1. The Medical Travel Meeting Brazil – where I spoke on Spas and Wellness Tourism
2. Beauty Fair (and spa conference) which I will tell you about in a future blog.

I tweeted somewhat comprehensively from the Medical Travel Meeting for those who want the ‘play by play’ including commentary when I thought a speaker was outstanding, wrong or out to lunch.

The next few blogs will summarize what I learned about medical travel (tourism), Brazil, its spa industry and its crime rate. The latter, unfortunately, by personal experience.

Medical Tourism in General
• As with other countries I have studied re medical tourism, the terminology between medical travel vs. medical tourism is an ongoing debate. The doctors and hospitals generally like ‘medical travel’ because patients are not lying on the beach or going on tours before or after. The marketing folks like the term ‘medical tourism’ because it has caught on with media and consumers and is much more widely searched on the internet.
• There is general agreement now that medical travel (tourism) describes people crossing borders for medical procedures: inbound, outbound, intrabound.
• 80% of Americans would travel for medical reasons if they were assured of the same quality and cheaper healthcare. People will travel for health care if they can save at least $10,000. (McKinsey study)
• Some countries such as the U.S., Japan and Hong Kong have priced themselves out of medical travel due to high costs.
• ‘For every dollar spent on medical when someone travels, they spend eight on tourism.’  (Ruben Torell)
• As in all countries I have studied, there is concern that high quality medical care is available for medical travelers however not always for its citizens.

Brazil and Medical Travel

• Sao Paulo has 11 million inhabitants and the best health care system in Brazil.
• People here seem gracious.  One surprise however, very few speak English.
• Studies show Brazil is known for: Rio, Soccer, World Cup, and Music (1965 Girl from Ipanema – beautiful woman)
• One major advantage Brazil has in terms of medical travel is location – it is easier to get to for North Americans than Asian destinations.
• Brazil has more JCI accredited hospitals than all the other Latin American countries combined.
• Brazil has a history of medical travel for cosmetic surgery. (Seems they want to distance themselves from this now however.)
• Brazil is a world leader in eye surgeries and vision correction.
• Sao Paulo hospitals do approximately 1.5 billion in annual revenue – only 5% is from international patients (mostly expats).
• Brazil’s hospitals are running near capacity. Why do they want medical tourists?   Apparently – prestige.  Brazil wants to gain the world’s trust in its quality medical care. (Ruben Torell)
• Accreditation is what Brazil feels it needs and is set on attaining.
• Good timing for Brazil to get organized for medical travel because of upcoming World Cup and Olympic related attention.
• Brazil studied why India was ahead of Brazil in medical travel despite Brazil’s medical economics. The difference was organization. It isn’t enough to have various pieces; you need suppliers, interpreters, and coordination between all.
• There are fewer North Americans coming to Brazil for medical reasons than coming from Angola (where they also speak Portuguese by the way).

Bottom line for me? Medical travel (tourism) is an up and coming important issue for Brazil.  Spas are not yet on their radar in terms of the great tourism opportunity however my presentation was well received and the idea of spas under a category of wellness tourism was discussed.  

As the country is organizing itself in these arenas, we should encourage them to embrace medical travel under either their Ministry of Health or Ministry of Tourism, however strongly advocate for attracting tourists to their spas and mineral springs to be in a category called Wellness Tourism that would be firmly planted underneath the Ministry of Tourism (not medical!)  Why?  Medical means regulations, regulations, regulations. 

Medical folks and spa folks may no longer be from different planets, however they still seem to be different species.

Bookmark to:

1. The Medical Travel Meeting Brazil – where I spoke on Spas and Wellness Tourism
2. Beauty Fair (and spa conference) which I will tell you about in a future blog.

I tweeted somewhat comprehensively from the Medical Travel Meeting for those who want the ‘play by play’ including commentary when I thought a speaker was outstanding, wrong or out to lunch.

The next few blogs will summarize what I learned about medical travel (tourism), Brazil, its spa industry and its crime rate. The latter, unfortunately, by personal experience.

