Love is lovelier the lighter time around

My husband and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary soon. We have agreed that instead of having a big bash, we want to go on a second honeymoon. Our first honeymoon was a modest one in Baguio because we were still struggling. Now that we are successful and comfortable, we both feel that we both deserve a grand second honeymoon. Over the years, we have gained some weight and I am wondering if you know some romantic spa where we could lose some weight and at the same time enjoy the ambience. Your suggestions will be very much appreciated.

I also read your article "Weapons of Mass Reduction" and would like to know where I can get Oenobiol Acquadrainant pills to fight water retention. - Ms. Weight Fighter

The Oenobiol Acquadrainant is available in France and other countries in Europe. I don’t think it is available locally yet, but you might find it in Hong Kong and Singapore.

As for your second honeymoon, I recommend the following spas because they are romantic and guaranteed to help the two of you lose weight. I have been to a few spas in France and one in Thailand.

I suggest that your and your husband go to Paris and spend a few romantic days there. The beauty of Paris is enough to intoxicate any couple and get them to renew their vows. Take a connecting flight to Nice and drive to Eugenie les Bains. The Ferme Thermal Spa there offers a cure called Nourire sa Beaute, which means Nurture your Beauty. The program includes water treatments like a toning and draining medieval bath with medicinal plants, wraps in thermal mud, and mineral replenishing plants and thermal showers. Discover Michael Guerard’s active slimming cuisine which features lots of herbs (in place of salt), spices, fruits, vegetables, cereals, and sprouts.

Most beauty institutes and spas offer programs that have proven their effectiveness in the slimming process. At thermal spring and thalasso therapy spas like Eugenie les Bains, slimming cures usually take six days. After impedancemetry analyses to determine the extent of the adipose tissue and the type of cellulite (aqueous, adipose, fibrous), a series of treatments are proposed. They may include wet therapies (massage under affusion, aquagym, wraps), dry therapies (pressotherapy, massage), exercise sessions (Pilates, cardio training), and possibly the use of special equipment. The Cellu M6 endermology machine targets cellulite directly while the Huber machine improves posture and strengthens the muscles.

Another option in the South of France is the Thermes Sextius thermal spa in Aix-en-Provence. Ask a travel agency in Paris how to get there.

The R-Fat anti-cellulite cure has four or five treatments a day, including aquagym sessions in the pool, workouts with the Huber machine, massages with the Cellu M-6, and a special diet adapted to each type of fat and cellulite. The chef offers lessons in planning and preparing light meals.

For a refreshing change of air you could go to Brides les Bains in the Alps. This spa specializes in weight loss and treatments based on its mineral spring water, known for its diuretic and appetite suppressing qualities. The slimming cure includes water treatments, fitness workouts, and personalized diets plus Cellu M6 sessions and massages if desired.

If you would rather stay in the city of Paris, urban spas also offer ways to slim down. There are spas (such as the one at the Four Seasons Hotel) that offer the body sculptor BS 22 machine which uses low-frequency electrical waves to stimulate the elimination of stored fats. A 40-minute session leaves you relaxed and ready for the second phase of the treatment and a 20-minute massage either by hand or with an endormology machine. After about 15 visits, you will look slimmer, especially around the waist. Many French physical therapists also offer slimming treatments using the Cellu M6 and Huber machine for a veritable and personalized cure that produces visible results after 10 visits.

Your husband could get bored doing spa treatments so it may be more interesting for both of you to go to a romantic place such as the South of France. May to September are ideal months.

If you don’t wish to go too far, go to Chiva Som in Hua Hin, Thailand. It is a three-hour drive from the airport of Bangkok. This is also a romantic place especially if you stay in one of the villas. The service is great. If you wish to lose weight, the nutritionist will give you a diet program to follow. If you just want to relax and enjoy the ambience and tasty but healthy food, the spa cuisine is good. They even offer courses in spa cuisine which I took. Their website is www.chivasom.com, where you can read about their programs and rates.

Here is a list of websites and telephone numbers of the spas in France:

• La Ferme Thermale a Eugenie-les-Bains – call 33-5580506 till 07 or visit their website at www.michelguerard.com.

• Thermes Sextius at Aix-en Provence – 33-442238182 or visit their website at www.Thermes-sextius.com.

• Brides-les-Bains – call 33-479552344 or visit their website at www.thermes-brideslesbains.fr.

• BodySculptor – visit their website at www.bodysculptor.biz

• Epaces Mouvement Vie Forme – call 0800-803806 or visit their website at www.espacemvf.com.

• Wellness Attitude – call 33-140171220.

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