Spa Enhancements Arrive at The Ritz-Carlton, Denver

Colorado’s Top Spa Retreat Debuts a New State-of-the-Art Fitness Center, New Salon and More

The brand-new salon at The Ritz-Carlton, Denver features large windows that allow natural light to wash over the sleek furnishings, textural wall treatments and vast spaces.

Just in time for the New Year, the award-winning Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Denver has unveiled a dynamic renovation that will make keeping those resolutions a little easier. Whether guests arrive to relax or work out, they will discover a range of revamped spaces designed with health and wellness in mind. Among these are a brand-new fitness center, spacious new salon and updated spa reception area, all of which combine to create an inspired Denver spa that truly lives up to the AAA-Four Diamond rating achieved over the past eight consecutive years.

The Ritz-Carlton, Denver is a four-time recipient of the coveted AAA Five-Diamond award — the first and only in the Mile High City — and is ranked Four-Stars by Forbes Travel Guide. Situated in the heart of downtown, the hotel’s location offers easy access to the theater and business districts, Larimer Square, Coors Field and the famed LoDo area. The property boasts 202 guestrooms — the most spacious in the city — including 47 suites and 32 Club Level rooms, all of which are highlighted by a sophisticated, 3,000-sq.-ft. Ritz-Carlton Suite. The cosmopolitan destination also features the Forbes Four-Star Ritz-Carlton Spa, Denver and Elway’s Downtown, the hotel’s signature restaurant boasting USDA Prime steaks, an award-winning wine program and an outdoor terrace.

The spa enhancements are the latest in a series of improvements being made to the 8-year-old luxury hotel. The hotel’s guest rooms received a soft-goods renovation in March 2015, and both projects reflect The Ritz-Carlton, Denver‘s commitment to create a sense of modern elegance that reflects the surrounding landscape.

Experience the tranquility of our serene Ladies Relaxation Lounge.

The most dramatic change has been the addition of the new 2,229-sq.-ft. fitness center located on the hotel’s Spa Level. In this new facility, guests will enjoy state-of-the-art treadmills and elliptical machines featuring built-in televisions, as well as a variety of strength-training equipment. Complimentary touches like chilled bottled water and earphones enhance the experience.

Allow your troubles to melt away under the soothing pressure of our Vichy Shower treatment.

Feeling your best is often looking your best, and those arriving at this elegant Denver salon will be treated to a space as inspiring as the results of its services. The brand-new salon features large windows that allow natural light to wash over the sleek furnishings, textural wall treatments and vast spaces. Accents like wingback chairs evoke a lounge-like atmosphere, and the appointments, which include two manicure stations, two pedicure stations, two hair stations and a makeup station, imbue the space with unmistakable functionality.

Relax and Escape to The Spa

The spa itself also enjoyed an update during the renovations, and now welcomes guests with a new reception area featuring the latest retail offerings. In keeping with the hotel’s organic-inspired approach to design, the spa’s reception space showcases product lines like Sanitas, a Boulder-based skincare line, and Eminence, an organic line long enjoyed at the spa.

One of the best ways to experience the updated spa is through its popular weekday offerings, which include:

MARTINIS & MASSAGE MONDAY: Enjoy a complimentary martini and 20% savings on any 50- or 80-minute massage.

RETAIL THERAPY TUESDAY: Enjoy a 20% savings on all retail purchases, and receive a Spa bath ball with any purchase.

MID-WEEK SPICE UP: Revive your tired feet with a 50-minute Champagne Peppermint Pedicure on Wednesdays, and enjoy a 20% savings. Add a 25-minute manicure for just $35.

TREAT YOUR TOES THURSDAY: Indulge in a complimentary paraffin treatment with a 50- or 75-minute pedicure.

FACE-LIFT FRIDAY: Put your best face forward over the weekend after a 50-minute Nu Face treatment, which lifts and plumps the skin, for $115.

For guests’ convenience, the fitness center is open:

Monday to Friday: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For reservations, please call (800) 542-8680 FREE, or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/Denver.

