Body Lube in a Tube: How to feel like you've been on Vacation in just 45 minutes

I walked into Maria de Sio's new anti-aging skin care salon and noticed how clean and spanking new the space looked. There were aromatherapy candles and beautiful fresh flowers all around the waiting room. When Maria showed me the new treatment rooms, I was startled to see this strange blue plastic tube with a great big zipper strewn across the floor of one of the rooms. She introduced me to her new hyperbaric oxygen chamber and invited me to "try it' for a 45 minute session. Now I must admit I was suspicious. Besides, I was not a fan of isolation tanks. I always had to keep the little door open a crack, just in case. I looked at the plastic tube and realized that there was a clear plastic transparent opening in front of your face so you didn't feel claustrophobic. Now anyone who is really claustrophobic wouldn't go for that feature-it's still inside something that is completely closed and even one minute can be torturous. I decided to be a sport and try it out. Maria is the absolute professional, making sure I was comfortable as I climbed into this all-over sleeping bag waiting to be completely zipped and inflated. Her angelic face was smiling at me as the air pressure changed from normal to something that resembles an airplane taking off and landing.

For the first few minutes, my ears were popping and I had to take deep breaths. Maria watched as I place the soft eye mask over my eyes. There was plenty of room to squiggle around, bend my knees, cross and uncross my legs, move my arms from my stomach to my sides and back again. You can even read while breathing in this additional 20% of pure, clean, fresh oxygen. Oh, by the way, another reason I was convinced to try it was that I tripped on my way into her salon and scraped my knee. It was one of those ugly "little kid-type" bruises; you know the type that looks so awful. So aside from my need for rejuvenation, relief from stress and tension, ease of pain, I was also told this was the most valuable treatment for burns and open wounds and maybe even migraines.

When I finally got comfortable, it was like a meditation, all the thoughts streaming through my head. I decided to take deep breaths and fill my lungs with this $200/hour of pure oxygen. I noticed my sinuses were feeling a bit of pressure. I was distracted by lots of tingling sensations, heat, then the temperature became cool. I kept reminding myself this was healthy, and some people even fly to high altitudes to experience the pure air. If you have a rigorous journey and need to get used to the air pressure, this is a must. Also, if you are a corporate exec, or a celeb-type, you can do this before and after a trip and look refreshed and rejuvenated even if you've been flying for days. All this modern-day travel is bad on your skin and your body-this is the solution. Some even claim this hypersaturates the blood with oxygen and thus helps to restore the loss that occurs as we get older. The result is better circulation, greater beauty, improved health, fitness, and slowing the aging process. (I'll take them all, thank you) Call for an appointment at As my time passed by, I began to get that incredible feeling of relaxation. You know that time when you are just about to fall asleep and your body jerks. Then I ended up in a state of total comfort, as if I had spent the day lying on a tropical island beach with nothing to worry about except my tan. (Those were the days). I was truly relaxed. I opened my eyes to see Maria's smiling face and she helped me to come back to life, like those sleeping chambers in "2001". The pressure valves were opened and the tube began to deflate. I was unzipped and unwrapped from my cocoon. Back to the real world.

The first thing I noticed was that my knee felt better. The next thing was that I could breathe perfectly through my nose. I had the incurable ability to smell all of the beautiful flowers in the waiting room and even the cacophony of scented candles. I was surprised to find out that they weren't even lit! I thought there was and aromatherapy candle burning. My nose revived of its sense of smell. It was great. In fact, I am still breathing deeply and fully after 4 hours. The pain in my sciatic subsided and my skin was glowing as if I had run for hours. I like this additional fresh pure oxygen treatment. I am hooked! I don't mind spending my money or my time to get these results. It's like a vacation in a tube. Call The Salon at 310.553.9404 for an appointment

Off- Season Travel

To escape from the chaos of everyday living, you really have to search the world to find peace. Many resorts promise the fantasy, but do not deliver. However, the Amanpuri has it all, located on a tropical island, Phuket, off the coast of Thailand. The name of the hotel translates to a "place of peace', which is exactly why many of the world's most widely acclaimed and celebrated call this their private oasis.

