Reasons to Visit Glen Ivy During Winter

It's officially the first day of winter, Christmas is just days away and the New Year is right around the corner. As the chillier winter weather begins to settle in here in Southern California, I often find myself struggling to leave the warm comfort of my home but many of our guests claim that now is the best time to be at the spa. Here are a few of our favorite reasons to visit the spa in the winter:

-With the cool weather, the hot spas feel even more relaxing

-There are fewer people than in the summer

-A massage and a soak is the best way to beat the stress of the holiday

-The Grotto body treatment is perfect with dry winter skin

-Things seem to move a little slower here, making it the perfect escape from everyday stress

So whether you are trying to unwind after the holidays, getting ready for the New Year, or simply treating yourself to a day of relaxation, we hope to see you soaking in one of our spas during this fabulous winter season!

Meet the Natives at Glen Ivy Hot Springs

Last holiday season Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa had a few very special visitors from the remote Pacific Island of Tanna. As part of the Travel Channel show "Meet the Natives", these five tribesmen traveled across the country, staying with different families each week to learn about American culture. During their time with a family from Orange County, the five men - Chief Mangau (the Chief of the tribe), Keimua (Head Dancer), Sam (The Medicine Man), Kuai (The Happy Man), and Namus (the Translator) - came to Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa while the Travel Channel filmed their day at the spa, including their experiences receiving massages and pedicures, and getting muddy in Club Mud. It was such a fun day being with the tribe and seeing the awe, excitement, and, at times, question in their eyes - it will be very interesting to see (now that it's been translated with subtitles) what they were actually saying and thinking!

Be sure to tune in to the Meet the Natives episode this Sunday, Dec. 13 at 10 p.m. E/P. Until then, read more about their Orange County adventure in this article from the Orange County Register.

(Travel Channel photo)
check out this clip from the show (TravelChannelTV, YouTube):

Top 10 Glen Ivy Stocking Stuffer Ideas

As hard as it is to believe, the holidays are in full swing! The lights are up, tree is decorated, and stockings are hung (with care, of course)...And now to figure out what to put in those stockings! Working at a spa has many perks, including having a Spa Lifestyle Store to shop in - it's definitely making my life easier this holiday season. I had some fun shopping around and thought I'd share my personal list of "Top Ten" items that make the perfect little stocking stuffer gifts...the best part is they're all under $25!

1. Budda Balm, $3
2. Punch Studio Decorated Note Pads, $4
3. Foot Shaped Pumice Stone, $4.50
4. Twist and Pout Lip Balm, 6
5. Eucalyptus Lavender Body Butter, $8
6. Blessed Bracelets, $10
7. Archipelago Candles, $22
8. Eucalyptus Lavendar Shower Gel 8oz., $14
9. Love Me Compact Solid Perfume Sets, $25
10. OPI Minnie Merries Holiday Polish Set, $12

Find these great gifts in the Spa Lifestlye Store at Glen Ivy and also be sure to visit this Saturday, December 12 to check out the wonderful gifts at our Holiday Trunk Show from 11-5 at Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona. Our staff will be happy to help you find the perfect spa gift for everyone on your list.

Happy Spalidays!

Perfect Gifts from Glen Ivy

The holidays can be a very hectic time for everyone. One of the most stressful parts of the season is trying to find that perfect gift for all of those people in your life who love different things. To help ease that holiday stress, we've put together some gift giving ideas from the spa!

For the spa goer: Grab a Glen Ivy Logo Waffle Robe and the Rejuvenate Gift set, featuring the best of our Eucalyptus Lavender products, to create the perfect at-home spa experience!

For the health nut: Pick up an Ionic Crystal Table Lamp or the Recipes for Health Bliss Cookbook for a gift they can enjoy all year round.

For the candle lover: Put together a basket filled with soy candles and solid perfumes from Pacifica (Tuscan Blood Orange is my favorite)!

For the product lover: A Primavera Relaxing gift set or the popular glotherapeutics Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub to keep them glowing.

For the hard-to-shop-for person: grab a Glen Ivy gift card and let us do all of the work!

Happy shopping!

Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes from Chef Bill

While I look forward to Thanksgiving dinner, I must admit, I look forward to the abundance of leftovers even more! Too often during the holidays I find myself sneaking into the fridge for a midnight snack. Our own Chef Bill gave me the perfect recipes for turning that Thanksgiving turkey into a second meal! So as you tip-toe into the kitchen (don't worry, we won't tell anyone) make sure to whip up his Holiday Gobbler Sandwich and Strawberry Habanero Jelly. We're sure you will gobble it up! Enjoy!

