Summer at Hockley Valley Resort
What’s happening this summer at the resort? All the fun! Plan a solo escape for some much-needed me-time, re-connect with that special someone, or get the fam back together at Hockley Valley Resort:
Mid-Week Must: Get away for a quick recharge with our Mid-Week Stay and Relax package. With an overnight stay, breakfast, dinner and spa credit, it's the perfect mid-week pick-me-up! Visit our promotions page for more details.
Chick Trip: Just you and the girls, chatting, relaxing, catching up… Sound good? Book a fabulously fun girlfriends’ getaway with us! Along with your accommodation, you’ll enjoy breakfast, dinner and a spa credit. It’s time to reunite with few of your favourites!
Get in Gear: If you're up for some adventure, you'll love our 9km of bike trails! Give our Mountain Bike Explorer package a try, including overnight accommodation, lunch and a half day bike rental.
Food for Thought: Looking for a unique culinary experience? Food & Fire, our globe dining, on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer, features a 4-course dinner, music, lights and ambiance – in a cozy screened globe overlooking the garden. Book your reservation and view upcoming menus at hockley.com.
Summer Time Fun: Book your getaway from Sunday to Thursday until August 31, 2022, for full-on family fun! Kids stay and eat free, and you claim a portion of your expenses at tax time through the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit. It's fun for the whole family!
There's so much to see and do at the resort this summer...
Aging Skin: Do’s and Don’ts
Our skin, like everything else, ages as we do. No fountain of youth exists just yet, but there are ways to keep our skin at its best and slow down that aging process. Here are some do’s and don’ts from our spa to get you glowing in no time:
DON’T let your skin be exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. Be diligent with your sunblock, wear hats and sunglasses, and stay in the shade to avoid exposure.
DO invest in a great self-tanner to get the look you want without the harmful UV rays that cause skin to age.
DON’T skip your spa visits! Keeping your skin at its best with a professional, targeted approach to exfoliation, hydration, and getting the nutrients and anti-oxidants your skin needs to stay youthful.
DO moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Dry skin is the quickest way to aging, so get into a daily habit that keep your skin supple.
DON’T expect habits like smoking, unhealthy eating or excessive alcohol to help your cause. Studies have shown that these habits can lead to de-hydration, premature wrinkles and a dull, sallow look.
DO wash your face daily and after perspiring. Keeping those pores clean and clear whenever you can is the key to amazing skin.
It’s never too late to develop a great skincare routine. Visit the experts in our spa and get started today!
Get the Skinny on Sunscreen
The weather’s heating up and so are the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. Here are a few tips from our experts to protect yourself from the sun this summer:
- Did you know that UVB rays cause damage but don’t cause your skin to appear burned? Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen for all-round protection.
- Check the best before date! If you’ve got some left over from last year that has passed its date, it’s time for a new one.
- Don’t want to mess with your make-up? Use a moisturizer with a sunscreen first and put your make-up on over top. This will keep your make-up fresh for that first application.
- If you’re still looking for that “healthy glow,” many of those moisturizers with sunscreen also come tinted, so you don’t have to give up your tan.
- Take an all-over approach. You don’t want to be stingy with your sunscreen, so cover any exposed skin liberally. Don’t forget to wear sunglasses and protective lip balms so the sun stays away.
You don’t want to take any chances, so be sure to re-apply every few hours, especially when going in and out of the water. Keep your skin healthy and glowing this season!
Beauty Spring Cleaning: A How-To
Spring cleaning: not just for houses, anymore! Do you go through your products and adjust your routine seasonally? You should! Here are some of our favourite ways to spring clean your beauty products to get ready for hotter weather:
Best Before: Are you scraping the bottom of the container? While we don’t want to waste products, these items do have expiry and best before dates. For example, mascara should be replaced every 3 months (think seasonally) so that bacteria doesn’t accumulate in the wand. Take a look through your favourites and toss what’s old, and then add what you need for the upcoming season.
Brush it off: Your brushes also accumulate dirt, dust and bacteria and should be cleaned on a regular basis. If this isn’t your habit, now’s just the right time to make them just like new. There are tons of cleaning solutions, tools, silicone mats - and more - to help make this job easier, in fact most can be washed with whatever shampoo is already in your bathroom. And if cleaning is not in the cards, treat yourself to a new set this spring!
Up your SPF: Plan on upping your Vitamin D? If you haven’t spent much time in the sun during the winter months, then the products you’re using are likely lacking in SPF. For maximum sun protection, sunscreen is your best bet, of course, but a moisturizer with SPF might just do the trick for spring. From powdered makeup to lotions with sunscreen, take a look at what you’re using and make sun protection a priority this season.
