Jun 21, 2013 | Uncategorized
Eucalyptus Oil May Cure Respiratory Diseases, Malaria, Chocolate Addiction, and Cat Trespasses, but Studies have not yet Shown Any Benefit in Using Eucalyptus Oil for Everything . . . at Least Not Yet!
We have shown elsewhere on this blog that Eucalyptus works at least two ways to help combat and even eliminate malaria. The trees root system dries up the mosquito breeding grounds. The scent drives away remaining mosquitoes. Eucalyptus oil alone, or in combination with other products is the second best mosquito repellent known to man, after DEET. Amazing, dontcha think?
While the scientific method has yet to conclusively prove that eucalyptus oil is fantastic at reducing the effects of, helping to prevent, and speeding the cure of various respiratory infections and diseases, the folks get it! And eucalyptus has been used in various products for decades because of their effectiveness.
Sometimes you may not want the cure that eucalyptus oil might offer. A study has been published that suggests the need for more studies. Don’t they always. In this case the study says that just inhaling eucalyptus oil might help dampen your craving for . . . chocolate. The same study also found some help in lowering the desire for cigarettes. We’ll leave you to decide whether to study your own response.
When it comes to cats and their trespasses, we have also provided you with instructions on how to dissuade cats from hanging out in your garden using eucalyptus. We were kind enough to also note how that process can be done without actually snuffing out Muffy.
Throughout this blog you will see that eucalyptus and its oils have been recommended or can be scientifically proven to be great for killing microbes and bacteria, stopping cold sores, reducing pain in muscles, and providing relief from stress. Therefore, in its role as a stress reliever it might be a cure or help for many stress related problems such as depression, lower and upper back issues, stomach problems and headaches.
We just need to run the studies.
But we will admit that you can’t use eucalyptus oil as a cure for heartache, identity theft, or black thumb (inability to grow garden plants). There may be other things that you won’t be able to use EO for, but not many. Why not pick up an 8 ounce spray bottle of our 100% pure, pharmaceutical grade eucalyptus oil and try it out for some of these uses.
Might we suggest that the first use might be as a spray mist in your shower. Just turn the shower on full hot until it is producing steam (and before you enter it, please!) Then spray a couple of times into the steam. The aroma will quickly fill the entire room, but especially your shower enclosure. Moderate the temperature to taste and step in while breathing the healing and calming eucalyptus laden steam. Your experience will be just like at the finest spas in the world. Oh, did we mention. This is the same eucalyptus oil product used at the finest spa steam rooms in the world. We have reviewed many of those spas elsewhere in this blog.
Jun 21, 2013 | Uncategorized
Spa Grand at the Grand Wailea Just South of Kihei on Maui Is Noted for It’s Water Treatments, Including the Eucalyptus Steam Room
Having just oohed and aahed about the amazing online reviews for the Waihua Spa, Ritz Carlton, Kapalua near Lahaina, Maui, we turn our attention to another Maui spa just an hours drive south in Wailea. In this case, there are hundreds of reviews, and having read most of them, the only negatives seemed to be the occasional bad massage, or the chance situation where something wasn’t working right.
There were some who wished for less nudity or more nudity in the ladies section, and those who wished the eucalyptus steam room, saunas, and other relaxtion areas were co-ed (they’re not). But the overall score was again over 4.5 out of 5 stars, and the difference seemed to be the number of therapies available, including the five specialty baths and the Terme Hydrotherapy Circuit.
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| The Five Specialty Baths at the Spa Grand |
Voted “Top 10 Spas in the United States” by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines, Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea is the best spa on Maui and one of the most luxurious resort spas in Hawaii. Spa Grande offers a wide array of treatments that reflect a balance between the traditions of the east, west and ancient Hawaii. Experience a harmonious infusion with one common goal – to unite one’s inner wellness and outer beauty. There is no Maui resort spa like it.
