Mary Bemis

Two chic and remote retreats offer an ancient prescription for perfect health…

Northern Virginia’s Salamander Resort & Spa opens with a focus on well-being, from country pursuits to cozy spa treatments and healthful cuisine. In the historic horse country and foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, an hour outside of metropolitan Washington, D.C., the Salamander Resort & Spa’s 340 picturesque acres offer a modern approach to wellness […]

At the new Canyon Ranch SpaClub at the Omni Homestead resort in Hot Springs, Va., guests may spend more time wandering through the Aquavana thermal suite than lying facedown on a massage table. Throughout the hot-and-cold oasis, spa-goers shuffle between the Herbal Laconium, where the thick scent of lavender wafts through steamy cocoon-like niches; the […]

Arguably the world’sleading spa expert, the British-born Sue Harmsworth is the mastermind behind Espa, the global wellness and beauty brand she founded 20 years ago. Today her company manages more than 350 spas at hotels and resorts—from brands including Ritz-Carlton, Peninsula, One&Only, and Bulgari—in 55 countries worldwide. In recognition of her service to the spa […]

Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa was letting loose during the opening weekend of its new spa facility, Miraval Life in Balance with Clarins, in May. Owners Steve and Jean Case were there (Steve cofounded America Online in 1985; the Cases purchased the majority share of Miraval in 2004), as were a host of celebrities and […]

In 2003, I was among the first guests to experience the Spa Montage Surrender at Southern California’s Montage Laguna Beach. So when I was recently offered a similar opportunity at the resort’s sister property in Utah, I was happy to capitulate. Montage Hotels & Resorts, which also operates a city hotel in Beverly Hills, officially […]