Medical Tourism in General
• As with other countries I have studied re medical tourism, the terminology between medical travel vs. medical tourism is an ongoing debate. The doctors and hospitals generally like ‘medical travel’ because patients are not lying on the beach or going on tours before or after. The marketing folks like the term ‘medical tourism’ because it has caught on with media and consumers and is much more widely searched on the internet.
• There is general agreement now that medical travel (tourism) describes people crossing borders for medical procedures: inbound, outbound, intrabound.
• 80% of Americans would travel for medical reasons if they were assured of the same quality and cheaper healthcare. People will travel for health care if they can save at least $10,000. (McKinsey study)
• Some countries such as the U.S., Japan and Hong Kong have priced themselves out of medical travel due to high costs.
• ‘For every dollar spent on medical when someone travels, they spend eight on tourism.’  (Ruben Torell)
• As in all countries I have studied, there is concern that high quality medical care is available for medical travelers however not always for its citizens.

Brazil and Medical Travel

• Sao Paulo has 11 million inhabitants and the best health care system in Brazil.
• People here seem gracious.  One surprise however, very few speak English.
• Studies show Brazil is known for: Rio, Soccer, World Cup, and Music (1965 Girl from Ipanema – beautiful woman)
• One major advantage Brazil has in terms of medical travel is location – it is easier to get to for North Americans than Asian destinations.
• Brazil has more JCI accredited hospitals than all the other Latin American countries combined.
• Brazil has a history of medical travel for cosmetic surgery. (Seems they want to distance themselves from this now however.)
• Brazil is a world leader in eye surgeries and vision correction.
• Sao Paulo hospitals do approximately 1.5 billion in annual revenue – only 5% is from international patients (mostly expats).
• Brazil’s hospitals are running near capacity. Why do they want medical tourists?   Apparently – prestige.  Brazil wants to gain the world’s trust in its quality medical care. (Ruben Torell)
• Accreditation is what Brazil feels it needs and is set on attaining.
• Good timing for Brazil to get organized for medical travel because of upcoming World Cup and Olympic related attention.
• Brazil studied why India was ahead of Brazil in medical travel despite Brazil’s medical economics. The difference was organization. It isn’t enough to have various pieces; you need suppliers, interpreters, and coordination between all.
• There are fewer North Americans coming to Brazil for medical reasons than coming from Angola (where they also speak Portuguese by the way).

Bottom line for me? Medical travel (tourism) is an up and coming important issue for Brazil.  Spas are not yet on their radar in terms of the great tourism opportunity however my presentation was well received and the idea of spas under a category of wellness tourism was discussed.  

As the country is organizing itself in these arenas, we should encourage them to embrace medical travel under either their Ministry of Health or Ministry of Tourism, however strongly advocate for attracting tourists to their spas and mineral springs to be in a category called Wellness Tourism that would be firmly planted underneath the Ministry of Tourism (not medical!)  Why?  Medical means regulations, regulations, regulations. 

Medical folks and spa folks may no longer be from different planets, however they still seem to be different species.

Bookmark to:

Dr. Jeffrey Segal, founder of Medical Justice, will be speaking at the Medical Fusion conference in November.  He also happens to be a Medical Spa MD Select Partner to boot.

Turning A Negative Into A Positive, The Medical Justice Story

I am a board-certified neurosurgeon who was sued one time for what I perceived to be a frivolous reason. The single expert who testified against me had been expelled from our professional society for delivering frivolous testimony. This expert had never performed or even observed the specific technique in question.

At the time I was practicing in Indiana, a state that embraced substantive tort reform years earlier. Nonetheless, I was in the crosshairs.  After two years, the case was dismissed a few weeks before trial. But, I never felt as if I won anything. I just felt as if I lost less.  I learned I was in good company. Many have been sued. Few talk about it.

Beyond the age of 40, I quit my day job and started Medical Justice, a physician-based organization focused on keeping doctors from being sued for frivolous reasons. The organization now addresses an array of medico-legal threats and serves thousands of physicians nationwide.  The single goal is to make it easier for doctors to practice medicine.

Migrating from a comfortable living as a neurosurgeon to the calculated risk inherent in the entrepreneurial world was not easy.  Many lessons were learned.  My session at the Medical Fusion Conference, “Physicians and the Legal System, the Story of Medical Justice”, will focus on the story and these lessons –the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Take in some more information from Dr. Segal at the Medical Fusion Conference, November 5th throught the 7th at the Wynn confernce center in Las Vegas.