Having A Baby? There’s An App For That

Being a new parent can be intimidating. There are so many things for new moms (and dads) to keep track of, from feeding and sleeping habits, to mom’s and baby’s doctor’s appointments and developmental milestones for baby. Intermountain Moms (from Intermountain Healthcare) is a great resource when you are at home, but a new app is now available for when you are mobile.

Baby Steps (available for both Android and iOS) has a variety of functions to help you in the next stage of your life. “Our society is increasingly mobile, so we wanted to help our moms wherever they were,” says Danielle Kurtz, RN, from Intermountain Moms.

Start with getting pregnant. Baby Steps has an ovulation tracker to help you know when you are most ready to conceive. “Many women don’t realize you really only have three or four days a month to get pregnant,” says Kurtz.

And what about finding a hospital or doctor? The app can help with that. It can even help once you get there. You know how you have a thousand questions, but as soon as the doctor walks in, you can’t remember a single one of them? The Baby Steps App has a specific area to write those questions down, so you don’t forget to ask.

“The Baby Names tool is so much fun,” says Kurtz. “There are thousands of names in there with the meaning.” She explains you can “star” your favorites, and then review just your top lists.

The app even helps you get ready to have your child with a preparation list of what you should take to the hospital. You can check things off from a list experienced moms helped to create, and add your own items so you don’t forget.

Then there are the other resources. Kurtz – an actual nurse in the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center Labor and Delivery Department in Provo, Utah – responds to questions posted on Facebook and Twitter (also linked through the app) as well as records a weekly video chat. “We have thousands of videos with responses to follower’s questions.” In fact, Kurtz said it would actually take over 11 years to watch all the videos (provided you watched 24 hours a day, seven days a week). “And we are, of course, always adding more.”

There are also tips and tricks for the experienced parent – such as an immunization tracker for the whole family.

To find the app, simply search “Intermountain Baby Steps” in the iOS App store or Google Play Store. The app is free.

Baby Steps and Intermountain Moms is sponsored by Intermountain Healthcare. “We have followers from other states and even other countries,” says Kurtz. “Whether you are an expectant mother, new parent, grandparent or caregiver, our medical staff are here for your support.”

Intermountain Healthcare is a Utah-based, not-for-profit system of 22 hospitals, 185 clinics, a Medical Group with some 1,300 employed physicians, a health plans division called SelectHealth, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare through high quality and sustainable costs. For more information about Intermountain, visit intermountainhealthcare.org

New for Valentine’s Day: The 2016 “Hugs & Kisses” Personalized 24K Gold Rose

LoveIsARose.com is known for their personalized gold roses with custom, loving messages like “I Love You” or “Will You Marry Me?” imprinted on the flower petals. These distinctive roses are carefully selected and picked at the peak of their beauty, then preserved and trimmed, or dipped entirely, in 24k gold, platinum, or silver. The roses are available in an array of colors to suit every occasion.

The “Hugs & Kisses” Rose is a new addition to the expanded line of personalized, gold-trimmed roses. XOXO, the “Hugs & Kisses” symbol, decorates the Heart Charm that is attached to this beautiful, 24K gold-trimmed rose. (The symbol dates back centuries and is used to express, in addition to “Hugs & Kisses,” sincerity, faith, love, and good friendship.)

The online web store also features a unique line of preserved real orchids, crystal flowers, Capodimonte porcelain flowers, and special occasion shadow boxes. The shadow boxes display the gold roses or orchids and can be customized to deliver a special message to celebrate a love relationship, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, anniversary, wedding, birthday, or even the new baby in the family. Laser-engraved onto bronze plates, messages of love adorn the rich, velvet lined, shadow boxes.

“The personalization that is available is giving people an opportunity to deliver their very own custom message. These distinctive gifts hold words that are spoken from the heart having them become cherished keepsakes,” stated Sid Fey, CEO of Sid Fey Designs, home of www.LoveIsARose.com. 

LoveIsARose.com is also home to Birthstone & Engraved Family Trees. Family names and birth dates are etched in brass or pewter, or displayed around three-dimensional, artfully created wrought iron trees. Vibrant birthstones then become the treasures decorating the branches. The family trees are given to parents, grandparents, husbands, wives, and employers. 

