One minute a day for the BEST skin of your life.

The Clarisonic Cleansing System and Opal Sonic Infusion System have both been introduced to all facial services in this month at the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders!  We want you to be up-to-date and in-the-know about the latest and greatest in skin cleansing.

Research shows that Clarisonic Facial Cleansing does the following:  removes 6 times more makeup than manual cleansing; leads to 61% greater absorption of Vitamin C when compared to manual cleansing; helps improve the appearance of skin tone, texture, elasticity and firmness in mature skin; makes skin look and feel softer, smoother and healthier; is safe and gentle enough to use twice a day.

AND when using the Opal Sonic Infusion (for the eye area) 87% of women found an immediate reduction of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; twice daily use of Clarisonic Opal reduced the appearance of aging skin around the eye and leads to brighter, younger and healthier looking skin; increased skin hydration and gentle enough for daily use; and consistent use of the Clarisonic Opal leads to noticeably firmer skin.

These great facial tools are NOW being utilized in ALL facials provided at the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders.

To schedule your facial at the Golden Door Spa, please call 480-595-3500.  We look forward to providing you a Clarisonic Experience!

If you’re like most people, you think of pumpkin just twice a year: once as a glorified candleholder come Halloween and then again as the indulgent finishing touch to your Thanksgiving dinner feast. But this big orange orb is actually one of nature’s nutritional powerhouses — it’s packed with more than 100 therapeutic nutrients that can boost your beauty routine and enhance your health, including skin-protecting beta-carotenes and disease-fighting antioxidants. Here are the top reasons this gourd’s goodness is a treat you should indulge in all year. 

Get Glowing – Pumpkin packs a powerful one-two punch when it comes to skin care, says dermatologist Audrey Kunin. It contains powerful alpha hydroxy acids, a natural fruit acid that helps lift away old skin cells to reveal a radiant, more luminous omplexion, plus vitamin A, which helps increase the rate of cell renewal to unveil younger-looking, softer skin.

Defend Against Disease – One of the most nutrient-rich foods out there, pumpkin is packed with disease-fighters, especially a turbo-charged combination of carotenoids, says Dr. William Clower, author of The Fat Fallacy. According to Clower, the National Cancer Institute estimates that up to 30 percent of all cancers can be prevented by eating the right foods, such as those rich in carotene, like pumpkin (just a 1/2 cup serving satisfies twice the recommended intake of alpha-carotene and 100 percent of beta-carotene).

Up Your UV Protection – There’s a reason your mom made you finish your carrots: Like our friend the pumpkin, they’re loaded with beta-carotenes, an antioxidant with serious oomph. Not only is beta-carotene responsible for pumpkin’s lovely, deep-orange color, it also provides potent protection against free-radical damage caused by the sun’s harmful rays. Applied topically, pumpkin extract can even enhance the effect of sunscreen and shield skin from other environmental factors, including air pollution, stress and secondhand smoke.

Make Every Night Date Night – The spicy scent of pumpkin is a surefire way to inject some sizzle into those stay-at-home evenings with your guy. According to studies at the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, the smell of pumpkin is probably one of your man’s top-rated aphrodisiacs. It’s also been proved to increase sexual functionality in both men and women — one more reason to serve pumpkin ice cream or light a pumpkin candle on a random Tuesday night.

Think Faster and Better – Want a no-fuss, no-muss alternative to the sometimes-awkward gourd? Try pumpkin seeds; they’re notable for being a great source of zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which not only help promote healthy bone density but can also sharpen your brain skills.

Erase Years – Rich in essential fatty acids, pumpkin is an effective way to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, says skin care expert Kimara Ahnert. It’s also loaded with vitamin C, which has been proved to spur collagen production and prevent the breakdown of elastin. Pumpkins are also jam-packed with sodium hyaluronate to help hydrate and plump skin.

Improve Oral Care – Looking to improve your dental care? Try a little pumpkin seed oil when cooking; it’s used to effectively help with the prevention of cavities and tooth decay.

 

By Dana Wagner for Bright Smile Beautiful You.  Dana Wagner has held positions at Vogue and Gotham, and she is the fashion and beauty director of Bridal Guide magazine. 