At peak season, the hotel is filled to capacity and the private residences come alive with fabulous parties to welcome friends and family. Where else could you find Liz Taylor, Leonardo de Caprio or Henry Kissinger walking barefoot on a magnificent beach? If you have always dreamed of vacationing amongst lotus ponds and elegant villas, this is the place. Yet, the best time to go is off-season, without the crowds. There's a bit more rain, and the waves are choppy, but it is the most peaceful. Picture this excursion: a yacht in the middle of a bay, passing through a "labyrinth of forested, limestone pillars that rise from the Adaman Sea." While looking at the spectacular rock formations around a small island known as James Bond Island, you are watching a video on the boat. It is the scene from "Man with the Golden Gun" which is the exact same view as the one outside the window of the boat! If you are a "Bond" fan, this is the opportunity to actually be in one of those exotic places you see in the films. You are there in Real Time! What a concept!

My sponsor was the Thailand Authority of Tourism in collaboration with the Thai Health Mart to visit spas, resorts and health centers. They are trying to promote Thailand as a travel/health resort destination. Can you imagine going to Bangkok to have laser eye surgery or a facelift? How about an organ transplant???? Well, considering the most luxurious "hospital/hotel" has a McDonald's in the lobby and accommodations for the "whole family" you can only imagine the variety of offerings we were invited to visit. In fact, the Thai's are very keen on holistic and herbal medicine. Even their food is filled with healing herbs to enhance your well being. Don't get me started on Thai Food! Next to my mother's brisket or chicken soup, this is the best food on the planet! Back to the spas…… I love Thai massages, so no matter what I did, I managed to sample them from every locale, including a resort that trains the blind. I had the best massage from this blind guy, outside, in the rain, under a gazebo-like lounge called a Sala. If Thailand is a place for getting healthy, then the Thai massage is the remedy!

Finally, Jet Lag Relief!

Do you remember those infomercials in the early '90's that promoted the use of AHA's (alpha hydroxy acids) as the wonder care for aging skin? Dr. Howard Murad, M.D and assistant Professor of Dermatology at UCLA, has done it again. He recently opened Murad 365, a day spa with his exclusive line of skin and internal supplements. Can you imagine first class pampering, every day of the year? This a beautifully designed environment, just minutes away from LAX. In fact, the spa offers "Jet Lag" packages for the travel-weary passenger in transit. If you're a professional athlete en route to a major competition,or a corporate exec., you can refuel your body and get a head start on the competition! Each package includes chauffeured airport pick-up and drop-off during long layovers or between flights, with services tailor-made to your individual needs.

The two hour package includes: a one hour massage, Hydrating Body Wrap or Body Polish, Sensory Relaxation Bed, Lavender Hydro-Sol Facial Mist and the Revitalizer Elixir from the bar. At $200, including the limo, it's a real deal! "The Murad 365 environment provides services and products that nurture, restore and beautify from the inside out," says Dr. Howard Murad. By helping to "fulfill the roles of the body, mind and spirit for ultimate well-being and beauty". I was lucky enough to sample a few services and all I can say is "Try it, you'll love it!" Each treatment was a delight for all the senses-from the aromatic facial to the soothing foot massage. The only complaint I have it that it was over too soon! I think you have to spend at least 3 hours to get it all! This is truly a full service-salon, with manicures, waxing and total hair care. You can actually look and feel great in spite of the grueling travel schedule. Every avid globe trotter and sports enthusiast should find a way to stop-over at LAX just to get a refresher before the next flight!

The Quiet Room

The sign on the door says "The Quiet Room". As you enter, you hear the sound of fresh, filtered air whooshing around a dimly lit space, aligned with cushioned lounges and a table with the smell of herbal-scented tea, fresh fruit and aromatherapy candles awaiting your visit. The soundproofed walls shelter you from the outside world like no other place. You feel safe, secure and unstressed in your lush terry-cloth robe and slippers. You have now entered the world of "Burke Williams Spa".This is the ultimate in luxury.

You are awaiting your massage and all is well. You are relaxed and carefree, floating on a tropical island somewhere in Malaysia or the Caribbean. All of a sudden, a whisper; it is the attendant beckoning you to come to your private room for your Thai massage. You lie down on a futon in a room scented with calming essential oils. Your masseuse is named 'Prima" and she is a master at her craft. She has studied Thai massage at the most essential place, Chiang Mai, Thailand. You are comforted to know that she is highly skilled.

