ONE of Bahrain's pioneering hotel groups is planning to build a BD2 million spa, after yesterday announcing its highest net profits since it was launched more than 40 years ago.
Work on the 1,800sqm spa, featuring latest top range treatments, will begin soon, said Gulf Hotels Group chairman Farouk Almoayyed.
He was speaking at the company's annual general meeting at Gulf Hotel, where he also announced that it would manage an upcoming 234-room, four-star K Hotel in Juffair.
"We have signed a deal with the owning company, Mokan, to develop and manage the property, which will open in the second half of this year.
"It will boast some of the best four-star bedrooms in Bahrain, together with some innovative restaurant concepts which will reflect our strong reputation in restaurant operations."
Mr Almoayyed said the group's net profit for last year was BD9.12 million, the highest since its inception in 1967.
"The figure represents a growth in of BD203,275 or 2.28 per cent, compared to 2008 - despite accounting BD618,997 for impairment losses."
Gross operating revenues of BD30.55m exceeded 2008 by BD988,602 or 3.34pc, while net profits reflected earnings per share of 67 fils for last year.
In addition to Gulf Hotel, the group shareholders own and operate Ocean Paradise Resort in Zanzibar.
Mr Almoayyed said shareholders have approved a dividend payout of 30 fils per share, totalling BD4,099,302 (30pc), and share bonus at 10pc (one for 10 shares).
"They have also approved the director's fees of BD145,000; charity donations of BD233,762 and BD10,000 towards national promotional activities."
He said the soon to be completed multi-storey car park and Gulf executive offices building would give the hotel an additional 600 parking bays.
This, he said, would alleviate parking problems at peak times and give a major advantage over competitors.
"The executive offices give the hotel 7,000sqm of prime office space for rental and enables it to be a 'one-stop-shop' for new businesses coming into Bahrain," he said.
This would be instrumental in offering office space, apartment rental and unrivalled entertainment options, all under one roof, he added.
Group chief executive officer Aqeel Raees said last year saw the opening of the hotel's ninth fine-dining restaurant, Margarita Mexicana, which received excellent feedback from customers.
"Overall, the hotel's food and beverage outlets have continued to play a leading role in Bahrain's market, delivering top quality food and service."
Mr Raees said renovation work in the ladies health club was completed following renovation of the men's health club in 2008.
2010年3月9日星期二
2010年3月8日星期一
Foldaway Massage Chair converts to footstool
There’s nothing like a good massage at the end of a long, stressful week. And isn’t it so much more relaxing if you can relieve stress and muscle strain in the comfort of your own home? There’s all sorts of massage chairs available, but many of them are excessively large and to be honest - not particularly blessed with good looks. The Foldaway Massage Chair not only delivers a relaxing massage to the legs, feet, back and buttocks – it folds up into a colorful, funky-looking footstool that can be used as an extra piece of furniture or stored neatly away.
The footwells on the massage chair have air cells along the sides. These deliver a kneading and compression massage to the calves and ankles as they inflate and deflate, invigorating tired, tight muscles. The toes, arches and soles of the feet are treated to a deep-penetrating acupressure massage via finger-like nodes as the back and buttocks are soothed and relieved via expanding and contracting air cells in the seat. These air cells also help to gently stretch the hips and waist.
There are four 15 minute massage programs to choose from. These programs have been specifically developed by a Japanese Shiatsu specialist. If you prefer, the massage can be focused on one particular area of the body and the intensity of the massage can be adjusted via a control panel contained in the footwell.
To close the chair, you simply lift the back leg. The unit then folds into a neat and compact 22" (55.9cm) x 19" (48.3cm) cube which can be used as an ottoman or stored away in a closet or spare room.
The chair comes in ivory, red or black and when it is open, measures 39"l (99cm) x 19"w (48.3cm) x 27"h (68.6cm) and weighs 49 pounds (22.3kg) - so its not as large or luxurious as some of the high-end home massage options out there. It is available from Hammacher Schlemmer for US$799.95.
