A Day At The Beach — For Everyone
All-body suit is the solution for many Muslim women.
ecause their religion dictates that Muslim women must cover themselves in public, in the past, they either avoided swimming or tried to swim fully clothed. But now they have a third, much more comfortable option: newand-improved full-body swimsuits. Allbody suits have been around for years, but have recently undergone a renaissance as the niche market has grown.
Available online at sites such as primomoda.com, ahiida.com and splashgearua.com, the suits consists of pants, long-sleeved tops and head coverings. Suppliers use high-tech synthetic-material combinations, including polyester, nylon and Lycra, which allow flexible movement in the water while not sticking to a woman's body when she exits the water. The result: a comfortable, modest swimsuit.
Aheda Zanetti, an Australian designer who calls her suit the Burqini, says, "Every day women are walking into my Sydney shop and saying, 'Finally, I don't have to watch my husband and kids playing anymore; I don't have to stand on the sideline."
Muslim women are not the only ones interested in these suits. Zeena Altalib, who sells full-body swimsuits and a variety of other modest apparel through her Web site, primo moda.com, says, "I have non-Muslims who are actually ordering these swimsuits, as well. Yesterday, a female pastor e-mailed me and said: 'I'm so glad you're offering this modest, stylish clothing. My daughter and I have such a hard time finding clothes we like.'
"It's really nice to have options," adds Altalib.
Great Soaks
Whether you ski, snowmobile or worship winter sun.
Hopefully, your customers' favorite hot tubs are the ones you sold them. But when they're away from home, if they're in search of a great spot to soak apres ski , ski.com has a few suggestions. The ski tour operator has mountain vacation specialists who actually immerse themselves in most of the hot tubs at each of 75 resorts they sell, and the specialists recently named their favorite ski resort hot tubs. They are:
1. THE FOUR SEASONS RESORT in Jackson Hole, Wyo. With a gorgeous setting of waterfalls, the 75-foot pool and three hot-spring-style whirlpools are right on the slopes and feature James Bond-esque girls wearing Russian hats and serving drinks. Heated towels and robes, warm peppermint-scented face cloths and hot chocolate and s'mores are also provided.
2 INDEPENDENCE SQUARE in Aspen, Colo. This private rooftop hot tub offers 360-degree views of Independence Pass, Aspen Mountain and beyond.
3. FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS in Banff, Alberta, Canada. With three waterfall treatment spas, an indoor Hungarian mineral pool, outdoor pool and outdoor spa, this property features a one-of-a-kind hot-tubbing experience.
4. SUN VALLEY LODGE in Sun Valley, Idaho. Described by one ski.com mountain vacation specialist as "the biggest ever," this hot tub area is glass-enclosed with a retractable roof. The area features bar service and an all-around great scene.
5. CABINS AT MOONLIGHT in Big Sky, Mont. This secluded, mid-mountain location provides a one-of-a-kind skiin/ski-out experience. Guests enjoy panoramic views from their private hot tub on a private deck. The Cabins offer rustic decor to complement the beautiful scenery, which guests can view from every angle.