“Our mission has been, is, and will be to celebrate family and relationships. We love working with our customers to create wonderful, personalized gifts that become heirlooms and are loved forever,” concluded Fey.

‘Squishy’ Robot Fingers Aid Deep-Sea Exploration

Researchers Successfully Demonstrate Soft Robotic Grippers Able to Collect Underwater Specimens

During a 2014 talk on his exploration of deep-sea coral reefs, Baruch College marine biologist David Gruber showed a video of clunky robotic hands collecting fragile specimens of coral and sponges from the ocean floor. Harvard engineer and roboticist Robert J. Wood was in the audience — the two scientists were being recognized as Emerging Explorers by the National Geographic Society — and a lightbulb went off.

“They were using rigid Jaws of Life-type grippers designed for the oil and gas industry that were totally overpowered and were destroying things,” Wood recalls. “It immediately clicked that there was a soft robotics solution that may be viable.”

In the months that followed, the pair collaborated to design, fabricate and test soft robotic grippers for deep-sea collection of fragile biological specimens. Their recent expedition to Israel’s Gulf of Eilat in the northern Red Sea — a unique marine ecosystem that houses one of the world’s largest and most diverse coral reefs — marked the first use of soft robotics for the non-destructive sampling of fauna from the ocean floor.

The new technology could enhance researchers’ ability to collect samples from largely unexplored habitats thousands of feet beneath the ocean surface, areas that scientists believe are biodiversity hotspots teeming with unknown life. The soft grippers also could be useful in underwater archeology.

As described in a paper published in the journal Soft Robotics, the team successfully developed two types of grippers and, in the process, demonstrated a new fabrication technique that allows for the rapid creation of soft actuators. Gruber and Wood funded their research with a 2015 National Geographic Innovation Challenge Grant, grants designed to foster collaboration between two or more National Geographic Society Explorers . 

Gruber, associate professor of biology and environmental science at Baruch College of the City University of New York and research associate with the American Museum of Natural History, explores deep-ocean ecosystems with a particular focus on organisms that display bioluminescent and biofluorescent traits. (Bioluminescent animals produce their own light; biofluorescent animals absorb light and re-emit it as a different color.)

When he wants to visit a coral reef below the maximum depth that human divers can tolerate, Gruber must rely on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). But there’s a problem: The standard-issue robotic “hands” of underwater ROVs are ill-suited to collecting delicate coral, sponge and other samples. That’s because the equipment was designed for undersea construction and to install and repair submerged pipelines.

Manipulating and grasping fragile organisms from the sea floor requires something that can mimic the dexterity and soft touch of a human diver’s hand. Wood, Charles River Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and founding core faculty member of the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, recognized that soft robotics is tailor-made for the task.

Wood and Wyss Institute mechanical engineer Kevin Galloway set about designing two types of hands to replace the ROV’s factory-furnished metal gripper, each capable of gently recovering objects of different sizes and shapes. One, inspired by the coiling action of a boa constrictor, can access tight spaces and clutch small and irregular-shaped objects. The other, a bellows-style model, features opposing pairs of bending actuators.

To facilitate rapid in-field modification and repair, the team emphasized simple construction, inexpensive materials and a modular design. This meant they could try multiple configurations and make them in quantity. Harvard’s Office of Technology Development has filed a patent application on the team’s method for the manufacture of bellows-type soft actuators. The method is scalable, opening up a wide range of commercial, biomedical and industrial applications for this type of actuator.

Travel: NationalGeographic.Com Showcases South Australia’s Adventures Of A Lifetime In New Editorial Hub

From camping with kangaroos in the Flinders Ranges and discovering the laneways of Adelaide, to cruising down Australia’s longest river (Murray River) on a houseboat, NationalGeographic.com today shares 30 of the most amazing adventures available in South Australia.

