Taj unveils new royal spa experience at Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

The Jiva Spa Boat takes its maiden voyage this autumn on the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola. This unique spa experience, recreates the splendor of the Taj Lake Palace Udaipur, the royal traditions of the House of Mewar and the rejuvenating experiences of the Jiva Spa.

Inspired by the style of the old palaces of Udaipur, the Jiva Spa Boat evokes the stately air of past royal cruises aboard the House of Mewar’s ceremonial Gangaur barge. The design of the boat fuses historical and regal references with contemporary design, featuring a spacious, air conditioned double spa suite, a relaxation lounge, steam bath and shower. The suite opens out onto a large sky deck, which offers a soak bath, traditional lounging bed and dining area with views out to the Aravallis – the oldest fold mountains in the world.

The Jiva Spa menu has been designed to nurture the individual’s Jiva or “Life Force” as the name signifies. Guests can choose tailor made spa experiences to suit their mood. All products used at Jiva Spas are natural and uniquely developed from Indian herbs, essential oils and special ingredients.

Royal Spa Sojourn (Duration 3 hours)
Jiva brings the Mewar Khas a local ritual and privilege of the royal Brides of the Mewar Region. This luxurious pre-bathing ritual offers a gentle scrub of fresh natural ingredients, followed by a relaxing massage using signature Jiva oils.

Energising Spa Escape (Duration 3 hours)
A signature Jiva treatment, the Pehlwan Malish recalls the efficacy of the powerful massages traditionally enjoyed by Indian warriors.

Romantic Spa Escapade (Duration 3 ½ hours or 4 hours with a meal)
Couples will delight in the invigorating Jivaniya treatment, which relieves muscular tension and improves blood circulation. Jivaniya includes an exfoliating herbal scrub, a heat-stimulating wrap of exotic spices and herbs soured from the hills of India, followed by a rejuvenating massage. After the treatments, guests can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area, whilst dining outside on the private deck.

Romantic Spa Indulgence (Duration 4 ½ hours / 5 hours with a meal)
Soma, Nectar of the Gods, is an indulgent couple spa experience. Two therapists offer a relaxing Indian aromatherapy massage, in a romantic candle-lit ambience, using pure, evocative oils. Guests relax in a soak tub rose petal bath, enjoying champagne and cheese in privacy.

After the spa treatment, guests can recline on the private deck and as a finale, guests are offered a fragrant floral blessing.

In the finest tradition of warm hospitality, the Taj Lake Palace Udaipur offers its guests a taste of a regal lifestyle – a luxury and extravagance that was once the sole preserve of kings. It’s elegantly appointed rooms, marbled corridors and garden spaces echo with romance and history, and every corner has a story to tell. In this context, the Jiva Spa encompasses relaxation and rejuvenation with tranquility and legendary hospitality.

For more information visit TAJ LAKE PALACE

Phulay Bay in Thailand to open as first location

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is launching a new exclusive brand extension for the most discerning global travelers; Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Phulay Bay in Krabi, Thailand will be the first property to open in 2009. As of today, guests can visit a dedicated website at www.ritzcarltonreserve.com. These unique resorts have been designed for those who seek to escape the stresses of everyday life by retreating to experience new cultures and adventures. Each exquisite destination will feature signature, one-of-a-kind low density resorts situated in choice settings, each with a distinctive personality and sense of place. Future development will be limited to select corners of the globe with upcoming locations to include Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Turks & Caicos and The United Arab Emirates.

“The entire Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio of idyllic retreats will offer guests a contemporary interpretation of the local lifestyle and culture. The concept is simple and yet exudes style and luxurious levels of comfort. The resorts provide a complete escape to the unexpected; a private, exclusive leisure experience that blends unique elements of the local culture, history, and heritage with intuitive individual service, exquisite indigenous design, casual ambiance, and respect for the surrounding environment,” said Simon Cooper, president and chief operating officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. “We do not work to one design mold, but rather allow the creative process to be destination and customer focused. Each Ritz-Carlton Reserve property around the globe will personify a unique design befitting of its locale.”

