CasualWellness.com

is a detox diet? As described by several
sources, a detox diet is a nutritional regimen that involves
changing bad eating and drinking habits in order to cleanse the
body of toxins and other contaminants. A detox has become quite
the thing to do these days, and many claim that completing a
detox can improve overall health and digestion as well as to
heighten resistance to illness and help in weight control. All
of the above can be accomplished with good, nutritious eating
habits and healthy living styles, but we seem to want to do
everything the hard way; hence a detox diet becomes necessary
to bring us back to the point where we should have been anyway.

A detox diet can be comprised of many different methodologies.
Some people prefer to fast, and only drink water or juice for a
certain period of time. Others prefer to increase the amount of
fish they eat. Others restrict the amount of calories they
consume while others resort to bottled methods like an herbal
detox diet. Some even go on a lemonade diet that is more
commonly known as the =ECMaster Cleanse=EE detox diet.

It stands to reason that any detox diet must be carefully
monitored to ensure proper ingestion of nutritious foods, and
many merely suggest that a person add more fruits and
vegetables to their diet. Of course, staying away from fast
food and soda, cigarettes and alcohol is a given. A detox diet
is all about changing eating habits and adopting healthy and
nutritiously balanced diets and foregoing McDonald’s and Taco
Bell offerings. It has become a fad to call anything that
offers such a drastic change in eating or drinking habits a
detox diet.

Still, some argue that the body is already more than capable of
ridding itself of toxic wastes and that a detox diet is not only
unnecessary but can also be dangerous. Our bodies are meant to
contain a certain amount of fats and sugars, and to try to rid
the body of these items with a detox diet can cause medical
problems such as anemia, low blood sugar and lethargy and
weakness. The balance of electrolytes, fats, enzymes, proteins,
and carbohydrates in the body are finely tuned and shouldn’t be
tampered with. A detox diet that allows only liquid is not to
be considered a safe alternative to exercise and a normal, well
balanced diet. Studies have shown that the lack of protein in
most of the more common types of detox diet decreases muscle
mass in individuals. With less muscle mass, the metabolism
automatically slows down, which will threaten most
well-intentioned weight loss diets regardless of what you do.

Call it what you will. While a detox diet can help people learn
new and better eating habits, as with everything, a detox diet
should be done using caution and good judgment. Perhaps we
could avoid all this unnecessary detox diet stuff by just
eating better and exercising more in the first place.

About The Author: Are you ready for a detox diet? Discover more
about the detox diet at http://DetoxRevealed.com/detoxdiet.html.

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—————————————————-

Talk To Yourself To Reduce Stress And Relax
Copyright (c) 2007 Liz Labrum
Hypnotherapy Consulting in London and Surrey
http://www.lizlabrum.co.uk

What is self talk? It is something we all do, when we’re at
work, shopping, traveling in the car or by train. But are you
aware of the potent power this habit has to raise your level of
stress and lower your ability to cope? HELPFUL OR UNHELPFUL
THOUGHTS?

We create thoughts to help us explain things to ourselves, and
making comments to ourselves seems to be automatic. Often the
habit is so ingrained we believe we have no way of changing our
internal dialogue. However, you can change the way you talk to
yourself and doing so will make you more effective and
self-confident.

BECOME AWARE OF YOUR THOUGHTS

Want to discover if you are using positive and supportive
self-talk or negative self-talk? The following are a few
examples of the things that positive and negative people say.
Look closely to spot the difference. When you do, you will
immediately see how these “mere words” can affect your life.

Negative people explain bad things by internalizing them; “I got
that wrong-again.” Their thinking makes this viewpoint seemed
fixed; “It’s always this way.” They generalize; “Life is the
pits.” When they explain good things, they externalize them:
“It was just luck,” or consider them temporary: “That went
well, TODAY.”, and see them only in a limited context “At least
THIS went right.”

Positive people explain bad things by externalizing them: “The
weather caused it.” They consider set backs as temporary: “That
was a rough couple hours.” They see problems as isolated: “THAT
part of the plan didn’t work, but…”. When they explain good
things, they internalize them by thinking: “Life is great!”
Their thoughts describe them as more or less permanent changes:
“Now I know how to do this.” Then generalize by thinking:
“Things are working out well.”

CHANGE OLD THOUGHTS FOR NEW

Try a simple exercise now to notice the difference in how
thoughts affect your feelings. Look at yourself in a mirror and,
thinking of something that you did recently say the following
words; “I failed, I totally failed to do what I set out to.”
When you complete that, how do you feel having said those words?
Note the expression on your face as you said them.