Her first contact demonstrates the knowledge she has of the art of healing touch. The Thais have always known the perfect balance between body and mind is the key to experiencing a whole, healthy and energetic lifestyle. Traditional Thai massage is a vigorous and euphoric experience, which originated 2,500 years ago. It combines yoga and accupressure techniques, manipulating the body's internal energy by using pressure points and yoga positions. The popularity of traditional Thai Massage reached a peak about 200 years ago. King Rama 111 ordered all the available knowledge of the subject to be inscribed on stone slabs in the compound of the Temple of the Reclining Buddha or Wat Po. The skilled controlled application of the pressure by the masseur's hands at these points, which stimulates' the patient's blood circulation and so effect cures. It is usually performed in a meditative state, while the masseur reads the energy flows in the body.

If you are feeling exhausted after a hectic day, you will surely feel a powerful release for all of your pent up emotional energy. This is truly a magical massage, with techniques that span over 2500 years of accumulated wisdom. The concept of health is one which the entire system-including both the body and mind-is in the state of balance. As we all know, the world around us has a great influence over your well being. External stimulus such as hectic lifestyle or stressful situations at work or home will be alleviated by this type of massage. The only other requirement is that you totally relax, especially after the treatment by going into the "Quiet Room" to fully integrate the amazing experience you have just given your body, mind and spirit. You have also saved yourself an expensive vacation! Burke Williams (323) 822-9007, on Sunset and Laurel in West Hollywood.

Body Bliss

Six Steps to Ultimate Pleasure at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

There is definitely an art to enjoying a spa vacation. It is not enough just to arrive at the front desk, change your clothes in the locker room, put on a plush terry-cloth robe and expect to feel immediate relief from your stressed-out modern lifestyle. Picture yourself at a 31,000 square foot spa and resort, surrounded by 220 oak-filled acres of lush green grass and fragrant flowers. This was where Frank Capra chose to shoot the scenes of Shangri La in the 1938 classic, "Lost Horizon". You do not have to travel across the globe to find this picturesque paradise, it's only one hour from LA!

HERE ARE 6-STEPS TO ATTAINING BODY BLISS

Step #1: Take time to relax. Before you spring the big bucks for a massage or any other treatment, get prepared by relaxing. I don't care how wonderful or healing the practitioner is, don't leave it up to them to transform you from a frazzled, burned out Type A to a blissed out Zen master. You have to make sure you relax, meditate, take deep breaths and get yourself in the mood before you lie down on that table. One option would be to take the steam, sauna and Jacuzzi before and leave a lot of time to luxuriate in the beautiful, peaceful surrounding.

Step #2-Be present in the moment. - Moment to moment, the only thing you can do is lie there and think about what is happening right there. If you are being massaged, is it soft and gentle or brisk and forceful? Is the massage going deeply into your muscles or rolling over the surface of your skin. Is it a tingling sensation or a painful one? How do you feel? Is your breath consistent or are you holding it and not breathing deeply. Tell the massage therapist what you would like. Do you need more work on your back or would you like them to spend time on your sore neck and shoulder muscles. How about your hands and feet? Get acquainted with your body and follow your instincts.

Step #3- Use it as a Healing experience. Some of us only indulge in treatments when we are on the edge. We will go to the doctor and spend lots of money on drugs, and medical treatments that are prescribed by an allopathic (western) practitioner. However, anything that seems indulgent or pampering is a "no-no for this Post-Protestant Work Ethic society. Does your body have to be sick with the flu in order for you to lay down and relax for an hour?

Step #4:Try something new and different. Experience a new sensation that you can add to your own personal treatment at home. Try the "Journey to Serenity" Facial with 110 minutes of total relaxation. The ultimate facial that relaxes, detoxifies and soothes you in a gentle, magical way. It is truly amazing how sensuous the touch of a moist warm towel applied to the face with the scent of an essential oil. Another incredible sensation is that of a thick, rich mask applied to your face with a soft, gentle paintbrush. I have had many facials and this one is the best! The head, neck and shoulders massage was also included.

Step #5: -Meet new people. This is the greatest way to meet terrific new people from all over the world. Everyone is there to relax. This resort has many unusual treatments and you can share your spa experience with someone and ask him or her about their recommendations.

