154% jump in Unique Visitors - WHY?

I was shocked the other day to see our http://www.livingwatersspa.com/ site have a 154% jump in unique visits on one day. Yep, a HUGE spike in visitors. Naturally I wanted to see why so as I looked at my webmaster tools I discovered that we were mentioned on a Brazil webportal - iG - as one of the top ten nudist resorts. This is the 3rd top ten lists we've made this year.

Here is who they list:

Hidden Beach Resort - Riviera Maya, Mexico

Paradise Lakes Resorts - Land O'Lakes, Florida

Garden of Eden Resort - Isla Solarte, Panama

Caliente Resort e Spa – perto de Puerto Plata, República Dominicana

Living Waters Spa – Desert Hot Springs, California

CHM Montalivet - Montalivet, Vendays-Montalivet, France

Punta Serena – Tenacatita, Mexico

Cabanas Copal – Tulum, Mexico

Sorobon Beach Resort – Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles

Paradise corner - Piraí, Rio de Janeiro

Only one other US resorts that made the list are in Florida. So we are very proud to see our spa listed in such an international way.

Living Waters Spa is located in Desert Hot Springs California which is right next to Palm Springs. Here in our town we sit upon an aquifer of hot mineral water (we like to joke, "there are no springs in Palm Springs!"). At Living Waters Spa we pump mineral water from the earth at the rate of 20 gallons per minute for 18 hours per day. We flow it through our pools and then it goes back to the earth via dry wells that gobble (technical term) up the water. So talk about recycling.

We are the only clothing optional (you don't have to be a nudist or naturist) mineral water spa in Southern California. There are those in Northern Californa - Harbin Hot Springs and Esalen Institute - but we are the only one here in So. Cal.

You need to come for a visit...

Documentary: Naked on the Inside

Every now and then a documentary comes along and provides brain food for thinkers. "Naked on the Inside" is one of those documentaries. Here is the text from their website:

"Naked on the Inside comes at a time when the Western world has never been more obsessed with body image. This fresh and unnerving feature-length documentary asks a simple, but audacious, question: Beyond our clothes and skin, who are we? And so it begins. Six extra-ordinary people from around the world reveal their bodies and share their secrets in a unique experiment in search of their inner selves."

Naked is currently being shown on the Sundance channel as well as Showtime. I highly recommend viewing it.

Basically it presents it's subjects one by one and slowly reveals their personal issues of body and self acceptance. As they progress in various interviews they finally hit a point where they are to be completely naked. For all of them it is a very serious moment of self-awareness.

Having been in the clothing optional world now since 2000, I've seen some life transformations arise from shedding clothes. I've met people who once naked on the outside, experience a self-transformation on the inside.

Check out a clip from the documentary.

Here at Living Waters Spa we are concerned with the whole being. We are not just a place to be naked (as some nudist / clothing optional facilities). We want the elements (sun, mineral water, air, sky) to do whatever the guests need for them to do to impact their life. Our massages are geared to helping people come back into their being, to look inward, to look outward, to LIVE!

Living Waters Spa: celebrating 5 years of business

Desert Hot Springs, CA - Living Waters Spa opened their doors 5 years ago November 10th. What started as a dream for owners Jeff and Judy Bowman, Living Waters Spa has turned into a top rated boutique spa hotel attracting people from all over the country and Europe. “The American dream is still alive and well” says Jeff Bowman. “We wanted to create a spa that would offer people a chance to get away from their daily life, reconnect with life, and experience a bit of Europe right here in the USA.”

Acquiring a vintage 1960s “spa-tel” originally named the “Kismet Lodge” (named after the famous musical), the Bowmans set out to create something totally unique. Located next to Palm Springs in Desert Hot Springs California, Living Waters Spa is situated above a hot mineral water aquifer that provides the hotel with pure, odorless mineral water that is pumped from the hotel’s own mineral spring well. When they acquired the hotel it was tired and rundown and actually used as low rent apartments. “We hauled out over 30 cubic yards of junk just to get at the core of the building” according to Bowman. “Then once we started renovating we realized that the mid-century modern building was well built and perfectly designed for what we were going to do. It even had the 1960s quality imprimatur ‘live better electrically – medallion homes’ as part of the signage.” Renovation included reviving the hot water well, new pools, new pool decking, all new carpet and furniture, and even a complete overhaul of the old neon sign that proudly lights up “Kismet Lodge” and “Living Waters Spa” underneath.

