Spa La La La La Laaa!

Spa La La La La Laaa!

Seasons Greetings...It's holiday Spa-tini time! So many festive spa treatments! This time of year, spa's are being most creative that it is more fun to see what menu of services they have come up with before even receiving a treatment. To me, this business is like a big punch bowl of spa and beauty fragrance mixed together for the perfect cocktail blend...and you can always make more!

I like to keep things simple....Buy a gift card or decide how much you would like to spend and allow your spa therapist to take over. This is the time to sit back with a holiday spa-tini and relax. If I write and discuss all of the cranberry facials and chocolate oil body treatments being arranged moreso for the purpose of this article, than special guests who may indulge in a temporary holiday spa service may wish they tried something more effective. Since I know what goes on behind treatment room doors, I want to share which holiday spa treatments in the Hamptons are performed the best since they are performed annually ..but do they actually work?...and do many people actually enjoy these services???

If you know what type of services you or a friend will like then read on to find out more details on special options and holiday indulgences being offered in the Hamptons. I decided to mystery shop some of the newest soothing spa palaces and pay a visit to some of the Hamptons finest to see what is steaming in the relaxation rooms... Which spa is truly full service? What holiday package deals are the most beneficial??....and my biggest question, what do these spas individually specialize in????

If it's too chilly to go outside then check out the West Hampton developed website, www.HamptonAffirmations.com where these excellent spa gift products from Hampton Bath & Body Company can be ordered and shipped online. From Essential oils to Aromatherapy diffusers to chocolate souffle decadent body truffles. This site will satisfy everyone, especially the spa professionals and spa-goers!

But one in particular, an infamous wellness entity in the heart of Southampton has really taken my breathe away this season. I had a chance to speak with Geomare Aviles, Founder and Esthetician of Beautiful You Center for Healing Arts on White Road in Southampton. This establishment began solely as a beauty center which dedicates its surrounding walls to healing the mind, body and spirit while receiving the benefits of signature facials, massage therapy, and like luxury services. This spa and wellness entity has an amazing twist offering Feng Shui Consultations and Life Coaching as well as Hypnotherapy. Award winning treatments and excellent testimonials certainly have a fine line between a day spa and the Center for Healing Arts, from anything I have heard of in this area. Sessions are very private, reasonably priced and estimate one hour long each. I can feel the owner's wonderful magnetic energy through the phone but will not be able to indulge without an advanced appointment. In order for you to detox that holiday cheer, you folks better get in line! Yes everyone, even in December. According to the International Spa Association, many patrons are not excluding zen-like calming therapies in this declining economy but budgeting their necessities in other ways.


Energy and meditative work is something I find common from residents and visitors throughout the hamptons. I can feel various types of energy once I drive further and further out east from exit 70 off the L.I.E. It makes sense to have one oasis with highly skilled therapists who specialize in different technique, to give the gift of wellness to those in need and those who share the same goals. The world is becoming more aware of being conscious, positive and living consciously. This place offers a variety of inner healing and the outer beautification. Visit Beautiful You Center for Healing Arts and see how authentic the services are. Surely no other place in the hamptons is like this! As usual...please arrive early to settle in. I am faithfully positive your Beautiful You will be healed from the inside out. Tis' the season everyone....have a merry-licious one and Happy SpaLi-Daze from Hampton Daze Magazine!!


Laura Anne Pelliccio
Sr. Aesthetician & Educator NYS Licensed
& Spa Business Consultant
www.HamptonDaze.com


View the gift of holiday specials and winter packages being offered for you and a loved one at Beautiful You Center for Healing Arts:

A Kiss From The Hampton Sun... (Part 2) Published in Hampton Daze Magazine)

A Kiss From the Hampton Sun……

Hampton Sun, the only skincare line with the “Hampton” brand name is truly a luxury experience. After indulging in a full body sun block massage application poolside at a Ritz Carlton Hotel in South Beach, I now share my Hampton Sun story with you! A mimosa cocktail hand delivered daily to my room each morning of my beach vacation, by my very classy “ Tanning Butler ” who guided me to my plush VIP lounge bed had really gotten my beach vacation started. What a great spa service to have on the menu because It is always so difficult to get those hard to reach areas around your back and shoulders and a pressure point massage to go along with it. My Tanning Butler effortlessly sold me every Hampton Sun retail he had left in his pockets. How can I turn down a gorgeous gem protecting me from harmful sun rays? I just had to meet the vision behind this name.
Mr. Salvatore Piazzolla and partner Grant Wilfley are quite the concept designers when it comes to sun care and fragrance. They both embraced me with great conversation and lots of products! Hampton Sun is sold in most shopping and spa venues throughout the Hamptons, but globally this brand is sold in the most prestigious locations such as Bellagio in Las Vegas, Henri Bendel, Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons properties to name a few.

