skincare regimen, but if you looked in my bathroom cabinet now, well ... you would see Murad, Obagi, Valmont, Sisley, Rodan and Fields -- cleansers, exfoliators, sunscreens, masks, serums.

In the past several months I have tried products from France, Switzerland, and various skincare lines from the U.S. I am an esthetician and spa writer ... so, yes, I confess, I have a weakness (okay, I'm an addict) for skincare products. My favorites are the exfoliators and treatments/serums. I love trying new products and the first thing I will do is look at the ingredients label -- some of my fave ingredients are DMAE and Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Here's the honest truth, I don't have just one skincare line that I use; I have favorite products from different lines. And I have many favorite skincare lines, not just one. Depending on your skin TYPE and your individual skin CONCERNS, that will lead you to your favorite products and ingredients.

Some of my random favorites include: Sisley's eye cream, Arcona's serums, Ole's eye make up remover, Youngblood's mineral liquid makeup and Sisley's foundation also, Dermalogica's daily microexfoliant, Valmont's 30 SPF, Rodan and Fields Retinol capsules, Jurlique Rose and Lavendar products .... there are so many wonderful products for all skin types!

Wanna know something though? There are 3 products that I consistently use that work for my skin type and concerns. I have a problem with breakouts in the chin area -- I never had this problem until my late 20's (it's hormones ladies) and the only product (and you know I have tried it all) that keeps my skin clear is Proactiv. For me, it's a combination of the vehicle method of which it is delivered to the skin (mechanical exfoliation) and the ingredient benzoyl peroxide. My skin does not react well to salicylic acid which many acne lines use. I use Proactiv about 3 times a week and I can't argue with the results. Hello $19.99.

The second product that I absolutely love (and every client I have ever recommended to also loves it!) is Skin Eternal Serum, easily bought at ... Lazy Acres or Whole Foods. It contains DMAE, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Q10, Vitamin C Ester; it diminishes my fine lines and makes my skin glow. Hello $19.99.

And I also struggle with Melasma (discoloration/pigmentation in the skin) and the most effective product is Obagi Nu Derm with 4% Hydriquinone. I also took the more natural route and tried grapeseed and licorice extract, both which also helped. This one is quite pricey, but the results are amazing. It's available at medical spas.

Lastly, I always wear 30 spf, get a facial once a month and ... if I don't drink a lot of water and eat salmon regularly my skin suffers, so I try to do both in addition to NOT eating inflammatory foods like SUGAR.

For me, the best skincare regimen is quick and simple (if I'm motivated I will throw in an eye and lip cream at night...which will become more of a practice as each year goes by:). My skincare regimen is more about simple, a few favorites and treats to use and sample, a facial once a month and diet. What's your secret?

Goddess Night

TOMORROW night, Michele Wilder, Global Feet and Occhiali Fine Eyewear are hosting a Goddess Night -- a Happy Hour of Fashion, Style, Good Company, Good Music and Connecting!

All proceeds benefit Heal the Ocean!

Thursday, June 12, 5-9pm

Location: EOS Lounge, 500 Anacapa Street

Spray Tan -- A GOOD ONE!

Before I departed for my far away trip to the dreamy isola di Capri, I decided to get a spray tan. I admit, I hesitated a bit ... first because I have tried them in the past and well, I look like a yam (in color that is) and they are expensive -- $60+ for a 10 day tan? I don't think so.


But ... because I know how HARMFUL (did you catch that hint?) the sun is to my skin, I have very little tan ... and I'm a whitey, aka GHOST, so I decided to try the Endermologie Center located in the new Ageless Skin Therapy Spa. Natalie, the esthetician there who gave me a facial said she tried it and loved it. After my divine facial with her, why wouldn't I trust her referral?


After exfoliating really well, I met with Megan Simon, at the Endermologie Center. The whole procedure of the spray tan took about 15 minutes; you can wear a swimming suit (if you like the look of tan lines) or you can wear your birthday suit of course (if you're shy, don't worry, you forget you're naked after about 5 minutes and besides, Megan's seen 100's of figures:)


The results were beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! AND the tan did NOT have that funny smell to it; it actually had a light pleasant scent. The color lasted the whole time I was on my trip; I just made sure to moisturize every day, I even got two body spa treatments and the tan didn't come off. The color was perfect ... not orange. I really loved it and it's only $45. I like this -- being tan without getting wrinkles from the sun's harmful rays ... the sun-kissed look I can definitely get used to. Did I mention how great the tan looked with my Italian high heels and black silk dress, walking around the Piazzetta ... I could have been a local ... well, maybe my Italian needs to be a bit better:) Anyway, I was extremely pleased with the results!


Want a healthy glow? Visit the Endermolgie Center website, or call 805-403-6056

*New* Spa in Montecito

I am delighted that there is another spa in Montecito. I wondered why there isn't a cozy little spa near Coast Village Road -- it's such a great location.

