This Is MY Life ...

Facebook Challenge

2009-11-06T17:43:00.000-07:00

Ok everyone, the challenge is on! The Boulders Resort is challenging all of YOU (fans and future fans) to get our Facebook fan count to 1,000 by January 1, 2010. If we make it, ALL of our fans will be entered into a drawing to win one of 4 prizes -- dinner for 2 in the new remodeled Latilla, golf for 2 on one of The Boulders award-winning golf courses, 2 50-minute spa services or a one-night stay in a casita at The Boulders!

We are counting on you and all of your friends and family to become a fan of The Boulders. Once you become a fan of The Boulders, you'll have a front row seat to all that "rockin" at The Boulders ... dinner events, spa treats, golf offers, and much more!

So get on the ball and become a fan of The Boulders. If you are already a fan, be sure to send an invite to your friends. The more the merrier! THANKS!

Its still hot out, but November is coming soon!

2009-10-18T13:34:00.007-07:00

Its mid-October, the temps did drop for a couple of weeks, and now its hot out!!! I feel like its summer 2010 already. When is it going to cool off again? I really enjoyed our taste of fall weather in AZ. What a tease that Mother Nature is!

Well, its always "cool" at the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders. Familiar faces are returning from their summer away, groups are having their meetings at the resort and guests are enjoying the benefits that a spa visit provides them!

November 2009 is officially The Boulder's Lifestyle Resolution Solution month. We have a varierty of activities and lectures that will jump start your 2010 resolutions. Get a head start on the new year without having to worry about sticking to your resolution! Here's a taste of our activities for November:

Nov 2 - FULL MOON ... join us for a Full Moon labyrinth walk
Nov 6 - Willie Lim, Tai Chi master, will be giving a tow-hour workshop
Nov 7 & 8 - Bhante Sujatha will be doing 2, two-hour meditation sessions
Nov 11 & 12 - Dr. Len Kravitz will be telling us all about fitness, nutrition and metabolism
Nov 14 - Chef Dean Rucker from the Golden Door in Escondido, CA will be hosting a spa dinner
Nov 16 - NEW MOON - join us for a New Moon labyrinth walk
Nov 17 - and every Thursday - join Rico for the newest outdoor adventure - Walk the Rock
Nov 21 - Luisa Kolker will be doing a Tipi Meditation and is available for Shamanic Journey session
Nov 28 - Golf Conditioning and Stretch with Judy on the 19th green

All of this along with the regular classes, activities and services that The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa are known for providing. We hope that you will join us sometime in November. You won't be disappointed!

To make reservations to stay at The Boulders, please call 800-553-1717 or visit http://www.theboulders.com/ We look forward to having you as a guest in the VERY near future!

ISPA 2009

2009-10-11T09:18:00.011-07:00

WOW! I have just returned from the energizing ISPA 2009 Conference in Austin, TX. ISPA is the International Spa Association and is comprised of spa professionals from around the world. There were over 1,800 attendees which is a GREAT turn out in these difficult economic days. I am especially proud of this year's conference. I am on the ISPA Board of Directors and the team of directors as well as ISPA staff worked so hard to maintain the quality of the conference even though we knew that attendance would be down compared to previous years.

Here are some of MY highlights:

On Monday, 10/5, the Leaders Circle met. The Leader's Circle is comprised of current and past ISPA and ISPA Foundation board members as well as award recipients. It is a time for the association's "wise" to gather and discuss the spa industry at large. There were some great ideas that came out of Leader's Circle that the ISPA board members will be use as a guide for future decision making.

Our first keynote speaker was J.P. Pawliw-Fry. He spoke about change, being ready for the change and communication with staff and guests.

Tuesday, 10/6 started for me with a Professional Development session on e-commerce. Arthur Swanberg provided information that I did not know about how to build not only a successful e-commerce website, but how to drive traffic to it, track success and how to integrate it with all of the other internet options now available.

