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