This duo even created a perfume called, “ Privet Bloom “. Privet are those gargantuan non-see-through hedges that surround our Hampton estates and WOW!... Does this sexy green glass bottle have a light scent I have never smelled anything like! Although
Privet Bloom is targeted toward the female clientele, I believe this can be suitable for both men and women! Gentlemen do not worry because I even had the pleasure of visiting a Hampton Sun kiosk where a Hampton Sun bronzed swimsuit model spritzed me with a shot of Pearl Shimmer, a sparkling coolant for the body. I always knew if I opened a spa I would invest in this posh product. When my opportunity came, I opened a spa based in Southampton for private in home services and events. My dream came true! I not only carried the Hampton Sun product line, I even had a “Tanning Butleress” who you may see on the local beaches and hotels, handing out sun protection samples. The results of Hampton Sun are as potent and pure as the carefully designed packing and promotions. Some of my favorite Hampton Sun products are the Bronzing Gel, Super Hydration Face Cream, and SPF 30 Tanning Lotion. There is so much to choose from! I will never forget my Hampton Sun experience but the passion and brains behind the end result are what makes this a powerful creation! Hampton Sun can be found at: Gurneys Inn and Spa, Ananas Spa, Sunset Beach, Whites, Hampton Day Spa, East Hampton and Sag Harbor Pharmacy www.HamptonSunCare.com.

Tips for Sunning on the East End:
1) Sun Block massage by a babe on the beach if you are lucky…
2) To avoid sun spotting and pigmentation, apply before you leave home
3) Always reapply after a dip in the pool
4) Try Hampton Sun Bronzing Gel for the face. I like to call this the
“Sun Smoocher”..Everyone wants a Kiss from the Hampton Sun so apply just evenly and blend onto the neck and chest area, for a tinted long weekend glow!

~Laura Anne Pelliccio

Published in Hampton Daze Magazine, July 2009 Issue

(Part 2 continued...see Part 1 "how to spa 'round town")

How to spa 'round town....(part 1.) published in Hampton Daze Magazine)

how to spa ‘round town…

Are you overwhelmed?

Are you looking for a spa sanctuary to escape to? an on-the-go touch up?
or products to take home and use? And you don’t know where to go?...
You have to check out this list but remember, there are multiple party’s everyday during the high season and everyone needs to get themselves groomed…and when it rains, there are only a few things to do during the day, one of which is to go to the spa! So be sure to leave plenty of time to park and settle into your bathrobe and slippers because if you show up late, you’re paying full price and not getting the most detailed service!

Massage Be sure to schedule your “ In Home” service in advance because “ right now “ has a heavy price tag during the high season. It’s wise to call one of our many local spas for a licensed massage therapist to come to your home.

Spray Tanning Make time to exfoliate beforehand to avoid blotchiness. Get your nails done prior and arrive in dark clothes. Don’t sport the shades, pool hop, or make out with anyone for up to 3 hours! Try E Day Spa in Hampton Bays or Style Bar in Sag Harbor.

Waxing The Estheticians at Naturopathica Spa or A Studio in East Hampton are fully equipped for Brow Shaping and Brazilian Waxing. Beware: Do not go to happy hour before a Brazilian wax though, it won’t work… Take two Advil instead! Go home with a Naturopathica Lavender Bath and Body Oil to relieve redness and irritation, even if it’s from being in the sun!

Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles The magic cream is called Phyto Contour by Yon Ka, www.YonKa.com. This is the magic pill that treats dark circles, puffiness, sinus headaches, migraines and hangovers. Keep it on your end table to help open your tired eyes. The high content of rosemary and eucalyptus has the quickest most soothing results.
Step into Ananas Spa in Southampton for a Yon Ka Le Grand Classique Facial with
eye mask but do not leave without purchasing your Phyto Contour!

Mani/Pedi After a Caviar manicure at the Salon at Gurneys Inn and Spa, recline in the massaging pedicure chair and get your toes glammed up! You can not help to stare at the peaceful Atlantic Ocean waves with a hand delivered frozen BBC cocktail in hand. The meditative music and a vacant chair beside you for a loved one to enjoy is surely a way to top off this therapy. It was a great first date for me!



Gentlemen’s Corner: “Manstyle Zanzibar Foaming Body Scrub” by
Soy Spacasso (www.soyspacasso.com) and the “Jeris Musk for Men” an after shave for face, neck and chest can be purchased at Maison 24. These products are not too much, they are just right. Trust me, you will want to jump his bones!

~Laura Anne Pelliccio

Published in Hampton Daze Magazine July 2009 Issue

Indulging in your Ritzy Spa Bathrobe in Westchester, New York

After a well deserved afternoon of spa pampering, relax by the pool in your cozy plush linens provided by The Ritz Carlton Spa in Westchester, New York. With the surrounding sounds of tranquil tunes, the indoor heated pool and its scenic views of the Hudson River is therapy alone. Your personal attendant will welcome your needs with a food and wine menu of the infamous 42 resteraunt located on the 42nd floor. From exotic fresh fruit, to your favorite spa-tail, to a detoxifying tea, to the signature warm chocolate chip cookie, this luxurious oasis is surely the best way to unwind in Westchester. So sit back in your reclining sofa and overlook the musical waterfountains and colorful lights through the gargantuous tinted windows of downtown White Plains.