Her hair caramel gold, was styled into an elegant yet young and fresh bun! For any bun remember freshly washed hair is best and a good paddel brush to give the hair a little volume to the bun is a decent size. Smaller buns age the face and are not glam at all! A great holding spray for any up-do is Wella High Hair Crystal Styler, this is great as it gives only light hold so the hair is still flexible and has movement.

For dazzling red carpet eye make-up try Jane Iredale 24 Karat Pots! They come in 7 electric shades from Aquamarine to a soft champagne and will remain a make-up bag fave for months and months – they seem to never run out!

Jess is always bronzed so why not try our He-Shi fake tan range for an easily apply-able and natural looking bronzed tan! Also He-Shi has just won the 2010 Prudence Award for best Gradual Tanning System! If you prefer a deeper tan, try our  Xen-Tan range. This is a brand new line recently added to www.heaven-spa.co.uk and is fabulous for those of you with a great natural skin colour already, the tan is a deep brown making application fast. (The mitts are the best mitts too, the velvetty fabric makes application soft and even, so opt for one of these fast!)

A couple weeks ago, within a matter of hours, two very dear friends told me that they were each going through something awful in their personal lives. The type of awful experiences you only want to go through once, twice tops. I’ve been through my own something awful and I know this: there is no right thing to say, there is no right thing to do. You give them the space they need and send them warm, healing, loving thoughts and resist the urge to say that you know how they feel – at least that’s all I wanted during my something awful.

A thoughtful gift in these times isn’t a bad idea though. A box of chocolates? Maybe. Depends on the situation but in most cases, chocolate just adds sugar to the wound so to speak. Flowers? Urgh, they’re high maintenance and then they die. A cheesy card that plays a song when you open it? No.

I’m thinking along the lines of a lovely personal expression of your empathy that gives the person license to give themselves a dose of self-love.

Ah, Poetry Bath. Yes.

Poetry Bath Intimate Ritual is the creation of poet and lover of all things serene, Tammy Parker. This inspired line of bath, body and ritual products was crafted with obvious passion, precision and sensitivity. The Poetry experience grew from Parker’s subtle sense of smell and her concern for purity in bath and body products. Her intricate blends of natural essential oils are permeated with a sense of clarity, cleansing and replenishment.

The collection is available in two verses. Verse 1 is an intoxicating citrus fragrance laced with notes of sandalwood and jasmine. Verse 2 is a potent aroma of mint and balsam needle with a hint of grapefruit. Each product was created in the spirit of bringing the spa experience home (you know I love that) complete with soy-based candles, aromatic bath salts, hydrating crèmes and luxurious body oils. A Bathysphere audio and music CD and Italian leather-bound journal round out the thoughtful collection.

Poetry Bath ranges from $20 for petite-sized items to $130 for the Poetry Gift Box (pictured) and is available at poetrybath.com.

Permalink: Immersed in Verse: Poetry Bath Intimate Ritual Collection
Post tags:

© 2010 Arizona Spa Girls, Inc. all content and pictures in this posted article. Please read our copyright page to request reproduction permission of any portion of this post.

<– Marchesa for Le Metier de Beaute: a gorgeous collaboration - Nadine Jolie

Lady Gaga made Anna Wintour wait… as she communed with God – Pop Eater

Natural Perfumes Make Better Scents. 7 recommendations – Healing Lifestyles and Spas

Oil-Free Moisturizers: some skin types really need this – The Luxury Spot

Love It Or Hate It: Celeb Denim Edition. Are saggy butts cute? You decide… – Betty Confidential

Fruity Beauty – great products infused with fruit – The Beauty Bean

If we had a body like Demi Moore at 47, we’d tweet it too.  - Styelist

Fiji, here you come!

Spa Week has partnered with People Magazine

to send one lucky winner and a guest on a seven night vacation at the exclusive

Turtle Island Fiji.

You and a guest will arrive in style, all expenses paid, to your own private beachfront villa. Celebrities including Charlize Theron, Vanessa Williams, Dennis Quaid and Rob Lowe retreat to this luxurious private island oasis. Your ultimate celebrity vacation awaits… minus the paparazzi, of course.

BUT… we can’t tell you how to enter!