Now look at yourself and say, “I succeeded in some ways, and
learned how to respond in a smarter way.” With the saying of
these words, how do you feel? What does your expression look
like? Isn’t it easier to see that your choice of language does
indeed affect your body? Now you’ve experienced the power some
words and the phrases have and how you can use others to move you
into a more relaxed state. The following is a Three Step Lesson
designed to teach you to use language to improve your perspective
on life.

1. See the situation that produces stress. Hear the language you
and other people use. Feel how you feel affected by your
language and that of others.

2. Replace negative words and phrases with positive, uplifting
words and phrases.

3. Repeat to yourself silently, but with a loud internal voice,
positive, uplifting words or phrases that you find
solution-oriented. See yourself in the mirror. Then ask
yourself how you feel when you use a different set of uplifting
words and phrases.

WORDS AND PHRASES IN NON-RELAXED AND RELAXED STATES

* Non-relaxed state — Relaxed state

* I’m so stressed — What do I need?

* I’m never going to get this done! — Let me think how I can
finish this

* I’m so frustrated! — This feels challenging: I wonder how I
will handle this in an effective way?

* I can’t listen to you now. — Let’s set a time to talk.

* I’m in a rush. — I can do this another time.

* I can’t think. — Let’s create a solution.

* Not now! — A later time could work better

Name some words and phrases that you frequently use. See how you
feel when you replace positive, uplifting words and phrases.

PRACTICE THOUGHT STOPPING

This is a time-honoured behaviour modification technique for
disrupting a pattern of negative or anxious thoughts. Many
people have found thought stopping (either alone or in
combination with deep breathing) to be a highly effective
technique for reducing stress as well as obsessive ‘what-if’
thinking.

Take a deep breath and then shout ‘Stop!’, ‘Stop it!’, or
‘Get out!’ (If there are other people around, you might want
to do this silently or just visualise a huge STOP sign.) Repeat
several times if necessary.

Replace anxious thoughts with calming and supportive statements
to yourself, such as, ‘This too will pass,’ ‘I am calm and
strong,’ or any coping statement that you can create and that
has meaning for you. After you have disrupted your thoughts, you
may find it useful to shift your focus to deep abdominal
breathing.

Slow down your breathing and breathe as gently as you can through
your nose and abdominally. This reduces the dizziness,
disorientation and tingly sensations associated with stress and
panic. Just two to three minutes of slow, abdominal breathing
will have you thinking more clearly and calmly.

If you practice any or all of the techniques above you will find
that in a very short time you will be more focussed, able to
relax quickly and generally happier about your lot!

———————————————————————
Liz Labrum, MNLP and hypnosis practitioner, teaches busy
executives and professionals how to think-right, so that
their thoughts support them. This means they become
focussed, work efficiently and effectively and
avoid stress and burn out. Visit http://www.lizlabrum.co.uk
and complete the free assessment ‘Are you
suffering from Burn out?’

—

s there has been an abundance of research
investigating the benefits of green and black tea on preventing
disease. And, the results have been divided. Depending on the
health condition being evaluated, some studies have shown green
tea to be more effective, while others have shown green and
black tea to be equally effective.

Green tea differs from black in its processing. Both come from
the Camellia sinensis plant, but black tea is fermented when
processed. This fermentation changes some of the tea plant’s
compounds, and effectively reduces some of the most important
anti-oxidants, namely EGCG, one of the most important
anti-oxidants you can consume. However, black tea does still
contain many other important anti-oxidants.

When it comes to preventing many forms of disease, EGCG seems
to be an important component, making green tea the drink of
choice. In addition, the reason tea came into focus in the
first place was the noticeably lower rates of disease in Asian
countries, where tea is consumed in large quantities – most of
it green tea.

One of the diseases that tea is reported to prevent is breast
cancer. Several studies have shown that tea, green in
particular, seems to significantly lower your chances of
developing breast cancer. Some studies have even suggested that
green tea could even be an effective treatment for breast
cancer.

One study conducted on breast cancer patients undergoing
chemotherapy noted that those participants who regularly
consumed green tea during their chemotherapy treatments showed
higher concentrations of the chemotherapy drugs in their cancer
cells than those who did not consume green tea.

Other studies have indicated that green tea can inhibit the
growth of cancer cells, possibly preventing the spread of the
disease. And, additional studies have shown that green tea may
prevent the recurrence of breast cancer in patients diagnosed at
Stage I or II of the disease.

But, what about black tea? Why have similar results not been
shown with the consumption of green tea? The theory is that it
has to do with hormones.