Mine Tunnel: Modern tunneling technology has replaced the old means of picks and shovels in the opal mines of Coober Pedy, South Australia. After tunneling, the sandstone will be “noodled”—or searched—under UV light in pursuit of the gemstones. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

The hub is a result of an ongoing partnership with the state of South Australia, where each of the 30 articles featured showcase a unique experience in the region. In addition, the hub includes stunning photo galleries, an interactive map, a South Australia guide with basic information for those looking to plan a visit, and videos that bring the destination and its experiences to life.

Gawler Ranges ‘Roo: More than two million kangaroos inhabit South Australia, with hundreds of them gathering on the plains below the Gawler Ranges. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

South Australia is home to Kangaroo Island (known for its abundant wildlife), the famedBarossa wine region, and the charming capital, Adelaide. The fourth largest of Australia’s six states, South Australia is located in the southern half of the country. Described as the “perfect host city”, Adelaide was named one of the “Top 52 Places to Go” in 2015 by The New York Times. Surrounded by parklands and home to just over 1 million people, the central business district is one square mile – perfect for exploring the popular museums, historic buildings, wide streets and renowned cafes and restaurants. The celebrated Central Market, the largest covered market in the southern hemisphere, bursts with atmosphere all year round. From fresh seafood to gourmet cheeses and baked goods – the market is a special place for locals and visitors alike. South Australia is also a haven for wine lovers.

Over 60% of all exported Australian wines come from the state’s top wine regions including the Barossa, the Clare Valley and Coonawarra Outdoor adventure activities such as hiking, diving and mountain biking are abundant in this nature-filled state. South Australia arguably has the most accessible native wildlife in the country. Thrill seekers can swim with sharks on the Eyre Peninsula or others after something a little less daring (but just as spectacular) can catch a glimpse of a sea-lion colony on Kangaroo Island. Known as the “Gateway to the Outback,” South Australia is also home to Coober Pedy, the world’s opal mining capital.

Bearded Dragon: The bearded dragon gets its name from its ability to puff out the spiky underside of its neck when threatened. It can change colors—such as to black, like this one—if the lizard feels threatened. The reptile species originates from Australia. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

Bedroll Carriage: In Australia, a “swag” is a bedroll used for camping in the bush. Many resorts offer visitors this option, but some places—like the Kangaluna Camp in the Gawler Ranges—takes the idea to another level with an advanced outdoor bed, as pictured here. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES FEATURED ON THE SITE INCLUDE:

LIVE THE STATION LIFE: Staying in workers’ quarters on an outback cattle or sheep station

HIKE THE HEYSEN: Australia’s longest hiking trail

SAIL AWAY TO KANGAROO ISLAND: A refuge for wildlife, fine scenery and beaches off the coast

TRACK THE OUTBACK: Focusing on the outback tracks of the northern desert region

EXPLORE AN ANCIENT CULTURE: From ancient Aboriginal sites and rock art to indigenous guided tours in the Flinders Ranges

RIDE THE GHAN: Australia’s most iconic rail trip from Adelaide north through the central Australian desert

TOUR THE WINE TRAILS: Explore South Australia’s renowned wine districts

HEAD UNDERGROUND IN COOBER PEDY: Stay in the famous opal mining town where the searing heat drives residents underground (http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/south-australia-adventures/head-underground-in-coober-pedy/)

Mining Truck: Modern mining machinery has made its way into Coober Pedy. Originally, opal was mined from the rock in the area using pick and shovel. As the holes became deeper, hand-operated winches were used to bring up waste, followed by blower trucks—huge vacuum cleaners—to suck out mullock, or waste, from the mines. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

Underground Church: The Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, a Serbian Orthodox church in Coober Pedy, was carved out in 1993 by Serbian-Australians who had settled in the area. Thanks to its underground location, it remains an attraction in the area. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

FLIGHTSEE LAKE EYRE: See Australia’s largest lake, a huge white salt pan when dry, teeming with life when deluged by infrequent rains

Beauty.com Debuts the Exclusive Rachel Comey Sage Bag

Beauty.com®, a division of drugstore.com, inc. (and a leading online destination for prestige beauty products., offering a highly personalized shopping experience with more than 375 brands from widely recognized to niche, hard-to-find products.), is ringing in the new year by offering the exclusive Sage Bag from lauded designer Rachel Comey as a complimentary gift for shoppers. The circular canteen shaped bag is perfect for toting makeup and skin care essentials while being slim enough to slip into purses and bags.