Step #6: Let go and have fun! Most people go to spas these days to relax, and de-stress. Everyone that works here is so happy and grateful to have a job in paradise that each one smiles and greets you and serves you with authentic kindness! It is almost impossible to find this kind of service anywhere these days. This place is truly Shangri-La! If you cannot get away for a weekend, just drive up for the day, its only an hour away from LA!
Call The Ojai Valley Inn.(888 SPA-OJAI )

By Marjorie Hope Rothstein

Bali on $10 a day? No way! But you can get an incredible tour package during the shoulder season.

At mindbodytravel.com we have a wonderful trip in store for you. We will journey "from lofty, mist-enshrouded volcanoes and cool mountain lakes, down through the terraced rice fields to a golden strand lapped by azure waters, every square inch of Bali offers a fresh and unforgettable image." Nusa Dua Beach has some lovely resorts. Not as touristy as Kuta, the main town, "Miami Beach", it's worth a taxi to visit, have dinner at the local hot spots, Made's Warung or Goa 2000 and then go back to your paradise. In fact, Lady Di loved the shops and action on Kuta beach. Lots of Aussie's on holiday. They are lucky enough to be a short plane flight away!

One tour package I recommend is to Kintamani-you get so many highlights on this tour (A). You see the Balinese dancers and musicians(a must), and the stunning Mt. Batur with it's huge crater and lake, a visit to a few artisans studios as well as Tampaksiring Holy Spring and Temple. You may get lucky and arrive on a holy day and see the beautiful locals wearing their ceremonial attire and carrying their intricately piled high "fruit sculptures" on their heads as offerings to the Gods.

Pick up any upscale lifestyle magazine from Architectural Digest to Elle Décor and you will find a feature article on someone who lives, works or retreats in Bali. Recently, Donna Karan was on holiday for and extended spa/rejuvenation with her Yoga instructor. Like so many people in the limelight, she favors this luscious island as a place of inspiration and renewal from her hectic lifestyle. John Travolta and his family are also known to stay for extended periods as well as the late Lady Di. The unique culture, the arts and architecture as well as the welcoming people are just part of the allure, as well as the plentiful sports and activities, and abundant fresh healthy food sources.

Last Minute Travel Bargains: How to prepare for the trip of your dreams

The trip of a lifetime can be right around the corner. One day you are "safe and sound" locked into your daily routine of life. Work, Family, Home, Friends, the thrill of flossing and gridlock, the agony of cellphone headaches and stock market jitters, this is modern life as we know it. Then the phone rings and the lottery ticket called "a last minute travel bargain" is yours for the taking. The only catch is: it's way too soon, and your life is now in warp speed. The only response is "just do it!" Do what?

You are not prepared, you haven't had the chance to read everything about this dream destination, you've only "cheated by looking at the beautiful pictures in Travel and Leisure". It's like the final exam before graduation, you were too busy making other plans to really study and the teacher pulls a fast one and asks all the hard questions. You thought you could ACE this one, easy.

So now you're at the starting gate, the race is on and you have no idea where to begin. You tell your co-workers you're taking your vacation time, next week (you haven't had a day off since 1988), you search for the perfect housesitter and cancel all plans for the next two weeks. Everything seems to fall into place, no one complains and you are a hero-all of your friends are happy for you, no one is envious at work and they all wish you well! Sounds easy? But, then everything you put together in an instant seems to break down.

The important project at work is now falling apart and you are the only one to solve it. You do it in record time. Your beloved pet/child has an accident and rushed to the emergency room for the first time, traumatized with a dozen stitches. The reliable, trustworthy caretaker, is now on call because her sister is prematurely expecting any day and is needed to assist in the first week with the infant. Backup plans 1,2,and 3 are slowly slipping away. You end up with the flu, the first time in 5 years and it's a whopper. Your holistic MD, refuses to prescribe any antibiotics or remedies, and only gives you homeopathics from "his in house pharmacy", instead of lomotil and sleeping pills for the dreaded 20 hour plane trip. You have a stopover option in Hong Kong-(Flu capital of the world!.) We've just accidentally bombed the Chinese Embassy. You are outraged, you call another friend, (MD) who prescribes the necessary anti-anxiety, sleep narcotic and you swear you will never go back to that inhumane Dr. Levin (Jekyl) again!

