Hotels, Destinations Honor Survivors, Fighters During National Breast Cancer Month

Even the most pressing everyday problems get put into perspective when you or somebody you love is focused on beating breast cancer or has beaten it. The will to heal not only refocuses women on the most important things — relationships and wellness — but also brings family and friends together on a higher level. It not only empowers the woman with the cancer, but also her mother, sisters, daughters and friends who may as well be counted as family.

If you are planning a special weekend of healing and bonding in honor of National Breast Cancer Month, why not do it as an ultimate “girl’s weekend” experience at a spa, resort or special event that advances the efforts of the charities and draws attention to new medical developments that have come as a result. Here are some North American hotels raising funds and awareness for research and recovery through special deals, packages, events and perks.

Guests of Cal-a-Vie doing yoga © Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

• The Fontainebleau Miami Beach is partnering with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami (South Florida’s leader in breast cancer research, treatment and care) to co-host the 10^th annual Bleau Goes Pink campaign. During October, Fontainebleau offers dining, spa and room promotions (using the code “Bleaupink”) in which 10 percent of the proceeds will benefit Sylvester. The Stay for the Cure Room package, for example, includes overnight accommodations for two; a three-course, fixed-priced dinner at StripSteak by Michael Mina, Scarpetta by Scott Conant or Hakkasan; a 50-minute spa treatment with choice of Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue or Triple Cleanse Facial; and a bottle of Rosé.
• San Diego-area luxury resort Cal-a-Vie Health Spa rolls out its annual Cal-a-Vie for a Cure, encompassing its Women’s Wellness Week (Oct. 8–12). Throughout the month, the spa will stage activities raising awareness for prevention and eradication of breast cancer. These include nutrition lectures about incorporating cancer-fighting foods into one’s diet, Labyrinth walks to promote relaxation and athletic endeavors such as the 200-Step Challenge and the Step Up for Breast Cancer hike. Guests can honor loved ones by affixing pink ribbons with their names to the spa’s Tree of Hope and placing pink painted rocks at the Labyrinth. The experience is literally tied together with pink ribbons and turndown cards placed in all guest’s rooms and bags, flowers adorning the dining room and pink products on display in retail areas.

Cal-A-Vie Pink flowers in guestroom © Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

• Spa coordinators, massage therapists and estheticians at Huntington Beach’s Pasea Hotel & Spa recently completed customized training courses with Wellness for Cancer covering treatment protocols and ways to provide personalized wellness services to individuals touched by cancer. Since cancer treatments can make skin hypersensitive, the Aarna Spa team adapts its protocols and teams them with expert-level technique and nutrient-rich products for results that help nourish the body and soul. Guests living with cancer will receive a Jamu Sokasi (a Balinese blessing) basket filled with creams and oils from Pasea’s partnership with CBD essentials, created by cancer survivor Aryn Sieber. Treatments weave in Balinese rituals from Jamu and therapeutic services that infuse CBD essentials throughout with Balinese-inspired massages and facials.
• San Diego’s Manchester Grand Hyatt invites locals and guests to help fight breast cancer by dining and drinking to pink all month long. On Thursday, Oct. 18, Sally’s Fish House & Bar hosts its Dine Out for the Cure for lunch and dinner, in which 25 percent of every $1 spent will be donated to support Komen San Diego in its local breast cancer programs and research. In addition, the Women@Hyatt San Diego chapter is participating in Pedal for Pink with CycleBar Hillcrest to raise money for Making Strides. Spin bikes for a 45-minute spin class at CycleBar will be available for a donation (minimum $25) per bike.
• The Palms Turks & Caicos hosts its 10th Annual In the Pink event to raise money for TCI’s Cancer Society. The gala, launched by Karen Whitt, vice president of sales and marketing, The Hartling Group (owners of The Palms, The Shore Club and The Sands), is not just one of the islands’ hottest social events but also the ultimate women’s weekend. The celebration starts with an epic shopping session featuring excellent bargains on a wide selection of designer items to new and gently used clothing, shoes and accessories. After the shopping, the fun continues with a superb after-party in the elegantly pink-decorated courtyard in front of the resort’s Parallel 23 restaurant, including live music, charming guest bartenders serving up glamorous pink cocktails, raffle giveaways and silent auctions.

Dining at Cal-a-Vie © Cal-a-Vie Health Spa