A Stirling Solution For Holiday Stress

While not everyone knows it, taking a few minutes or hours to find a breather during the holidays can make a big difference. It's especially important for women, who tend to take on more holiday responsibilities and more worries.

Seven in ten women say they worry about finances. More than half worry about their weight. And about three in ten are worried they have to stand in long lines while shopping for last minute gifts.

These statistics tend to mirror another study conducted just this year. Lindt, a master Swiss chocolatier, found 87 percent of women feel that taking time for themselves improves their overall mood during the holidays, but 93 percent will push aside free time for something else.

No wonder more than one in four women hope for a gift "experience" during the holidays. Scheduled "experiences" are much harder to push aside and less likely to be interrupted.

A Stirling Solution For Stress.

Through Dec. 31, The Stirling Spa is adapting a centuries old ritual from the Fiji Islands in the South Pacific to hydrate, nourish, and rejuvenate the skin and hair using pure coconut milk and honey. The treatment begins with a gentle sugar exfoliation with warm coconut oil and cane sugar, is followed by a rich milk and body butter, and ends with a warm towel body wrap.

This seasonal special includes a traditional Fujian scalp massage, with special care to restore the shine and life to hair. The treatment is $130 for 60 minutes for members. Non-members are invited to make special arrangements with Kathleen Gustafson, executive membership director.

The Fiji Coconut Milk Body Ritual is perfect for lifting anyone's spirits during the holidays or as a gift before the New Year. In addition to regular spa hours, the Stirling Spa will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Other holiday specials include 20 percent off Swedish or therapeutic deep massages during select hours, a specially-priced warm gingerbread delight body package or, before and after Dec. 31, ask about the new Arabian message, which is popular for jet lag and (holiday) recovery.