Winter is right around the corner.  Usually we think of sweaters, scarves, hot chocolate, and spending time with family, but what about dry skin?  During the winter months we often neglect our skin by hiding it away under long sleeves and pants.  We cover our feet with thick socks and boots and our hands with gloves and often jump straight from the shower into comfy pajamas.  Cold weather outside and turning the heat on inside will both cause the skin to dry out.  Then throw in the fact that you’re not keeping up with your moisturizer and sunscreen regimen from the warmer months and pretty soon your skin is dry, itchy and cracked.  To make sure your skin weathers the cold as well as the rest of you, don’t skip your daily skin care routine and make sure you are using a nice heavy body butter or even oil.  It’s best to apply your cream or oil of choice within 3 minutes of getting out of the bath or shower.  Speaking of showers, don’t let yours get too hot as that can strip your skin of moisture.  Then of course there’s the obvious dietary advice of drinking plenty of fluids and cutting down on caffeine.  Having an extra cup of coffee can be tempting on a chilly morning, but caffeine is a diuretic and can leach your body of precious hydration.  Just because you’ve covered it up, don’t let your skin be forgotten.  Healthy skin is an important part of a healthy you.

If you’re going to be traveling in the Sedona area this winter, practice great skin care at the Hilton Sedona Spa with an Oasis Body Butter massage!

By Sadie Thornton
Hilton Sedona Spa
Massage therapist

Click here for the class schedule for September.

Now that the Village of Oak Creek sidewalks and bike lanes are here, are you and your bicycle ready?  It is good exercise to wheel around to the food store, our local library or post office, but do you know your bicycle?  Are you comfortable shifting gears, especially uphill?  Do you know how to change a flat tire?  Do you know the rules of the road?  Bicycling is so much fun, and a great addition to your workout routine.
Want to re-acquaint yourself with your bike?  Throughout the fall and winter, Hilton Spa personal trainer Mary will work with you and your bicycle so you can change a tire, know the rules of the road, and go for a ride after understanding how to use the gears on your bicycle.  Plus much more will be covered within an hour and a half workshop scheduled at your convenience with Mary.   Workshop cost is $50 per person, maximum of 2 people.  If you and your friend sign up together, then it is only $40 per person, a wheeling deal!  Call Mary at 301-7230 so you and your bicycle can get  rolling this fall and winter.

  That may seem like a long ways off, but now is the time to start thinking about what your goal will be for next year’s event.  Choosing a race distance or time goal can be a primary goal in itself, or it can be a motivator to stick with a routine that will help you achieve another goal such as weight loss.  As in past year’s, the event will include a 5k (3.1 miles).  Personal Trainers will once again lead The Hilton Walk/Run Team in training for and achieving your race goals.  Please indicate your interest in participating by signing the interest sheet at the Spa Desk or calling Mary or Sherry at 284-6942.  Training will begin in October!

Many of our Members have asked to have access to the fitness class schedule.

Here is a copy >> August Fitness Class Schedule <<

We will also make it available on our web site at http://www.HiltonSedonaSpa.com

Special - limited time only -

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by Angele Sionna, Phoenix Western US Travel Examiner



Need a break from your everyday? Maybe a break from your vacation even? The Hilton Spa Sedona can help with both.

The Hilton Sedona Spa is more than just a Europeanesque spa. They also have a swimming pool, fitness center, whirlpool, sauna, steam room and offer up ultimate relaxation.

I recently visited the spa while staying at the hotel. I had no idea what a treat I was in for. Not only did I get a great massage but I also discovered that with every massage you get to also use their facilities all day if you want. What a bonus.

For folks who live in the area - that makes this the ultimate staycation destination. You can feel like you're getting away from everything with only a short trip to this spa, have a whole day of spoiling and relaxation - but without having to spend the night anywhere or even eat out - which can really cut your vacation expenses, even with the pampering costs. Of course, this would be an adults-only type of staycation. It would also make for a great birthday present for a hard working mama - a day away from the kids, work - all without leaving them too far to feel bad about it. I'll be asking for this mini-getaway for my birthday for sure.



The spa has European features with many American touches. The locker room is spacious, as is the shower area, with the whirlpool right there. The massage waiting room/lounging area is comfortable with water and hot tea for you to sip on as you wait. For the more American aspects - the spa also has a hair and nail salon, yoga classes, and fitness center. You do pay extra for classes and salon services, of course. You can also buy a day pass to the facilities without getting any services if you want.

As for the massage itself, I experienced their 50 minute prenatal massage. It was relaxing to say the least. My massage therapist has been doing prenatal massage for about a decade and knew her stuff. She rubbed away my aches and pains with a nice light lavender oil and gentle but firm touch. I felt refreshed all day.

Check out all the spa services the Hilton Spa Sedona offers HERE. I definitely recommend both the massage and the Hilton's spa as a whole for a way to treat yourself either on vacation or to feel like you've escaped just for the afternoon.