The architectural design philosophy is to create low-rise suites and villas that boast private panoramic views of serene oceans, tropical gardens or desert landscapes. The four natural elements are represented in the design: Fire to create romantic interiors, Water in bathing sanctuaries, Air in creative spaces for contemplation and reflection and Earth with the discreet treatment of technology that can be utilized or ignored.
The visionary design allows guests to experience a completely secluded environment, with as much or as little contact with the rest of humanity as they choose. Tranquil spa treatments, candlelit dining and a refreshing dip in the water can be done in the privacy of a villa or suite, or within the intimate settings of the resort facilities. The indigenous décor will be reflected in guestrooms and public spaces, with the finest quality furniture, finishes, artwork and detailed touches. Expansive villas and suites may feature personal plunge pools, outdoor rainforest showers or baths and private verandahs. Coupled with individualized service by a personal concierge to provide assistance that is unobtrusive yet intuitive, felt but not seen, invisible yet apparent.
The launch of Ritz-Carlton Reserve sees the beginning of a journey to the most captivating corners of the world, abounding with extraordinary possibilities and attention. A voyage of discovery steeped in luxury and limited only by ones imagination.

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Nestled on the shore of the Andaman Sea, the exclusive resort is the vision of in-demand Thai architect Lek Bunnag and features modern styling and architecture with accents of Thai culture and design.
The architecture, landscape, interiors and accessories fuse to create a marriage of style and design that is completely in keeping with and tied to the natural environment of the location. Oversized beds, pillows, chairs, baths and doorways create a sense of comfort and welcoming that sets the guest at ease and welcomes them into the resort.
Combining contemporary Thai styling in the buildings with preservation of the environment, the natural flora of existing trees and plants relies on the past and tradition to create something sustainable today and for the future. The use of traditional Lanna art forms both in architectural structure and design as well as paintings and artworks on the walls and doors of the villas further create a contemporary setting that draws on tradition to offer a unique and luxurious environment and further enlivens the senses.
With accommodations that offer unspoiled ocean views, private plunge pools, sheltered outdoor baths and showers set among lush indigenous flora, the sense of privacy and comfort allows guests to indulge in the scenery and detach from the world during their stay. Coupled with the natural warmth and easy smiles of the Thai people and the legendary Ritz-Carlton service, Phulay Bay is the perfect destination to host the first of Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s exotic, hand-picked hideaways.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md. operates 72 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Over 30 projects are under development around the globe including future Ritz-Carlton Reserve openings Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Turks & Caicos and in The United Arab Emirates. For more information about Ritz-Carlton Reserve, contact The Ritz-Carlton (U.S.) toll free reservations line at 1 (800) 241-3333, visit the Ritz-Carlton Reserve website at www.ritzcarltonreserve.com, or consult a travel professional.

Oct 23, 2008 – 05:26

Abu Dhabi ,23 Oct.2008: The Emirates Palace’s star has shone bright once again at the world travel, tourism and hospitality sky by being voted to the 2008 Conde Nast Traveller’s Gold List, the ultimate guide to the world’s hotels that conform to the prestigious Publication’s Gold standard.

Emirates Palace joins an exclusive list of renowned properties all over the world that feature the best service, rooms, food, ambience and design, location and leisure facilities based on votes submitted through the magazine’s 2007 readers travel awards survey, as well as votes cast by its editors.

In the Conde Nast Traveller’s Readers Awards Middle East, Africa and The Indian Ocean, the Abu Dhabi iconic hotel has ranked 12th place scoring 85pc.

‘A lavishly imagined Arabian fantasy, modeled on a giant palace, with 394 bedrooms decorated in acres of gold-thread. Managed by Kempinski, this is perhaps the glitziest hotel in the Arab world to date, ‘according to feedback from readers of the magazine.

A survey conducted by awards’ organisers, which reached more than 167,000 travel professionals, has voted the opulent Emirates Palace as Abu Dhabi’s Leading Conference Hotel, Abu Dhabi’s Leading Hotel, Abu Dhabi’s Leading Resort and Middle East’s Leading Conference Hotel.

For more information visit : Emirates Palace

Chiva-Som International Health Resort has won the ‘Spa Cuisine of the Year’ award from AsiaSpa 2008. The Awards presented by AsiaSpa magazine, were held for the fourth year and recognise the best spas in Asia, competing in 26 categories, voted on by 29 independent judges and attended by spa operators from countries across Asia.