Green tea is thought to reduce certain circulating sex-steroid
hormones, such as estone and estradiol, and that black tea may
increase the levels of these hormones. If the reduction in
breast cancer risk is due to the lower level of these
sex-steroid hormones, then it’s easy to see why green tea is
more effective at preventing breast cancer than black tea.

One study in Singapore evaluated a cross section of 130 healthy
post-menopausal Chinese women. Their tea consumption broke down
like this:

-84 were non or irregular tea drinkers – meaning they drank tea
less than once a week.
-27 were regular green tea drinkers – meaning they drank green
tea weekly or daily
-19 were regular black tea drinkers

The study concluded that, relative to the estrone levels in the
non tea drinkers, the green tea drinkers showed a lower estrone
level, and the black tea drinkers showed a higher estrone
level. In fact, the green tea drinkers showed a 13% lower
estrone level, and the black tea drinkers showed a 19% higher
level of estrone than those who did not drink tea. A similar
relationship was found between tea drinking habits and
estradiol levels.

While this study alone cannot be considered conclusive, it does
suggest that, if high levels of circulating sex steroids
increase the risk of breast cancer, green tea is a much better
preventative than black tea.

Most researchers agree that having high levels of circulating
hormones like estrogen (which is made up of estradiol and
estrone) after menopause does increase your risk of breast
cancer. This is why women who take hormone supplements to help
ease the symptoms of menopause have an increased risk of
developing cancer over women who do not treat their menopausal
symptoms with hormones like estrogen therapy.

So, if you’ve experienced menopause and you’re at an increased
risk for breast cancer, talk to your doctor about tea drinking.
Particularly if you drink large quantities of black tea, it
might be wise to reduce this amount, and replace it with green
tea.

It’s clear that we don’t fully understand the relationship
between tea and breast cancer, and that much more research
should be performed. However, we do have a pretty clear picture
that green tea prevents many forms of cancer, breast cancer
among them.

So, it’s probably a good idea to keep drinking your green tea.
While it’s true that we don’t have all the answers, it does
seem clear that green tea offers many health benefits and that
drinking it is a healthy habit that all of us should get into.

Green tea is delicious, refreshing and widely available. All of
these attributes make green tea a simple way to improve our
health and reduce the risk of certain diseases. So, make a cup
of green tea, and drink to your health!

About The Author: Marcus Stout is President of the Golden Moon
Tea Company. For more information about tea, green tea and wu
long tea go to http://www.goldenmoontea.com

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o;re planning your trip to Spain, you’ll want to keep
in mind Malaga weather. This is because the weather in this
area is one of the more favorable for hot vacation spots
throughout most of the year. The summers are dry and hot, and
the winters are mostly mild with no snow. As well, the autumn
and spring seasons are both warm. The sun is nearly always
shining on most of the days during the year. Only during the
autumn and winter months is there the chance of a little rain.

When you’re planning your trip you’ll want to figure out what
it is you want to get out of your vacation. This will allow you
to easily choose what time of year that you’ll want to take this
vacation. Are you one who loves the extreme heat and sunshine of
summer? This is certainly the most popular choice, but the heat
isn’t always for everyone. Likely you do still want to
experience the sun, but if the heat puts you off then you may
want to consider either spring or early in the autumn. If
you’re looking to escape the winter in your hometown then
you’ll be making a good choice to choose to vacation in Malaga
during the winter.

It’s actually quite nice to visit the Costa del Sol during the
spring. You’ll enjoy temps that are mild, but not too hot. For
example the median high temperature during the day goes between
18 to 24 degrees Celsius, and drops slightly but comfortably at
night to about 9 to 15 degrees.

You won’t see a lot of rain during the spring months. An
average rainfall for a month during the spring is about 60mm
during March to approximately 20mm during May. This climate
therefore makes the spring an excellent time for golf and any
other outdoor activity that you might like. So, if heat is not
for you, then you may certainly want to consider traveling in
spring.

Of course unlike most vacation spots the summer is the most
popular time for tourists and vacationers to the Costa del Sol.
This season begins in June, with high sunshine and heat. The sun
is nearly completely consistent and seldom broken during this
month. If you’re looking to get away from the extreme then
going near the sea to a cooler breeze is what you’ll need to
do. Make sure to watch for sunburns during June, because this
is when your skin is at the most danger. Make sure that you
apply your sunscreen frequently and use a lot of it.

The hottest month in Malaga is August. This is also the time of
the most humidity. Every now and then you’ll come across a sea
fog that makes the city resemble that of a sauna. Heat in the
range of 40 degrees Celsius for the day and 30 at night is not
unheard of. As well, you’re certain to run into the occasional
thunderstorm as well.