Mane Attraction: Even your hair appliances need a little TLC occasionally… Free your flat iron or wand from product residue and dirt with a cotton ball and some rubbing alcohol. Leave your hair dryer good as new with a once-over on the vent with a damp cloth. Clean out your hairbrush, wash with mild soap and water and let it dry on a towel to return it to its full potential.
Looking for more tips and tricks from our spa? Visit our blog here: https://www.hockley.com/blog/
Traveling with Kids: A Survival Guide
Planning a road trip with the fam? What starts off in your mind as a relaxing vacay can quickly get away from you... We’ve found there are some things parents should know when traveling with kids:
Rush Hour: Leave plenty of time to get where you’re going – you never know when a toddler meltdown or teen drama will set in. It’s also a way to make sure kids don’t feel rushed before they’re ready and you’re not panicking at the risk of missing a deadline or reservation.
Hide and Seek: When packing, stash some surprises in case you need a distraction. From bracelet-making to mini Lego to a Sudoku book or disposable camera, once boredom sets in, this trick can save everyone’s sanity.
Family Fun: Take an electronics break - break out the car games instead. Of course the classics include car bingo, eye spy and so many others, but even a great audio book can be fun for everyone to enjoy together.
Good Night: Once the sun sets, don’t be in the dark. Make sure everyone stays occupied with book lights and glow sticks. Feeling sleepy? Get cozy with pillows, blankets and pajamas. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a nap in!
Plan B: Unless it’s a surprise, get your kids in on the planning! They are more likely to be excited for the trip and want to participate in activities where they gave some input.
At Hockley Valley Resort, we’ve got tons of amenities for kids of all ages including our Activity Centre! Book your stay with us today at: www.hockley.com.
5 ways to practice gratitude
The hustle and bustle of the season sure can be overwhelming, but don’t let mindfulness get lost in the chaos. Believe it or not, a positive, thankful outlook has been known to relieve stress, lower anxiety and get you feeling more festive than ever! Here are 5 simple tricks to stay grateful and joyful well into 2022:
- Give back. Making a difference in someone else’s life is sure to brighten your day. Seeing other people’s happiness might be just the reminder you need to get back to being grounded.
- Celebrate the season. Bring the fun back into your life! Blow off some of your to-do list to snuggle with your pet, go skating with the fam’ or just curl up in front of the fire. Taking some time to schedule in fun will get you remembering what the holidays are all about.
- Start journaling. From hot coffee to lighter traffic, start to notice the little things you’re thankful for each day. A gratitude journal can really help you to put things in perspective and help you see your life in a more positive light.
- Practice your smile. Have you ever hear the expression ‘act the way you want to you feel?’ It’s true that the more you smile, the happier you are. Take it a step further and smile at others as much as you can to help spread that festive cheer!
- Say thank you. Each time you say thank you, it sends a mental cue for you to feel gratitude. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at it! Ditch the complaining. A simple thank you can help take your gratitude to a whole new level.
How to fight dry hair, skin and nails this winter
Get your hair, skin and nails ready for winter!
Winter weather is here. Still trying to recover from the summer exposure? Not to worry, we can help! Our experts have put together a list of simple steps get your hair, skin and nails in tip top shape as the snow flies.
Mane Attraction:
Step 1: Keep your hair-washing schedule to 1 or 2 times per week to fight the dryness. How? Use dry shampoo at night to soak up any additional oil and make styling a breeze in the morning.
Step 2: Increase hydration with products like Argan oil, Moroccan oil, hair masks or serums to add instant moisture. Use a lighter oil if you have thinner hair so it doesn’t get weighed down.
Step 3: Protect your hair from hairdryers and appliances with a daily protectant spray to stop frying and frizz. Taking a proactive approach to hydrated hair!
Skin Deep:
Step 1: Install a humidifier in your room. Help hydrate your skin while you sleep and you’ll wake up fresh-faced and happy!
Step 2: Moisturizer is your friend. Add a layer of daily moisturizer under your makeup to fight the harsh winds and frigid temps.
Step 3: Don’t skip the sunscreen, UV is a concern in the winter too!
Nail-ed It:
Step 1: Paint your nails Keeping polish on your nails throughout the winter will preserve the natural oils in your nails and keep them protected against the dry air.
