Today's spas are incorporating connectivity, focusing on the earth, plants and humankind.

Red chili is soothing? Not when you put it in your mouth. But rub it on your face and it's downright mind-numbing. Just ask Jan Thetford, national sales director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. Thetford recently planned a retreat for the cosmetic company's top management at a spa in New Mexico that features this Southwest-inspired treatment.

Spas have long been sanctuaries to relax the mind, body, and spirit. The philosophy at many of them is that both the human body and the earth must be in harmony for a truly positive experience. It would be completely contradictory if the pampering comes at the expense of the environment. Today, more forward-thinking planners like Thetford are seeking out spas that are dedicated to cultivating the health, well-being, and sustainability of both guests and the planet.

Going Native

Locavores (the word of the year for 2007 in the Oxford American Dictionary) eat food that is locally produced and not transported lengthy distances. They prefer products that are made close to home.

The local-sourcing concept has carried over to the world of spas. Sophisticated meeting attendees are not only careful about what they put in their bodies, but what they put on themselves. Spa treatments that use indigenous ingredients are all the rage.

In the eco-conscious age, it is no wonder that spa-goers gravitate to honey, maple syrup, and even red chili cultivated near their spa facilities.

Some spas use local ingredients in unexpected ways. The Cliff House Resort and Spa, in Ogunquit, ME, offers guests organic Maine blueberry body wraps, manicures, and pedicures.

The facility at Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, in Stowe, VT, features the "Vermont Maple Sugar Body Polish," which uses—what else?—local maple syrup. Sweet, decadent chocolate is at the core of many treatments at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey. For example, in a "Whipped Cocoa Bath," one of the spa's most popular indulgences, guests are immersed in a foaming chocolate milk bath that smoothes and softens the skin.

The Tamaya Mist Spa at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, in Santa Ana Pueblo, NM, offers customized and unique spa treatments that are indigenous to New Mexico. One of the most unusual treatments incorporates ancient drumming and an application of mud from the Jemez Mountains that is infused with the aforementioned New Mexico red chili. The result is a highly detoxifying mud masque treatment, which was enjoyed by the group that Thetford brought to the resort.

"There we were, in our spa robes, mingling with each other," says Thetford, who is based in Lubbock, TX. "A spa is great for relationship-building. You get to know each other better than you ever could in a business suit and heels." A few members of the group had never had a treatment before. Thetford, on the other hand, will only stay in properties with spas, when traveling for business or leisure. "I use my discretionary income to get a massage every week," she says. "It's stress management."

Near Phoenix, a Focus on Native American Traditions

The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort's spa is named "Aji," which means "sanctuary" in the language of the local Pima tribe. It is a fitting name for the peaceful and relaxing Chandler, AZ, retreat, according to Phoenix-based attorney Stephanie Fierro, who, as chairperson of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce's Women in Business committee, has helped plan two networking events there. Last year's event was so well received that the number of attendees nearly doubled at this year's gathering on April 1.

"The spa is built in a way that it becomes part of the natural surroundings," Fierro notes. "From the entryway mosaic that depicts the sky and the earth, to the artwork by young Native Americans, to the aroma of the herbs used in the treatments, it's such a relaxing place. It is easier to network in such an environment, as everyone is in a great frame of mind," she explains. "As I sat at the pool, I realized I had forgotten the world can be so quiet."

Attendees were able to get nail polish changes, mineral makeup applications, facials, and hand and chair massages. The group also sampled dishes from the spa menu.

As the women, who ranged from sole proprietors, to entrepreneurs, to corporate executives, waited to be pampered, they had the opportunity to talk. Unlike a sit-down lunch or dinner with a speaker, an interactive event like this gave the group more of a chance to network.

Aji offered members of the group a discount if future services were booked that evening. "A few of us got together and booked a spa day," Fierro says with a laugh. "The folks at Aji were such a pleasure to work with. They take care of all the details and become a part of your team. That made my job much easier. We'll continue to have this event at Aji as long as they'll have us."

Adding to the uniqueness of Aji is that everything is crafted with the input of the elders of the Pima and Maricopa tribes. The spa claims its "Indigenous Collection" is the only authentic Native American spa menu in existence. Belen Stoneman and Dawn Enos are "cultural caretakers" on staff. One of the treatments that Stoneman offers is called thoachta, which means "healing." It combines traditional massage, polarity, and ancient Pima healing doctrines.

Ongam hobin, a sacred salt wrap designed by Enos, starts with the application of Aji's indigenous creosote oil, followed by soothing salt grains and a light steam. This treatment, which culminates with foot therapy, both energizes and moisturizes the body while extracting negative energy and sealing in positive energy, for a feeling of balance.

One of the more unusual highlights at Aji is a structure called olas ki, which means "roundhouse" in the Pima language. Built for meditations led by Stoneman, the olas ki is an exact replica of a traditional Pima dwelling, made of arrowweed and willow from the area, with its door facing east to greet the sun. The circular design symbolizes the circle of life and serenity.

Attendees take home more than relaxed muscles after spending time at Aji. They take home a better understanding of Native American traditions. The creosote bush, a fragrant, yellow-blossoming bush; aloe; yucca; willow bark; and lavender, all grown on the Gila River Indian Community, are now incorporated into a product line available at the spa and resort that is fittingly called the "Indigenous Collection."

Going Green in the City

Even spas that are not set in remote areas are greening their practices. Called "exhale," a new line of spas that merges the paths of the mind and body is proliferating in metropolitan areas.

"We've made our spas as eco-friendly as possible," explains Renée Loux, exhale's eco advisor. Loux, who is also an author, TV host, and magazine columnist, has been dubbed "Queen of Green." "Our practices, philosophies, and products are designed for sustainable use," she explains. "We have designed these as urban oases that don't require uprooting to go on a retreat."

As the name suggests, exhale focuses on breathing. "We take this seriously and cultivate clean and healthy indoor air for our guests," says Loux. From the flooring, to the paint, to the ornamental touches, the emphasis is on using natural materials. Artifacts that exhale sources from Southeast Asia to create its signature visual ambiance are reclaimed, reconditioned, and reused. The spas' wood furnishings are reclaimed and rebuilt wood, not from virgin trees. Decorations are nontoxic and renewable, such as reed wall coverings, beach grasses, and bamboo.

Not only does Loux advise exhale's management about its eco-friendly procedures, she researches all of the products that are used in its treatments and available for purchase to make sure that they are as natural as possible. The brand's management collaborated with Loux to take this one step further by developing an eco-conscious skin-care line called "g.r.n.," which stands for grow, restore, and nurture.

"We designed these products to be highly effective with an eco-friendly approach," touts Loux. The products' paraben-free formulas include natural ingredients like avocado, almond, green apples, chamomile, and white tea.

As your group unwinds at any of these aforementioned spas, they can rest assured that they are rejuvenating the way that Mother Nature would have intended.

Originally published May 1, 2010

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