The hammam at Gaia Spa

Hammam treatments are popping up in the unlikeliest of places, like New York and Las Vegas. (Who knew Sin City wanted to clean up its act?) The truth is this method of purification has roots in the countries of Turkey and Morocco, where the bathing rituals have been carefully performed for centuries in special bathhouses. But sometimes the neighborhood hammam can be a little intimidating to a foreign first-timer because many Western norms are not adhered to—bathing is done in a communal space, nudity is not frowned upon and the burly woman scrubbing you down might signal you to turn over with a good smack on the butt. (Trust me, I know for a fact.) So if a trek to Turkey is in your future, consider paying a visit to the Gaia Spa at the Hyatt Regency, where they have faithfully recreated the fine points of the Turkish bath in Taksim, just a metro-ride north of Istanbul’s main attractions.

Sailboats near the Moran Mansion

You’ve been wanting to “sail away, sail away, sail away,” since Enya’s 1988 hit, “Orinoco Flow” rocked the new age charts. Now you’ve got the chance, and it’s a lot more feasible than traveling to the shores of Tripoli. Instead, head to the shores of Orcas Island, part of Washington State’s gorgeous San Juan Islands for Rosario Resort and Spa’s package deal, “Set Sail for Adventure.”

The Moran Mansion dates back to 1909

This is not your ordinary sightseeing sail—you’ll be learning the ropes as you take in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, including wildlife like seals, otters and eagles. The package includes hands-on lessons in the Cascade Bay, two hour theory classes, two nights’ accommodation and breakfast in the historic Moran Mansion, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is loaded with nautical artifacts. After the two-day training program, you’ll be in ship-shape with the American Sailing Association, who will confer a basic keelboat certification to you.

When it comes to travel, we wholeheartedly support anything that makes it easier and more comfortable. After all, you don’t need more stress after a delayed flight (if you even make it onto the plane these days) while dealing with the ensuing jetlag or airborne illness. Here’s the May roundup of products that will make your life less difficult and more comfy, one simple step at a time.

Adea Sea Cell’s ¾ sleeve ruched top in sage with matching drawstring pant

Adea’s Sea Cell Collection

There’s nothing worse than having the middle seat in the middle row of your red-eye transatlantic flight. Not only can you not reach the bathroom without asking a neighbor to move, but you’re fighting on both sides to secure rights to the armrest. At least Adea’s Sea Cell loungewear will help keep you comfortable and even provide you with a little mini spa treatment during your flight. The Italian lingerie makers have concocted a blend of cotton, elastane and Sea Cell (a patented fiber made from seaweed) to create a super-soft and stretchy material that does double duty by providing your skin with the benefits of the sea plant—vitamins and minerals like A, E and calcium, which are activated and released by natural body moisture. The pieces also contain silver, which wicks sweat from your body and helps neutralize odors. Available in black, sage and wheat colors, they are wrinkle resistant and air-dry in only 45 minutes if you have to wash on the go. This suit, and others, are available on www.myadea.com.

The Butler Bag’s a solid solution for packrats Butler Bag

Butler Bag

We all know that handbags turn into a black hole after while, swallowing keys, money, cell phones and identification into the abyss. If you’ve ever held up a line of cranky passengers at the airport security checkpoint because you were fumbling for your passport, you’ll appreciate the Butler Bag, an attractive carryon alternative that provides engineered compartments for all your travel items. The bags come in a variety of colors and styles that can accommodate small laptops, cosmetics, sunglasses, magazines and more. The contents of all compartments are viewable through the opening of the bag, making for fast retrieval of anything you need. We’re sure this will appeal to the obsessive compulsive among us. See www.butlerbag.com for more information.

The night lights of Ginza
Source: www.3deearts.com

Which came first, glamour or the Ginza?

It was 1872 when the Shiseido Pharmacy opened up in Tokyo’s storied Ginza district and modeled itself after a western style apothecary. Founder Arinobu Fukuhara was keen on forward-looking ventures—after visiting the States, he adopted an American drugstore-esque soda fountain and also introduced an unusual commodity to the Japanese—ice cream. Shiseido defied the conventional with its early product line—in 1906, they debuted two brands of skin-toned face powder at a time when white face powder was the prevailing product. As Japan began to turn an eye to the west, Shiseido was already ahead of the curve.

It’s no wonder that such an avant-garde company would be based in an area that is just as vibrant and thriving as they are. Imagine a cosmopolitan, futuristic shopping haven with cutting-edge architecture and glitzy neon lights that illuminate the night—that’s how Derek K. Ong, luxury travel manager at Absolute Travel (www.absolutetravel.com), describes Japan’s Ginza district. New Yorkers, think a 5th Avenue and Times Square hybrid, a fantastical nighttime light display coupled with some of the best shopping around.

“This is where Tokyo’s wealthy come to see and be seen,” Ong says. “Ginza is the oldest and most recognized area for luxury fashion in Tokyo and is considered the most prestigious area to shop. For visitors, it’s a great place to people-watch.”

The dining area of the Shiseido Parlour
Source: www.shisedio.co.jp

Ong says the highlight of Ginza is its general atmosphere—the social scene, structural design and fashion. “The area is as much about the boutiques and shops as it is about galleries and restaurants,” he says. “Some of the luxury stores, like Hermes and Christian Dior, were designed by renowned international architects and are very unusual.” Also not to be missed is the Shiseido Parlour, a stylish fine-dining cafe inside the Shiseido building that began as the old pharmacy’s soda fountain in 1902 (today it serves American fare). For more of a local culinary influence, you don’t have to go far from the shopping. “Some of the best local cuisine in Tokyo can be found in the food halls of posh department stores, like Mitsukoshi - you can browse and sample local delicacies, sweets and seasonal snacks,” Ong says.