Archive for October, 2009

The Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa wins AA’s Hotel of The Year

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

Cheers

Having long been recognized as one of the best destination spas in Britain, The Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa in Helmsley has received the ultimate accolade after being named Hotel of The Year by the AA Hospitality Awards.

The Awards recognise and reward the excellent services provided by the UK’s top establishments including the finest AA-inspected hotels, restaurants and pubs throughout the UK. The glittering awards ceremony was held in the Hilton Park Lane in London on Monday night and was attended by the finest UK chefs and prominent hoteliers. The bash certainly didn’t disappoint with Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity providing the entertainment and celebrity chef Gary Rhodes cooking up a feast to remember.

No one was happier to attend than Feversham Arms owner Simon Rhatigan: “We’re delighted to have won- especially when you consider how many hotels the AA inspects every year.  It’s a real milestone in our journey of continuous improvement.  It’s great recognition for all the team here, who have done so much to bring it about.”

It’s the second time Rhatigan has won the award after scooping the prize back in 2003 for Seaham Hall.This time round it’s his own hotel and after a five year conversion process, taking a run down pub and transforming it into the hideaway hotel you see today, he truly is proud of his and his staff’s achievements. Having put Helmsley firmly on the map, Rhatigan and his colleagues will celebrate with a slap-up meal on the 4th of November.

The Verbena Spa contributes highly to the hotel’s great success, where a haven of relaxation awaits guests via a glass link bridge from the hotel itself. Combining a countryside chic and laid back design the spa has a range of groundbreaking therapies from Anne Semonin and Elemis. There’s no better time to visit than the present, with The Feversham Arms Hotel and Spa constantly improving on their already phenomenal success.

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The Gold Key Awards 2009 – Nominees Announced

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

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For ultimate relaxation you need a place where time ceases to exist, where all your problems have drifted away and you can lie back in complete and utter bliss. You may not realise it whilst you’re indulging yourself but the design of your spa is what takes your experience to another level, from so-so to sensational.

The Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design honours the designers who have made some of the best spas in the world the havens they are today. Whittled down to five nominees, the panel of judges looked into both the practicality of the design as well as the aesthetic of the surroundings.

The awards are presented by The International Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Show and will be held at a special ceremony held on November the 9th at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre in New York.

Each of the nominees provides a unique and indulgent spa experience. The competition is tough – we take a look at the five spas in the running…

The Eau Spa at Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach (designed by RTKL Associates)

Nestled in the heart of the infamous Palm Beach where the rich and famous go to indulge their wild side this spa has been designed with hedonism and decadence in mind. An adult playground awaits guests where they can relax in swinging chairs, their feet grazing pools below them, or play a game of life-size chess while clocks tick to another world’s time around them.

ESPA at The Europe Hotel and Restaurant, County Kerry, Ireland (designed by HBA/Hirsch Bedner)

Also taking inspiration from their surroundings this spa incorporates the stunning views of Loch Lein, one of Killarney’s most magnificent lakes. Providing a holistic and restorative experience this spa has been designed with privacy in mind with a private spa suite which features a double steam shower, bath, sauna and steam room.

Lapis at FontaineBleau, Miami Beach (designed by Richardson Sadeki)

For many the ultimate in relaxation is looking out over cool blue seas, so it was an ingenious idea of designers Richardson Sadeki to harness the relaxing properties of water and use it throughout the Lapis Spa. Mineral rich water is used in many forms throughout the spa with mist, rain and steam surrounding you wherever you go.

The Peninsula Spa by Espa, New York (designed by Champalimaud)

In the city that never sleeps it can prove hard to escape from the demands of New York. Up high, however, nothing can get you. Situated on the 5th floor of the legendary Peninsula Hotel this rooftop oasis features a glass enclosed pool so you can stare into the sky whilst doing the backstroke and a private spa suite for those wishing to retreat in total privacy.

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort, Bora Bora (designed by BAMO)

Capturing the unique balance that defines Bora Bora, surging energy meeting luxuriant tranquility, this spa’s design allows guests to journey through walkways suspended above trees and lagoons. The sanctuary, once inside, is warm and welcoming with rich hardwood textures throughout.

