Vegas Spas {Part II}

[trip style = spa + weekend getaway]

Last Wednesday we showcased three spas in Vegas from our recent spahh-cation on the Strip alongside writers from Spa Finder, Glamour, Cosmopolitan Latin America, The Guardian, Metro News and The Globe & Mail. Here are four more exhale-worthy candidates channeling Morocco, Roman baths, precious gemstones and 1930s Shanghai. Proving Vegas is what you make it---foodie fest, shopping spree or spa-bbatical---file these world-class caves of calm into your travel folder the next time Lady Luck comes a-callin'.

Encore Spa at the Wynn A true escape for all five senses, the spa at the Encore is purposefully washed in white and cream hues to reorient guests from the Glitter Gulch's typical rainbow of strobe-light color. Walking in, it's as if I'm in a Moroccan king's desert hideaway. Everything is plush evoking the exotic: waist-height golden lanterns line the journey into treatment rooms, subdued butterfly-adorned fabric colors the walls and opulent mirrors Steve Wynn-ify the space. All that's missing is a fan boy, yet I'm quite certain that could be arranged. Who: Sex and the City fans with an appetite for adventure

QUA Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace A destination spa in every sense of the word, QUA Baths & Spa draws on Ancient Rome's bathing rituals to transport guests back in time. Waterfalls and 'social' mineral pools of varying temperatures make for an a-QUA afternoon that's a treatment unto itself. At the 51-room spa, the baths are only part of the draw. Before hitting the Laconium "ultra-heat therapy" Room and dousing myself in a snowflake shower in the Arctic Ice Room, I take a moment in the relaxation room staffed by none other than a tea sommelier skilled at pairing my treatment with a health-enhancing brew. Who: Social butterflies and water therapy buffs

The Spa at Trump Las Vegas The 11,000sf Spa at Trump Las Vegas rivals the best spas on the Strip. Without zen dens and piping pan flute soundtracks, there's a sophistication and elegance of Ivanka proportions. In keeping with his persona, the Donald's day spa is all about the best of the best: the best therapists, the best massages, the best facials and the best spa products. As I arrive, a Spa Attaché {Trump-speak for staff} asks me to fill out a questionnaire so my massage can be personalized with one of the following intentions: calm, balance, purify, heal or revitalize. I opt for balance. After I slip into my ultra-soft-verging-on-sexy sheets, I end up having one of the best massages I've had in a LONG time thanks to my therapist's skilled hands with a rose-infused ruby massage oil imported from Dubai. The bottle has floating gemstones {of course it does}. I wouldn't be surprised if the subdued crystal lights in the ceiling are actually diamonds. Who: Boutique spa-goers with a penchant for diamonds and pearls

The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas To say I was head over heels for the 27,000sf spa at the Mandarin Oriental is an understatement. One of the only spas in Las Vegas to overlook the Strip and feature floor-to-ceiling natural light, I was ready to propose based on the exotic concoction of 1930s Shanghai and Art Deco design alone. At this highly edited Eastern retreat, even the spa uniforms are specially sourced, designed by Fashion Week regular Vivienne Tam. After your signature detoxifying foot bath, you'll want to spend the rest of the day rotating between the ice fountain, vitality pools and temperature-controlled Tepidarium chairs. Nirvana in Nevada; don't say I didn't warn you. Who: Well traveled spaah-holics.

[photos courtesy of the mandarin oriental, the encore, caesars palace and trump las vegas, experienced as a guest of the LVCVA]

Healthy On The Road :: Exercise For The Rhythms Of Life

[trip style = any]

{Editor’s Note: Enter for a chance to win Vancouver Art Gallery FUSE event tickets---think dance, DJs and world-class art… Matisse, people! Comment on any TripStyler.com post—and like us on Facebook if you’re not already a fan—FOR A CHANCE TO WIN two FUSE tickets for Friday, July 6th (8pm – 1am), a $50 value. Contest closes Wednesday, July 4th at noon. Winner must be from Canada or the US, be over 19 and respond to the email with winner details by Thursday, July 5th at noon.}

First things First: Happy Independence day to our American readers!!!

Exercise can serve many purposes: sustaining long-term health, meeting short-term energy needs or simply providing a great opportunity to socialize with friends. One of its greatest functions in my life is to help me find my bearings and hit the proverbial “reset button” on life. For this purpose, it is an uninterrupted and rhythmic, run, swim or cycle.