Holiday Gobbler Sandwich

(Yields 4)

Ingredients:

4-4 ounce piece of turkey breast, sliced thin

8 slices whole wheat bread

8 tablespoons cranberry sauce

8 tablespoons Strawberry Habanero Jelly (recipe follows)

4 tomato slices

4 slices of red onion

4 lettuce leaves, washed

Method:

Make Habanero Jelly and then spread 2 tablespoons of the Strawberry Habanero Jelly on 4 slices of bread. Spread 2 tablespoons of cranberry on the remaining slices of bread. Place 1/4 pound sliced turkey evenly on top of 4 bread slices, top with tomato slice, a red onion slice, lettuce leaf, and the remaining slice of bread. Cut each sandwich diagonally and serve with your favorite beverage.

Strawberry Habanero

(Yields: 1 cup)

Ingredients:

1 cup strawberry jam

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon orange zest

1 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste

1 habanero, minced or as desired

Method:

Place everything in a food processor and pulse to combine (about 15 seconds). Place the jam in a non-corrosive jar with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator or serve as needed.

Celebrate the Holidays with Recipes From Chef Bill

As I sit down to think of ideas for the various holiday meals that will be happening over the next few months, I often find myself in a "food rut." Sure there are the classic dishes that usually grace the table for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but who wants to eat the same thing every year? Glen Ivy's Executive Chef, Bill Wavrin, provided me with some of his best holiday recipes to try out this season--Cranberry Chutney and Orange Scented Sweet Potatoes with Oranges. From Chef Bill's kitchen to yours...enjoy!

Cranberry Chutney
(Yield: 6 1/2 cups)

Ingredients:

8 cups fresh cranberries
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
2 cups fresh squeezed Orange juice
4 cups water
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
6 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Method:

Place a medium saucepan over medium-high heat with the cranberries and apples and cook until cranberries start to crack (about 2 minutes). Add the remaining ingredients and simmer until cranberries have broken down and chutney is starting to thicken (25 minutes). Season with the brown sugar to taste.

Add to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. It is better overnight so the flavors can marry. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Per 1/4 cup: Calories 40; Protein 0g; Total Fat 0g; Carbohydrate 9g; Dietary Fiber 2g; Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 0mg.

Orange Scented Sweet Potatoes with Oranges

(Yields: 8 servings)

Ingredients:

2 pounds of sweet potatoes
6 cups fresh orange juice

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 orange sliced

Method:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Wash the sweet potatoes and trim 1/4 inch off of the ends. Cut sweet potatoes in half. In a small bowl mix the orange juice with the cinnamon and vanilla.

Place the sweet potatoes in an oven proof dish and pour the juice and top with the orange slices. Cover with lid or foil and place into the hot oven and back for 50 minutes or until the sweet potatoes have cooked through and are tender. Serve hot or cold as a side dish for breakfast or for quick energy.

A Memorable, Meaningful and Enjoyable Experience

Here at Glen Ivy we know how lucky we are to have such amazing guests. Serving you and sharing in your experiences is what makes us happy and excited to come to work so we make it our goal to inspire memorable, meaningful and enjoyable experiences in everyone, every day. It is because of this mission that I wanted to share a letter that a guest sent to us describing her recent visit.

Good morning Meghann,

As you know, we kicked off our time together at Glen Ivy on Tuesday, October 27th and were celebrating a surprise cabana party for my Uncle Ricco's birthday.

We experienced a courteous reception at the front desk and a smooth escort with attentive care from James. From the surprise for my Uncle Ricco and Aunt Westlynn to the exquisite roof top accommodations, ALL of us were absolutely titillated with joy, thanksgiving, and appreciation.

Again, to the entire crew at Glen Ivy, you made the visit for our family and friends from far and near a happy lifelong memory. In fact, when another friend arrived from North Carolina days later, the raves about Glen Ivy persuaded some of the "cabana party" to return the following Monday.

Glen Ivy is truly my personal little paradise which I call the "Emerald Jewel of the Inland Empire." I simply love introducing and encouraging my friends and family to partake in the 'near fantasy' world of birds of paradise, exotic greenery, exfoliating, soothing mud, soothing water, and competent customer service providers that are enriched with new offerings and impeccable cleanliness. I could go on and on!

With sincere appreciation,
Sheila M.

Thank you to all of our fans who continue to show their dedication and support to Glen Ivy. We look forward to seeing you soon!