Spa Lifestyle Cuisine

Think of spa lifestyle cuisine as a mindful approach toward food. It's a healthy, balanced eating plan presented in fresh, interesting, tasty, and satisfying entrées and snacks. Our members are pleased to offer their cookbooks to you.
Sign up for our newsletter and receive free new spa cuisine recipes every month.
• Breakfast• Beverages• Appetizers• Sauces/Relishes/Marinades• Salads• Soups/Chowders/Gumbos• Entrees• Desserts
Nutrition ResourcesThe focus is no longer on calories or grams of carbohydrates and fats, but on high-quality whole foods that have been minimally processed and simply prepared to maximize natural beauty, flavor and health benefits. You'll find fabulous food tips and easy-to-prepare recipes in Destination Spa Vacations magazine, on this website (updated monthly), and in the outstanding cookbooks created by destination spa chefs and nutritionists (see our nutrition resources). Even beginning home chefs will find these recipes a breeze and a treat.
Key Components of Destination Spa Lifestyle Cuisine
Promotes optimal health and well being through a sensible strategy for life long healthy eating habits.
Exemplifies variety, moderation, and balance through the entire menu.
Features seasonally fresh, clean, whole foods with high nutritive value and minimal processing such as:
Whole grains, legumes, and beans.
Brightly colored fresh fruits & vegetables.
Lean protein sources.
Lean dairy or calcium-rich non-dairy sources.
Fresh herbs, minimize added salt.
Clean water.
Monounsaturated fats, omega-3 source, minimize saturated and trans-fats.
Limit sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Uses natural and innovative substitutions to create healthier food options.
Emphasizes mindful portion sizes and regularly patterned eating.
Utilizes preparation and cooking methods that maximizes and enhances the beauty, flavor, texture and nutrition of the food.
Exemplifies self sufficiency in the kitchen through practical cooking methods that can be replicated at home.
Fulfills individual nutrition parameters and preferences.
Pleasurable and satisfying to all senses.
Embraces and incorporates credible nutrition.
Incorporates and promotes the sustainability of agricultural resources.

How To Balance Mind, Body & Spirit

You've probably heard of the Food Pyramid that helps you make healthy food choices. Now there's a Spa Lifestyle Pyramid to help you lead a happy, healthy life. It was created by The Destination Spa Group, an organization of destination spa owners. The three-sided pyramid gives equal weight to mind, body and spirit. "It doesn't mean mind, body and spirit demand equal attention at all times. It does mean that they are interconnected. Strengths and weaknesses in one area can influence another. Find what works for you." Here's what it says:
Your mind needs creativity, knowledge and security. "Your mind is always active and ready to learn new things. Channel that thirst for knowledge -- beat stress, overcome boredom and stimulate creativity. When you control your mind, you become master of yourself." yearning for more knowledge, and seeking emotional bliss. People can satisfy and control their minds by
Your body needs rest, movement and nutrition. "If your body quits working, where will you live? Add live to your years and years to your life by taking care of your body. Good nutrition, daily exercise and adequate rest help you create the life you want, starting with a strong body."
Your spirit requires purpose, faith and relationships. "Your spirit is a living part of you that needs nourishment just like your mind and body. Build your faith and find your purpose. Relationships, hope and happiness all rely on the strength of your spirit."
The Destination Spa Lifestyle Pyramid is available on the Destination Spa Group website and at members of The Destination Spa Group, where you can learn "spa lifestyle" skills by taking classes in meditation, yoga, hiking, fitness, journaling, etc.

Spa Basics

By Anitra Brown, About.com Guide to Spas

Spas began when people started soaking themselves in hot springs thousands of years ago. But the spa world has become more complicated. This is a place to find out about the different kinds of spas, what treatments they offer, and how to choose the right one for you. You can also get answers to all your questions about spa etiquette and how much a spa costs.
What Is A Spa?
What Are Spa Treatments?
Choosing A Spa
Spa Etiquette
What a Spa Costs
What Is A Spa?
A little storefront in a strip mall and world-famous Canyon Ranch both call themselves spas. What is a spa, anyway? Where did they come from? You need to understand the different kinds of spas so you get exactly the spa experience you're looking for.
What Is A Spa?
Different Kinds Of Spas
Destination Spas
Resort and Hotel Spas
Day Spas
Medical Spas
Mineral Springs Spas
A Little Spa History
What Are Spa Treatments?
There's a huge range of spas, from tiny three-room day spas to sprawling 40-room resort spas with fabulous facilities. The one thing they all have in common is basic services like massage, body treatments and facials. Find out more about the kinds of treatments you can get at a spa.
What Is A Spa Treatment?
What Is Massage?
What Is A Facial?
What Is A Body Treatment?
What Is A Salt Glow?
What Is A Body Wrap?
What Is An Indigenous Treatment?
What Is Swedish Massage?
What Is Deep Tissue Massage?
What Is Couples Massage?
What Is Hot Stone Massage?
What Is Aromatherapy?

Best Spas in the US

Best Spas
Spas are expensive, so it's a good idea to do your research before you book. Here you'll find some of the best spas the world has to offer. Below are links to the articles on the best destination spas, best budget spas, and best resort and hotel spas and the best spas in big spa states like Arizona and California. For more depth, click on Best Spas in the US and Canada, Best Day Spas, and Best Spas By Specialty, like hiking or romance.
Best Spas in the US (21) Best Spas By Specialty (6) Best Day Spas (12) Best International Spas (4)