Friday Photos: Swiss Alps
October 1st, 2011
What a spectacular view from the gondola station above Zermatt. We again had fresh snow topping the peaks from the night before. We needed all the cold-weather gear that we had stuffed into our day packs. Headed back down to the next gondola station before beginning a 8-hour trek down along side the Matterhorn Glacier. Of course, we stopped for a long lunch to refuel!
Photos from left:
Our view from the top and our lunch in a small village (looking out at the Matterhorn) on the hike back down to Zermatt.
European Med Spas: a Series #4
September 26th, 2011
Trendy French Spa Treatments
The traditional French Thermal spa, Les Thermes de Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains is an institution in the Chamonix Valley that is more than 200 years old. The hot and healthy thermal water straight from the glacial waters of the Mont Blanc Massif is often described as a real natural serum. The traditional treatments exist in perfect harmony with new products and techniques.
According to Mintel, the revenue from the skincare market in the five key European markets (France, Italy, Germany, UK and Spain) reached 6.1 billion Euros in 2009 or about $8.7 billion dollars. France represents more than 36% of this market.
Thermes de Saint-Gervais is typical in its offerings of beauty, wellness and relaxation treatments. Warm mineral water treatments and beauty therapies include hydro-massage, volcanic clay applications and facial masks, jet showers, sauna and hammam; all combining essential oils, aromatic and medicinal plants. We toured the new anti-stress and relaxation circuit that is combined with a multi-station outdoor natural spring water pool.
According to our guide, Julie it has been a very successful addition to the property. The unique spa atmosphere is carefully crafted to achieve maximum relaxation with special attention to lighting, sound and visual cues. The senses are meant to be calmed before exploring the thermal stations in the outdoor pool. We were invited to experience the new treatments ourselves, but a busy travel schedule made it impossible this trip. However, the view from the outdoor mineral pool was stunning, with snow-capped Mont Blanc in almost every direction.
Next: Skincare: a Growing Global Business
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