The footwells on the massage chair have air cells along the sides. These deliver a kneading and compression massage to the calves and ankles as they inflate and deflate, invigorating tired, tight muscles. The toes, arches and soles of the feet are treated to a deep-penetrating acupressure massage via finger-like nodes as the back and buttocks are soothed and relieved via expanding and contracting air cells in the seat. These air cells also help to gently stretch the hips and waist.
There are four 15 minute massage programs to choose from. These programs have been specifically developed by a Japanese Shiatsu specialist. If you prefer, the massage can be focused on one particular area of the body and the intensity of the massage can be adjusted via a control panel contained in the footwell.
To close the chair, you simply lift the back leg. The unit then folds into a neat and compact 22" (55.9cm) x 19" (48.3cm) cube which can be used as an ottoman or stored away in a closet or spare room.
The chair comes in ivory, red or black and when it is open, measures 39"l (99cm) x 19"w (48.3cm) x 27"h (68.6cm) and weighs 49 pounds (22.3kg) - so its not as large or luxurious as some of the high-end home massage options out there. It is available from Hammacher Schlemmer for US$799.95.
2010年3月7日星期日
Close the paid for massage loopholes
Let me tell you a story about prostitution, human trafficking, massage law, and special interest groups. This is a timely story because of Sen. Cecil Staton’s introduction of SB 364.
First, let me say that I congratulate and support Staton in his efforts. In short, SB 364 is designed to provide harsher penalties for licensed massage therapists who are convicted of prostitution. Unfortunately, in its present form, Staton’s bill will be ineffective because of one very important fact: the crux of the problem is that approximately half of the people practicing “massage” in Georgia are doing it without a license and hiding under the guise of the term “bodywork.”
It is first necessary to understand that the Georgia massage licensing law originated when a large, national massage organization poured out $500,000 into lobbying for the passage of this law to serve one small special interest group (that group now has three of its members, who form a majority, on the Georgia State Board of Massage Therapy).
During the legislative process, this situation evolved into its present form because of a “back door” deal between that special interest group and another, thus leaving an escape hole in the law the size of Atlanta that benefited both groups.
The people who are evading the law are the bulk of the prostitutes and the licensed massage therapists who are convicted of prostitution. They are a very small minority within this group.
The second special interest group calls themselves bodyworkers; this is simply another word for massage (as is recognized in other states) used to enable this group to evade the licensing law. They are exempt from the law.
This is the result of the deal that was struck between the two special interest groups for their mutual benefit, but to the detriment of the general citizenry of Georgia.
In practical terms, this means that if you complain about a “spa” that offers prostitution services as part of a “massage,” the state inspector can visit the establishment and ask if they do massage. If the answer is “no, we do bodywork,” and the word massage is not used in their advertising, the inspector leaves; bodywork is uncontrolled and he has no power.
Let me be clear, I am in no way saying that everyone who uses the term bodywork is a prostitute. In fact, the overwhelming majority of this group is qualified to practice, but they simply desire not to be regulated by the state. I empathize with them, however, my goal of a fair and equal application to all Georgians supercedes their desires.
Human traffickers bring girls and young women into this country for the purpose of prostitution. Our state is a major place where this is happening with Atlanta being a national hub for this activity and Macon filled with opportunities. We need some effective action.
I believe this current bill is a necessary step, but other legislative action is also needed. I think there is a necessity for some relatively simple amendments to the existing massage licensing law to include everyone who is having people undress and practicing an organized system of touch. These amendments will force the undesirable perpetrators to remove their billboards and close their “spa” doors or be scrutinized and comply with the law.
These changes will help to protect the general health and welfare of Georgians, generate much needed revenues, and be an effective tool against prostitution. It will stop the ability to evade the application of this law by approximately half of the “massage” practitioners who practice in Georgia, and make them subject to the proposed actions.
Our legislators have shown by their actions and inactions that they do not understand the content and limitations of the law they have passed. Are they even interested is the question?
I urge everyone to contact our legislators and ask them to become informed and take effective action on this very important issue. I would personally welcome an opportunity to speak with any interested legislator.
Gary Lescak is a licensed massage therapist. He is an approved provider for continuing education for license renewal for therapists.