During the autumn and winter months you can certainly catch a
break from the heat with temperatures in the 20 to 28 degree
range, and you may even get a bit of rain during the winter,
but this is rare, maybe six or seven days out of a winter
month. Basically, you’re looking at sunshine nearly all year in
Malaga, and how could you beat that?

About The Author: Focusing on informating about Spain, Jack
Blacksmith is writing almost entirely for
http://www.alicante-spain.com . You can learn about his work
over at
http://www.alicante-spain.com/costa-del-sol/malaga-weather.html
and other sources for Malaga Weather knowledge.

Please use the HTML version of this article at:
http://www.isnare.com/html.php?aid#128772
##################

o;re planning your trip to Spain, you’ll want to keep
in mind Malaga weather. This is because the weather in this
area is one of the more favorable for hot vacation spots
throughout most of the year. The summers are dry and hot, and
the winters are mostly mild with no snow. As well, the autumn
and spring seasons are both warm. The sun is nearly always
shining on most of the days during the year. Only during the
autumn and winter months is there the chance of a little rain.

When you’re planning your trip you’ll want to figure out what
it is you want to get out of your vacation. This will allow you
to easily choose what time of year that you’ll want to take this
vacation. Are you one who loves the extreme heat and sunshine of
summer? This is certainly the most popular choice, but the heat
isn’t always for everyone. Likely you do still want to
experience the sun, but if the heat puts you off then you may
want to consider either spring or early in the autumn. If
you’re looking to escape the winter in your hometown then
you’ll be making a good choice to choose to vacation in Malaga
during the winter.

It’s actually quite nice to visit the Costa del Sol during the
spring. You’ll enjoy temps that are mild, but not too hot. For
example the median high temperature during the day goes between
18 to 24 degrees Celsius, and drops slightly but comfortably at
night to about 9 to 15 degrees.

You won’t see a lot of rain during the spring months. An
average rainfall for a month during the spring is about 60mm
during March to approximately 20mm during May. This climate
therefore makes the spring an excellent time for golf and any
other outdoor activity that you might like. So, if heat is not
for you, then you may certainly want to consider traveling in
spring.

Of course unlike most vacation spots the summer is the most
popular time for tourists and vacationers to the Costa del Sol.
This season begins in June, with high sunshine and heat. The sun
is nearly completely consistent and seldom broken during this
month. If you’re looking to get away from the extreme then
going near the sea to a cooler breeze is what you’ll need to
do. Make sure to watch for sunburns during June, because this
is when your skin is at the most danger. Make sure that you
apply your sunscreen frequently and use a lot of it.

The hottest month in Malaga is August. This is also the time of
the most humidity. Every now and then you’ll come across a sea
fog that makes the city resemble that of a sauna. Heat in the
range of 40 degrees Celsius for the day and 30 at night is not
unheard of. As well, you’re certain to run into the occasional
thunderstorm as well.

During the autumn and winter months you can certainly catch a
break from the heat with temperatures in the 20 to 28 degree
range, and you may even get a bit of rain during the winter,
but this is rare, maybe six or seven days out of a winter
month. Basically, you’re looking at sunshine nearly all year in
Malaga, and how could you beat that?

About The Author: Focusing on informating about Spain, Jack
Blacksmith is writing almost entirely for
http://www.alicante-spain.com . You can learn about his work
over at
http://www.alicante-spain.com/costa-del-sol/malaga-weather.html
and other sources for Malaga Weather knowledge.

Please use the HTML version of this article at:
http://www.isnare.com/html.php?aid#128772
##################

s a small town in the Costa Blanca and is located
roughly nine miles north of Benidorm, a popular Costa Blanca
city. Altea is one of the few villages in the region that has
maintained the atmosphere of a fishing village, creating a
tourist area without sacrificing its natural beauty. This small
village offers its visitor an atmosphere much more peaceful and
quiet than the larger cities. The mountains surrounding the
village keep the climate comfortable in the summer months as
well as the winter months when the mountains help protect the
village from cold winds.

Most visitors to the village fly into the Alicante airport
located about an hours drive from the town. There are buses and
trains available at the airport to take you to the village, or
you can rent a car from one of the car hire companies at the
airport. With real estate growing in Altea, you will find many
new hotels and apartments in which you can stay.

