Thrifty Thinking: Health, Wellness, and Beauty on a Budget

After a long and rigorous winter, consumers will be able to take advantage of affordable relief and relaxation when they need it most thanks to the biannual Spa Week Event. Celebrating its 10th birthday, Spa Week’s Spring 2014 Event will take place from April 21st-27th when hundreds of spas (day, medical and resort) yoga and Pilates studios, and fitness and wellness centers nationwide will offer up to three signature treatments for just $50 each. Featured services are valued at anywhere from $100 to $500.

Spa Week is the perfect solution to help uplift spirits and cure those post-arctic ailments without breaking the bank. Tired and achy muscles, dry and dull skin, ingrown toenails and overall moodiness don’t stand a chance when measured up with Spa Week’s stellar menu of diverse services. In fact, they're so sure that there’s a way for everyone to benefit (physically and mentally) during Spa Week, they've put together top recommendations of how to break out of that winter shell and say hello to a healthier, happier you this spring and beyond. So sit back, relax, and learn how to find your own personal sense of Zen during the Spring 2014 Event. Your new, revitalized self awaits!

• Reconnect with Nature

The birds will be chirping, flowers will be blooming and longer days of sunshine are upon us. Get in tune with your body, mind and surroundings by safely indulging in chemical-free, natural based treatments at one of the many eco-friendly spas that are rapidly rising on the Spa Week roster. From fruit and vegetable facials and organic massages to seaweed body wraps, going “green” has never felt so good. Follow up your pure pampering experience with a yoga or meditation session to fully clear your cluttered mind. After all, spring cleaning isn’t just for the garage.

• Shed that Winter Skin

If freezing temperatures, low humidity and dry furnace-blasting air have left you with a layer of dry, irritated or lackluster skin, AKA reptile status,  it’s time to do away with those dead, flaky cells from head to toe. Start with a rejuvenating facial at one of the hundreds of Spa Week’s skincare spas to get your complexion back to its healthy, glowing state. From anti-aging and oxygenating to the blemish busting, you’ll have an array of treatment options to help do away with fine lines, dehydration and environmental damage. Treat the rest of your body to your choice of exfoliating and nourishing body scrubs, moisturizing body wraps, callus eliminating pedicures and plush, paraffin manicures to get back to a silky smooth you.

• Step Into the Spot(LED)light 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) affects billions of Americans who suffer from feelings of gloominess during the winter due to reduced exposure to sunlight. With months of cold temperatures and darker days, who wouldn’t get a little cranky? Medical professionals have long prescribed different forms of at-home light therapy to those with S.A.D. symptoms, and now, there is a huge emergence of spa and wellness facilities embracing the power of light in their offerings. We’re not referring to the dangerous effects of UV Rays, but rather, safe and effective LED Light and Infrared Therapy that are proven to help treat emotional conditions. If feelings of fatigue, low energy and irritability are still pestering you post winter, Spa Week is the perfect time to take advantage of these services – from LED Light facials and body treatments to an Infrared Sauna Session.

• Bring on the Bikini

After months of being stuck inside, vegging on the couch and indulging in fatty comfort foods, it’s no surprise why we often find ourselves at a heavier, less desired weight by the time spring rolls around. Look no further than the Spa Week menu to help get your body in tip-top shape in time for Memorial Day Weekend. Choose from painless and non-surgical cellulite treatments, body sculpting, Lipomassage, slimming and detoxifying body wraps and other safe, fat-busting therapies to help reach your weight-loss goal. But hold on, you’re not ready for the beach just yet. Say goodbye to all of that unwanted body hair once and for all with permanent laser hair removal and finish off with a lustrous, UV-free spray tan. Now you’re ready!

• New You, New Do’

Just like the frigid temperatures have a harsh effect on our skin, the same goes for our hair. If you’ve been suffering with a dry, itchy scalp and find yourself with limp and lifeless locks thanks to winter’s wrath, reliable relief is around the corner. Spa Week features a wide variety of salon offerings including styling and color services to deep conditioning treatments. Whether it’s a fresh cut, overdue root touch-up or trying out those trendy ombre or balayage highlights for the first time, you’ll ring in the spring looking and feeling your very best.

• Schedule a Staycation

With hotel spas making up more than 20% of Spa Week participants, there’s no reason to splurge on that sought-after weekend getaway. You won’t have to travel far from home to take advantage of all the luxurious amenities that come with a hotel spa day: sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, oh my! Take all of that money you saved on your spa treatment and treat your sweetheart (and yourself) to dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, or even stay for the night. The “spa”ssibilities are endless!

In order to receive exclusive information on participating spas and wellness locations and their $50 services, consumers should register on SpaWeek.com as early as possible. The complete directory launched on March 17th to allow spa-goers to begin booking their most desired services in advance.

Spa Week was created and founded by Cheryl Reid who hails from successful careers within the luxury spa industry and publishing spheres. Returning for the Spring 2014 Event are Exclusive Trade Association Partner: International Spa Association (ISPA), Exclusive Skin Care Sponsor: Jurlique Skincare and Exclusive Lifestyle Sponsor: FabFitFun. We are pleased to introduce Exclusive Media Sponsor: YouBeauty.com, Exclusive Chocolate Sponsor: Godiva Chocolatier and Exclusive Tea Sponsor: The Mighty Leaf Tea Company. Spa Week is co-sponsored by CEW and a portion of the proceeds from the Spring and Fall Events are donated to CancerAndCareers.org.