Spa at the Mandarin Oriental in Miami has completed the renovation of six private suites. Two Nuat Thai Suites include a raised platform designed to accommodate the stretching aspects of Thai massage. Both of the new Mandarin Suites are adorned with soft silk linens and warm coral tones that enhance the spa’s signature Kundalini Journey treatment. In addition, two new couples suites include treatment beds and a comfortable sofa for clients to relax between treatments.

The recently opened Spa Luce at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa in Los Angeles features a modern composition and Artisan craftsmanship. Tiled walls, weathered teak cabinetry and an abundance of natural light promote a soothing environment throughout the facility. One signature treatment offered is the Hammam Ritual, a five-step massage based on the skincare practices of ancient bathhouses. The Japan Ritual is another signature treatment that incorporates therapeutic properties of flower essences with rich minerals.

Amy Westercamp has been promoted to association manager of Cosmetologists Chicago. She will continue to oversee the expansion and production of America’s Beauty Show, which will be held March 28-30, 2009 in Chicago. She will also serve as a liaison between the Cosmetologists Chicago management team and board of directors. Westercamp has been with the association for eight years.

Chris Bird is the new general manager of Mii Amo spa in Sedona, Arizona. He will oversee day-to-day operations in conjunction with spa director Kirsten Combs. His vast experience includes an 11-year stint at Canyon Beach Resorts in Arizona and Texas. He most recently worked for the Lodge at Ventana in Tuscon, Arizona.

Well-known Beverly Hills esthetician Aida Thibiant announced her retirement via the Los Angeles Times in June. The Times credits her as one of a few “beauty pioneers ... who took the concept of skin care from at-home, waxy cold creams to professionally administered regimens.” Known for her deep-cleaning facial, Thibiant’s client roster has included celebrities such as Jodie Foster and Rod Stewart. She’s also developed several skincare lines, and plans to launch another one next year. She is selling Thibiant Spa to plastic surgeon Harry Glassman and his business partner, who will transform it into a medical spa.

Spa owner Marilyn Ihloff was named 2008 Oklahoma Small Business Person of the Year. The Ihloff Salon and Day Spa corporation holds three locations in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The award acknowledged her company’s staying power, employee growth, sales increase and community service involvement. Ihloff is also a dedicated Professional Beauty Association member, and serves as an elected member of the PBA/Salon Spa Leadership Council.

Murad has partnered with The Paua Group International Limited to expand distribution in Hong Kong, SAR Macau, People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Paua will also open Murad Inclusive Health Centers in several Asian regions. “The Paua Group provides a range of experience and philosophy on wellness that matches Murad’s and fits well with our significant growth plans in Asia,” says Richard Murad, CEO.

The Mediterranean-designed Tocasierra Spa and Salon has opened at the Point Hilton Squaw Peak Resort in Phoenix. The 10,000-square-foot facility features nine treatment rooms, including an extensive couple’s suite with private shower. The spa menu offers a multitude of packages, including one to accommodate parents traveling with children.

The spa management software company, ResortSuite SPA will become an integral part of operations for the spa at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, which is currently undergoing a renovation. The software will also be implemented at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, which includes a 60,000-square-foot facility set to open in fall 2009. Both spas will rely on the software to organize day-to-day management and operations. “We selected ResortSuite SPA because of its superior technical capacity to meet all our needs, as related to sales, administration and guest service, as well as its ability to interface successfully with other hotel operating divisions,” says Josie Feria, director of spa operations for Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

CND has selected Heike Ahlers as its regional sales manager for Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. She will manage distributor accounts, and work to implement global education programs and promotions. Heike has more than 12 years of experience in the beauty and fashion industries. Her expertise includes knowledge of international sales, marketing, retail and distribution.

Ginger M. McLean has been appointed spa director of The Spa at the Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania. McLean has extensive experience in the hospitality and resort industries. She most recently served as director of spas and tarpon membership at Marco Ocean Beach Resort Fiddlers Creek in Marco Island, Florida.

PRAVANA Naturceuticals is organizing its “Destination Education” Caribbean cruise to set sail in late October. The cruise will include seminars on haircut, color and product training. “We look forward to engaging our guests, and showing them that we know how to make learning fun,” says Steve Goddard, PRAVANA CEO. For more information, visit pravana.com.

Star Nail International marketing president Christina Jahn recently showed support for a girls soccer team who donated its ponytails to help cancer survivors. Jahn gave the girls Cuccio Naturalé products after they cut their hair for the charitable foundation Pantene Beautiful Lengths. Each girl donated 8 inches of hair to the charity, which creates wigs for women and girls who’ve lost their tresses as a result of cancer treatments.