If you are ready for an adventure, then the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders is a great place to be!  Not only do we offer your typical spa services of massages, facials and body treatments along with our great fitness and wellness programs, but we offer outdoor adventures as well.  What other resort and spa can boast on-property rock climbing as well as desert hiking, mountain biking and night-biking??  The Boulders can and does! 

• Desert Hiking – Explore the scenic Sonoran Desert and learn about local flora, fauna and history from an experienced guide.  A variety of unique destinations are available, from modest rolling desert to challenging mountain terrain.  Hiking shoes are highly recommended, but any sturdy athletic footwear will do.  Wearing a hat is a great idea.  We’ll supply a fanny pack, water bottle and transportation to the trail head.

• Mountain Biking – Enjoy a guided tour on some of Arizona’s best trails, located just pedaling distance from The Boulders.  The rolling desert terrain is challenging and fun and the scenery is unforgettable.  Our mountain bikes are full-suspension models with disk brakes.  We’ll supply the helmet, water bottle and some expert riding tips.

• Rock Climbing – Experience the thrill of rock climbing on teh resort’s majestic granite.  Our program is a genuine rock climbing experience, with natural routes rising up to 75 feet.  Climbing is an activity that relies on technique and finesse, not raw strength.  Participants are often surprised by their own abilities.  Our expert guests supply all the gear and teach the basic skills.

Here are some great informative facts regarding water: 

• It seems that nearly everyone knows that we should drink 64 ounces of water per day, yet the average American drinks only about 36 ounces per day.  Where do you stand in your water consumption? 
• In a single day, you use two to three quarts of liquid performing natural bodily functions such as perspiring and breathing.  You lose even more when you breathe heavily or sweat profusely through exercise. 
• About 40% or our water intake comes from food.  Fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears and cabbage are between 85-95% water.  Poultry such as chicken is about 60% and most breads are as much as 30%. 
• Yet, the greater part of our fluid assimilation is represented by fluids.  Fruit juices, skim milk and herbal teas are good sources but can add unwanted calories.  Plain water is always the preferable source.

AND YET, WATER HAS SO MANY BENEFITS: Are you tired during the day? Drink some water. Dehydration is the #1 trigger of fatigue. 

• Dehydration of the skin’s surface should also be a daily concern. Does your skin feel itchy?  Drink some water. Itchy skin is a symptom of dehydration. 
• If you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Thirst lags far behind the body’s need for water. When your kidneys sense water levels are low they send signals to the rest of the body telling it to retain water and slow down. Once that happens, your mouth feels dry.  
• The optimum temperature for shower or bath water is 90-95 degrees F. Tepid water (80-90 degrees F) is energizing, perfect for the morning bath. However, do not linger. Soaks longer than 15 minutes, or more than two baths or showers a day dry out the skin. Water above 95 degrees makes people perspire and strips the natural oil from the skin, dehydrating the skin. 
• Feeling hungry? Drink some water. Almost 40% of us can’t tell the difference between thirst and hunger because our thirst mechanism is so weak. 
• Do you have joint pain? Drinking 8-10 glasses of water could significantly alleviate joint pain in the majority of sufferers.

Most important of all is the fact that our internal organs function at their peak when they are hydrated. One of their functions is to burn fat. Lacking proper water, you won’t burn as much stored fat as you do when hydrated. So if you want to become a “fat burning machine”, drink water! 

• And remember; don’t count beverages with alcohol or caffeine such as coffee, tea, or colas toward your water consumption goals. The caffeine and alcohol will actually deplete your body of fluid; they act as a diuretic. You need to make up for this consumption by drinking an extra glass of water for each glass of caffeine or alcohol that you consume. At that rate you won’t have time to eat. Maybe that’s the whole point! 

We at the GOLDEN DOOR SPA at THE BOULDERS RESORT wish you a wonderful visit with us, no matter how long your stay may be. We do hope that you heed our advice every day but especially while you are visiting with us here in the Sonoran Desert.