So who does hold the Gold Key to great spa design? Will it be the whimsical Eau Spa at the Ritz or possibly the romantic ESPA at The Europe? There’s one thing for sure, it’s not long until we find out. Roll on the 9th of November…

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Wahanda Launches US Website

Monday, October 19th, 2009

libertyWhile global domination may not be in the pipeline just yet, Wahanda have been busy setting their sights on the United States and have launched a US site, us.wahanda.com. From now on, depending where you are when you click onto Wahanda, you’ll be taken to the version that’s closest to home so there’s no need to feel homesick when browsing for spas, salons and studios – we’ve launched with over 3000 venues live on the site and are adding more and more every day, making us the most comprehensive wellness site around. Wahanda is the ultimate spa and wellness website, your virtual assistant to guide you on your way to health and beauty with information, reviews, expert advice and great offers all in one online destination.

Making it even easier for you to find what you want, Wahanda US can become your home from home with listings of spas, salons, gyms and more across the States at the click of a button. Browse our map to find the perfect place for you and your treatments or search for therapists who work in your neighbourhood. You’ll also find great money-saving spa deals which aren’t too far away, or European spa break deals if you fancy going further afield.

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Of course, the best of the rest is still at the tips of your fingers, from spa days and breaks in the UK to the latest reviews in the Wahanda community. Plus you can read expert blogs and treatment trivia to your heart’s content, and write your own reviews of places you’ve visited while helping us donate to charity – so you can give as good as you get.

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Wahanda Tries…The Hypoxi Therapy Trainer

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

hypoxiBy Melissa Brobby.

Are you dreaming of a quick way to lose unwanted cellulite and inches from your bottom, hips and thighs without resorting to liposuction or six days a week at the gym?  Well, we at Wahanda also feel your pain, and that’s why we jumped at the chance to try out the latest piece of fitness technology that is taking the exercise world by storm – the Hypoxi Therapy Trainer.  Its aim is to target the fat stored in your hips, thighs and buttocks helping you to lose inches and reduce cellulite whilst firming your skin within a short space of time.  Sound too good to be true? We went along to The City Point Club in Moorgate, London to put it to the test. 

Tempted to give it a go yourself? Why not book yourself in for a free session with our special offer?

Whether you’re struggling to drop a dress size, have tried to change your body shape but countless gym visits have shown no results, or you’re looking to achieve a great figure with very little effort, then Hypoxi could be for you.  Its wondrous benefits claim to include:

•    A noticeable reduction to the appearance of cellulite.
•    A naturally toned lower body.
•    Concentrated fat burn on the buttocks, hips and thighs that results in fast and effective weight loss.

It is estimated that around 90% of women are prone to gaining fatty deposits on the lower body thanks to poor circulation, and many find that numerous diets or visits to the gym do nothing to reduce the appearance of cellulite on the hips, thighs and buttocks, or shift the fat from those areas.  The Hypoxi Trainer tackles those problem areas using a unique combination of gentle exercise and vacuum therapy within a short space of time.

How does it work?

As you gently cycle within the machine, a vacuum below you generates a low atmospheric pressure to the hips, thighs and buttocks giving you the feeling you’re being sucked into a hole, but this triggers an increased flow of blood to these areas.  This helps break down fatty tissue as you exercise, and the fatty acids from the lower body only are then circulated around your body where they are burnt off as fuel for your muscles.

The increased blood, nutrition and oxygen supply to the lower body results in fast weight loss and reduction in cellulite from your hips, buttocks and thighs.  It is recommended to incorporate this treatment alongside a regular fitness regime for maximum results.

Each session lasts thirty minutes, and it’s recommended that this is done 3 or 4 times a week to really see a difference.  Once you have been weighed and measured before your first session, the amount you will need is determined by your consultant; however, the minimum number of sessions on the Hypoxi trainer is 12 which can cost from £400 to £500.  You will also be given a food recommendation plan to help prevent any weight you lose from returning when your sessions are over.

Don’t be disheartened if you can still see your cellulite after your first session as it is not a magic machine!  However, follow their recommended healthy eating plan, and use the machine 3 or 4 times a week, and who knows what transformation your lower half will take?  If it’s good enough for Cheryl Cole, it can work for you too!

