Spa

NEW YORK — There's an uncomfortable question that rears its sleekly pomaded, well-moisturized, and immaculately trimmed head throughout Morgan Spurlock's new documentary "Mansome," and the answer is not pretty. Are men more vain in 2012 than any previous point in history? The answer: A resounding yes. "We've created this society where what you project externally matters, almost more than anything else," says Spurlock after a screening of "Mansome" in New York last month.

The sights and sounds of the party spilling out the door and onto Newbury Street were like catnip to passersby. Those tending the door explained to potential party crashers that the menswear store Ball and Buck had recently moved from the North End to more prominent Newbury digs, hence the fete. Partygoers who made it inside to celebrate the new Ball and Buck included Boston Bruin Shawn Thornton , suave menswear designer Jeff Lahens , Kickass Cupcake queen Sara Ross , Chanel's Mary Nobile-King , and Skoah spa owner Peter Dziedzic , all while Ball and Buck owner Mark Bollman ...

The sights and sounds of the party spilling out the door and onto Newbury Street were like catnip to passersby. Those tending the door explained to potential party crashers that the menswear store Ball and Buck had recently moved from the North End to more prominent Newbury digs, hence the fete. Partygoers who made it inside to celebrate the new Ball and Buck included Boston Bruin Shawn Thornton , suave menswear designer Jeff Lahens , Kickass Cupcake queen Sara Ross , Chanel's Mary Nobile-King , and Skoah spa owner Peter Dziedzic , all while Ball and Buck owner Mark Bollman ...

NEW YORK — There's an uncomfortable question that rears its sleekly pomaded, well-moisturized, and immaculately trimmed head throughout Morgan Spurlock's new documentary "Mansome," and the answer is not pretty. Are men more vain in 2012 than any previous point in history? The answer: A resounding yes. "We've created this society where what you project externally matters, almost more than anything else," says Spurlock after a screening of "Mansome" in New York last month.

ROATÁN, Honduras - This island in the Gulf of Honduras, an inlet of the Caribbean Sea, is a dive destination because of coral reefs that are part of one of the largest systems in the world. On a dive trip here we found Santé Wellness Centre, a spa and bed-and-breakfast away from the cruise ship port and expat communities that have gobbled up the island’s west end. The spa’s tender whisks you to a five-acre compound where you are enveloped in wind chimes and tropical breezes even before the treatments begin.

SWINOUJSCIE, Poland -- There are few more bracing experiences than swimming in the Baltic Sea. Even on its most southerly shoreline in the height of summer, the water temperature was, to put it politely, "refreshing. " To my pale skin, the sea felt mentholated. However, I was surrounded by hardier souls who seemed more contented. Joyful yelps filled the salty air. Every summer and fall, German tourists swarm to this Polish resort town to enjoy its vast beach, renowned inland spa facilities, and party ambience.

NORCROSS, Ga. - Authorities say five people died last night in an apparent murder-suicide at a suburban Atlanta spa. A Norcross police spokesman, Captain Brian Harr, said that officers found the bodies after responding to a call of a person shot at the Su Jung Health Sauna. Harr said a preliminary investigation indicates the person who did the shooting was among the dead. He was unable to release the identification of the dead and did not immediately know the relationships between the shooter and the victims.

ESSEX, Vt. - French bistro. That’s what we would be tackling, a dinner starting with an appetizer of chardonnay-steamed mussels, then moving to steak au poivre, potatoes in truffle oil, sauteed chanterelles, and cherry tomatoes tossed in garlic and olive oil with tiny pattypan squash. The finale would be a fresh berry tart on a bed of lemon curd with apricot glaze. My inclination was to nibble at each luscious ingredient rather than study its properties, but this was no restaurant.

Authorities say five people are dead in an apparent murder-suicide at a suburban Atlanta spa. Norcross police spokesman Capt. Brian Harr said Tuesday evening officers found the bodies after responding to a call of a person shot Tuesday night at the Su Jung Health Sauna. Harr said a preliminary investigation indicates the person who did the shooting was among the dead. He was unable to release the identification of the dead and did not immediately know the relationships between the person who did the shooting and the victims.

The Cliff House Resort & Spa Shore Road between York and Ogunquit, Maine 207-361-1000 www.cliffhousemaine.com What we liked most The ocean view from every room. What we liked least Standing in line for 15 minutes to get a table at breakfast. What surprised us How much the Cliff House feels like an intimate New England inn, despite having almost 200 guest rooms and a full-service spa. You know you're at the Cliff House when . . . From nearly any point on the 70-acre property you can see the Atlantic Ocean on three...