Altea is the perfect destination for a quiet, relaxing vacation
in one of the most beautifully landscaped areas in the Costa
Blanca region. Many writers and painters come to the village
for its tranquility and beautiful surroundings. The length of
stay varies, but most visiting writers and painters stay in the
area surrounding the old church, Nuestra Senora Del Conseulo.
This church was built in 1910 and has a beautiful Mediterranean
style design with its hand-painted tiles and blue dome roof. In
fact, the church’s roof is a landmark in the area.

Walking tours are the best way to experience Altea and are
available in the town or the surrounding mountains. You can
take a private tour or a guided tour of the trails around the
village. If you enjoy nature, the mountain walking tours are a
great way to enjoy the beautiful surroundings in a tranquil
environment.

A short distance from the beach and harbor area is a selection
of small stores for shopping. Many stores break for an
afternoon siesta from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 or 5:00 p.m., but
the stores are generally open from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Larger stores may stay open all day. There is also a craft
market open from Easter through September, offering another
opportunity for shopping. You can find a wide variety of
reasonably priced handmade items for sale at the market. The
market is near the harbor area.

Despite its small size, golfers will still be in luck with the
Altea Golf Club offering a great course for visitors to the
area. The beautiful climate in the area is great for golfing,
especially with the comfortable summers and mild winters.
Finally, for some nightlife or more popular tourist
attractions, you can take a trip to the nearby city of Benidorm
where you will find vibrant nightlife, theme parks and water
parks. You can travel to Benidorm by car or by train.

About The Author: Peter J. Wilson often produces publications
on topics related to Spain and Alicante. You can find his work
over at http://www.alicante-spain.com/altea.html and various
other sources for Altea knowledge.

Please use the HTML version of this article at:
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ways to travel Spain in style than simply coming
for a summer vacation. There is much to do in all of the
seasons. You can enjoy a variety of attractions and create
experiences throughout the whole year. If you’re a nature
lover then you’ll enjoy the endless opportunities for different
water sports such as skiing, or more rugged activities like rock
climbing. As well, visiting many of the older churches,
museums, and enjoying the various festivals that let you get a
first hand look at Spanish culture will leave you with a photo
album as well as mental memories of a spectacular vacation.

Outdoor activities in Spain are not confined only to the summer
time. It really depends on the area that you’re visiting, but
all the seasons gives you something to offer for the outdoor
life.

Of course everyone loves the beaches and being under the sun on
the Mediterranean, and this shows by the large but friendly
crowds that accumulate in these beach areas. These areas
include both the Costa del Sol as well as the Costa Blanca.
You can simply lie by the beach and relax or you can get your
kicks with water sports during the summer. This is when the
weather is at it’s hottest. You can also enjoy any number of
spas in these areas that make for the perfect relaxing
vacation.

Another very popular attractions during the summer months is
the running of the bulls. This occurs in the month of July and
attracts huge amounts of people from all over the globe. If
you’re one of the braver soles you can even participate in the
festival. If not, then simply be a smart spectator and watch,
while you join in other activities that occur during the
festival.

You may not realize it but skiing is a popular activity in the
mountain areas of Spain. Some of the chief resorts for winter
sporting events take place in the country. You can find great
ski resorts in Torremolinos, Aragon, Malaga, and Catabunya.
The sport is usually enjoyed during the winter or in late
spring in the various areas.

If you’re of the more adventurous type then you can enjoy the
great outdoor activity of rock climbing or simply enjoy a nice
hike. There are some great places in Spain for these
activities in the country that are revered for exactly this.
You can either go with a tour group, which is advised for
novice climbers since they will give you some good basic
training before you begin.

If you enjoy the more relaxed sport of sightseeing then there’s
no shortage of museums all over the different cities of Spain.
Some of the larger are in Barcelona and Madrid, while you can
find many smaller ones throughout Spain’s smaller villages and
cities, which showcase the rich history and art of past
residents and historical figures.

Bottom line, you’ll find no shortage of activities for your
vacation no matter where or when you’re planning your vacation
in Spain.

About The Author: Johnathan Bakers writes articles
predominantly for http://www.alicante-spain.com , a website on
the topic of Spain and spanish culture. You might discover his
work over at
http://www.alicante-spain.com/spain-tips/travel.html and many
different sources for travel Spain news.

Please use the HTML version of this article at:
http://www.isnare.com/html.php?aid#128779
##################

ways to travel Spain in style than simply coming
for a summer vacation. There is much to do in all of the
seasons. You can enjoy a variety of attractions and create
experiences throughout the whole year. If you’re a nature
lover then you’ll enjoy the endless opportunities for different
water sports such as skiing, or more rugged activities like rock
climbing. As well, visiting many of the older churches,
museums, and enjoying the various festivals that let you get a
first hand look at Spanish culture will leave you with a photo
album as well as mental memories of a spectacular vacation.