First, let me say that I congratulate and support Staton in his efforts. In short, SB 364 is designed to provide harsher penalties for licensed massage therapists who are convicted of prostitution. Unfortunately, in its present form, Staton’s bill will be ineffective because of one very important fact: the crux of the problem is that approximately half of the people practicing “massage” in Georgia are doing it without a license and hiding under the guise of the term “bodywork.”
It is first necessary to understand that the Georgia massage licensing law originated when a large, national massage organization poured out $500,000 into lobbying for the passage of this law to serve one small special interest group (that group now has three of its members, who form a majority, on the Georgia State Board of Massage Therapy).
During the legislative process, this situation evolved into its present form because of a “back door” deal between that special interest group and another, thus leaving an escape hole in the law the size of Atlanta that benefited both groups.
The people who are evading the law are the bulk of the prostitutes and the licensed massage therapists who are convicted of prostitution. They are a very small minority within this group.
The second special interest group calls themselves bodyworkers; this is simply another word for massage (as is recognized in other states) used to enable this group to evade the licensing law. They are exempt from the law.
This is the result of the deal that was struck between the two special interest groups for their mutual benefit, but to the detriment of the general citizenry of Georgia.
In practical terms, this means that if you complain about a “spa” that offers prostitution services as part of a “massage,” the state inspector can visit the establishment and ask if they do massage. If the answer is “no, we do bodywork,” and the word massage is not used in their advertising, the inspector leaves; bodywork is uncontrolled and he has no power.
Let me be clear, I am in no way saying that everyone who uses the term bodywork is a prostitute. In fact, the overwhelming majority of this group is qualified to practice, but they simply desire not to be regulated by the state. I empathize with them, however, my goal of a fair and equal application to all Georgians supercedes their desires.
Human traffickers bring girls and young women into this country for the purpose of prostitution. Our state is a major place where this is happening with Atlanta being a national hub for this activity and Macon filled with opportunities. We need some effective action.
I believe this current bill is a necessary step, but other legislative action is also needed. I think there is a necessity for some relatively simple amendments to the existing massage licensing law to include everyone who is having people undress and practicing an organized system of touch. These amendments will force the undesirable perpetrators to remove their billboards and close their “spa” doors or be scrutinized and comply with the law.
These changes will help to protect the general health and welfare of Georgians, generate much needed revenues, and be an effective tool against prostitution. It will stop the ability to evade the application of this law by approximately half of the “massage” practitioners who practice in Georgia, and make them subject to the proposed actions.
Our legislators have shown by their actions and inactions that they do not understand the content and limitations of the law they have passed. Are they even interested is the question?
I urge everyone to contact our legislators and ask them to become informed and take effective action on this very important issue. I would personally welcome an opportunity to speak with any interested legislator.
Gary Lescak is a licensed massage therapist. He is an approved provider for continuing education for license renewal for therapists.
2010年3月4日星期四
Anderson brings comfort through massage
For Sara Anderson, helping people in the lakes area through Therapeutic Massage is exactly what she wants to be doing.
Anderson, a Pine River-Backus graduate, is operating her business "Sara's Therapeutic Massage" out of Leigh's Hair Affair in Pine River.
A Pine River native, Anderson attended Northwest Technical College-Bemidji's Massage Therapy program where she took classes in massage technique, anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, body movement and awareness, ethics and more.
For Anderson, both the service her business provides and the location are ideal.
"I always wanted to be in a health care profession," she said. "I researched (massage therapy) and found evidence that it really worked and helped people," she added. "I believe in what I do."
After graduation from NTC, Anderson looked for work possibilities near the hometown she's so fond of, and found a great match at Leigh's Hair Affair.
"I really like it here (in Pine River); it's my favorite place, I can't imagine being anywhere else," she said. Anderson said she is very grateful for the opportunity to work out of Leigh's.
Anderson schedules half-hour and hour massage appointments at Leigh's Hair Affair Wednesday through Friday, after 6 p.m. when the salon is closed, so her clients have privacy, and Saturday through Monday, by appointment.
She has a portable, padded and adjustable massage table that includes a face cradle and a leg pillow for relaxation.
Through her massage, Anderson strives to create a relaxing and comforting atmosphere for her clients. While she received training in child massage, she focuses on adults.
