MIRAVAL RESORTS WELLNESS
FROM THE MIRAVAL RESORT LIFE IN BALANCE SPA
Miraval Resorts & Spas are more than luxury hotels. They are destinations that mindfully curate custom wellness experiences that nurture you mind, body & soul. The Miraval journey is about creating a life in balance, healing the whole self, and engaging in the present moment, in awe-inspiring settings that are nestled in nature. Each Miraval property offers a wide array of wellness activities from fitness classes, yoga, and meditation to outdoor adventures that cultivate self-discovery and revelations. Their most unique offerings are found in their private sessions with Miraval specialists, where you can experience a one on one consultation with a variety of world class healers, ranging from psychic readings, personalized energy healing rituals, nutrition evaluation or wellness counseling.
“Miraval’s culture is rooted in the notion of balance. A balanced center grounds us. Its harmony inspires us. Balance is more than not falling, or obtaining equal parts of something. It is a process that is organic, evolving, and perpetually moving toward equilibrium.”
LIFE IN BALANCE SPA
SPA DRY BRUSHING 101 WITH KIM KELDER
Perhaps this time at home is inspiring you to experiment with new self-care practices, whether that’s trying on a new hair color or copying the latest dance moves from on TikTok. But if you’ve been curious about dry-brushing – a centuries-old technique that carries with it many health and beauty benefits – today’s your day.
According to Miraval Arizona’s lead esthetician Kim Kelder, dry brushing increases circulation in the body, allowing the body to detoxify itself naturally. It can also help reduce the appearance of cellulite. This is because the massaging action of dry brushing can actually work at the cellular level to help to reduce tissue edema under the skin that presents as cellulite.
In addition to improved circulation, dry brushing can also reveal more radiant skin by removing dead skin cells that carry oil, dirt and residue which can actually make your moisturizer more effective. And according to the Cleveland Clinic, dry brushing can also stimulate the nervous system, making you feel mentally invigorated and energized.
If you’re ready to try it, here’s Kim’s advice:
STEP ONE: Go online and find a dry brush specifically designed for use on the body. When shopping, look for medium to soft bristles made of natural materials like cactus or agave bristles called sisal.
STEP TWO: Once you have your brush in hand, stand in the shower with your brush before you turn on the water.
STEP THREE: Grip the head of the brush and massage your dry body in an upwards motion using light strokes, starting with your feet, and move up to your calves, thighs, hips, and beyond.
STEP FOUR: Hold the long arm of the brush to access harder-to-reach back areas.
STEP FIVE: Shower normally.
STEP SIX: With the shower still running, rinse your dry brush to prevent dead skin accumulation.
STEP SEVEN: Towel off and apply body moisturizer that address your needs. i.e
Dry skin: use a cream with shea butter or ceramides, which are lipids that help form a protective barrier over your skin, or a body lotion with hyaluronic acid, a potent molecule that retains moisture.
Aging skin: use a body cream with alpha hydroxy acid, which helps unclog pores, or retinol, which helps stimulate cell regeneration.
Sun damaged skin: use a body cream with SPF and the antioxidant vitamin C.
Some of Kim’s favorites include: Naturopathica Sicilian Bergamot Body Lotion, EmerginC Vitamin C, Hemp, Avocado and Argan Body Lotion, Laurel Sun Body Oil, and Coola’s Mineral Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30.
STEP EIGHT: Practice daily for best results. Happy brushing!
Miraval Berkshires
Miraval Arizona
THE PERFECT MIRAVAL BATH
RECIPES, TIPS, INDULGENCES AND MORE
Is there a better day than Friday to take a luxurious, relaxing bath? We don’t think so. Below you’ll find ideas and tips on how to create a perfect bath from our acclaimed spa director, Simon Marxer. Happy soaking!
Recipes…
Add about 10 drops of your favorite essential oils to your bathwater to enhance your experience and remedy your aliments.
Relaxation: To be able to switch off and sleep at night use Chamomile, Sandalwood & Lavender
Stress-relief: In times of stress use Ginger, Black Pepper, Rosemary & Chamomile
Energize: If you are feeling sluggish use Patchouli, Rosemary, Grapefruit & Juniper Berry
Improve: To uplift your mood use Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Frankincense & Rose
Tips…
For a truly luxurious bath, add in your favorite natural bath products. Try bath salts, essences of herbs and flowers and bubble-baths.
When using bath salts, be sure to add them while the water is running to dissolve the salts before you get in.
Make sure that the bath is the perfect temperature for your body – not too hot, yet not too cold.
When filling the bathtub, get in when it’s filled about halfway. That way you can feel the temperature and adjust it so it’s comfortable for you!
After the bath blot yourself dry and then apply body lotion, moisturizer or use your preferred product of choice to lock in moisture.
Pour yourself a warm cup of decaf tea.
Hop into bed for an early night or just read a book or magazine. Do anything that is relaxing to you.
Indulgences…
Prepare your favorite snack (maybe some berries or grapes?) and place it within easy reach.
Infuse a cool glass of water with cucumber slices or lemon to sip on.
Spray aromatherapy oils onto 2 chilled towels to use on your face and neck to refresh you during your bath.
Arrange some candles in the bathroom to create a soft relaxing light.
Play relaxing music while you soak.
Bring a book you enjoy reading. This will add to the relaxation, by keeping your mind in one place and quieting your thoughts.
Have fluffy towels, pajamas, slippers and/or a warm robe on hand for when you hop out the bath. This will save you the trouble of trying to find clothes in your relaxed state.
Use soft bath towel pillow to rest your neck while in the bath.
Wet your face and apply a facial mask, then lie back and relax for as long as you want.
Remember to wash the mask off thoroughly and cleanse.Apply a hair masque to your hair. To rinse, lay back in the bath and massage your scalp until you feel like all the product is out.
“Most people look at life as all or nothing. They tend to view their life experiences as either good or bad and if one thing is bad, then everything must be bad. Yes, bad things happen, but they don’t automatically negate the good experiences in life. A both/and approach allows us to acknowledge and deal with the negative while also acknowledging and cultivating the positive.”
– Anne Parker
Miraval Austin
*Images and information courtesy of Miraval Resorts