If you've seen Leonardo's recent flick, The Blood Diamond, I'm sure you've been second-guessing your affinity for shiny jewels. But don't worry. New jewelry designers are coming on the scene making the decision much easier because you don't have to choose between beautiful jewels and environmental and global consciousness. One such designer, Moonrise Jewelry, is leading the way by selling fair trade semi-precious gemstones that are produced in accordance with environmental protection standards, including minimizing the disruption of natural land areas, and protecting the local vegetation, habitat, streams,  and groundwater from pollutants and over-mining. However, taking care of the earth isn't enough. Frequently, laborers in mines are treated horribly, not only receiving unfair compensation but some mines also employ child laborers. Moonrise Jewelry also certifies that their gems are produced under fair labor conditions (no child workers and all workers receiving fair pay), and that they are designed in Virginia by local artisans. Featuring such exquisite stones as Brazilian Citrine, Wyoming Green Jade, and Mexican Fire Opal, this collection is sure to spark the jewelry-lover in you to reconsider forgoing her gems. For more information visit www.moonrisejewelry.com

Ayurveda, the ancient healing science from India, has definitely gone mainstream. Many health-conscious individuals not only know their "dosha" but also are aware of how what they eat effects the balance of their doshas. But it goes beyond diet. For instance, the time of day that you rise is effected by your dosha, as are the activities that will ground you the most, so why not take it a step further and create your home to bring you and your loved ones into balance? AFM Safecoat will be launching this fall their Ayurveda Essence line designed to do just that. Created by New York color therapist, the line consists of 108 colors divided into three sets of 36, for each dosha. So for an airy, prone-to-worry vata like myself, colors like Leaf & Sun are designed to ground my somewhat fidgety temperament, while a hot and fiery pitta would want soothing colors like Spirit and a slower-moving kapha would want to harmonize their dosha with energizing colors like Elevate. The company even suggests some color combinations to balance those with two primary doshas, or those that are tridoshic. My only question is this- does everyone in the house get to have one room that harmonizes? Or do my husband and I somehow combine his fiery sign and my airy sign into a room that still feels soothing for both?
For more information visit www.afmsafecoat.com

This fall, Rancho la Puerta, the renowned destination spa located in Tecate, Mexico, is offering a specialty week for lovers, with speakers on both sleep and sex. Robert deStefano, of SleepGarden and ZYoga will be leading the discussions on sleep, specifically, creating a sleep sanctuary that is conducive to sleep for both partners. “When one partner's sleep is not in harmony with the other’s, the romantic, spiritual, energetic and practical glue of the relationship is compromised,” he says. deStefano's lectures are meant to inspire couples to find not only the romantic, but the sleepy back in their bedroom. As he points out in a study by the National Sleep Foundation, 25 percent of adults have had sex less often or are not interested in sex because their sleepy. It's time to get a good night's rest! After you've figured out the in's and out's of sleeping, researcher Beverly Whipple, Ph.D., author of The G Spot and Other Discoveries about Human Sexuality,  will help put the sexy back into the bedroom. This week promises to be enriching for couples; in between lectures, take part in daily hikes, yoga classes, cooking classes at the new La Cocina Que Canta, and of course save time for "practice" in the bedroom. The week is from October 13-20. For more information, visit www.rancholapuerta.com

Taking the spa treatment to new depths, Huvafen Fushi recently unveiled their redesigned underwater treatment rooms. Set in the picturesque waters of the Maldives, Huvafen Fushi's new concept is to create the mood of the ocean for the visitors to the spa. From the chromotherapy in the relaxation area to the views of the sea life, the experience is meant to lull the visitor into a new state of relaxation. If that isn't enough to entice you, their signature treatment, Unite Me- Crystal Ritual includes a Maldivian sand and lime exfoliation and a coconut oil massage. Afterward guests are led to the relaxation area to watch the marine landscape while snacking on local fruit. Can you say Ahhh? www.huvafenfushi.com

It might be near impossible to detox while touring wine country, but the new package at Calistoga Ranch promises to keep you healthy while you indulge in the best of the Napa valley.  Calistoga Ranch, an Auberge Resort, is located in a quiet and private canyon just outside Calistoga, California, a region known for both its delicious grapes and hot springs. The property boasts only 46 guest lodges, with modern decor that emphasizes the natural landscape. Their new "detoxicate" package takes their wellness offerings a step beyond the norm, and includes accommodations, such spa treatments as the Cabernet Classic, fitness equipment in-room, and a bike tour to the nearby Bennett Lane Winery. In addition, guests receive an in-room bar stocked with healthy goodies and recipes to take home. I'm not sure if this is really the meaning of "detox", but regardless the package sounds absolutely divine. Why not combine a weekend of spa and health with wine tasting? Afterall, experts do say that wine is good for the heart!

No, I'm not talking about those lucky individuals born with genes that enable them to inhale vast quantities of food without ever stepping foot in the gym. (My sister comes to mind here!) I'm actually talking about the tools, etc. that you use to workout—are they natural?

For many years, yoga practitioners have schlepped their standard mats to and from yoga classes unaware of the health and environmental impact these mats make.  These mats are made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) a known toxin, whose manufacturing process leaches harmful dioxins, carcinogens, and toxins into the environment. Not to mention, PVC does not biodegrade—and you can only imagine the number of yoga mats filling landfills.

Fortunately, for earth-conscious yogis, there are several options available, including the new natural rubber yoga mat by Natural Fitness (www.naturalfitnessinc.com). The yoga mat, which comes in reversible color-combinations (for your ever-changing moods), has a nice sticky texture and is available in extra-thick and extra-long varieties. Natural Fitness also makes such eco-friendly fitness equipment as hemp yoga accessories, bamboo blocks, and exercise balls. Finally, their Zero Impact Program, ensures that your eco-footprint will be offset with the planting of trees. Working out never felt so good or so—natural.

Last time I attempted to put sunscreen on my own back, I ended up with two sets of "hands" where I had reached my limit of application. (And I have been blessed with rather long arms!) Instead of skipping sunscreen or getting a very dreaded fingerprinted tan line, try the Body Buddy. Why it took so long for this to be invented, I'm not sure, but it's a great way to slather on not only sunscreen but aftersun lotion or aloe. You can buy them at select spas, or purchase online.

It really should come as no surprise that the spa world is heading even deeper into our bedrooms. It started when spa visionaries at Miraval and Canyon Ranch began offering intimacy and sexuality workshops by such leading sexuality and intimacy experts as Dr. Lana Holstein. Recently, I've seen more products related to boosting libido, as well as couples yoga workshops and retreats designed to enhance intimacy, but now at the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort, they've created several new packages designed to help you conceive.

The new Conceptionmoon program is designed to provide couples with a relaxing atmosphere, romantic spa treatments, and private yoga classes to get both partners in the mood for baby-making. In addition, the getaway includes a swimming with turtles excursion, which according to Polynesian lore, symbolize fertility. As to whether you actually conceive on such a journey, it's hard to say. But experts frequently say that when you make the act of conceiving a stressful, by-the-clock venture, you're decreasing your odds of actually, well, conceiving. So, the best thing to do when you're trying to conceive is relax—and why not relax in Bora Bora?

Welcome Healing Lifestyles & Spas readers!

I'm excited to be writing my first of many blog entries, devoted to all things healing. My hope is to bring you news, and up to the day information on spa openings, new therapies and treatments, skincare and product reviews, books and CDs we love, and much, much more. I look forward to hearing from you with your comments and suggestions!

Best,
Melissa Williams
Editor in Chief