Take a Photo Tour of Llao Llao Golf Resort & Spa in Patagonia, Argentina

Take a Photo Tour of the Cloister at Sea Island, Georgia

Spa Cuisine Spotlight:  A grilled sandwich showcasing your summer tomatoes, courtesy of Lake Austin Spa

The Stowe Mountain Lodge & Spa in Vermont offers two private cooking classes for groups up to eight guests, taught by Chef Sean Buchanan, one of the state's foremost advocates of the local farm movement.  Available year-round from Sunday through Thursday.

A reader asks "I like salt and sugar scrubs for my legs and hands, and nose area, but can't tolerate a lot of oil, especially if I want to use it on my face.  What's a good substitute for the oil, in sugar scrub recipes?" 

We use Liquid glycerin as a skin moisturizer when we don't wish to use oil.  This is particularly helpful when we want to scrub nose crevices, without introducing oil to the face.  Liquid Glycerin is a by-product of soap making, and can be found at health food stores. Its also readily available on the internet as well.  Do a patch test to be certain you can tolerate the glycerin, if you find you have sensitivities.  In addition, consider substituting all honey.  It never spoils, and makes a good long-term scrub which may be stored.

Spa Index Glycerin and HONEY Sugar Scrub

1 cup fine loose salt or loose sugar
3 teaspoons liquid glycerin
1 teaspoon pure honey
3-5 drops of your favorite essential oil
Optional: Pinch of lavender blossoms (available in the bulk department of good health food stores), or chamomile, or dried herbs of your choice, chopped exceedingly fine.

Mix ingredients well and store in an airtight container.  Add more liquid ingredients if you prefer a thinner end-product. Stir thoroughly before use.  This keeps very well, and in fact, the honey acts as preservative. Use small amounts when scrubbing the nose, being careful not to irritate or get it in the eyes.  Scrub elbows, hands, knees, and feet. Rinse in warm water, pat dry, and apply your favorite lotion afterward.