To find out the SECRET link, you MUST pick up this issue of People Magazine, on stands today:

What’s the best solution for jet lag? Why, a few hours in a spa, of course! After a 30-hour journey to Sanya on Hainan Island, China, I checked into the Mandarin Oriental Sanya, overlooking the South China Sea, and headed to the spa for some rejuvenation. Like all Mandarin properties, this one does not disappoint. The level of training and attention to detail are evident immediately.

Guests arriving at the spa are escorted to a seating area and offered a refreshment. Then, the front desk staff comes to you, and reviews your service options. I had booked a two-hour Time Ritual, which is a signature service at this resort. The Time Ritual is just that; you book an amount of time, and then what you do during that time is customized on the day of your visit, according to your immediate needs. This is certainly much easier to accomplish when the therapist is able to perform body treatments, massages and facials. I was escorted to the private spa suite, of which there are 16 at this property. As is common in Asia, the spa suite is a self-contained unit with bathroom, steam shower, changing area, greeting area, and treatment area. Upon entering, I was seated on a banquette and was treated to a foot and lower leg scrub and bath by my Balinese therapist, Geria. My treatment began with a Pearl Powder and Rice Milk body scrub. I then enjoyed a 10-minute steam and shower and returned to the table for a full-body massage. Geria’s expert hands had me feeling “like buttah” in no time. The treatment ended with a mini-facial, using products from Aromatherapy Associates. I must admit that, as a client, it’s enjoyable to have one person be able to perform all of the services without having to get up and move to another room. However, the facial is not done in the way we would consider standard in the west; there is no mag lamp, steamer, or any other equipment used, just the skilled hands of the therapist. So while there are no extractions or what we might consider serious professional skincare, the massage felt great and my skin was glowing.

Upon completion of the service, I put on my robe and enjoyed a cup of ginger tea while Geria busied herself straightening up. I chatted a bit with Geria, who was open with me since she knew I was a spa professional. She has three kids in Bali, but can’t get therapist work there because she does not have a university degree. So she leaves her kids with her husband and lives here in Sanya in a company-owned dormitory; she is able to go home for a visit once a year for three weeks. Makes a one-hour commute seem attractive.

The spa treatment areas are woven through open pavilions with comfortable seating areas and beautiful flagstone pathways, which float on channels of water. But unfortunately, it’s too hot and humid to sit outside. Geria escorted me back to the reception area, where I was offered more refreshments. Settling your bill is discreetly done in a separate small room, which has a retail display and a desk. I say retail display; there are shelves with small collections of products, but the overall impression is more that of a collection of objects than a store. As is common in many five-star properties, if you want to purchase retail products you need to say so. But all in all, it was a terrific experience. Other than the outdoor relaxation areas, there is no real “spa” area to hang out in, but that’s okay, because my room is so nice I’m going to return there and utilize the huge bathtub that adjoins my balcony, while enjoying the sounds of the sea.

—By Lisa Starr, who is in China to attend the Spa China Summit. Check out the SpaTrade.com blog for more on her experiences there.

Look, I’m not in the habit of bashing anyones’ second language skills considering my own inadiquacies with Japanese, French and German, but if you’re going to be soliciting business in a country and promoting illegal activities, you’d better have a slicker pitch that this one for ‘Botox from China’.

I get these pretty regularly now; pitches from China for Botox substitutes or cosmetic lasers and IPLs. It’s interesting that they’re using Gmail for their ‘corporate correspondence’.

Here’s the Botox from China email I just received:

Christina
christina.biochem@gmail.com
Subject: Anti- Aging and skin care products based on HA ( Dermal filler,Botox,HA cream,etc)
Message: Dear friend,

I get your information on your website and find that you are engaged in non-surgical cosmetic and aesthetic medicals.

I would like to introduce our company and products with hope to get a chance to establish business relationship with you in the future.

We can supply the botox in 150iu. It play good in contouring facial lift.

Besides,we are also the manufacturer of hyaluronic acid filler. I have fillers in 10.000, 100.000, 200.000 particle in 1ml for deep,medium and fineline wrinkles. It also play good in nose augmentation, chin enhancement. We do not only have 20mg/ml fillers. We also have 25mg/ml one. And it do better for nose augmentation and chin enhancement.