~Laura Anne Pelliccio

Sunning with a Sunblock Rubdown by Gorgeous Tanning Butler in South Beach

Wake up to a mimosa cocktail greeting by your beautifully buffed, "Tanning Butler". The trade marked poolside spa service of The Ritz Carlton South Beach is embraced with a charismatic gentleman escorting you to a tailored lounge bed. Your head-to-toe 15 minute SPF of choice massage will leave your hard-to-reach areas UV free of muscle melted protection. This complimentary treatment offers soothing touch ups throughout the day and samples of block. A top priority when indulging in your ritzy club paradise.

By Laura Ane Pelliccio

Showing Off Your Oversized Hat at Polo in Bridgehampton, New York

Where else can you show off an elegant topper in the Hamptons but at the annual Mercedez Benz Polo Challenge. Each summer, visitors purchase their handmade oversized hats designed by Anne Moore, from her infamous milliner boutique on Main Street in Bridgehampton. From ceiling to floor is an authentic collage of these sun-blockers equipped with personality, charm, and style. Taking notice of the other creative hat wearing hampton-ites while schmoozing and sipping strawberry champagne cocktails is a ritual at Polo. Anne Moore is a self taught staple in the hat designing business catering to celebrities, top magazine photo shoots and retailed globally. There is a customized hat for everyone and every affair!

~Laura Anne Pelliccio

YOU KNOW WESTCHESTER COUNTY IF.....

You know Westchester County if……..Face it! you have received the email blasts time and time again on Westchester not being upstate and You know you are from Westchester if….But, I think this narrows down the graphic detail on it all. If you are from Westchester, you can relate to this …and if a few of these do not apply directly to you, I am sure you can generally agree with the “stereotype” of this discussion….The Westchester County Stereotype…You all know it!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In Westchester County, New York:

-We are all affiliated. “He dated my best friends older sisters roommate from college who went to the prom with my ex boyfriend’s cousin who played football with…(get my drift?)

-No one seems to work. Traffic is everywhere. People are just out and about during normal corporate business hours.

-All parking lots in shopping arenas are jam packed with Range Rovers, Porsche and Mercedez Benz all day. Every day. Seven days a week.

-You play tennis; Your husband plays golf

-It is “mommyland”. Having a nanny raise your children is quite normal here

-A top personal trainer and ownership of a daily “spot” in the group fitness classroom is essential. $200 workout attire is the norm.

-You sell Arbonne . Everyone who attends your Arbonne parties also sells Arbonne. Every woman in Westchester sells Arbonne. and you all attend eachothers Arbonne parties because they all went to yours at some point and you all purchase the same products, just because. You are not getting the Mercedez Benz with the Arbonne License plate, so you might as well host a sex toy party, make some real party money and call it a day.

-Valet parking is normal

-Your family belongs to a golf, beach or country club. If they don’t, than someone close to you does.

-We just look nicer

-Family is important. Most of them live in Westchester too.

-You are a school teacher, work in the family business, an entrepreneur.... or you just don’t work-Otherwise you take the train to the corporate world in Manhattan – thank goodness for Metro North!

-Everyone has attended a wedding at the strip of beach clubs in New Rochelle at least ten times-White Plains is like the new Manhattan. It’s always happening and there is a variety of places to go to…because there’s never anything to do and we get bored easily

-We do not have a shopping “mall” …that is a disgusting word. We have, “The Westchester”

-We have backyards and still 20 minutes from everywhere (Greenwich, Stamford, Long Island, The City, and Jersey……Yankee/Shea Stadium, Strip clubs, bodegas, airports, etc) all major highways are RIGHT HERE!-upstate is 45 minutes NORTH of northern Westchester

-Your weekend getaways consist of staying at your parents vacation house in Montauk, going to your summer share at the shore (nicest house on the block naturally), Foxwoods, Rhode Island, or skiing at the country house in Vermont

-You are related to someone important

-Your parents bought you a brand new car in highschool

-Coffee is a daily ritual. Coffee Shops are everywhere. If you don’t drink coffee than you drink decaf, or just tea, or grab a cup of an exotic latte of the day on the way to the train, or meet friends at the coffee shop, or have meetings, or read, or sit outside, or go on your laptop…at the coffee shop…Coffee is important

-I won’t even talk about the private and public school systems because I might cause turmoil. You know!

-It's no longer cool to see Deer around here...Deer are like pigeon...Bunny rabbits everywhere and multiple skunks sprays year round.......

-If you go to cross county you are a loser. If you go to the Galleria you are ghetto

-And if that offends you than shame on you for maxing out your credit card at “The Westchester”, and too many trips to Cancun and Vegas. Or you’re just a cheap bastard or your parents cut you off at 30 years old and you still live at home.

-The book club and sewing classes actually exist here

-If you move to Westchester and don’t know anyone, become part of society fast. Volunteer, donate, play in an outing. All of the time.

-It’s just so much nicer. Westchester is just so much more beautiful. It has culture, architecture and history. Westchester is prestigious..and special...You don't know unless your roots are growing up in Westchester-Last but never the least….We’re proud to say we’re from Westchester!

Cheers, Love and Light,~Laura Anne Pelliccio (creator)Born & raised in Westchester, New York