Many of her clients seek massage to alleviate pain and stress. "There is a lot of stress and tension in everyday life," she said. And, massage is a good way to reduce the stress that often leads to pain in people's bodies.
Anderson works with clients to establish what will be the most beneficial to them. "You control the situation; I don't do anything that you're not comfortable with," she said.
Patients can lie on their front, back or side, depending on the area to be massaged. She'll ask for some basic health information - kept confidential - so she can ensure that the massage is a safe and positive experience.
"I always pay attention to the client," she said.
2010年3月3日星期三
First time in spa? Try Swedish massage
Gurgaon, March 3 (IANS) If you are tired and want a massage that won’t dip you in oils and at the same time relaxes your body and mind, then opt for Swedish massage at the FOS Laser spa in Gurgaon.
Apart from various ayurvedic and international spa treatments, the place emphasises a lot on wellness and has a salon, weight management equipments and detox equipment. It has a hair spa as well.
Looking at the serene white walls, listening to soothing background music and smelling the aromatic oils, one just wants to sit back and get pampered.
In a modern furnished room that is well equipped with steam and shower sections, taking a Swedish massage might not sound an exciting idea but it’s worth a try.
Aromatic oils like lavender are used for the massage to facilitate smooth, gliding strokes, with a bit of stretching and sometimes tapping on the body.
While massaging, gentle pressure is maintained to promote relaxation. But in specific areas like foot and neck, circular and focussed massage is given to ease muscle tension.
Don’t be embarrassed if you fall asleep during the session; it is but natural.
After the massage is over, take a 10-minute steam bath and then a shower.
The fragrance of the aromatic oils used in this massage is so strong that it will stick with you for a few more hours.
Apart from various ayurvedic and international spa treatments, the place emphasises a lot on wellness and has a salon, weight management equipments and detox equipment. It has a hair spa as well.
Looking at the serene white walls, listening to soothing background music and smelling the aromatic oils, one just wants to sit back and get pampered.
In a modern furnished room that is well equipped with steam and shower sections, taking a Swedish massage might not sound an exciting idea but it’s worth a try.
Aromatic oils like lavender are used for the massage to facilitate smooth, gliding strokes, with a bit of stretching and sometimes tapping on the body.
While massaging, gentle pressure is maintained to promote relaxation. But in specific areas like foot and neck, circular and focussed massage is given to ease muscle tension.
Don’t be embarrassed if you fall asleep during the session; it is but natural.
After the massage is over, take a 10-minute steam bath and then a shower.
The fragrance of the aromatic oils used in this massage is so strong that it will stick with you for a few more hours.
2010年3月2日星期二
Time to get in touch with massage’s many benefits
History doesn’t tell us who gave the first massage or why. But what is known is that massage is an ancient art that dates back to the dawn of civilization. The name is derived from the Greek word meaning “to work with the hands, as in kneading dough,” and in 400 B.C., Hippocrates wrote, “The physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing.”
In the ensuing 2,400 years, medicine has experienced millions of advances and physicians no longer rely solely on the “laying on of hands” to heal their patients. At the same time, massage has come a long way, too. Practitioners of this widely-accepted modality in the domain of alternative and traditional medicine are no longer called masseuses or masseurs, but therapists with extensive training.
Massage is respectable, but is it therapeutic? An estimated 25 million Americans visit about 90,000 practitioners 60 million times a year. Many feel better — but are they actually healthier?
The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” says Laurel massage therapist William Andrews, who treats clients at South Central Regional Medical Center’s Wellness Center and a number of area salons. Practitioners such as Andrews define massage as the manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissues to reduce discomfort and stress and promote wellness and health. It’s a broad definition, and it covers at least 80 different systems of massage.
Swedish massage, one of Andrews’ specialties, remains the most widely used methods in the United States. The typical Swedish massage includes a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping to help relax and energize the client. Swedish massage is performed with the client lying on a special table, either disrobed or wearing undergarments. The therapist will generally ask if the client wishes to leave some parts of his body untouched: if so, those areas of the body are covered with a towel or sheet at all times.