We adopt BDDE cross-linked technology from Germany,the quality and lasting period is long and good. And our three plants are up to GMP standard.

So at first time we do not have minimum order limit in order to let you know my products.

We will delivery the products  immediatly by DHL express after we received the payment of the goods.

Should you have any questions or problems,pls let me konw freely.

We look forward to building up very good business ships based on mutual benefits.

Best quality, competitive prices & pleasant reputation are our Aim.

Have a wonderful day.

Thanks and best regards,
Christina
Qufu Haitao International Trading Co.,Ltd
Add:No.1 Guangming Road QuFu Tour & Economic Development Zone, QuFu
ShanDong, China

I don’t know anyone that’s ever used this kind of product… scratch that. I do know one physician who ‘ordered’ some of that cheap lab-animal botulism product that some doctors got in trouble with a few years ago. Of course he claims that he never used it on a patient.

Injecting with fake Botox substitutes from China is usually reserved for the wacko ‘I learned to inject myself with fake Botox on YouTube‘ crowd, not medical practices, but It’s obviously working at least a little bit if the frequency that I’m being contacted is any indication.

Is anyone else receiving these kinds of pitches?

As with all our other monthly 241’s, two of you come along and enjoy the treatments and you are charged for just one.  In other words the pair of you pay £125 in total.

We started these 241’s at the start of the year and we have now built up quite a following – with many of you eagerly looking out for each month’s offer so you can get on the phone and book in.  We must stress that to avoid any disappointment you call us soon to make your booking.

The offer is valid unitl 30th September and it can be taken at either Heaven Spa in Didsbury (  0161 448 8786) or Heaven Spa @ Hilton (0161 870 1789).  50% deposit is payable on booking.

Massage therapy goes much deeper than soothing music and a good ol’ back rub. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), studies show massage can provide stimulation that blocks pain signals sent to the brain and helps release mood-boosting chemicals like serotonin and endorphins. Massage can potentially reduce stress-related symptoms like anxiety and depression and helps ease neck, lower back and even treatment-induced pain and fatigue experienced by chronically ill patients.

But if you still haven’t discovered the benefits yourself, Massage Envy has a way for you to get a massage at an affordable price while supporting a worthy cause. For one day only on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, Massage Envy clinics across the country will take part in the Massage Envy Massage for a Cure benefit. Massage Envy will offer one-hour massage services for just $49 and donate $15 from each to affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Proceeds will benefit breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs in your local community and raise awareness for this devastating disease that effects 1 in 8 Americans. Now in its sixth year, Massage Envy’s Massage for the Cure campaign has raised more than $1.4 million for breast cancer research.

Be a part of the 2010 Massage Envy Massage for the Cure and get a taste of the mind-body benefits of massage while helping to fight breast cancer. Appointments now being accepted. For more information or to find a Massage Envy location near you, call 602-992-ENVY (3689) or visit massageenvy.com.

Permalink: Relax for the Cause: Massage for the Cure Returns

Post tags: breast cancer education, breast cancer research, massage envy, national institutes of health nih

© 2010 Arizona Spa Girls, Inc. all content and pictures in this posted article. Please read our copyright page to request reproduction permission of any portion of this post.

Can happiness be bottled? According to a local fragrance blender, absolutely!

by Lisa Kasanicky

Nothing against Brittany Spears – I’m sure she’s a perfectly nice young lady – but I don’t want to smell like her. And I don’t think I could pull off smelling like Paris Hilton, Queen Latifah or any of the other myriad celebrities who have created their own fragrance lines. Although the thought of a custom scent that says “me” – moody notes laced with a side of hypersensitivity and undertones of a coupon-cutting addiction – is intriguing but I don’t think it would be a big seller.

Enter Kelly Jones Podorsek, founder of Tucson-based Salud Scent Studio. A self-professed scent sommelier and custom fragrance blender, Podorsek says that not only is your choice of fragrance a personal statement but it also can can elevate your mood. Smells have a one-way track to emotional receptors in our brains and given the right notes for your nose, a fragrance can unleash a treasure chest of happy memories.

Here’s her two cents on scents.

Do you think wearing a fragrance contributes to a happier, more positive mood?