Their spa has become a favorite having achieved an unprecedented 73% repeat rate of its customers in the 5 years of business. Judy says: “What really sets us apart from other hotels/spas is our customer care, hot mineral water, massages, spa/skincare treatments and the fact that we are a ‘European-style’ clothing optional spa. You don’t have to be a nudist or have a ‘perfect’ body to try skinny-dipping at Living Waters Spa. People from all walks of life are discovering what Europeans have known for centuries that nude is not lewd. We’ve had guests in their 20s to 80s enjoy our amazing hot mineral water naked or au naturel.” Judy herself is a breast cancer survivor and often shares with guests her experience with surgery, chemotherapy, and because of the clothing optional context they can have frank discussions about breast reconstruction.

In this trying economy, Living Waters Spa is the only clothing optional resort to offer discounts for guests under 30 years of age, those who are in active military, or who are survivors of breast cancer. “We are here with a passion to help people,” says Jeff, “and our discounts especially provide these groups the chance to take a break, reconnect with their partner, and restore their soul. On top of that with our winter specials you can stay a week in one of our condos for only $499.00 – an unbeatable offer!”

In this past year Living Waters Spa was:
- Listed as on of the top 10 clothing-optional resorts of the world (TripAdvisor)
- The highest ranked California spa and listed 9th on “Spas of America” top 30 spas
- Awarded the “Hidden Gem” award for the 3rd year in a row (TripAdvisor)
- Featured in articles by: Los Angeles Times; Times UK; Conde Nast Traveler on Concere.com; The Desert Sun; and American Spa

So, if anyone questions whether or not the American dream is still possible, just ask Jeff and Judy Bowman. They’ll tell you if you work hard, and provide your customers a “Lexus” customer experience -- then it is!

For more information see the spa website at: http://www.livingwatersspa.com/.

Jolie Breastfeeding on Cover of W

Angelina Jolie appears on the cover of W magazine's November issue with her breast partially exposed, breastfeeding one of her infant twins. Another breastfeeding photo that drew national attention was in 2006, when Babytalk magazine published a photo of a baby and part of a woman's breast on its cover. When Babytalk conducted a poll to gauge response to the cover, 75% of the responses were positive. La Leche League International, the world's oldest breastfeeding support organization, applauded Jolie's decision to pose for the photo. "Breast-feeding in public reveals a whole lot less than what has been revealed on the red carpet. I think we do need more role models like Angelina Jolie," said La leche spokesperson Jane Crouse. For more follow this link.

Years ago an old timer told me, "Americans are so taken by breasts. In other cultures they are seen in a context of life - feeding babies."

Early Winter Specials 2008/2009

We've decided to post our early winter 2008/2009 specials:
November - December - January 2009
Not available: November 27-30 or December 24 thru January 4, 2009
We don't think you'll find a more affordable clothing optional vacation opportunity:















** Condo Week **

7 Nights in a Condo - $499.00($400 savings, tax not included)Our best deal! A whole week in one of our luxury condos for less than $75 per night. You have full access to the mineral water pools at the spa. The condos have TVs and DVD players. Add another couple for only $100 for the week and split the cost!















** Pool Side Week **

7 Nights in a Pool Side Room - $699.00($544 savings, tax not included)You read this correctly, a whole week in one of our poolside rooms for only $99 per night.


** Winter Weekday Special **
Stay one night, 2nd night 75% off!
Monday-Thursday
(up to $127 savings, tax not included)
Example:
Room with mini-fridge
Night 1 = $159
Night 2 = $39.75
Total stay = $198.75
(only $99 per night)

** Couples Weekend Escape **
Friday & Saturday - $499.00
(up to $156 savings, tax included)
Package includes two night, three day stay in a poolside room with a king size bed; and one 75 minute couples massage; unlimited soaking in our clothing optional pure mineral water pools; and full use of the Living Waters Spa facilities which includes early arrival and late departure!

Please see our condo or spa websites for all details or give us a call: 760-329-9988

Breast Cancer Awareness Month at LWS

Desert Hot Springs, CA – Living Waters Spa a European-style clothing optional resort is celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) with special rates for survivors as well as promoting breast health, breast cancer awareness, and body acceptance.

Judy Bowman, along with her husband Jeff, owns the Living Waters Spa and Judy is a breast cancer survivor. To honor other breast cancer survivors they are offering an amazing special to all survivors and their guests: pay for one night, get a second night free! “This is a substantial special offer and one that I’m proud to give” said Judy. “Not only can survivors benefit but also we are going to donate 10% of all our massage income for October to further breast cancer research!”

Because Living Waters Spa is a clothing optional spa it promotes body acceptance for women (and men). Judy says: “Our clothing-optional environment affords you the opportunity to see what a survivor looks like, that it’s not always a death sentence. Almost everyone knows someone or will know someone, friend or family, who has dealt with breast cancer. We want you to be informed, supportive and aware of what you can do to fight this disease.”