I then attended a meeting of Hilton Worldwide spa directors that were at ISPA. There were 11 of us along with Keith Burnet, Hilton Global VP of Spa and Fitness; Ryan Crabbe, Corporate Spa Director Hilton Americas and Tyra Lowman, Hilton Spa Brand Manager. It was great to meet everyone face-to-face and hear about all of the initiatives that are forth-coming for Hilton Spas. Ryan and Tyra are both new to Hilton as they started at the end of August.

Then off to the expo floor! What a great floor this year. I spent some quality time with not only the vendors that I currently work with, but those that I may want to work with in the future. I really appreciated the time that I was able to spend with them AND have meaningful conversations. Of course, what's an ISPA Expo without the swag??? I shipped a box of spa swag out on Wednesday! Can't wait for it to arrive here in AZ on Monday so that I can sort through the goodies.

Tuesday's general session included the announcement of the ISPA Dedicated Contributor award to Pat and Juanita Corbett from Hills Health Ranch in BC, Canada. Then keynote speaker Ram Charan. He is a practical, common sense guy with tons of wisdom from the business world. I felt so privileged to hear from him as he consults with Fortune 100 leaders on a regular basis.

The ISPA Foundation Auction wrapped the day up for me! Of course I had to bid on a few items. I ended up with 2 great items ... a Kindle (to satifsy my need for more gadgets) and a basket of Aveda products!

Wednesday, 10/7 was all about the Professional Development sessions for me. It seemed that the theme for the sessions that I attended this year were all about internet "stuff" ... e-commerce, social networking and beyond your website. They were all VERY informative and applicable to areas that I am focusing on currently at the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders.

Thurday, 10/8 was what many us had been waiting for! The presenation of the ISPA Humanitarian Award named for Alex Szekely. Lance Armstrong was this year's recipient and it was presented to him by Alex's mother, Deborah Szekely. She gave a very moving intro that included reading a letter from Alex to Lance back in 2002. Sadly, Alex passed away a few years later from Melanoma. I don't think there was a dry eye in the audience.

I was exhausted, but re-energized! Ready to head home, but wanting to spend more time with my spa peeps! Overwhelmed with information, but craving more knowledge. That is what ISPA is all about. The ISPA association is filled with the greatest sense of community. It's just what we all needed during these tough times.

I can't wait for our next conference in November 2010 at Gaylord National in Washington, DC. Meanwhile, I will continue with my ISPA board service with honor and a true sense of pride for what we all accomplish together on a daily basis. If you want more information on ISPA, please visit www.experienceispa.com

Introducing Weekday Pricing

2009-09-30T18:54:00.004-07:00

Earlier this week, the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders Resort introduced mid-week pricing. What does this mean?

It means that the pricing that was available in the past continues for Friday and Saturday (and holiday weekends). Mid-week pricing is available Sunday-Thursday and is now LESS than weekends ... $10 per spa service and $5 per salon service. This means that your hard-earned $$$ can now go further than before. Add lunch at the Golden Door Spa Cafe or shop in the Boutique for the latest in spa gifts after saving $$$ on your spa services!

Here are some examples:

Golden Door Massage, 50 minutes is $135 Sunday - Thursday and $145 on Friday & Saturday

Lomi Lomi Massage, 80 minutes is $220 Sunday - Thursday and $230 on Friday & Saturday

Golden Door Pedicure, 50 minutes is $85 Sunday - Thursday and $90 on Friday & Saturday

The list goes on. To see the full listing of the newest spa pricing, check out our website: http://www.goldendoor.com/ OR http://www.theboulders.com/

To schedule your spa services, please call 480-595-3500. Our Spa Reservationists are happy to assist you in planning your spa getaway!

Transition - summer vacation to fall work schedule

2009-09-18T10:22:00.006-07:00

Summer has wrapped up and its time to get back into the swing of your work schedule. The transition doesn't have to be stressful. Here are a few tips to make it as smooth as possible:

Set a specific timeline for the tasks that have accumulated while you were away. Voice mails, emails, projects, to-do's ... they have piled on and you just need to take one at a time!

Have realistic expecations for the first few days back. You don't have to do it all in one or two days.