Certainly, especially notes in fragrances that remind us of past, happy memories – the smell of playing in a haystack as a child, fresh cut grass, old attics and library books, or the bottle of lilac water on your grandma’s dressing table. Fragrances can bring back those happy memories. Also, certain essential oils and scents can definitely lift the spirit, like neroli, bergamot and other uplifting oranges, as well as the essences of cocoa. Even the very ritual of applying perfume has a calming, centering effect that leads to a happy, peaceful feeling. And of course, I always feel happy when I add a new bottle of perfume to my collection!

In terms of health, are natural essential oil blends better than synthetic fragrances?

There are currently many debates on the very meaning of “natural” and “organic” in the world of perfume. Yes, there is a difference between synthetic scent and essential oil. But I believe that consumers aren’t getting all sides of the story, and that synthetics are not necessarily bad. Essential oils are pure extracts from the plant; I like to think of them as a living liquid in a way. Since these are pure and real, they can have therapeutic and medicinal effects. However, one should also use caution with essential oils, since misuse can sometimes lead to skin irritation. I’m not a fan of the word “synthetic” since it sounds so negative. But in reality, synthetic fragrances are very stable, safe for the skin and allow us to obtain scents that just can’t be capture in the world of essential oils – like the smell of gardenia and pumpkin pie. A high quality perfume will normally contain a combination of essentials and synthetics.

How do we fine-tune our sense of smell?

Leonardo DaVinci once said that the average person “looks without seeing, listens without hearing, touches without feeling, eats without tasting, … and inhales without awareness of odor or fragrance.” My advice is to simply take the time to notice the scents that surround us every day.

Any advice on how to pick the perfect signature scent?

Be open to new scents, and don’t be afraid to try combinations that are very different from what you usually wear. You could be pleasantly surprised! Rest your nose after about five sniffs – smell some coffee beans, or step outside into the fresh air to take a break. Take your time and always try the scents on your skin before committing to a final blend.

How do we extend the wear of our fragrance throughout the day?

Fragrance lasts longer when it’s applied to moisturized skin, so apply some matching or unscented lotion before you apply your perfume. It’s all about layering.

What are your favorite scents?

I tend to get bored with white florals and fruity perfumes. Instead, I love exotic, rare notes and deep, rich woodsy and oriental tones. My current favorite is a blend of Rare Amber, Black Peppercorn, White Tea and Violet. I call it “Zelda” and I blended it after visiting an area on Long Island where F. Scott Fitzgerald set the stage for The Great Gatsby.

For more about Salud Scent Studio, visit saludspabar.com.

More High Notes

Here’s the latest fresh-cut fragrances from the beauty aisles.

Stella Sheer. A sheer version of her namesake fragrance, this new scent from Stella McCartney is infused with mountain-grown organic rose. The limited-edition bottle was designed by British painter Philip Jones. $62 at Sephora stores and sephora.com.

Lavanila Healthy Roller-Ball. Pop this slim, spill-proof scent in your purse for an on-the-go dose of botanicals. Available in three fresh scents, each is infused with essential oils and 30 vitamins and minerals. $19 at Sephora stores and lavanila.com.

Lisa Hoffman Variations Madagascar Orchid Fragrance Kit. Uniquely blended to charge your senses throughout the day, each of these pulse point oils features heady floral notes. The four-oil set comes in a leather travel wallet. $95 at lisahoffmanskincare.com.

Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Spray Perfume. This island-charged aroma has a natural, pure grain alcohol base and notes of fresh notes of coconut and guava. $22 at Sephora stores and pacificaperfume.com.

Soap and Paper Factory Solid Perfume. These hand-poured, portable fragrances are blended with jojoba oil, pure beeswax and handpicked fragrance oils. Available in nine sensory experiences, the solid perfumes are packaged in recyclable plastic containers. $18 at soapandpaperfactory.com.

Permalink: Perfect Scents: How to Find Happiness in a Bottle

Post tags: cologne, Fragrances, natural fragrances, perfumes

© 2010 Arizona Spa Girls, Inc. all content and pictures in this posted article. Please read our copyright page to request reproduction permission of any portion of this post.

Spa Week® is your ticket to the hottest spas and salons, allowing you to get pampered like movie star twice a year for just $50 per treatment. This Fall, from September 13-19, 53 magnificent spas are opening their doors to you for Spa Week in the LA/OC area. Some spas are already nearly booked up for the week! We’ve rounded up 12 spas that define the LA spa scene, what you need to know about them, and our treatment recommendations. For the full LA $50 treatment list, check Spa Week’s CALIFORNIA SPA DIRECTORY and book your appointments stat.