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One Gift Fits All this Christmas – The Wahanda Health, Beauty & Wellness Gift Voucher

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tis the season to be pampered, so what better gift for your loved ones than the ultimate health and beauty voucher? The Wahanda voucher is the most widely accepted voucher of its kind in the UK, valid at over 360 spas, salons, fitness studios and wellness centres nationwide. With new venues added daily, it’s fabulously flexible and perfect for anyone who’s picky about their presents.

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Prices start at just £25 and range up to £200, so whether you’re looking for a stocking filler or luxurious surprise we’ve got it covered. Plus, each voucher purchase of £50 or more includes a free Thalgo Love Your Skin gift set, and last minute shoppers needn’t miss out with our guaranteed next day delivery as standard.
So why not tick everyone off of your Christmas list in one simple swoop – because one gift fits all…

  • For the Stylistas

Party season means pampering, and any girl who loves her beauty fix will treasure a Wahanda spa gift voucher. From everyday facial and manicure treatments to looking 10 years younger with Botox, teeth whitening and hair extensions, she can indulge in the same super spas as Madge and Posh.

  • For the Fitness Fanatic

You can’t treat your fit, toned, treadmill-obsessed friends with a big box of chocolates. Show how well you know them with a Wahanda voucher which they can spend on the latest Power Plate craze, Pilates classes or even ski training sessions, as well as splurge on their January detox.

  • For the Workaholic

This friend may not know the meaning of me-time. A Wahanda voucher will give them the chance to unwind in country spa retreats and hotel spas such as Spa SPC at Stoke Park or Champneys health farms. Or they can even stay at home to indulge with a mobile spa, so there’s no excuse not to relax.

  • For the Man in Your Life

The Wahanda voucher works for the boys, too. 65% of male spa bookings are for men’s massage, so why not treat him to one? He might prefer a heart-hugging fitness class, a luxury wet shave so he’s groomed and gorgeous this Christmas or a romantic spa break – a gift for you, too!

Whoever is on your Christmas list this year, make their individual wishes come true. For full details see www.wahanda.com/voucher.
For more information or high-res images, contact Judy on press@wahanda.com

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors
The Wahanda Gift Voucher is available in denominations of £25, £50, £100, £150 and £200.
Voucher purchases of £50 or more include a free Thalgo ‘Love Your Skin’ gift set while stocks last
For a full list of where the Wahanda voucher is accepted, go to www.wahanda.com/gift
Guaranteed next day delivery as standard. Order by 4pm on 23rd December for last minute Christmas gifts
For a full range of Christmas gift ideas, see www.wahanda.com/christmas

What is Wahanda?
If the Internet had a speed dial button for health, beauty and wellness, Wahanda would be number one. Wahanda is doing for wellbeing what Amazon did for online retailing – providing an intuitive and easy-to-use website to learn about treatments (everything from acupuncture, facials and massages to Pilates, Botox and personal training), share ratings and reviews, and book the hottest deals, gifts and offers from the most comprehensive listing of spas, salons, studios and fitness centres across the globe, all with the simple click of a mouse.

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Review in our community to help charity: water

Friday, October 9th, 2009

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Wahanda is always dedicated to health, beauty and happiness whatever part of our world you’re in. That’s why we support charity: water on their mission to help provide clean and safe drinking water to deprived communities around the world. One billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water, a statistic which we’d prefer to not exist. To support this amazing cause we will give £1 for every review you write in our buzzing community to help fund a charity: water project.

What is charity: water?

Charity: water is a non-profit organisation bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. They get their water by drilling wells from the 30% of freshwater that exists in underground lakes. Often the developing nations have no way of getting to that supply themselves, which is where charity: water and the donations made by you come in. 100% of public donations and money raised directly fund water projects, with other sponsors that finance the day-to-day running costs, and since 2007 charity: water’s project has created sustainable sources of clean and safe water for over 600,000 people to date. To learn more about the charity and watch the introductory videos, visit the charity: water website.

Why charity: water?

Clean water is the foundation of a healthy body, and health and wellness are what Wahanda is all about. If you think about it, just £15 can give one person in a developing nation clean water for 20 years. Unsafe drinking water causes 80% of all sickness and disease and 100% of all money raised for charity: water goes directly to fund project costs, which makes helping the cause completely worthwhile. When a well is being built, the local community are engaged in it and participate to ensure community ownership after the project is complete.