These reviews give a flavor of the 300 or more that you can go peruse if you so choose.
From Yelp
7/13/2011
I did quite a bit of spa browsing and deliberating before I settled on Spa Grande and I was so glad I did. “Settled” is the wrong word because it was wonderful. What definitely sold me was the fact that their hydrotherapy circuit was included with any treatment. I’m a sucker for any and all hydrotherapy and I was not disappointed. You are given an hour to spend between multiple pools, including “five aromatic baths, a Japanese Furo Bath, a Cascading Waterfall Massage, the Roman Hot Tub, a Cold Plunge Pool, a Swiss Jet Shower, or Eucalyptus Steam and a Redwood Sauna.” I ran out of time and didn’t even make it into the Roman tub, steam or sauna rooms or the cold plunge pool because I was enjoying the five baths and waterfall way too much. My favorite salt bath was definitely the Maui bath (coconut and blue sea salt), but they were all amazing. I couldn’t believe it when my hour was up; I’d definitely go back another time and pay the fee that allows you use of all the pools. I had the Island Flowers body wrap/scrub treatment and loooooved it. Mariah was amazing and so friendly, I’d definitely recommend requesting her.
Malu Y.
Makawao, HI
Some friends and I wanted to relax in luxury without breaking the bank so we decided to purchase the 2-hour terme hydrotherapy package at Spa Grande. Although, we weren’t able to partake in massages and facials, the terme baths did not disappoint. There are 5 different essential oil/mineral soaking baths, 2 jacuzzi/cold plunges (one Western style and one Japanese style), a sauna, a Eucalyptus-scented steam room, 3 waterfall showers, and 2 needle showers. The spa is spacious and very relaxing. The staff is very helpful and friendly – they didn’t seem to notice that my friends and I stayed in the spa an extra 40 minutes after our 2 hours we up. Also, be sure to take advantage of the upstairs lanai – you’ll get an incredible ocean view. If you’re local, be sure to claim your kamaaina discount. The 2-hour terme packages comes to $50 once the kamaaina discount is applied, and it comes with a complimentary mini body scrub.
From TripAdvisor
Reviewed February 24, 2013 We received this spa treatment as a wedding gift from my daughters, and it is definitely a gift that we will never forget! We arrived just in time for our Hot Stone Massage, so we didn’t have time to enjoy the Terme Hydrotherapy Circuit before our massage. The massage was very relaxing, and very enjoyable! After our massage, the young man at the Front Desk spoke with his manager, and was able to get a 2-hour visit for us to the Hydrotherapy area, and we used it the next day….wow!!…what a treat, and what great service! This young man went above and beyond! This is certainly something you will want to do….from the salt baths, to the eucalyptus steam room, to the whirlpool and sauna, and the Swiss jet and waterfall showers….and take your time to enjoy it! This Spa is well worth it!
Jun 19, 2013 | Uncategorized
The Best Spas Seem to Have One Thing in Common – A Eucalyptus Steam Room
In our reviews of various spa’s around the world, the Waihua Spa at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, is the best so far if you base your ratings on: number of online reviews by customers, ratings by online reviewers, descriptions of the experience by these same reviewers, or reviews by professionals. With almost 100 reviews to read through the overall ranking is close to a full 5 stars out of 5.
We would like to believe that the eucalyptus steam room is what pushed them to these great heights, but are humble enough to concede that this was just one frequently mentioned aspect of the attention to detail that is apparent throughout the spa. Here are a few of the reviews that we selected as a sample of the impressions.
Please note that if you would enjoy having all the benefits of eucaplytus oil in your home steam room or even in your shower, we now offer a home sized shower mist spray. See it here.