Be sure to take time for yourself. Take min-breaks at work ... close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, stand up and stretch.

Don't forget about your family. Balance the first few days back to work with family time.

Ask for help from family members. Share the daily chores at home so that you don't feel overwhelmed with trying to do it all.

Once you have gotten back into the swing of things at work, stick to a routine. Be sure your routine includes exercise, me-time (code word for spa-time) and a good night's sleep. Returning from vacation doesn't need to be stressful. Keep the memories of your great summer vacation alive with pictures in your office and home.

Now its time to start planning for your next vacation. Have fun and ENJOY!

A Special Guest is Coming

2009-09-08T10:52:00.006-07:00

The Golden Door Spa at The Boulders is very proud to host TWO meditation sessions with Buddhist Monk, Bhante Sujatha.

Bhante Sujatha, a Buddhist monk of some thirty years, is originally from Sri Lanka. He is the head meditation monk at The Blue Lotus Temple in Woodstock, IL and has taught around the globe to people wishing to learn the art of happiness and contentment through meditation. His approach to teaching is easy-going, ensuring that everyone can easily understand how to properly practice meditation and understand Buddhist teachings. A pleasure to be around, he knows the indescribable joy and peace to be found in silence.

Bhante believes his purpose is not only to teach Meditation but also "teaching people how to be happy".

Here are the details:

Saturday, November 7th, 2pm-4pm
In this 2-hr Meditation session, Bhante Sujatha will teach and guide us with techniques taught by the Buddha 2500 years ago. This session will include:
~ An Introduction — What is Meditation and Why?
~ Instruction on Meditation Posture — Mindful breathing, techniques of concentration and the opening of one's wisdom eye.
~ Group Discussion — Time for questions and answers
~ Sharing love, kindness and closeness

Practicing Meditation helps us to learn how to live with a deeper awareness, bringing peace, clarity and happiness in our lives.

Sunday, November 8th, 8am-10am -Healing Through Lovingkindness Practice
Connect with your natural healing power with the gentle guidance of Bhante Sujatha. This 2-hr session has been life-changing for many of it's participants, regardless of religious background. The teaching is centered around the cultivation of healthy self love, for without healthy self love you cannot be fully present to love anyone or anything else.
This session will include:
~ Teaching — What is Lovingkindness?
~ Learning the Practice of Lovingkindness
~ A profound blessing of healing energy with each individual.

The benefits of this workshop are reduced stress and anxiety, healing and enhancing relationship with others, gaining a sense of empowerment over challenging issues in your life, insight into your life purpose, awakening to the present moment and attaining unshakable inner peace.

Please wear comfortable clothing. Yoga mats will be supplied along with a limited supply of blankets and pillows.

Each session is $25 and reservations are required. To reserve your spot, please call 480-595-3500.

Spa Week

2009-08-26T09:58:00.004-07:00

Spa Week is fast approaching (September 14-20). The Golden Door Spa at The Boulders is participating again this Fall and has THREE great services being offered for $50 each! They are:

50-minute Hydrating Body Wrap

50-minute Tranquility Facial

50-minute Bamboo Foot Treatment

These three services are available ONLY during Spa Week, so schedule your appointment NOW as space is limited and is going quickly! While you are visiting the Golden Door, be sure to enjoy lunch in the Spa Cafe. Spending a few hours here can feel like days away!

Here's a great way to spend your Spa Week day at the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders:

awaken your body with a stretch or aerobics class
relax with your $50 spa service
replenish at the Spa Cafe
catch some rays at the spa pool
why not have ANOTHER $50 spa service
refresh the body with a long shower
have your signficant other pick you up!

To schedule your Spa Week appointments, please call 480-595-3500. We look forward to seeing you September 14-20!

Are you ready for some adventure?

2009-08-14T15:02:00.008-07:00

If you are ready for an adventure, then the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders is a great place to be! Not only do we offer your typical spa services of massages, facials and body treatments along with our great fitness and wellness programs, but we offer outdoor adventures as well. What resort and spa can boast on-property rock climbing as well as desert hiking, mountain biking and night-biking?? The Boulders can and does!