The Rachel Comey Sage Bag for Beauty.com

To complement her spring/summer 2016 collection that touted a soft and “lived-in” look, Rachel Comey’s Sage Bag is made of post-consumer materials. “For spring 2016, we introduced a collection of wicker and vegetable tanned leather bags,” says Comey. “Inspired by our canteen shape, BAAN bag, we created a kid sister for the Beauty.com gift bag. We are proud to mention that it is made from post-consumer raffia and linen. Thanks Beauty.com!”

Customers will receive the cosmetics tote when they spend $99 or more at the prestige beauty retailer.* The Sage Bag can be found at http://www.Beauty.com/RachelComey and is available while supplies last.

The Sage Bag arrives fully stocked with 11 prestige beauty samples in both deluxe and full sizes.  The bag and its contents have an approximate combined retail value of more than $120. The selection includes offerings from some of the beauty world’s top beauty and skin care brands:

1. Macadamia Professional Nourishing Moisture Oil Treatment (10 ml)

2. clariSEA De-Blemish Spot Treatment (30 ml)

3. W3LL People Expressionist Mascara Traveler (.12 oz)

4. Skin&CO Umbrian Truffle Hand cream (10 ml)

5. Not Soap, Radio Liquid Freud Body Lotion (35 ml)

6. Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask (1 oz)

7. Hugo Boss EDT VOC (.07 oz)

8. Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Crème (1.25 oz)

9. The Beachwaver Co Half Up, Brunette (1)

10. John Masters Organics Lavender Rosemary Shampoo (1 oz)

11. John Masters Organics Citrus Neroli Detangler (1 oz)

12. Beauty.com offer card

While looking to reach the $99 hurdle and receive the Sage Bag, customers can shop an assortment of new-to-store skin care brands including Bliss Color, Olie Biologique, VERSO, and GLOSS Moderne. To combat winter skin, Beauty.com continues to offer great hydrating and moisturizing products from customer-favorite brands such as Origins, Paul & Joe and Caudalie.

To kick off the New Year with some fresh beauty looks, shoppers will find new nail product offerings from Nailing Hollywood and Static Nails. For new hair products, Instyler and Invisibobble are now available on the website.

For seasonal beauty content, beauty fans can look to the Beauty.com Advice & Trends page for winter skin care resolutions, makeup how-tos and exclusive interviews with industry experts. The latest installment of the My Life In Beauty feature focuses on founder and creator of RMS Beauty, Rose-Marie Swift. On the Beauty Close Up blog, Beauty Director at Large Romy Soleimani continues to share her favorite product picks for the season as well as behind-the-scenes glimpses from on set at editorial shoots and New York Fashion Week.

Beauty fans can continue to look to the Beauty.com social media channels Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest to find featured products spanning makeup, skin-care, hair care and fragrance. Other benefits include “Free 1-3 day shipping for purchases over $35,”** 5% back on every purchase with drugstore.com dollars™**, speedy shipping, the complimentary sampling center, 100% satisfaction guarantee***, and a shared online shopping cart with the Beauty.com partner site, http://www.drugstore.com. Beauty fans can also get the latest tips, trends, and promotions sent directly to their email by signing up for the complimentary weekly Beauty Bulletin on the Beauty.com site.

Rachel Comey (b.1972) is an American fashion designer and creator of her namesake New York based label. The brand, which started as menswear, grew out of the downtown arts scene of New York in the early 2000s. Her collections became known for artful custom textiles, graceful modern silhouettes, and covetable footwear. Her work is said to be designed for real women, like herself, with strong opinions, big aspirations, and a view to the world that is at once radical and romantic.

Comey was raised between Connecticut and Vermont. She attended the University of Vermont as a sculpture student. After graduating she moved to New York City to further pursue opportunities in the arts. Her earliest efforts in clothing came almost accidentally as a costume designer for musicians in the burgeoning downtown music scene of the early 2000s. These efforts garnered her a place in the 2001 Whitney Biennial.