Insider's Guide to Spas

05/02/2025

With a design career spanning more than four decades, Beryl Dusenberry, a certified member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), brings both artistry & precision to her role as Interior Designer and Antique/Design Project Coordinator Cal-a-Vie Health Spa.

Beryl's lifelong passion for design, paired with a spirited love affair with antiques, makes her the perfect curator for one of the most distinctive private collections in the spa world.

Beryl Dusenberry is more than Cal-a-Vie’s resident design expert—she’s its storyteller, conservator, and creative force.

04/26/2025

Tucked into the hills of northern San Diego County, Cal-a-Vie Health Spa is more than a wellness retreat—it’s a storied sanctuary that helped shape the very concept of the destination spa in the United States. Established in 1986, it was among the earliest to offer a fully immersive, all-inclusive wellness experience grounded in fitness, mindful eating, and restorative spa therapies. From its earliest days, Cal-a-Vie championed the belief that true wellbeing should be deeply personal, profoundly restorative, and intentional.

Cal-a-Vie blends timeless spa traditions, curated European antiques, and deeply personalized care on a sun-soaked California hillside.

12/13/2024

There’s something timeless about heading to the mountains for answers. It’s an ancient tradition—a deliberate act of seeking clarity, healing, and growth.

When you journey to a place as remote and breathtaking as South Tyrol, you’re signaling to yourself that you’re ready for transformation. That’s exactly why I found myself at Preidlhof, invited to experience their Integrated Healing Retreat, a week-long program designed to address healing on every level. I arrived not as a seasoned spa critic, but as a pilgrim—someone ready for renewal.

Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort

Heading to the mountains for answers is a timeless tradition—a deliberate act of seeking clarity, healing, and growth.

11/25/2024

"I was surprised at the intimacy, of the new spa. Unlike the vast lobby, all dark woods, polished brass and plush velvet, the smallish spa is tucked in the sub-sub-basement, sharing a floor with the hotel’s pool," writes Michael Picon of the new Naturopathica Spa at The Chatwal, New York.

"Typical for Naturopathica, the space is minimal and well-lit. Visitors are greeted by a gentle fog of Naturopathica’s signature botanicals and whisked into lushly appointed changing rooms." Read Michael's report, here:
https://www.insidersguidetospas.com/features/naturopathica-spa-at-the-chatwal/

10/17/2024

Headed to the Global Wellness Summit in St. Andrews? You’ll want to stay comfortable, chic, and cozy—whether attending summit events or exploring Scotland’s stunning landscapes. Here’s a hand-picked list of essentials to help you pack like a pro.

Global Wellness Summit Noel Asmar Naturopathica

[photo courtesy pringlescotland.com]

Headed to GWS in Scotland? Here’s a hand-picked list of chic and comfy essentials to help you pack like a pro.

10/16/2024

In the heart of Scotland, beside the storied waters of St. Andrews, the Global Wellness Summit (GWS) is preparing to mark a defining moment in the wellness industry. This year’s gathering carries the fitting theme, “A Watershed Moment for Wellness,” signaling both a turning point and a celebration for an industry on the cusp of transformative change.

Amid ancient golf courses and the historic charm of cobbled streets, participants will gather in a setting that seamlessly blends beauty, history, and hospitality. As Susie Ellis, Co-Founder, Global Wellness Institute (GWI) and GWS, and Nancy Davis, Chief Creative Officer, GWI, recently reported, “Momentum is building for the 2024 Summit, and we are thrilled to share why St. Andrews is the perfect backdrop for this year’s gathering.”

KOHLER

The allure of St. Andrews sets the tone for a summit grounded in tradition but forward-thinking in purpose.

10/16/2024

Maria Wodzinska and her mother Jolanta Wodzinska are on a mission to create Water Safe cosmetic formulations. How do they define water safe? “Water safe means safe for all aquatic life.” explains Maria. “This means that the substance, when released to aquatic ecosystems does not bioaccumulate to toxic levels that can harm the organisms living in this ecosystem. It biodegrades safely without causing any harm to aquatic life. Water safe is a more widely applicable statement than reef safe which refers to safety to coral reefs only.”

This new skincare line has a passionate back story and formulates purely with ingredients that safely biodegrade in water.

08/26/2024

"Personal transformation can come cheap: Forty nights in the desert with nothing but your demons will change your life. Guaranteed! But most of us seeking transformation want structure, specifically a pyramid. Think Maslow: We want a wide base of security that builds stepwise to a point of self-actualization—that aha! when we experience the self we want to be—or remember being—and then we want to come home with renewed hope and new tools to keep going. We want our “dark night of the soul” lit with fireworks: A retreat that’s deep, meaningful, healing, and spectacularly fun," writes , Editor at Large, of his recent visit to Zihfit - Wellness Retreat—a brand new fitness retreat in Zihuatanejo.

Nowadays, we want our “dark night of the soul” lit with fireworks: ZihFit is a retreat that’s deep, meaningful, healing, and surprisingly fun.

06/28/2024

Green clean beauty lovers & aficionados—mark your calendars for July 23-25 when Cosmoprof North America returns to Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino! Make sure to stop by the Discover Green section & check out the beautiful green brands, in the feature below. See you there!

A round-up of this year's green beauty brands exhibiting at Cosmoprof's Discover Green, the specialty area co-curated by Mary Bemis.

06/22/2024

“We anchor everything that happens here in water,” attests Sharon Holtz, Vice President of Wellness at this welcoming hot springs resort that’s nestled alongside the banks of the San Juan River. With 25 hot spring pools ranging from 80 to 114 degrees F and healing water that's chock-full of good-for-you minerals, The Springs Resort tops the list when it comes to a good soak.

Hot Springs of America

Take your pick of 25 hot spring pools with temperatures from 80 to 114 degrees F, and water that's resplendent with good-for-you minerals.

06/15/2024

Our favorite adventurer, Fierce Traveler, appreciates a good soak. This guy has experienced all sorts of spa treatments all over the world & when at home, takes two baths a day. He's particular about the products he chooses to use & shares his favorites with us in story below.

Kneipp Skin AuthorityNatura

Travel writer Scott Goetz has some serious bath rituals and happily shares three favorite products he can't live without.

06/01/2024

The spa industry has lost a longstanding member of the spa community with the passing of Merrill Williams. Merrill was best known for her poise, her professionalism, and her public relations’ expertise. She had a flair for words, and began her career as an editorial assistant at Vogue magazine.Merrill worked cheerfully and tirelessly to promote our industry. She was instrumental in conceiving and launching the renowned Spa Ojai at Ojai Valley Inn, and she served on the boards of the International SPA Association (2003-2006) and the Historic Hotels of America.Special thanks to her son Kevin Douglas Gross, who shares her obituary with us here.

A beloved member of the spa community, Merrill Williams was best known for her poise, professionalism, and public relations' expertise.