Judy tells her story: “In 1992 I heard the words most women dread, ‘I’m sorry, it is cancer.’ Jeff and I were about to move 350 miles to a new job for him with our 4 children, ages 8-15. We all made appointments for routine physicals with our familiar doctors before the big move. At my exam I asked my physician whether or not I should get a mammogram; I was 38. He hesitated but agreed. Later in the afternoon of the test I received a call from him, saying there was something on the film, and he had made an appointment for me to see a surgeon two days later. I naively was not worried, and continued working toward our move, which by now was only 10 days away. Jeff wisely suggested we stop packing until we saw the doctor. When we saw him he said he wanted to schedule a biopsy, which we were able to do that coming Monday. In recovery was where I heard those words, ‘I’m sorry, it is cancer.’

“Those words caused our world to stop and we quickly became knowledgeable about the disease. My path became a mastectomy and ‘tram flap’ reconstruction a month later, followed by 6 months of chemotherapy. Jeff, my family and friends were wonderfully supportive.

“Fast forward to the present time -- I can proudly say that I am a Survivor! I have been able to go on the journey with a number of friends and guests as they dealt with the disease. There’s something about the understanding you can only get from someone who has been there.”

Judy invites you to come and celebrate life at Living Waters Spa as we support those who have been confronted with breast cancer.

Living Waters Spa is a clothing optional natural spring water spa resort has been awarded one of the top 10 clothing optional resorts in the world according to TripAdvisor.com. It offers its guests a chance to get away, get in touch with life, and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit. Hot mineral water has been sought out by health enthusiasts the world over and Europeans have gone to the hot baths since ancient days. The mineral water found at Living Waters is odorless, tasteless, and colorless. www.LivingWatersSpa.com will provide you with more information or you can call Living Waters Spa at: 760-329-9988.

August and September in the Desert? You’ve got to be kidding!

We’re going to let you in on the secret of the pure enjoyment of beautiful August and September days in the desert. It’s one of our favorite times of year. Here’s how to get the most out of it at Living Waters Spa, a popular clothing-optional spa with pure mineral water pools.

Sleep in – go ahead, there’s no hurry to get up. Enjoy that comfy bed a little longer. Your room is air conditioned, so go ahead and snuggle with your sweetie.

Then meander into the lounge for a cup of freshly ground Starbucks coffee, a great selection of fresh summer fruits and maybe indulge in a piece of homemade coffee cake. Eat in the air conditioned room or take your goodies poolside.

Next comes the most beautiful part of the day, filled with gorgeous cloudless skies, the warm morning sun, relaxing music. Can you see the angel in the mountain? It is there; ask us and we’ll show you.

Grab a pool mat and work on your all-over tan, or take it easy on a lounge chair. “Honey, more sunscreen, please.” The mineral water is refreshing – in the high 80’s, and the Jacuzzi is a mere 100 degrees. Don’t forget that our Jacuzzi is covered, so you can enjoy it all day long. Book one of our signature massages for yourself, or do a couples massage with your partner! What a way to start the day…

It’s lunchtime, so go on inside, make yourself a snack, and spend some more quality time with your partner. Maybe follow up with a nap… If you get stir crazy, it’s a great time to go off to a movie, casino, or even the top of the tram. When was the last time you were up there?

3pm arrives and so do our daily hors d’oeuvres, served by the Jacuzzi. Haven’t guessed all the ingredients of the LWS famous dip yet? Now is the time to try again. Enjoy a glass of our white wine sangria or hibiscus tea, finger foods and some great conversation.

Now the day is cooling off. There’s most likely a gentle breeze. Time to sun again, take a soak, read a book, doze off…

It is dinner time already? Bring fixings to make a quick dinner al fresco. Wheel the BBQ right by your room and enjoy the delicious aromas while your food is cooking. Or you can choose from a variety of local restaurants in the Palm Springs area for a casual but deliciously satisfying meal. Then come back to the spa to enjoy the star-filled skies and another soak in the waters.

End the day in the privacy of your cool room, and enjoy the sound of no TV. Amazing how easy it is to talk with your partner when there are no interruptions. Before long, you’ll have drifted off into a deep, contented sleep.

Wake up. Repeat.

Who says you can’t enjoy the desert in August and September? Not us.

Living Waters Spa is located in the Palm Springs area city of Desert Hot Springs, California. The spa is one of the Top 10 clothing-optional resorts in the world, according to TripAdvisor and has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Ellen Degeneres / AOL.com and others. Don’t forget to look on LivingWatersSpa.com for some great summertime specials.

For more information, please contact Living Waters Spa at 760-329-9988.