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...

SpaFinder is unveiling its '2010 Spa Trends Forecast' by webinar on Monday December 7, 2009 -- and you're invited! This is the first time SpaFinder is releasing its annual trends report in an interactive, multi-media online presentation. The webinar takes place at 1 PM EST/10 AM PST.

SpaFinder President Susie Ellis will give her take on the top 10 emerging ideas and concepts poised to impact the spa/wellness/health/fitness industries, from 'The Year of The Hamam' to 'Reaction to Sweat Lodge Deaths and Medical Horror Stories' to 'The Online Spa'. You can register for the online presentation or get the full report on the SpaFinder website on December 7th.

The rich know how to live. A vacation in a resort or spa destination took the no. 5 spot on the "Top Holiday Dream List" in the American Express Publishing and Harrison Group 2009 Survey of Affluence and Wealth in America. But if you don't have the resources to give someone a whole spa vacation, a trip to the day spa is also wonderful. Here's what you need to know about buying spa gift certificates.