Outdoor activities in Spain are not confined only to the summer
time. It really depends on the area that you’re visiting, but
all the seasons gives you something to offer for the outdoor
life.

Of course everyone loves the beaches and being under the sun on
the Mediterranean, and this shows by the large but friendly
crowds that accumulate in these beach areas. These areas
include both the Costa del Sol as well as the Costa Blanca.
You can simply lie by the beach and relax or you can get your
kicks with water sports during the summer. This is when the
weather is at it’s hottest. You can also enjoy any number of
spas in these areas that make for the perfect relaxing
vacation.

Another very popular attractions during the summer months is
the running of the bulls. This occurs in the month of July and
attracts huge amounts of people from all over the globe. If
you’re one of the braver soles you can even participate in the
festival. If not, then simply be a smart spectator and watch,
while you join in other activities that occur during the
festival.

You may not realize it but skiing is a popular activity in the
mountain areas of Spain. Some of the chief resorts for winter
sporting events take place in the country. You can find great
ski resorts in Torremolinos, Aragon, Malaga, and Catabunya.
The sport is usually enjoyed during the winter or in late
spring in the various areas.

If you’re of the more adventurous type then you can enjoy the
great outdoor activity of rock climbing or simply enjoy a nice
hike. There are some great places in Spain for these
activities in the country that are revered for exactly this.
You can either go with a tour group, which is advised for
novice climbers since they will give you some good basic
training before you begin.

If you enjoy the more relaxed sport of sightseeing then there’s
no shortage of museums all over the different cities of Spain.
Some of the larger are in Barcelona and Madrid, while you can
find many smaller ones throughout Spain’s smaller villages and
cities, which showcase the rich history and art of past
residents and historical figures.

Bottom line, you’ll find no shortage of activities for your
vacation no matter where or when you’re planning your vacation
in Spain.

About The Author: Johnathan Bakers writes articles
predominantly for http://www.alicante-spain.com , a website on
the topic of Spain and spanish culture. You might discover his
work over at
http://www.alicante-spain.com/spain-tips/travel.html and many
different sources for travel Spain news.

Please use the HTML version of this article at:
http://www.isnare.com/html.php?aid#128779
##################

—————————————————-

Spas Bubble Up Beyond the Rockies
Copyright (c) 2007 Travel Alberta, All Rights Reserved
Written by: Travel Alberta
http://www.travelalberta.com

We’re famous in Alberta for our spectacular mountain vistas, as
well as our national parks, glacier-fed waterways, alpine cuisine
and hot springs galore.

The Rockies may be our biggest claim to fame, but that’s the tip
of the iceberg. How about those prairie sunsets, the northern
lights and the lunar landscape of the dinosaur badlands?

Sometimes, the best gifts come when we’re not looking…when we
stray off the beaten path in search of the unexpected. From north
to south and east to west, the road less traveled is dotted with
quirky hideaways that dish out Alberta’s famous hospitality in a
setting that only Mother Nature could deliver.

And the best part? Your road trip to relaxation begins right
here, this minute…

Gateway to the Rockies

“Shhhh!” whispers Shawn Ripley as we wander through the forest in
search of wild rosehips and sage. “I hear a deer.” We stop in our
tracks, straining to hear the telltale crack of snapping branches
over the chatter of birds. With the sun glinting off the treetops
and the earthy smell of last fall’s foliage crunching under our
feet, it’s hard to imagine we’re in the city of Calgary – just
15 minutes by car from the shiny office towers of downtown.

Perched on the wooded slopes of on the city’s west edge,
Nature’s Essence Spa at Ripley Ridge Retreat is unique because
it relies on more than bricks and mortar to provide a wellness
experience. “We like to think of our entire 7.6 acres as a spa,”
notes Ripley, waving across the hillside where First Nations
people once collected herbs, hunted buffalo and took part in
sacred ceremonies.

“It provides the chance to escape the stresses of daily
life…it’s an oasis in the city,” says Ripley, a microbiologist
and registered massage therapist who founded the spa and retreat
with wife Cara. “You have to experience it to really appreciate
it.”

Today, we’re out on a “wellness walk”, discussing what kind of
botanicals we might collect for my spa treatments. (Ripley
practices what is known as ‘wildcrafting’ – the careful harvest
of certain plants to stimulate growth without harming the
environment.)

