| Spa living - the new trend in real estate - | | | | The development's forward-thinking commitment |
| allows those who want to incorporate a | | | | to wellness is more than just a marketing |
| holistic approach to living with their actual | | | | concept. Residents are challenged to achieve |
| physical surroundings. While spa living may | | | | a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. This is |
| have once denoted something as basic as a | | | | attained through peaceful walks on groomed |
| golf course community, today's spa real | | | | trails, a round of golf, or a relaxing |
| estate come with much more. In fact, the best | | | | afternoon at Keowee Springs Lodge and Spa. |
| properties have made spa living the main | | | | The facility is the country's first Luxury |
| focus. Spa real estate options come in many | | | | Family Wellness Resort where residents have |
| shapes and sizes, from single-family | | | | access to the Springs International Wellness |
| residences to condos to condo-hotels. | | | | Retreat. Here, physicians and specialists |
| | | | create one-of-a-kind lifestyle assessments, |
| Canyon Ranch Living communities take the | | | | followed by education and support for |
| world-class health and wellness services of | | | | residents to reach their personal health |
| Canyon Ranch resorts and incorporate them | | | | goals. |
| into truly spa-inspired lifestyle. Miami | | | | |
| Beach's Canyon Ranch Living property is | | | | Overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, the spa |
| situated along the oceanfront and features a | | | | features both outdoor and indoor treatments |
| seven-acre complex with condo and condo-hotel | | | | for its guests. Health-conscious cuisine, a |
| options. For those fortunate enough to live | | | | beach club and championship golf are just a |
| at Canyon Ranch Living- Miami Beach, life is | | | | few of the other amenities created to |
| good with access to the property's luxurious | | | | optimize the well-being of every member of |
| facilities, swimming pools, terraces | | | | the family. Membership at one community |
| overlooking the sea, concierge service, and | | | | affords residents access to the amenities at |
| an oceanfront restaurant featuring spa | | | | all seven of The Cliffs Communities. |
| cuisine. | | | | |
| | | | Spa communities such as these are cropping |
| The development's Spa and Wellness Center is | | | | everywhere, but before making an investment |
| 65,000 square feet and is serviced by a staff | | | | it's important to examine the property's |
| that numbers 150 and includes spa therapists | | | | commitment to the spa lifestyle. Following |
| and medical practitioners. A monthly | | | | are several questions to ask, according to |
| membership fee opens the door to a host of | | | | SpaFinder: |
| spa services and lifestyle programs. Here, | | | | |
| guests can learn better nutrition, take a | | | | 1. How did the community originate? Some spas |
| Salsa class, indulge in the European thermal | | | | have been added to residential communities, |
| suite, or enjoy a mineral essential facial. | | | | are real estate developments, or are hotels |
| Outdoors, residents may also take part in | | | | with spas that added a residential component. |
| water sports, tai chi, yoga, and beach | | | | |
| volleyball for no additional charge. From the | | | | 2. What is the role of the spa? Does the spa |
| property's front door, residents also enjoy | | | | represent the developer's commitment to a |
| direct access to the beach, ocean and Miami | | | | more balanced lifestyle or just a place to |
| Beach itself. | | | | receive a massage after a round of golf. The |
| | | | best spa communities infuse the spa into the |
| Imagine rolling out of a "cottage" at Sea | | | | center of social activity. |
| Island Resort in Georgia on a Townie bike | | | | |
| headed to one of the property's 100 fitness | | | | 3. Is wellness a part of daily life? The best |
| classes at the Sea Island Club. What will it | | | | spa communities offer a medical component |
| be today? Triathlete swimming class or a | | | | that includes doctors, specialists and |
| horse ride along the five-mile beach? Or | | | | therapists. |
| perhaps a Pilates class is in order. Always | | | | |
| pushing the spa envelope, the property has a | | | | 4. Does the spa reflect the development's |
| wellness chef who not only teaches nutrition | | | | commitment to wellness? Has it been created |
| but is also available to audit residents' | | | | to entice and pamper its guests to spend as |
| kitchen cupboards and accompany them to the | | | | much time at the spa as possible? |
| grocery store to show them what they should | | | | |
| be eating. Other staff members include a | | | | 5. Does the treatment menu offer both |
| professional running coach, sports | | | | standard and unique treatments? In addition |
| psychologist and a world-champion squash | | | | to a deep tissue massage, does the spa |
| player. Currently being developed are the | | | | feature treatments such as Watsu, acupuncture |
| Ocean Club residences, or condos and Sea | | | | or holistic therapy to encourage exploration? |
| Island also features a cottage-rental program | | | | |
| for those who want to give the spa lifestyle | | | | 6. What are the staff credentials? Various |
| a test drive. | | | | states require various hours of training to |
| | | | achieve licensing. But more importantly, give |
| Situated along the southernmost edge of the | | | | the spa treatments a test drive to get a feel |
| Blue Ridge Mountains, The Cliffs of Keowee | | | | for service, ambiance and expertise levels. |
| Springs is comprised of eight communities. | | | | |