Swedish massage uses five different techniques. Effleurage (stroking) can be gentle or forceful. Petrissage (kneading) uses the fingers and thumbs to exert pressure in a circular pattern. Friction is more vigorous, with the therapist using his palm, the heel of his hand, or even his forearm or elbow to apply force. Tapotement is a rhythmic percussive slapping or tapping motion designed to stimulate deep tissues. Vibration is the rapid trembling motion of both hands that is intended to facilitate relaxation.
Massage therapists have a variety of backgrounds. Many are trained according to standards set by the American Massage Therapy Association. Andrews received his training at the Healing Touch School of Massage Therapy in Hattiesburg, where he underwent one and one-half years undergoing hands-on training and education before becoming certified.
In Mississippi, a growing number of massage therapists work in hospitals, massaging infants suffering from a variety of illnesses, including side effects of premature birth, as well as older patients with pain as a result of illness. Andrews said his clients have been as young as nine and have extended up to those in their mid-nineties. For legal reasons, he will not perform a massage on anyone under the age of 13 without the consent and company of an adult.
In addition to Swedish, many other types of massage are available, each with its own goals and claims, said Andrews. In addition to Swedish, he is trained in prenatal, sports and deep-tissue massage.
Medical professionals believe that massage strengthens the body, enabling injured tissues to return to normal and heal themselves. Many theories explain how massage might accomplish these goals. They include an improvement of the circulation, the removal of toxins, stress reduction, better sleep, and benefits for the metabolism and the immune system. The most passionate advocates assert that massage can help improve the function of nearly any part of the body.
In the ensuing 2,400 years, medicine has experienced millions of advances and physicians no longer rely solely on the “laying on of hands” to heal their patients. At the same time, massage has come a long way, too. Practitioners of this widely-accepted modality in the domain of alternative and traditional medicine are no longer called masseuses or masseurs, but therapists with extensive training.
Massage is respectable, but is it therapeutic? An estimated 25 million Americans visit about 90,000 practitioners 60 million times a year. Many feel better — but are they actually healthier?
The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” says Laurel massage therapist William Andrews, who treats clients at South Central Regional Medical Center’s Wellness Center and a number of area salons. Practitioners such as Andrews define massage as the manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissues to reduce discomfort and stress and promote wellness and health. It’s a broad definition, and it covers at least 80 different systems of massage.
Swedish massage, one of Andrews’ specialties, remains the most widely used methods in the United States. The typical Swedish massage includes a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping to help relax and energize the client. Swedish massage is performed with the client lying on a special table, either disrobed or wearing undergarments. The therapist will generally ask if the client wishes to leave some parts of his body untouched: if so, those areas of the body are covered with a towel or sheet at all times.
Swedish massage uses five different techniques. Effleurage (stroking) can be gentle or forceful. Petrissage (kneading) uses the fingers and thumbs to exert pressure in a circular pattern. Friction is more vigorous, with the therapist using his palm, the heel of his hand, or even his forearm or elbow to apply force. Tapotement is a rhythmic percussive slapping or tapping motion designed to stimulate deep tissues. Vibration is the rapid trembling motion of both hands that is intended to facilitate relaxation.
Massage therapists have a variety of backgrounds. Many are trained according to standards set by the American Massage Therapy Association. Andrews received his training at the Healing Touch School of Massage Therapy in Hattiesburg, where he underwent one and one-half years undergoing hands-on training and education before becoming certified.
In Mississippi, a growing number of massage therapists work in hospitals, massaging infants suffering from a variety of illnesses, including side effects of premature birth, as well as older patients with pain as a result of illness. Andrews said his clients have been as young as nine and have extended up to those in their mid-nineties. For legal reasons, he will not perform a massage on anyone under the age of 13 without the consent and company of an adult.
In addition to Swedish, many other types of massage are available, each with its own goals and claims, said Andrews. In addition to Swedish, he is trained in prenatal, sports and deep-tissue massage.
Medical professionals believe that massage strengthens the body, enabling injured tissues to return to normal and heal themselves. Many theories explain how massage might accomplish these goals. They include an improvement of the circulation, the removal of toxins, stress reduction, better sleep, and benefits for the metabolism and the immune system. The most passionate advocates assert that massage can help improve the function of nearly any part of the body.