Fodor’s said this
At this gorgeous 17,500-square-foot spa, you enter a blissful maze where floor-to-ceiling riverbed stones lead to serene treatment rooms, couples’ hales (cabanas), and a rain forest-like grotto with a Jacuzzi, dry cedar sauna, and eucalyptus steam rooms. Hang out in the co-ed waiting area, where sliding-glass doors open to a whirlpool overlooking a taro patch garden. Exfoliate any rough spots with a pineapple-papaya or coffee scrub; then wash off in a private outdoor shower garden before indulging in a lomilomi massage (traditional Hawaiian massage involving powerful strokes down the length of the body). High-end beauty treatments include advanced oxygen technology to tighten and nourish mature skin. The on-site shop has a great selection of local beauty products and jewelry.
From TripAdvisor
Reviewed May 12, 2013
We did a spa service during our stay at the Ritz and so glad we did. The couple massage was Perfect and there were many amenities to use afterwards-highly recommend the eucalyptus steam room. Once you have a service there you have access to these amenities for the entire day. Able to come back after a lunch or nap! Very relaxing.
Reviewed March 6, 2012
The co-ed section has a sitting room and outdoor hot tub. The female only (and male I presume) are so relaxing. The whirpool was in this stone, rock type room which made it so soothing. Eucalyptus steam room, dry sauna, relaxation room with couches, showers, and all the tea and cucumber water you can drink.
Reviewed November 12, 2011
I am so picky about massages, and this masseuse named Luis gave me the best massage I have had in years, so good, that I booked another massage the next day. if you want DEEP tissue massage someone who will really get down into your back and shoulders then ask for Luis. also, their steam room and sauna area is amazing, and very exotic feeling with an entire rock wall and rock jacuzzi. ( men separated from women)
Reviewed October 26, 2011
Spa was amazing, pricy as you would expect from the Ritz but worth the extra penny! My massage was excellent, great staff everywhere. Also, there a lovely grotto area where you can use the whirlpool tub, sauna, relaxation room with hot tea (option to order food as well), and eucalyptus steam room. This is free, included with every spa treatment and you can use it anytime on the day of your appt. You can even leave and come back again later! Nice bonus 🙂
From Yelp
4/1/2013 4 photos 3 check-ins here The number one perk for staying at the Kapalua Villas is the use of the spa facility. I don’t think I can write something that hasn’t already been mentioned. It is wonderful! Great staff, quiet setting, showers, lockers, razors, shampoo, etc. Nice touches like pineapple water to keep you in that state of bliss. Another review I’m fearful of writing since this place was quiet with no one around but staff.
The pool and hot tub are fantastic! The steam room is scented with eucalyptus, and felt all my stress fade away. I’m kicking myself that we didn’t just show up here after we checked in, we didn’t look into it until a few days into our holiday.
The next time I visit, I will get a villa close enough so I can stumble out of bed and spend every day there.
5/31/2013
Truly as good as it gets: Bo’s therapeutic massage wasn’t just amazing, but he helped spot a muscle problem in my shoulder that Tom in the fitness center worked on (and has apparently cured), and then gave me resources to help…from home! The eucalyptus steam room was the best I’ve EVER experienced (3 times!), plus the amazing variety of water amenities made this one of the most relaxing – and restorative – days of my life.
No, seriously. This place has just about everything I could want. I can sleep on the comfy lounge-beds by the pool, use the gorgeous shower areas, they have a yummy menu, and I can work out in the state of the art gym. I was blown away by this gorgeous sanctuary (in the middle of the already gorgeous Kapalua, of course). We spent many hours here and I totally blissed out.
I also took advantage of the amazing gym facilities on my own. Wow- the weight machines were whisper-quiet and they had the newest cardio equipment, each unit with its own TV monitor and USB hookup for your iPod/iPhone. Forgot your own earphones? Don’t worry, they’ve got you; grab a pair at the front, then just drop them in the “Used Headphones” basket after your workout. They had one machine called “the Wave” which had a funky, cross country skiing motion (i think?). I had never seen one before, but it was neat. They also offer complimentary personal training lessons on using their new Kinesis equipment. AND you work out while looking at views of the ocean or one of their own waterfall pools. Gym- Excellent, A+.