Chairs and benches are scattered in clearings where guests can
stop to meditate; and if the weather’s nice you might be lucky
enough to get a massage on an open-air gazebo, surrounded only by
the chirping of birds and the rustle of trees. Mineral springs
course beneath the property, coming to the surface in several
pools and streams. The springs deposit clay and mud that are
believed to be equal to the healing properties of Dead Sea mud.

For those who are just too relaxed to leave, Ripley Ridge offers
overnight accommodation – there are two cabins, one chalet-style
condominium and two luxury suites (all with private bath), along
with meeting facilities and a wedding gazebo.

Bliss in the Badlands

Whether you’re in Calgary or the capital city of Edmonton, a
90-minute drive east to the area known as the Canadian Badlands
beckons. Whether you’re canoeing the placid Red Deer River,
hiking the lunar landscape in search of dinosaur bones or simply
climbing into the mouth of the World’s Largest Dinosaur in
Drumheller, this archaeologically acclaimed area is home to
several spa vacations including the Inns and Spa at Heartwood.
The facility, which opened 11 years ago, is actually two boutique
hotels – Heartwood Manor and Heartwood Haven – where guests range
from honeymooning couples to a gaggle of girlfriends out for a
spa weekend.

“They giggle by evening and spa by day,” says Norah Bird
Hamilton, who operates the historic Drumheller inns, seven blocks
apart, with husband Bob Hamilton. “This year in particular,
we’re seeing a lot of people stepping out to embrace the healing
world.”

Bird Hamilton notes the spa’s therapists go beyond the routine
to offer such treatments as Reiki, Indian head massage, mango
polish, Thai massage, Shiatsu mens’ pedicure and iridology. The
wellness spa also hosts weekend workshops that often include
sessions with a psychologist or hypnotist, and group, multi-day
and treatment packages are also available.

“People are really starting to realize they need to take better
care of themselves. Our focus is really on healing.”

Walking on the Wild Side

Perhaps, you don’t want to just soak in the outdoors – you want
to soak it up. This is Alberta, after all – home to vast tracts
of untouched wilderness just begging to be explored. You’re
going to earn your pampering . . . by the time you hit the
massage table, your muscles will be begging for a rubdown.
At the Black Cat Guest Ranch, 20 kilometres west of Hinton on the
northwestern edge of Jasper National Park, the view alone will
take your breath away. Established in 1935, this family-owned
guest ranch offers a multitude of outdoor adventures including
horseback riding, hiking, birding, dogsledding and cross-country
skiing. What’s more unique are lively weekend workshops, which
run the gamut from murder mysteries, writing and photography to
scrapbooking and – of course – spa treatments.

The spa component isn’t lavish – there’s massage and yoga, plus
home-cooked meals, outdoor activities and a hot tub – but it’s
the mountain setting and northern Alberta hospitality that keeps
guests coming back. As well, Black Cat takes part in multi-day
Elderhostel retreats aimed at older adults (55-plus) seeking
adventure, fellowship and learning.

Situated in a 16-suite woodland lodge flanked by the front ranges
of the Rocky Mountains, Black Cat is four hours by car from the
provincial capital of Edmonton.

———————————————————————
Copyright (c) 2006 Travel Alberta, All Rights Reserved

Travel Alberta (http://www.travelalberta.com) is the destination
marketing organization for the Province of Alberta. Guided by the
Strategic Tourism Marketing Council, Travel Alberta is the steward
for the effective delivery of tourism marketing programs. For
information about our organization, please visit our Travel
Alberta industry web site at http://industry.travelalberta.com

—

—————————————————-

Spas Bubble Up Beyond the Rockies
Copyright (c) 2007 Travel Alberta, All Rights Reserved
Written by: Travel Alberta
http://www.travelalberta.com

We’re famous in Alberta for our spectacular mountain vistas, as
well as our national parks, glacier-fed waterways, alpine cuisine
and hot springs galore.

The Rockies may be our biggest claim to fame, but that’s the tip
of the iceberg. How about those prairie sunsets, the northern
lights and the lunar landscape of the dinosaur badlands?

Sometimes, the best gifts come when we’re not looking…when we
stray off the beaten path in search of the unexpected. From north
to south and east to west, the road less traveled is dotted with
quirky hideaways that dish out Alberta’s famous hospitality in a
setting that only Mother Nature could deliver.

And the best part? Your road trip to relaxation begins right
here, this minute…

Gateway to the Rockies

“Shhhh!” whispers Shawn Ripley as we wander through the forest in
search of wild rosehips and sage. “I hear a deer.” We stop in our
tracks, straining to hear the telltale crack of snapping branches
over the chatter of birds. With the sun glinting off the treetops
and the earthy smell of last fall’s foliage crunching under our
feet, it’s hard to imagine we’re in the city of Calgary – just
15 minutes by car from the shiny office towers of downtown.