The Planning Board last week voted to increase the fees it charges applicants seeking various approvals. The increases represented adjustments to keep pace with inflation, according to Don Benjamin of the Planning Department staff, who noted that the fees had not been raised for several years. The board also instituted several new fees. Two newly elected members, Barbara L'Heureux and Jack Kelly, were attending their first meeting. In other business, the board granted a special permit to Abramo Brothers Pool and Spa Co. to operate a business at 292A Cambridge St. John Laidler

NORCROSS, Ga. - Authorities say five people died last night in an apparent murder-suicide at a suburban Atlanta spa. A Norcross police spokesman, Captain Brian Harr, said that officers found the bodies after responding to a call of a person shot at the Su Jung Health Sauna. Harr said a preliminary investigation indicates the person who did the shooting was among the dead. He was unable to release the identification of the dead and did not immediately know the relationships between the shooter and the victims.

Police were interviewing witnesses at a spa outside Atlanta where a gunman opened fire, killing five people in what authorities described as a murder-suicide. Surveillance video shows a man walking into the spa and getting into an argument with someone, then opening fire, police said. "It appears he walked in, had some conversation with one of the victims and the shooting started," Norcross Police Chief Warren Summers told Atlanta television station WAGA. Four people were found dead inside, and another was taken to a hospital before being pronounced dead, Norcross police...

Authorities say five people are dead in an apparent murder-suicide at a suburban Atlanta spa. Norcross police spokesman Capt. Brian Harr said Tuesday evening officers found the bodies after responding to a call of a person shot Tuesday night at the Su Jung Health Sauna. Harr said a preliminary investigation indicates the person who did the shooting was among the dead. He was unable to release the identification of the dead and did not immediately know the relationships between the person who did the shooting and the victims.

In Massachusetts, medical spas are not required to be licensed and are not regulated if they are owned by or affiliated with a physician. It's up to consumers to ask the right questions to make sure they get the safest, most effective treatments. Dr. Jeffrey Kenkel, president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, recommends asking: Who is the medical director of the spa? Check out the credentials of the person who owns and operates the spa. Is it a physician with special training in cosmetic procedures?

About 700 current and former workers at a Berkshires resort have received their share of a $7 million settlement with management. Checks for thousands of dollars arrived in the mail this week for food-service and spa employees of the Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club in Lenox which was accused in a class-action lawsuit of withholding tips. An attorney for the workers tells The Berkshire Eagle (http://bit.ly/tFlYB5) the payments represent the tips withheld plus interest. The workers said in addition to withholding tips dating to 2002, management told employees to...

Liam Ezekiel is participating in a Buffalo Bills minicamp this weekend as an undrafted free agent. The self-designed packages include hiking, hot-air ballooning, tennis, day trips, and riding.The eco-friendly facility that opened only last year is compact and walkable and designed to complement the landscape.PHOTOS COURTESY COYOTE MOON RESORT TUCSON -- Lying flat on my stomach in the soothing new spa room, I winced as my spa technician, James,...

I lay in my sweatpants and loose T-shirt on a red and gold embroidered futon, eyes closed, my mind floating away in the dimly lighted room. The therapist pressed my overworked gluteal muscles with the heel of her hand and stretched my right leg over the left. Slowly, my back muscles gave up their clench. Eighty minutes later, I felt lighter. And taller. Part massage, part yoga (with no effort of my own), Thai massage was turning out to be an excellent après-ski treatment. For skiers and snowboarders with tired legs and cold feet, a plain old...

For the friend or relative who could use a little pampering, La Residencia Spa is offering budget-friendly mini-treatments, or spa "tapas," as gift purchases through Dec. 24th. The idea: Buy two or more of the 25-minute treatments to build a gift card for someone on your list. Choices include an aromatherapy scalp, head, neck, and shoulder massage for $50; a foot massage for $40; nail grooming with paraffin treatment for $40; a mojito hand and foot scrub with reflexology for $50; and an "expreso" facial for $50. Purchase in-person or by phone.

It's not unusual to break out in a cold sweat when the conversation turns to holiday shopping. Time is getting thin. What do you get the daughter who has everything? Or the brother who lit off to the mountains and now renounces material possessions? Or the in-law who's impossible to shop for (or just impossible)? Give them the gift of experience - a cooking class, a wine tasting, a visit to a trampoline park. Oh yes, there are ways to please even the pickiest recipient. Gifts in good taste Give a person dumplings, she'll eat for a day. But teach her how to...