Following my workouts, I would use the shower facilities. Along with fancy digital combination locks, each locker has a plush robe and a pair of those Hawaiian brown sandals. The restrooms/showers are fully equipped for just about anything you need. They have disposable razors; yummy smelling shampoo, conditioner, and body wash; combs, brushes, and hair dryers in the vanity area; and extras like mouthwash, toothbrush/toothpaste sets, unisex deodorant, and body lotion to finish you off. I loved it!
Now for the really indulgent treats. All over the spa, there were glass containers dispensing pineapple-infused water, ice cold. Ahhh. Step out into the pool area, and you will find pumps of sunscreen, menus for poolside dining, and magazines to entertain you. I worked on my tan on the lounges, then cooled off in the beautiful infinity pool.
Just inside the separated women’s and men’s facilities, you will also find the Serenity areas. Here, you have to try the eucalyptus sea salt infused steam room. Breathe deep and relax on the cool tiles. Or go next door and use the traditional sauna. Be sure to grab a cold washcloth from the pedestal outside to cool your face; I loved that the washcloths sit on an ice block shaped like the Kapalua butterfly logo (see photo). I liked to follow all of that with a quick dash through the rainfall area, then jump into the waterfall hot tub. Heaven.
Out of courtesy to other spa patrons, I didn’t get as many photos as I would have liked, but trust me- the place is spectacular. The staff are all very helpful and friendly, so don’t be afraid to ask questions, and tip them for their great service. Most importantly, enjoy, relax, and live “Aloha”.
Jun 16, 2013 | Uncategorized
Become One with the Environment at the Four Seasons Spa.
Scottsdale is the Bel Air of the Sonoran Desert. Located just Northeast of Phoenix, it has come to be known as the destination of the pampered classes.
The Four Seasons Hotels are also known for locating their charming resorts in the best playlands on earth. No exception here. In writing this review, the words seemed
inadequate, and I really just wanted to resort to pictures.
The spa has picked up on the aura of both the desert setting and the clients they serve. Examples of the spa services include:
Jojoba and prickly pear polish
This full-body exfoliation combines deeply penetrating jojoba oil with the healing properties of prickly pear to leave the skin smooth and moisturised.
Sonoran honey body polish
A Sonoran honey and refreshing orange sugar scrub is used in this vigorous and effective body exfoliation.
The reviews online were sparse, but all save one were gushing with praise for the facility and the staff. The lone negative reviewer may have merely shown up on a day where either a staff member or the reviewer, herself was in a bad mood.
The Four Seasons Spa is pricey, and they would probably be the first to acknowledge that. You are paying for the setting, the outstanding personnel, the unique service offerings, and the option of spending time before and after enjoying other hotel amenities.
Erica Tiffany, writing for online mag, sheknows.com in the beauty and style section, had this to say about the Four Season Spa in Scottsdale:
Nestled North of the Valley in the tranquil Arizona desert, Four Seasons Troon North is a safe haven for women in need of some ‘me time.’ From the moment I stepped on the grounds, I was impressed. I was encouraged to use their fitness room, go hike nearby Pinnacle Peak or spend the rest of my day lounging in a cabana by their sky-blue pool. It really made the entire day memorable! But, I was most impressed by the professional attitude of everyone I encountered. They really made me feel welcome and special!
Of course, as with any proper spa, this one offers a eucalyptus steam room. The 100% pure eucalyptus oil is injected directly into the steam to provide a perfect harmony of soothing essential oil and steam. Every part of your body will thank you for spending time in their steam room.
For more information on Eucalyptus Oil in handy home size shower mist or commercial quantities visit https://eurospaaromatics.com
Jun 14, 2013 | Uncategorized
Spa 88 Has Those Who Can’t Get Enough and Those Who Can’t Kvetch Enough
According to the website for Spa 88: The steamroom combines the therapeutic effects of moist heat with inhalation therapy. Inside our therapists can perform several body treatments such as full body wash, scrub or Platza.