Well ... there is now a lovely ... and I mean quite lovely little skincare boutique spa just off Coast Village Circle called Ageless Skin Therapy. The owner Natalie Raring is also the practicing sole esthetician and she has managed to create a unique niche. There are many wonderful details about this new spa ... where do I start??

Let me start with the personality and look of the space -- it's different than any other spa in the area; I like that each spa in SB still remains unique with their own personality and different skincare lines. In one word, Ageless Skin Therapy is Chic. When you enter the spa, you see deep purples, plush floor coverings and chandelier type lighting -- very classy. The facial room is the same; dark, deep colors and elegant lighting. And when it comes to spas and treatment rooms, I love details, so this may sound funny, but I couldn't get my eyes off of the plush rug placed under the facial bed (if you can visualize me actually bending down to inspect it; after stepping on it barefooted, I had to get a closer look!) Attention was also given to the facial bed comforter and sheets -- it was like a facial room and bed for a queen -- it's that feel of sheets where you actually give an exhaling sigh or a whisper "wow" (at least I do.) After all, every woman should be made to feel like a queen when she is getting pampered. So, a rug and sheets made an impression on me ... this was a good start ... well sort of, the only bad thing about this is that I already start writing my blog in my head and I can't relax! (I'm thinking, "How the heck will I describe a rug?") At least at this point I have learned to take mental notes instead of taking my pen and paper with me to each treatment!

The spa environment was extremely welcoming, now what about the treatment? I wondered if it would offer something special and it certainly did -- several details, in fact, stand out in my mind. First, Natalie, the esthetician, put a self heating, soothing Phytomer mud pack on my back (along the spine) at the beginning of the treatment. Not only was the warmth cozy and relaxing, it detoxifies deep tissues, promotes relaxation and intensified my facial. She used the Phytomer line for my entire facial; again, I loved this because the only other spas in town that use Phytomer are Bacara and Biltmore (and how many of us go there for facials?) Not to mention Phytomer is a divine, marine-based line from France and skin loves the ingredients in each product.

Just before starting the facial, Natalie did a 5-minute full body pressure point and energy work from head to toe. This was new for me ... and what a great way to enhance and start a facial treatment. The energy around me felt calmed; my body and spirit were less rigid and I was prepped for relaxation.

Natalie had shared with me that she had been getting facials since she was a young girl because her aunt was an esthetician and now her mom is even studying at Lu Ross to become an esthetician (which is where Natalie went also.) A creamy cleanser was used and after exfoliation, extractions were done and it's worth noting that Natalie is not shy when it comes to extractions -- she's very good AND she used her special technique to get rid of a milia I had had for two years! Voila! It's gone!

At some point I noticed the nice aromas of the Phytomer -- very light and refreshing. I also noticed the low music in the background -- not spa music, but Jack Johnson ... somehow it worked; I really liked it -- chic, cool, beachy-chill sound. Natalie applied a milky hydrating mask which contoured to my face and then was peeled off about 10 minutes later. Her facial massage technique was so dreamy, I had to come out of my comatose to ask her where she learned her face massage steps; she said from working at various spas and pulling different techniques together.

How many facials have I had this year? ... too many to count, but I can say this ... my facial by Natalie is definitely in the top 3. I loved it -- relaxing, results-oriented, heavenly add-ons and the spa environment was oh-so-delightful.

You will not find massage therapy treatments at Ageless Skin Therapy, rather alternative healing therapies such as light and sound therapy and a great (finally) spray on tan treatment(which I will blog about soon!)

A few more things to Note: Natalie is trained in Permanent Makeup application. Waxing and microdermabrasion treatments are also available and she uses Physicians Care Alliance (PCA) Peels for advanced exfoliation.

Ageless Skin Therapy doesn't have a website yet, but you can reach them at 805-320-2685 and they are located at: 1270 Coast Village Cr. Suite #2 in Montecito.

Where the heck have I been??

Okay, so I am a wee bit behind in blogging ... but I have a very good reason! I have been spa-ing and traveling so much that I haven't had a moment to give each experience it's due credit on my blog! I have lots of good stuff to share with you ... spa-ing in Napa Valley (I'm talking Prosecco between each spa treatment), a chic new spa in Montecito (You will fall in love with this place), reviewing a TON of spa products (ooh-la-la), finally a new spa to get a spray tan -- that's incredible, lasts, doesn't make you look orange AND is affordable) .... and drum roll please ... I have an amazing story to tell you of my recent fairytale trip! Can you guess where? (Hints: After a very long flight, we rented a very tiny car, drove a couple of hours then took a boat to an island where I spent 10 days admiring the Sea and consistently requesting, "Vorrei un prosecco per favore." Oh, and did I mention there is a European Pop Singer involved? That was the best part ... oh if only I could tell you the story in person over a cup of espresso!

I can't wait to tell you about all of my spa and travel stories; I am catching up on my blogging after a serious case of jetlag, so check my blog at least every other day for updates!