Perched on the wooded slopes of on the city’s west edge,
Nature’s Essence Spa at Ripley Ridge Retreat is unique because
it relies on more than bricks and mortar to provide a wellness
experience. “We like to think of our entire 7.6 acres as a spa,”
notes Ripley, waving across the hillside where First Nations
people once collected herbs, hunted buffalo and took part in
sacred ceremonies.

“It provides the chance to escape the stresses of daily
life…it’s an oasis in the city,” says Ripley, a microbiologist
and registered massage therapist who founded the spa and retreat
with wife Cara. “You have to experience it to really appreciate
it.”

Today, we’re out on a “wellness walk”, discussing what kind of
botanicals we might collect for my spa treatments. (Ripley
practices what is known as ‘wildcrafting’ – the careful harvest
of certain plants to stimulate growth without harming the
environment.)

Chairs and benches are scattered in clearings where guests can
stop to meditate; and if the weather’s nice you might be lucky
enough to get a massage on an open-air gazebo, surrounded only by
the chirping of birds and the rustle of trees. Mineral springs
course beneath the property, coming to the surface in several
pools and streams. The springs deposit clay and mud that are
believed to be equal to the healing properties of Dead Sea mud.

For those who are just too relaxed to leave, Ripley Ridge offers
overnight accommodation – there are two cabins, one chalet-style
condominium and two luxury suites (all with private bath), along
with meeting facilities and a wedding gazebo.

Bliss in the Badlands

Whether you’re in Calgary or the capital city of Edmonton, a
90-minute drive east to the area known as the Canadian Badlands
beckons. Whether you’re canoeing the placid Red Deer River,
hiking the lunar landscape in search of dinosaur bones or simply
climbing into the mouth of the World’s Largest Dinosaur in
Drumheller, this archaeologically acclaimed area is home to
several spa vacations including the Inns and Spa at Heartwood.
The facility, which opened 11 years ago, is actually two boutique
hotels – Heartwood Manor and Heartwood Haven – where guests range
from honeymooning couples to a gaggle of girlfriends out for a
spa weekend.

“They giggle by evening and spa by day,” says Norah Bird
Hamilton, who operates the historic Drumheller inns, seven blocks
apart, with husband Bob Hamilton. “This year in particular,
we’re seeing a lot of people stepping out to embrace the healing
world.”

Bird Hamilton notes the spa’s therapists go beyond the routine
to offer such treatments as Reiki, Indian head massage, mango
polish, Thai massage, Shiatsu mens’ pedicure and iridology. The
wellness spa also hosts weekend workshops that often include
sessions with a psychologist or hypnotist, and group, multi-day
and treatment packages are also available.

“People are really starting to realize they need to take better
care of themselves. Our focus is really on healing.”

Walking on the Wild Side

Perhaps, you don’t want to just soak in the outdoors – you want
to soak it up. This is Alberta, after all – home to vast tracts
of untouched wilderness just begging to be explored. You’re
going to earn your pampering . . . by the time you hit the
massage table, your muscles will be begging for a rubdown.
At the Black Cat Guest Ranch, 20 kilometres west of Hinton on the
northwestern edge of Jasper National Park, the view alone will
take your breath away. Established in 1935, this family-owned
guest ranch offers a multitude of outdoor adventures including
horseback riding, hiking, birding, dogsledding and cross-country
skiing. What’s more unique are lively weekend workshops, which
run the gamut from murder mysteries, writing and photography to
scrapbooking and – of course – spa treatments.

The spa component isn’t lavish – there’s massage and yoga, plus
home-cooked meals, outdoor activities and a hot tub – but it’s
the mountain setting and northern Alberta hospitality that keeps
guests coming back. As well, Black Cat takes part in multi-day
Elderhostel retreats aimed at older adults (55-plus) seeking
adventure, fellowship and learning.

Situated in a 16-suite woodland lodge flanked by the front ranges
of the Rocky Mountains, Black Cat is four hours by car from the
provincial capital of Edmonton.

———————————————————————
Copyright (c) 2006 Travel Alberta, All Rights Reserved

Travel Alberta (http://www.travelalberta.com) is the destination
marketing organization for the Province of Alberta. Guided by the
Strategic Tourism Marketing Council, Travel Alberta is the steward
for the effective delivery of tourism marketing programs. For
information about our organization, please visit our Travel
Alberta industry web site at http://industry.travelalberta.com

—