Spa and Hotel news from SpaCast.com. Part of Spa Index Media Network.

What Recession? Over the Top Spa Indulgences in Chicago

The sad state of the economy (bailouts! Ponzi schemes!!) might be precluding any big-ticket purchases right now (put that Bentley on ice for the time being), but luxurious spa treatments can be (make that SHOULD be) necessary indulgences -- especially in these trying times. Many Chicago spas are upping their game with deluxe treatments, adding everything from champagne and caviar to 24-karat gold and gemstones to facials, massages and body services. Note to self: This is not your ordinary mani-pedi.

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California Senator Jenny Oropeza on Senate Bill 731 regulating Massage Therapy

SB 731 goes into effect in January 2009.

"My bill creates a new non-profit statewide organization, the Massage Therapy Organization to certify legitimate massage practitioners and therapists. Our goal is to help both massage therapists and law enforcement by setting clear, consistent statewide rules. In addition, statewide certification of massage therapy will provide consumers with recourse if they are harmed in the process of receiving a massage. These new rules will also help consumers determine which providers are legitimate and which are not."

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A Matter of Salon Safety

Trina Ricco was getting her acrylic nails done at a mall in El Cajon when the manicurist nicked a cuticle and drew blood. [T]he cut on her pinkie became severely infected, landing Ricco, a 57-year-old mother of two, in the intensive care unit. The bone in her finger dissolved, shrinking so much that it looked like she had two thumbs. Doctors amputated.

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Spas Shift Focus to Stay Afloat

With the economy sinking further into a recession, Bay Area spas find themselves in hot water this holiday season. As the purse strings get pulled tighter, day, medical and resort spas must convince customers that their services - be it facials, massages, manicures or laser hair removal - are worth the expense.

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How Spas Manage Economic Stress

The $11 billion U.S. spa industry, which has enjoyed several years of growth, is expected to get whacked by the same slowdown that is hitting sports tickets, upscale boutiques and private-jet travel.

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Announcing Day Spa Association 2009 Board Members

Hannelore Leavy, Founder and Executive Director for both the Day Spa Association and the International Medical Spa Association is pleased to announce the new 2009 Board Members and Committee Chairpersons.

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New York Spa Owner Sentenced for Permanently Disfiguring Clients

A bogus plastic surgeon who injected toxic goo into the faces of two clients - permanently disfiguring them - was sentenced Monday to five years in prison. Patricia Villegas was "unprincipled, unscrupulous, unethical and uncaring" when she charged her victims more than $2,000 for the unlicensed treatments at her Flushing spa in 2002 and 2003.

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And elsewhere:

...Authorities say the women thought they were getting injections of beauty enhancers to enlarge their lips and fill wrinkles. But the injections were actually a silicone-like substance that caused infections and left scars and lumps.  Read this Story

...Villegas served as president of Altiva New York, Temple of Beauty and Renewal, which was located at her home address and at a suite on York Avenue in Manhattan.  Read this Story

Carita Spa to Open on St. Bart's

Travelers to St Bart's in the French West Indies this winter will discover the region’s first and only Carita Spa, which debuts December 15th when the 14-room legendary hilltop hide-away Hotel Carl Gustaf re-opens its doors following an extensive refurbishment program.

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Top 10 Spa Trends for 2009

SpaFinder, a global spa resource, today announced 'Top 10 Spa Trends To Watch In 2009,' the company's sixth annual forecast of the emerging concepts that will shape the world of spa in 2009 and beyond.

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