Here are few simple tips to take when the temperatures outside starts to rise:

• Always wear light colored, loose fitting clothes – dark color, tight fitting clothes keeps the heat in and prevents your body from cooling down.
• Avoid sunburn - if you need to be exposed to the sun always apply a sunscreen (at least an SPR30) and wear a cap or large floppy hat that will keep the sun off your face and neck.  Having a sunburn will prevent your body from cooling off.
• Find an air conditioned building – if the heat starts to affect you, find an air conditioned building or store right away. This will help your body to cool down faster.
• Drink plenty of water – drinking water will keep your body hydrated and help it sweat to maintain normal body temperature.
• Check with your doctor if you are on medication that may make you more susceptible to heat exhaustion.  If you can’t reach your doctor check with your pharmacy or go on line and check all the side effects of your medications.
• Never stay in a parked car or get into your car if it’s been sitting in the sun. Car temperatures can reach more than 140 degrees in a matter of minutes. Always cool your car with the AC or open the windows to cool it down.  NEVER leave children or pets in a hot car.
• Limit exercise and strenuous work outside. If your job requires you to work outside remember to take plenty of breaks in the shade and drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. If you work outside everyday your body will eventually adapt to the heat.

The most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include: nausea; dizziness; weakness; headache; pale, cool and moist skin; fast and weak pulse; disorientation; paleness; muscle cramps; tiredness; fainting

At the first signs of heat exhaustion, you should stop activity and cool the body by seeking shade, shelter or a cool room, and drinking cold fluids.  Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are severe.   If you recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion, take the following actions:

• Stop activities and rest
• Drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages
• Take a cool shower, or bath
• Move to an air-conditioned room
• Remove extra clothing

There are plenty of ways to avoid heat exhaustion while at The Boulders.  A few ideas include:

• Start your day EARLY.  During the hot summer months, the sun is up as early as 5:30am and that is the coolest time of the day.  Take your morning walk or run at this time.
• Exercise indoors!  The Golden Door Spa has a great fitness facility that will meet your complete exercise routine.  Fitness classes are also offered throughout the day.
• Schedule an early golf tee-time.  It’s ideal to finish your round of golf prior to the hottest time of the day.

During the hottest time of the day, enjoy indoor activities such as spa services and shopping.  If you are outdoors during this time, stay in the shade, use and re-use your SPF and find a pool to cool off in.  There are several pools at The Boulders to do just that!

One of the more popular forms of yoga is Hatha yoga.  Offered at the Golden Door Spa several times per week, it focuses on the physical poses and controlled breathing.

POSES – In a typical hatha yoga class, you may learn anywhere from 10 to 30 poses.  More experienced yoga students might know many more, including more advanced poses that require advanced stretching and twisting.  Poses range from the seemingly easy, such as the corpse pose, which involves lying on the floor, completely relaxed, to the most difficult poses that take years of practice to master.

Remember, you don’t have to do every pose your instructor demonstrates.  If a pose is uncomfortable or you can’t hold it as long as the instructor requests, don’t do it.  Good instructors will understand.  Spend time sitting quietly, breathing deeply until your instructor moves the class on to another pose that’s more comfortable for you.

BREATHING – Controlling your breathing is an important part of yoga.  In yoga, breath signifies your vital energy.  Yoga teaches that controlling your breath can help you control your body and gain control of your mind.

You’ll learn to control your breathing by paying attention to it.  Your instructor may ask you to take deep, regular breaths as you concentrate on your breathing.  Other techniques involve paying attention to your breath as it moves into your body and fills your lungs, or breathing through alternate nostrils.

Overall, yoga offers a good means of relaxation and stress relief.  Its quiet, precise movements focus your mind less on your busy day and more on the moment as you move your body through poses that require balance and concentration.

To see a monthly schedule of fitness classes offered (including a variety of yoga styles) at the Golden Door Spa, please click here.  Namaste …

What happens during a Watsu session?  A Watsu massage is based on the therapeutic principles of warm water and Shiatsu massage by incorporating gentle twists, stretches and pressure point work into the massage.  The person receiving Watsu is stretched and floated in the water while the therapist uses the weight of the guest’s body to perform Shiatsu pressure point work.  The continual support that warm water can provide is ideal for allowing the spine to become free.  The water makes vertebrae weightless and allows the muscles to completely relax.  The combination of water resistance, buoyancy and a weightless environment make a Watsu massage a truly multi-dimensional experience. 