Step 2: Protect your hands from the elements with mittens or gloves and you’ll keep your nails at their best, too! Did you know that your cuticles actually provide protection for your nails? By blocking bacteria and shielding your nail beds, keeping your cuticles healthy will keep your nails healthy!
Fall Wellness
Are you taking care of yourself this season? Self-care doesn’t mean selfish! Cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes are fantastic, don’t get us wrong, but wellness is where it’s at. Here are some tips and tricks from the wellness experts in our spa to get you started:
- Taste the season! From apples to squash to beets, fall is delicious – you can’t go wrong with fresh and local fare…
- Treat yourself with a visit to the spa, to the movies or anywhere else that makes you happy – bask in some well-deserved me time.
- Do some fall cleaning… Organize your clothes, clean out your junk drawer, wash your windows or get your garden ready for winter. Accomplishing a task you’ve been meaning to do will feel great and motivate you to do even more.
- Move it! Go on a bike ride with your family, join a new class, get back into working out and get your move on…
- Wake up refreshed and ready to conquer the rest of the week! How? Try an early night: relax with a bath, put on your coziest jammies, ditch your electronics and get ready to feel fantastic in the morning.
- Get grateful! Be thankful, give back and remember what’s important in your life. Pick a charity, help a friend or start a gratitude journal: sometimes self-care is about your place in the world and how you can make a difference.
- Give yourself a goal (or two)! Pick something that’s a challenge but is attainable enough to get you fired up. Working for it will make achieving that goal so much sweeter!
Cinnamon: 5 Things You Didn't Know
Cinnamon, commonly used in baking this time of year, boasts a whole host of exciting possibilities! Are you selling cinnamon short? Add some spice to your life – in moderation, of course. Here are 5 facts you might not know about cinnamon:
Snack Attack. Cinnamon makes a delicious addition to a variety of snacks! Mix it with oil, sugar, cayenne and salt to taste. Drizzle or spray onto your popcorn for a delicious twist!
Breathe Easy. Cinnamon essential oil, in combination with lemon, clove, eucalyptus, rosemary and tea tree, kills 99% of airborne bacteria within minutes. To reap these benefits, add 4 drops of each essential oil to a vaporizer and enjoy!
Pest Control. Did you know that cinnamon is a deterrent for ants? Keep these pests out by sprinkling cinnamon at the entryways. Have a sandbox? Mix cinnamon in with the sand to enjoy an ant-free play zone!
Tea Time. Ceylon cinnamon can be used in tea, and offers some amazing health benefits! It’s been known to have an effect on some common ailments like: sore throat, digestion, sore joints and high blood pressure. Give it a try and see if it helps!
A Cut Above. Cinnamon has been used as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent for many years. To help heal an open cut or wound more effectively, dust some cinnamon overtop and let it work its magic.
Add some spice to your life to reap the benefits!
*sources: oilhealthbenefits.com, gardeningknowhow.com, organicfacts.net, benefitsfromcinnamon.com
Face it, Skin Gets Dry
We moisturize, we hydrate and we exfoliate, but sometimes it just isn’t enough… How can you keep your skin in great shape? Try a facial, performed by a trained professional, designed to target your unique concerns and feel better in your own skin! Here are some of the different types of facials Hockley Valley Spa offers:
Lo Splendore Natural Facial
Using products from the luxury, botanical based skincare line, we’ll take you through cleansing, exfoliating and extracting, featuring a mask and facial massage to get you feeling your best.
Clinical Peel Facial
This treatment includes a deep cleansing and exfoliating ritual, using specially formulated chemical peels, lifting away those dead skin cells to bring out your brightest and freshest skin.
Microderm Treatment
Using a highly controlled vacuum which emits minute corundum crystals, this treatment refines your skin’s texture and brings back a healthy glow.
Personalized Facial
This treatment is customized to meet your needs and includes a deep cleansing with enzyme peel and extractions, facial mask and a final mask. This facial is suited for everyone, it is relaxing and effective for a deep cleansing. It’s the perfect choice for facial newbies!
Vitamin C Brightening Facial
Is your skin tired, sun damaged or discoloured? This treatment provides deep exfoliation, facial massage, essential oils and a brightening Vitamin C mask to renew and refresh your skin.
Oxygen Ageless Facial
Regain that youthful glow with this treatment, infusing oxygen into the skin (complemented with serums and gels) with a light to medium peel.
The Hollywood Facial
The best of the best! Get firmer skin with this treatment, including microdermabrasion for a deeper exfoliation to reduce fine lines, discolouration and to stimulate collagen.
Looking for our complete spa menu? Please visit our website here: https://www.hockley.com/spa/