The spa deals will keep coming, according to SpaFinder's Top 10 Global Spa Trends to Watch in 2010. One of the big reasons is an oversupply of spas. For all the day spas that have closed, a lot of big resort spas are still opening. "There were spas in various stages of construction at the start of the recession, and while some scrapped or delayed plans, many saw it through," says SpaFinder.

SpaFinder says to expect discounts, "extras", loyalty programs that let you get points towards future programs, and open houses where you can try new treatments for a nominal fee -- or even free. Find out more about how to get the best spa deals. And people are going to get another shot at the $50 spa treatments they enjoy twice a year during Spa Week. SpaFinder is going to have its own SpaFinder Deal Days March 8 -14. Mark your calendar!

One of SpaFinder's Top 10 Global Spa Trends in 2010 named by SpaFinder is the worldwide trend to hammams. I've noticed that lots of spas are now calling their steam rooms "hammams," and was glad to find out that's not what SpaFinder is talking about. (In fact, they predict spas with inappropriately labeled "hammams" will be taken to task as the industry commits to higher standards of authenticity.)

No, they mean the real deal -- elaborate facilities where you get a full-body scrub, soaping, and often a massage inside a heated steam room. Read about what happens in a traditional Turkish bath. Of course, that experience was $20, whereas I'm sure the many of the new luxury hammams, especially in hotels, will have stunning price tags! Miraj Hammam, an early innovator and the first hammam in Canada, has experiences that start at $109.

Photo by Miraj Hammam

I always look forward to SpaFinder's take on the top spa trends to watch for the coming year. President Susie Ellis is one of the smartest people in the the business, and the list of spa trends is always interesting, thought-provoking, and usually spot-on. This time the list of global spa trends was released in an interesting way -- via a webinar held in association with The University of California, Irvine, Spa and Hospitality Management Program. Attendees got to literally have Susie answer questions right then and there! Here's SpaFinder's "Top 10 Global Spa Trends for 2010."

Las Vegas has some of the countries flashiest spas, but I'm just not the Vegas type. I don't care for gambling, or the frenetic energy that emanates from the gaming floor. But I'll bet I'd be comfortable at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, which just opened. For one, there's no gaming -- and Mandarin Oriental always does everything exquisitely. The spa promises to be one of the city's best (and most expensive).

The new 47-story luxury hotel is located at the gateway to CityCenter, the urban resort destination. It dazzles with interiors designed by Adam D. Tihany and a 23rd floor Sky Lobby that providing a stunning views of the city skyline.

The two-level, 27,000 square-foot spa is designed to evoke the exotic luxury of 1930s Shanghai, and its signature treatments were developed in consultation with Traditional Chinese doctors. Its 45-minute Chinese foot spa treatments, which you enjoy reclining while enjoying stunning views of The Strip, include Read more...