While the escape from routine is one of the best things about traveling, it can also disrupt the regular rhythms of the mind, body and spirit. It's in these rhythmical and repetitive activities where I often gain clarity of mind, find inspiration to try something new or solve a problem. It can be a time to plan, brainstorm or take a mental break from thinking! More importantly, exercise can anchor your body into the rhythms of your non-traveling life and help you get back into an exercise routine as soon as you return from a trip.

In 2009, my husband and I traveled to Thailand to adopt our son. Obviously, this was a trip like no other. As brand new parents operating outside our home turf, we experienced some serious sensory overload---needless to say, my workout escapes became essential!

Depending on where we were staying, I would escape to the gym, the pool or outside for a run---even just for 30 minutes a day---and return to my family with my battery recharged and my mind renewed. Lost baggage? Challenging flight with kids? Early morning wake-up call? ....BRING.IT.ON! When we’re operating on a full strength battery, we are that much better equipped to embrace the joys and challenges of travel {and life}!

{When she’s not training clients or being trained by her dog Zuzu, Leah writes Healthy on the Road, published the first Wednesday of every month.}

More Healthy On The Road 5 Reasons To Go Summer Hiking Back At It Give The Pool A Chance – A Workout In The Water The 20-min Exercise Itinerary Healthy DIY Plane Snacks Hotel Room Exercises {You can do in your underwear}

[photo by @tripstyler]

Seven Ways To Beach Chic

[trip style = beach + sun]

{Editor’s Note: One of my fave things to do in Vancouver is attend the Vancouver Art Gallery’s seasonal FUSE events, and this summer’s edition is going to be BIG: think dance, DJs and world-class art… Matisse, people! Comment on any TripStyler.com post—and like us on Facebook if you’re not already a fan—FOR A CHANCE TO WIN two FUSE tickets for Friday, July 6th (8pm – 1am), a $50 value. Contest closes Wednesday July 4th at noon. Winner must be from Canada or the US, be over 19 and respond to the email with winner details by Thursday, July 5th at noon.}

First of all, happy Canada Day long weekend to our Canadian readers!!!

A few weeks ago I saw this Seven Steps To Beach Chic cheat sheet on NET-A-PORTER and LOVED it in theory and in practice. As summer beach season heats up, here's THE luxe fashion website's beach go-tos, plus a petite TS commentary:

1/ I go through bathing suits like sox, so why not find your local 'fast fashion' shop and suit-up in a scuba-style bikini or one-piece. Men: the trend for you is shorter, Euro-style boardshorts.

2/ I'm a huge fan of having a staple pair of high-quality shades with timeless frames and ultra UV protectant lenses---you just don't want to mess with the sun---but if you're on the lookout for new sunnies, check out last month's check out Fashion Friday installment all about sunglasses: Fashion Friday :: Oh Mr. Sun.

3/ Normally I like practical cover-ups, because let’s face it, when you’ve been in the sun all day and you're covered with 20 layers of sticky screen, the idea of a gorge garment on sweaty skin is gross. That said, this kimono cover-up could be worn down to the pool and at night. Win, win. {Trip Styler Tip :: If you're really serious about embodying beach-chic but don't want to get sun cream on your cover-up, bring a lose T or simply wear your towel back to your room at the end of the day. No one will notice, they'll be in a 'beach daze' anyway!}

4/ I'm not into jewels or costume jewelry beachside, but après-beach I'm in like gin. I only travel with a carry-on, so jewelry is a tried-and-true way to dress up or dress down the 'inventory' in my suitcase's real estate. For example, the same beach cover-up I wear to the pool in the AM can be dressed up with jewelry for a PM knockout.

5/ Even if you're into neutrals, you can bid adieu to beige with beachwear and be bold with color and prints. We all need a little color in our lives. Currently LOVING this belted one-piece.

6/ We just suggested some gorgeous double-duty travel carry-alls from Claire Vivier---perf for bringing to the beach or throwing into your beach bag.

7/ Keep sandals sweet 'n low at the beach or pool. 100% agreed. Please don’t wear high heels at the pool. Just don't.

[graphics via net-a-porter]