You find out you are going alone, because your significant other cannot bear to leave the bullish market. (It was your idea, anyway to go to Bali!) All of your friends and relatives have heard stories about the political unrest in the country you are visiting, it is a bad time to go. "So and so" said her travel agent has advised her not to go until after the government election, which is scheduled on the day of your arrival to this remote land. The natives are restless. You call the state department, you visit every website imaginable and find " all the news that's fit to print". You send inquiries to the American Consulate, register with the local authorities, get medical insurance, just in case you need air transport out of the region (the costs may be over $10,000) and get all the basic shots.

You find out from the bargain travel agent that your trip is delayed a week. Now you have eight more days to find out how bad it really is in the region you are visiting. You spend all night on the internet asking all the right questions, getting the same answers (the US Consulate has a website that lets you know all the recent announcements, warnings, etc. any region that is suspect.) You end up writing to the local consulate in the area you are visiting and become familiar with the warden. :You e-mail each other for days and they are now alerted that you are on your way, where you are staying and your passport number, etc. You go back to the drugstore and buy more stuff. Just in case you get an allergy attack, a puncture wound, a headache, sunburn, etc. etc.

You end up at the A-16 Adventure store where everyone cool goes when they travel to exotic lands, trekking in Nepal, hiking Mt. Everest, etc. You tell them, shyly, that you are going to Bali and would like any and all suggestions for whatever they think is necessary for your trip. (You neglect to tell them you are staying in a 5-star luxury hotel). They give you so many things to think about-malaria, iodine pills, deet, rugged gear, etc. You realize some of this is not applicable. You put back the Patagonia neoprene parka and the waterproof wilderness survival kit and save $400. You can use that extra money to buy a sarong in Bali. The salesperson, named Pat (not sure if it is a He/She) is so very helpful, it is hard to say "No". You are sure you are not going to eat the food-unless it's in the hotel (you hate getting sick) so you stock up on 7-day rations of freeze dried protein meals in individual packets. Pat did manage to sell you a great pocket knife and mini-flashlight as well as a first aid book that is in it's own waterproof package. But on your way to the Auto Club to by travelers checks you find out that the wilderness store was overpriced and this place is more geared towards your specific travel needs.

You find out from a local shopkeeper that Avon has this great product, "Skin so Soft" which is now used as a bug repellant. You don't need a nuclear bomb( deet) to kill a gnat! Unfortunately, you are leaving in one day and don't know any Avon Lady. By the time you depart, you have several ex-patriot friends of friends to look up, you are now becoming chummy with the hotel manager by e-mail and you are an expert on the political scene. In fact, you realize it was a lot more fun to relax, in your easy chair and scan the beautiful color photos in Conde Nast! Although you are exhausted, you reflect back on why it is so much easier to dream about an exotic trip to a far away land, rather than actually doing it!

The bottom line: you are totally prepared, you have actualized your dream vacation at a "steal of a deal", a once in a lifetime opportunity! Then the airline goes on strike. Will you ever get there? Here today, gone to Bali!

Hotel Heaven

Have you ever taken a milk bath in an outdoor bathtub, looking at the stars while covered in fresh fragrant flowers? Well, get ready for the ultimate in hotel pampering! The Amanresorts has it all! The most remote, the Amandari in Ubud, rated by Conde Nast as #1 Luxury Hotel in the world. Located amidst verdant rice paddies, alongside the Ayung River gorge, this resort is designed in traditional Balinese village-style.

Incredibly sybaritic, I had my own 2-story villa, with a huge swimming pool. So private, you can be a world- renowned celebrity and feel at peace. (Jimmy Carter stayed here during the recent elections). With astounding service, every guest treated like royalty. At the fortress-styled Amanusa, "Lady Di slept here", to escape the Paparazzi, and swam in the grand-scale pool. Perfect for the golfer, it is located next to the Bali Golf and Country Club with ocean views. All the accommodations (villa or suite), have "outdoor rooms" called a Bale. I've been fantasizing about these dreamlike covered loungers that can accommodate a small orgy! The Amankila had the most beautiful sea and coastal vista-right from my Bale terrace! Many newlyweds go to Aman resorts, after traveling all the way across the planet; they end up spending most of their time in their private villa-getting pampering Balinese-style! Well this is the place to indulge!