1. The Peninsula Spa at The Peninsula Beverly Hills

A stunning, modern resort spa with locations all over the world. This particular one has been recognized on multiple occasions by readers of Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top 5 Hotel Spas in North America. Spa Week $50 treatment to try: 50 Min Cinnamon Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub (310.975.2854)

2. Verabella Skin Therapy (Beverly Hills

This Beverly Hills mainstay regularly featured in magazines such as Allure, InStyle, Vogue and named “Best of LA” twice by Los Angeles Magazine for its incredible gourmet facials. Spa Week $50 treatment to try: 50 Min The Instant Lift: A Non-Surgical Face Lift (310.278.4733)

3. The Huntington Spa at The Langham (Pasadena)

Recently renovated, this 11,000 sq foot haven features 13 treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room and whirlpool, a spacious fitness center, and many of their treatments are based on Chuan Body + Soul Traditional Chinese Medicine. Spa Week $50 treatment to try: 50 Min “Walk in the Clouds” Pedicure (626.585.6414)

4. BHPS, Inc. by Dr. Gabriel Chiu (Beverly Hills)

Get out your quilted 2.55… the spa architecture and decor was inspired by Chanel! The Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery spa features a Skinceuticals retail lounge, private VIP reception and beautiful patient suites. Spa Week $50 Treatment to try: Cocktail Vermouth Facial Peel (310.888.8087)

5. The Shave of Beverly Hills

This spa provides a male-centric atmosphere for the connoisseur of men’s grooming with class and style. They blend the traditional shaving regiment with a modern approach to men’s skin care. Spa Week $50 treatment to try: 60 Min Beverly Hills Gentlemen’s Facial, including Cleanse, Scrub, Steam, Hydrating Mask and Extractions (310.858.8281)

6. Rejuvalife Vitality Institute

Spearheaded by Dr. Andre Berger, Beverly Hills’ Rejuvalife Vitality Institute integrates anti-aging, hormone therapy, medical weight loss & non-surgical cosmetic treatments to restore & heal your mind, body & spirit. Read this review of the 7E treatment. Spa Week $50 treatment to try: 7E Torc Plus Instant Inch Loss Treatment (310.276.4494)

7. CityLife Medical and Fitness Spa

8. Lauren’s Salon and Spa

This Hollywood hot spot is loved for its friendly staff, intimate service and extraordinary styling. Spa Week $50 treatment to try: Spa Week Hair Special: Spice Up Your Look with Fresh Fall Highlights or Wash, Cut, Condition and Blow-Dry (323.852.1410) . Click here to see the see a video of the spa up close.

9. LuxLash

LuxLash founder Suzanne Cats is ahead of the curve in the lash, brow and eye beauty business. LuxLash technicians go through over 100 hours of training to perfect the art of applying lashes with her latest patent-pending techniques. Spa Week $50 treatment to try: LuxLash Enhancement Lashes (310.273.5274‎)

10. Tan Galleria & Spa

A sleek tanning spa with state-of-the-art airbrush tan equipment. Spa Week $50 treatment to try: Celebrity Custom Spray Tan with Pre Hydration Spray – Full Body & Face (818-783-3003)

11. White Lotus Day Spa (Orange County)

An intimate spa owned by Kristin Trumble, who creatively blends many classic French and Hungarian skincare techniques with modern chemical peels. Spa Week $50 treatment to try: 50 Min Acupuncture Treatment (949.496.2977)

12. Skin Beauty Bar (Studio City)

Skin Beauty Bar is about hospitality, same day results, and comfort. Spa Week $50 Treatment to try: 60 Min Skin-licious Facial, including Oxygen Treatment and Hand & Arm Massage (818.406.7791)

Now: Sign up for Spa Week Fall 2010 and view all the California Spas

Classic French Twist

Modern Bouffant

Elegant Updo with Sideswept Bangs

Teased Updo with Frace-Framing Pieces

Sleek, Straight and Short

Trendy Side Bun

Tell us: how did you wear your hair on your wedding day?