I’ve never been to a Russian bath house, but apparently you don’t want to compare this to the luxury spas we’ve been reviewing elsewhere in this blog. Also, this is NY, not Maui or Orange County. Some of the reviewers kindly note that Spa 88 is a “little rough around the edges.” There is talk of “hairy old Russian Men.” Then an old Russian man reviews the place and says “What do you expect?”
Though there are detractors, there appears to be a very large crowd of those who love the place and come regularly. So much so that Saturdays are described as “crowded.”
One thing comes through all of the talk. It would appear that hairy old Russian men and young girls can agree on this: Eucalyptus Oil is important in the steam room. As Joana K says, “my sinuses never felt so clear…”
2/14/2010
4 hours passed before I knew it, and we ended up closing the place down. The wet steam room had eucalyptus in the air so my sinuses never felt so clear as they did after several minutes there.
12/27/2011
This was my first banya experience.
I’m glad we did because I loved it there. The steam room was so refreshing and in one of the rooms, there were regulars there who go every saturday. One man, who I’m assuming is a masseur, was giving massages to people who had some injuries. He also brought his own body scrub, oils, etc and taught people how to use them to exfoliate and improve their banya experience. It was fun meeting all these different people and relaxing at the same time.
10/13/2012
WOW. This place is suberb.
My sister and I went into the locker rooms, changed into our bathing suits and put our robes on. We first went into the dry sauna. This was freaking HOT. I sat on the first ledge and it was already hot after 7 minutes of lying down. I decided to go outside to cool myself down. After cooling down for a good 10 minutes, I went into the eucalyptus steam room and chilled there for 10 minutes, alternating 10 minutes in the steam room with 5 minutes cooling off near the benches.
I did this 3 times. The eucalyptus steam room has to be my favorite room since it’s not too hot nor too weak. They steam the room real good cause when I walked in there I could barely see anything that was 2 feet away from me. I love the minty smell you get from the room. A bonus is you can bring your own products and apply them to your body (as long as you don’t make a mess of the whole area).
Jun 12, 2013 | Uncategorized
Do folks just give better reviews when they are on Maui? I only ask because in going over the reviews for the 4 Seasons Spa in Wailea, the reviewers didn’t have a lot of gushy things to say. Apparently the facilities are not lavish, and the variety of spa options are limited. One thing for certain, the folks love this spa. No online rating service had less than 4.5 out of 5 stars. You may want to book an appointment for the services you need, especially in season.
Of course, in addition to having the Maui spirit, spa goers might also just be swept away by the entire 4 seasons experience. There are few luxury resorts anywhere that provide a more magnificent overall getaway.
Jesse G
Vancouver, Canada
Reviewed December 30, 2012
My experience at the Four Seasons Spa was phenomenal.
I chose this spa because the front line person (Kristen) who booked the treatments for me was so accommodating.
From the moment i entered and was taken to the locker room and eucalyptus steam room to the lounge area to wait for my attendant – Nadine – , the feeling was one of serenity.
The best thing is the locker rooms and the steam room.
When you see visitors to amazing spas specifically pointing to the steam room as part of why they loved their time there, you can almost always count on the fact that there was eucalyptus oil injected into the steam.
A very large part of the population loves a good steam. But it is a rare individual who doesn’t love eucalyptus. Rarer still is the one who is an aficionado of steam that doesn’t feel eucalyptus is a natural part of the entire reason for doing steam. It is all about the combination.
But we will admit that you can’t use eucalyptus oil as a cure for heartache, identity theft, or black thumb (inability to grow garden plants). There may be other things that you won’t be able to use EO for, but not many. Why not pick up an 8 ounce spray bottle of our 100% pure, pharmaceutical grade eucalyptus oil and try it out for some of these uses. 