How can you help?

We love how lively our community is at Wahanda, so we thought it was about time to give something back. All you need to do is register for a free Wahanda account, find any spas, salons, or gyms you’ve visited, and write a review. You don’t need to be a wordsmith to make it count. For every review you write, we will donate £1 to charity: water to drill wells and provide people in developing countries with clean and safe water. Drilling a well costs between £3,000 and £10,000, which is why you should review your way to helping those who need it.

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Win a luxury spa break for two at Norton House Hotel and Spa

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

Indoor heated pool at Norton House

Click here to enter

At Wahanda we love to welcome new subscribers with fantastic competition prizes, and this month we’ve joined forces with Norton House Hotel and Spa, a luxurious Hand Picked hotel in stylish Edinburgh, to offer you a luxury spa break package for two people, worth £500.

The package includes an overnight stay in one of Norton House’s luxurious suites, delicious dinner and full Scottish breakfast the next morning, full use of the sumptuous spa facilities, plus a 55 min aromatherapy massage or aromatherapy facial each. Imagine relaxing to your hearts content whilst enjoying your treatment, heaven. If that wasn’t enough, it’s completely free to enter.

Why enter?

If you need a quiet break with a friend or loved one to let your worries slip away and have some ‘me time’, then this competition is definitely worth entering. Norton House Hotel and Spa is designed to create a sense of warmth, security, luxury and blissful relaxation for you to envelope yourself in. The Spa transports you to a sanctuary of tranquillity and harmony, where every effort is focused on your relaxation and wellbeing, and the 4* hotel offers a traditional country retreat removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. A 20 minute drive away from Edinburgh city centre, Norton House is situated in 55 acres of stunning grounds, making it the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing spa break.

The Spa is one of the best spas in Edinburgh, home to luxuries such as a rasul suite, amber lounge, experience showers, and a sauna and steam room. The traditional and modern blend together with ease as the grand style of a traditional country mansion compliments an exclusive contemporary spa, making visitors feel cocooned in the relaxation and warmth. Seven luxury treatment rooms offer scrubs, wraps, facials, massages and a wealth of other treatments to make you feel pampered from head to toe.

The Hotel itself has recently undergone development, seeing the addition of 35 new rooms and suites at an extremely high standard. In fact, the standard is so high that the AA have awarded the hotel with the prestigious AA Hotel of the Year 2008/2009 Scotland award. The Ushers restaurant is fine dining at its very best, offering exquisite modern British cuisine with signature dishes such as New Season Scottish Grouse, and intimate dining in a candlelit atmosphere for the romantic inside you. Only a 20 minute drive away from the city centre, Norton House is in the perfect place for a spot of Christmas shopping and sightseeing, in between getting pampered and preened that is!

How you can win…

Don’t miss the opportunity to win this fantastic overnight stay and treatment package worth £500. To enter, simply visit the competition page and enter your details in the boxes. Then all you need to do from then is sit back and wait for us to contact you if you’ve won, and in the meantime you can have a look at all of our fabulous deals and offers at Norton House Hotel and Spa. You’ll also be signed up to our bargain-filled newsletter so you never miss out on great deals and offers.

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Are you looking to recruit hair, spa or beauty professionals?

Monday, October 5th, 2009

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If you are look no further than hairandbeautyjobs.com, the most visited job board in hair and beauty with over 32,000 quality candidates currently registered online. From as little as £49 we can source the best quality candidates in the UK and abroad.


-    8.5 million hits and over 60,000 visits a month
-    Ranked number 1 on Google for leading candidate search terms
-    Covers all areas of the beauty industry (new retail, education & aesthetics sector)
-    From jobs starting out to  jobs with clout, we advertise them all
-    Advertise your vacancies from only £49 (vacancies live for 28 days)


Call us now on 0870 770 5671 to discuss your recruitment needs


Introductory ‘2 for 1’ offer*
Exclusively for Wahanda customers our 2 for 1 introductory recruitment offer will entitle you to two job adverts for only £49 and you don’t have to use them straight away. To claim, call us on 0870 770 5671 and quote ‘wahanda autumn deal’
*Terms apply. Offer ends 30th November 2009

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