You can mountain bike or desert hike in the morning, have a nutritious lunch at the Golden Door Spa Cafe and then scale the 75-foot boulder rock face in the afternoon. To top it all off, enjoy a massage to soothe your muscles and mind!

Kerry and Rico are the expert guides that guide you with safety as a priority. Their experience, knowledge and personality will make this an unforgettable experience for everyone.

To schedule your adventure activity, call 480-595-3500. Our spa reservationists will be happy to assist you with any of your questions!

Celebrity guest at The Boulders!

2009-07-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

It was an exciting day here today! We had a celebrity guest visit The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa! Who you ask???? None other than the Travelocity Roaming Gnome. He is in the midst of his six-week tour of the US and was visiting Arizona. What's a visit to AZ without coming to The Boulders.

He participated in several activities that are popular here at The Boulders ... boulder climbing, walking the meditation labyrinth, taking a water fitness class (great on a hot day like today), resting in the organic garden and visiting with our staff.

Of course, he was the PERFECT guest and enjoyed himself very much. We hope that he enjoyed his visit and has safe travels on his other adventures throughout the US!

Check out The Boulders Resort Facebook fan page later today. I'll be adding several other pics of the Roaming Gnome's visit.

Beat the Heat this summer!

2009-07-19T10:49:00.001-07:00

As you saw in my last post ... it's hot out there this summer! If you are tired of the seasonal heat, take advantage of our Beat the Heat summer spa package. Beat the Heat is all about soothing the skin, soothing the spirit and getting out of the heat this summer!

It is a great deal and includes the following services:

50-minute swedish massage
50-minute cooling cucumber facial
50-minute aloe vera body wrap
Lunch in the Golden Door Spa Cafe

Of course, you are probably asking ... what is the deal? Here's the deal: $325 for all three of these services plus lunch. Call us NOW, as the offer is only valid through September 30th. 480-595-3500! We look forward to seeing you soon!

It's hot out there!

2009-07-12T11:35:00.000-07:00

During these hottest of Arizona summer days, be sure that you take precautionary measures to avoid heat exhaustion and sunburn! At the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders, there is ALWAYS plenty of cool water and sunscreen (SPF30) at the pool. Take advantage of both. Your body will thank you.

A great way to get your exercise in AND enjoy the AZ sunshine is with our Water Fitness class. Offered 5 days per week, you can stay cool, enjoy the outdoors and get your exercise done for the day ... all in ONE hour! A hat and sunglasses are always recommended.

When scheduling your spa services, enjoy them during the hottest time of the day ... 1pm or later. This way you can enjoy the outdoors and other activities (exercise, golfing, hiking, tennis, pool relaxation) when the temperatures are a little more bearable.

Do you have any other questions about the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders ... call us at 480-595-3500. We are happy to assist you!

Welcome to the healing serenity of the desert.

2009-07-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

Guests of this celebrated hideaway find restoration, pampering and renewed energy amid a 33,000 square foot spa oasis. Signature elements include the meditation labyrinth, a circular tea room overlooking desert vistas, and a swimming pool with a lap lane as well as a soothing whirlpool all nestled against the boulders. Completing the Golden Door experiences are the full-service Salon Mila, Spa Boutique and Golden Door Spa Café serving breakfast and lunch daily.

The serene east wing houses 24 treatment rooms. The men’s and women’s locker rooms called Niwa, the Japanese word for resting place, provide sanctuaries in themselves. These relaxing amenities include blissful lounges, steam, sauna and O’furos, a Japanese bath.

Activity is the theme of the Spa’s invigorating west wing, where the Yoga Studio replicates the radiant light of sunrise and sunset. The Fitness Center and Movement Studio offer sessions and classes brimming with energy and revitalizing views of the pristine landscape. Guests who wish to explore the unique scenery may choose activities such as a moonlight mountain bike tour or a boulder climbing excursion on the ancient granite boulders.