Tag Archives: Spa Specialist Training

Dr. Carmona – From Surgeon General to the Spa World

Continuing on with our theme regarding health care…

You might want to check out this morning’s article in the New York Times entitled, “Surgeon General Sees 4-Year Term as Compromised”. Former Surgeon General Richard Carmona spoke to a Congressional panel, stating that during his four year term he had felt pressure to suppress public health report information for political reasons. Wow – more fuel for the consumer fire of outrage.

391px Richard carmona 781202 Dr. Carmona From Surgeon General to the Spa WorldDon’t miss reading further down in the article where it describes what Dr. Carmona is doing these days. He is now vice chairman of Canyon Ranch! How cool is that?

Although he has been affiliated with Canyon Ranch for some time now, his newfound notoriety will no doubt bring more awareness to his new surroundings. Not to mention it’s great for our industry to have someone of his background and character associated with a leading spa and wellness resort. Mel Zuckerman, owner of Canyon Ranch said in a 2006 press release, “Dr. Carmona has committed his life and career to saving and improving lives. His commitment to safety and preparedness, and his unwavering dedication to better health through prevention have changed the way that millions of people view health and well-being.”

As Vice Chairman, Dr. Carmona works with other Canyon Ranch executives, Medical Director Mark Liponis, M.D. (who I met during my stay at Canyon Ranch, Lenox) as well as the integrative medicine team on major projects like the Cleveland Clinic, which is recognized as one of the top medical research institutions in the United States. I believe Dr. Carmona will find enthusiastic support at Canyon Ranch for his commitment to scientific (instead of political) health care considerations.

Fireworks at Canyon Ranch Spa

lenox 001 full 702269 Fireworks at Canyon Ranch SpaPeter and I are at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA for a long Fourth of July holiday weekend. We drove up early on Friday because we had a meeting scheduled with CEO Jerry Cohen to discuss our partnership and some new initiatives. I’ve known Jerry for more than 15 years and marvel at what Canyon Ranch has accomplished under his leadership.

A simple statistic describes the early years of Canyon Ranch: At ten-year intervals, a new branch appeared. Canyon Ranch Tucson opened in 1979, Canyon Ranch Lenox opened in 1989 and Canyon Ranch SpaClub at the Venetian opened in 1999. Thereafter, the ten-year pace went out the window. With the announcement of Canyon Ranch Living Bethesda and Canyon Ranch Living Chicago – both this year – it is clear that the company is on an accelerated expansion program.

My first Canyon Ranch overnight experience was at Tucson in 1980. I remember they were doing some very new things back then – like launching a “Spiritual Fitness” program. And today they are still pioneering programs and leading the spa world in so many ways. I’ll share highs and lows in my next few entries, but suffice it to say that so far I am most impressed that the guests seem very, very happy to be here. The staff seems very, very happy to be here as well. And having run into Mel Zuckerman, Canyon Ranch’s founder, briefly yesterday, I can say that he too looks happy, fit, and vibrant.

Clearly, the Canyon Ranch philosophy is working.

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Famous Spa Consultants Open a Spa of Their Own

02 730234 Famous Spa Consultants Open a Spa of Their OwnBefore I continue with more branding tidbits, I have to tell you about today’s experience. Two of the four yearly meetings of the Spa Finder Board of Directors take place at spas. This time, we are at the brand-new Lodge at Woodloch. In fact, we are their “soft opening” group, here for three days to enjoy spa services, spa cuisine, and fitness activites in between meetings.

After a three-hour drive from Manhattan (the last half of it scenic), we drove just over the border from New York into Pennsylvania and soon found the sign that said, “The Lodge at Woodloch, a Destination Spa.” We walked into the enormous lobby with very high ceilings and windows everywhere. Although we were inside, it felt as though we were still outside – plants, trees, a view of the lake…Nature everywhere. I had been looking forward to seeing this spa because of who the owners are. Ginny and John Lopis are the proprietors and are well known in the spa industry. They have been in the industry in either operations or as spa consultants and designers for the past 25 years and have built some of the best spas in the world. They have their own spa at last, and I can’t wait to see how they have marshaled their expertise.

We check in, go to our rooms, and then meet once again in the lobby near the singing bowls for our tour. John gives us a gracious welcome and shows us around the entire property. I am so impressed. I change for my first spa service, the Lavender Garden Dream. After 75 minutes of exfoliation, massage, and a wrap (with some surprises incorporated) my therapist escorts me to the Whisper Lounge after my treatment just to relax in a chaise looking at beautiful scenery. That’s where I realize how brilliantly this place has been designed. It isn’t just the two-and-a-half years of construction; it is 50 years of Ginny and John’s expertise that has gone into making Woodloch a “must” for anyone who loves destination spas.

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If you wish to be put on a list that automatically sends my blog posts to your email, just let dulcy.gregory@spafinder.com know and she will add you to that list. Thanks so much!