2010年3月1日星期一
Massage therapist opens doors to those in pain
Cindy Scoggin rubs clients’ pain away from the comforts of home.
Scoggin moved to Florida five years ago from Las Vegas to spend more time with her children and grandchildren.
“All three of my kids are military or part of military families,” Scoggin said sitting on her couch in Santa Rosa Beach. “I came here because I wanted to be in a place where I could see my grandchildren grow up.”
Scoggin, who is certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, in addition to being licensed in the state of Florida, has been performing massages for five years.
“I specialize in medical massages,” she said as she shows off the massage room in her Santa Rosa Beach home. “I have my own table and will travel to my patient’s houses if I have to.”
While she still hasn’t settled on a name for her business, Scoggin uses the slogan “Special Hands for Special Care” to describe her work.
“I can work forever,” she said. “I have customers who call me Helga because of how strong my hands are. Medical massage is hard work and is not for the faint of heart.”
In addition to growing her home business, Scoggin is currently working at Aquarius Spa in Grayton Beach.
“Medical massage therapy is all together different from a regular massage,” Scoggin said. “There are actually very few of us around.”
One of the main reasons people get medical massages is because of car accidents. And this is the reason Scoggin started in her field of choice.
“About five years ago, I got into a really bad car accident in front of the mall in Mary Esther,” Scoggin said shifting on the couch. “My truck was t-boned and totaled. I think I slid like 20 to 30 feet.”
After her accident, Scoggin started going to a massage therapist and a chiropractor.
“It really helped with the pain,” she said. “To this day I still don’t feel any pain from it.”
Scoggin can treat a multitude of injuries that affect most people.
“Since becoming a medical massage therapist, I have treated everything from knee and back pain to leg injuries, rotator cuff problems and headaches,” she said. “Would you rather get a massage, or take a bunch of anti-inflammatory meds and pain-killers?”
Moving forward, Scoggin has a dream to grow in the area and build up her clientele.
Although business has been slow, Scoggin has received praise from her clients.
“I have had people tell me that after getting a massage they were able to stop taking various pain medicines,” she said. “They are also having the best nights of sleep they have had in years.”
Scoggin moved to Florida five years ago from Las Vegas to spend more time with her children and grandchildren.
“All three of my kids are military or part of military families,” Scoggin said sitting on her couch in Santa Rosa Beach. “I came here because I wanted to be in a place where I could see my grandchildren grow up.”
Scoggin, who is certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, in addition to being licensed in the state of Florida, has been performing massages for five years.
“I specialize in medical massages,” she said as she shows off the massage room in her Santa Rosa Beach home. “I have my own table and will travel to my patient’s houses if I have to.”
While she still hasn’t settled on a name for her business, Scoggin uses the slogan “Special Hands for Special Care” to describe her work.
“I can work forever,” she said. “I have customers who call me Helga because of how strong my hands are. Medical massage is hard work and is not for the faint of heart.”
In addition to growing her home business, Scoggin is currently working at Aquarius Spa in Grayton Beach.
“Medical massage therapy is all together different from a regular massage,” Scoggin said. “There are actually very few of us around.”
One of the main reasons people get medical massages is because of car accidents. And this is the reason Scoggin started in her field of choice.
“About five years ago, I got into a really bad car accident in front of the mall in Mary Esther,” Scoggin said shifting on the couch. “My truck was t-boned and totaled. I think I slid like 20 to 30 feet.”
After her accident, Scoggin started going to a massage therapist and a chiropractor.
“It really helped with the pain,” she said. “To this day I still don’t feel any pain from it.”
Scoggin can treat a multitude of injuries that affect most people.
“Since becoming a medical massage therapist, I have treated everything from knee and back pain to leg injuries, rotator cuff problems and headaches,” she said. “Would you rather get a massage, or take a bunch of anti-inflammatory meds and pain-killers?”
Moving forward, Scoggin has a dream to grow in the area and build up her clientele.
Although business has been slow, Scoggin has received praise from her clients.
“I have had people tell me that after getting a massage they were able to stop taking various pain medicines,” she said. “They are also having the best nights of sleep they have had in years.”
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