The benefits of Watsu include:

• Deep relaxation
• Strengthening of muscles and increased flexibility
• Increase blood circulation and decreased muscle spasms
• Pain control

 Watsu will benefit those guests with:

• Fibromyalgia and Arthritis
• Neurological disorders and orthopedic dysfunctions
• Chronic and general aches and pains
• Sleep disorders and stress related challenges

 After you step into the warm Watsu pool (about 98 degrees, body temperature) your therapist will give you a few simple instructions.  With your eyes closed and your ears submerged (ear plugs provided), you will be floated in blissful silence.  Throughout the session, the therapist will connect with your breath, being sensitive to your individual rhythm and response.  You will experience stretches and deep point work.  All of these movements will blend into one, deep, healing dance of relaxation!

 The results of a Watsu session … Watsu brings relaxation to the body, mind and spirit.  Guests can experience heightened awareness even when reduced oxygen requirements in the weightless water environment help calm respiration and achieve great relaxation.  Watsu involves both letting go and a new awareness of what is means to be relaxed!  Just let go and enjoy the ride!

The chakra system is an energy system we can use for personal growth.  Ayurvedic tradition recognizes seven main chakras, which are junctions between consciousness (the mind) and matter (the body) and which link the various aspects of what makes us human: our physical, energetic, emotional, mental, social and spiritual selves.  When we focus on the chakras, we can connect to these aspects and move toward balance, health and well-being.

The chakra system is located in the core of our being, in a channel that encompasses the spin and includes the tailbone to the crown of the head, as well as the nerve bundles associated with each individual chakra.  When working with the chakras, think of health as being on a continuum.  Depending on your diet, exercise, stress levels, emotional states, and many other factors, you are either mvoing toward greater health or away from it.  it is similar with chakras.  Close or imbalanced qualities of the chakras are on one end of a health continuum and open or balanced qualities are on the other end.  Depending on your lifestyle, you are either moving toward greater awareness and balance within the chakras or away from it.

Each chakra relates to a different aspect of life and by focusing on that chakra you can become more aware of those issues in yourself and then work with them to achieve greater health and happiness.  The seven chakras and corresponding meditative works are:

1. base of the spine – grounding
2. lower abdomen – nourishment
3. solar plexus – intention
4. center of the chest – harmony
5. throat or base of the neck – expression
6. between the eyebrows – insight
7. top or crown of the head – wisdom

Of course the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders offers chakra balancing.  Learn more about the Golden Door Spa at www.TheBoulders.com or call 480-595-3500 to schedule your Chakra Balancing session.

Take the time to really think about the impact (footprint) that you leave on this earth.  At The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa, we take it seriously.  Check out some of the efforts taking place at The Boulders:  http://www.theboulders.com/green/

On Earth Day 2010, the Golden Door Spa will be giving the first 75 guests with spa services that day a re-usable canvas tote.  Its the Golden Door way of giving back!

Here are a few things that you can do at home to start living a greener lifestyle (no hard labor required).  Do you:

• take the time to recycle,
• purchase local foods rather than foods that need to be trucked into your area,
• take your shopping tote to the grocery store rather than having the bagger use all of the plastic bags,
• carry a re-usable water bottle rather than purchasing bottled water,
• turn off lights when you are not in that room,
• unplug electronics that are not in use and don’t need to be plugged in 24/7,
• save old, tattered t-shirts and towels that can be cut into rags for cleaning around the house to replace paper towels.

These are just a few simple ways that YOU can make a difference on a daily basis.  If we ALL took these simple steps a difference CAN be made.  A great resource to help YOU get living with the earth in mind is www.greenmatters.com  Find all kinds of information to help you live a cleaner, greener life.

The Golden Door Spa at The Boulders is participating again for the 3^rd time!  During this special week we will be offering THREE $50 spa services.  Here are the details:

• 50-minute Boulders Foot Massage
• 50-minute Lavender Hydrating Body Wrap
• 50-minute Tranquility Facial

Of course, while you are taking advantage of these fabulous $50 spa services, why no spend some additional quality time at the spa.  Here’s a great way to spend your FULL day during Spa Week: 

• Awaken your body with a stretch or aerobics class
• Relax with your first $50 spa service
• Replenish yourself with lunch at the Spa Café
• Catch some rays at the spa pool
• Why not have another $50 spa service??
• Refresh your body with a LONG shower
• Have your significant other pick you up after a restful day at the Golden Door Spa!

Space is limited so call NOW to schedule your getaway.  Of course all of the other fantastic Golden Door Spa services are also available during this week.  To check availability, please call 480-595-3500.  We look forward to seeing you soon!