As far as excursions, food and sports, this place can keep you occupied from river rafting to private shopping and tours and the best gourmet meals! Bali for All Seasons The fabulous Four Seasons Resorts Bali, are very similar in quality to the Aman. The larger one in Jimbaran is designed in traditional Balinese village style.

This full service resort is huge, yet you do not notice the size because of the brilliant design layout of the property. The little private villas have a very elaborate "outdoor room" with a plunge pool. Much of the furnishings are antique wood pieces including entry doors! It feels like you are living in another era, yet with all the modern conveniences. This is a full service resort with all the amenities-a splendid spa and sumptuous food. I am fascinated by the extraordinary structure I found one day while taking photos.

Picture this: a lush tropical forest, overlooking a rushing river and in the distance, you discover a "flying saucer on stilts". I asked my guide, "What is that?" He replied, "The New Four Seasons Hotel". I said "I have to go there, right now!" The catwalk entry takes you across a tree-lined gorge onto this floating water-filled roof top pond. You descend the circular staircase to the open-air lobby/bar, which has a 180-degree vista of the treetops and the river gorge. It felt like "surround sound " for all of the senses, with the rushing river, the trees rustling in the balmy breeze, the animals and birds all resounding in harmony.

The swimming pool, cantilevered over the river gorge is breathtakingly beautiful. Usually, the ocean captivates me. All I can say is "You have to see this place to believe it!' Go, as soon as you can! Hotel Heaven Have you ever taken a coconut milk bath in an outdoor bathtub, gazing at the stars, while covered in fresh fragrant flowers? The Island of Bali has the most incredible hotels in the world, the best in luxury, service and amenities.

For the ultimate treat, try each one and stay on different parts of the island! Each resort is so romantic, the perfect place for a honeymoon, or for those wishing to renew their vows.

The Amanresorts have three locations.

• The-Amanusa, with Beach and Golf amenities, (Lady Di slept here).
  
  
• The Amandari, nestled in the rice paddies overlooking a tropical forest and river gorge, (rated #1 hotel in the world by Conde Nast).
  
  
• The Amankila , a polished gem on the ocean.
  Contact, Steven Scott c/o Amanusa, P.O. Box 33, Nusa Dua 80363, Bali Indonesia. Tel. 62 361 771267

The Four Seasons Resorts-a must! The beautiful beach resort at Jimbaran Bay is a traditional-style Balinese village with all suites, sports and full-service spa facilities. Alternatively, how about Sayan sited on a lush, green terraced rice slope. Picture this, a"flying saucer-like resort" that overlooks the Ayung River gorge. This is "surround-sound" for all of the senses.

Contact: Putu Indrawati- Four Seasons Resorts Bali, Jimbaran, Denpasare 80361
Tel. (62 361) 701010, fax (62 361) 701020

Some Enchanted Evening

The Regent Hotel Chiang Mai is an exquisite property in the North of Thailand. Situated on a large expanse of verdant green rice paddies, this enchanted dreamscape has lush tropical plantings, with mountains in the distance. There are specimen orchids and fragrant flowers to inhale at every breath. It is now the rainy season and everything is moist, with large droplets of water resting on the top of giant lily pads. If you love natural beauty, this is the utmost site for sore eyes. There are so many unique species of butterflies, the kind you see at museums, just fluttering freely. It reminds me of the surreal scene in "What Dreams May Come," as Robin Williams sees the other side of life and it resembles a painting of Paradise.

One evening I sat under an umbrella alongside the infinity-style swimming pool just watching the pouring rain dancing along the aqua-lit pool. In the distance were gas torches illuminating the rice paddies and several gas-lit metal pots at the end of the pool filled with rings of fire... As the fire rings reflected in the pool, patterns of raindrops roused the surface creating the most enchanting site I have ever experienced.

Since it is the off season, you can get an incredible deal to Thailand. The Regent Hotel is so luxurious, they are now building a small world class spa to enhance the sports facility which is run by Peter Burwash International, the quintessential tennis maven. The Regent Hotel is the queen consort resort of Thailand, with additional exclusive private residences.