“We are extremely honoured and delighted to have won this prestigious award from AsiaSpa. At Chiva-Som we serve a low calorie menu that is healthy and detoxifying but imaginative and delicious at the same time. Our cuisine is sourced from home-grown ingredients from an organic garden and we are very happy to be recognised as ‘Spa Cuisine of the Year’ as our goal is to bring balance to dining and the enjoyment of food”, Paul Linder, Chiva-Som General Manager said.

At a time of increased awareness of the importance of healthy eating, Chiva-Som is long established as a leader in the creation of imaginative, tasty spa cuisine. As part of its holistic approach to wellness, the resort believes that healthy eating contributes to a healthy lifestyle and a relaxed approach to life, and helps people to focus on new ways to improve their approach to mind, body and soul.

About Chiva-Som:
A secluded world of beauty and serenity, Chiva-Som is the “Haven of Life” a luxury health resort dedicated to revitalising the mind, body and spirit. The beachfront resort represents tranquility at its best with luxurious accommodation, nestled within lush tropical gardens.

Focusing on greater well-being and vitality, Chiva-Som offers extensive fitness, spa and holistic health facilities to help you relax, restore, rejuvenate and redirect. Personalised programmes and treatments are designed for everyone, blending Eastern philosophies with Western diagnostic skills. Widely regarded as the Best Destination Spa in the World, Chiva-Som welcomes you with unique Thai hospitality. Located in the Royal city of Hua Hin, the resort is less than three hours by car south of Bangkok.

Chiva-Som is the proud recipient of numerous accolades, most recently: ‘Spa Cuisine of the Year’ AsiaSpa 2008;’Favorite Spa in Thailand’ and ‘Top 10 Medi-Spas’ Spa Finder 2008; ‘Best Spa in the World’ Daily Telegraph’s Ultratravel magazine 2008; ‘Best Overseas Spa’ Luxury Travel and Spa Magazine 2008; ‘Top 5 Overseas Spa Retreat’; Conde Nast Traveller 2007 Readers’ Awards (and every year since 1999); ‘Top 15 Best Destination Spas’ Travel + Leisure World’s Best Spas 2007; ‘Favorite Spa in Asia’ and ‘Top 10 Best Spa Cuisine’ Spa Finder 2007; and ‘Best Overseas Spa’ Luxury Travel &
Style Magazine Australia 2007.

For more information visit : Chiva-Som

Whatever “Stress” you are facing, let it drift away, while you relax and rejuvenate at Chiva- Som with a “De-stress retreat”. Stress presents itself in many forms. Whether it manifests itself physically, mentally or in response to environmental factors, it can have a negative impact on one’s health. The De-Stress Retreat is your chance to proactively utilise new tools to withstand these challenges. This retreat focuses around the holistic methods of addressing mind, body and spirit. When the mind and spirit are in balance the physical manifestations have the opportunity to recover. By assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the body and utilising techniques such as Sacred Crystal Healing, Reiki, Meditation, Craniosacral Therapy and naturopathic consultation, this adds a new dimension to standard blood tests and physical examinations which most often appear as normal, despite feelings of unease, tiredness and lack of energy. Chiva-Som is about learning to live, enjoy and appreciate each moment. By inspiring our guests to develop a healthy balance of mind, body and spirit, they can create a personal path to optimal health and wellness. Visit Chiva-Som to discover your own path to a stress-free lifestyle.

New treatments at Chiva-Som
Asia’s original and finest destination spa, Chiva-Som, is delighted to introduce new treatments providing the ultimate wellbeing and harmony of life. Chiva-Som continually strives to expand its treatment variety through innovation and research. Consequently, new spa therapies, holistic therapies and Medi-spa treatments carried out by expert therapists have been launched.

Spa :
The Spa expanded the range of massage and scrub offerings by adding 6 new treatments. Spa therapies now include, a Deep Hand Massage, designed to release tension accumulated from daily tasks and using the computer; a stomach massage called Maya Massage to help stimulate and unblock the colon before having colon hydrotherapy in order to decrease cramping and eliminate toxins; and a Moisturising Coconut Body Scrub created from locally sourced natural ingredients suited for dry and sensitive skin types. Facial therapy has added Oriental Crystal Face Therapy using
crystals to relieve muscular face tension and stimulate the lymphatic system and an Express Micro- Lifting Facial for tissue regeneration, firming and lifting effects to its list. Under the category of hair therapy, a Double Reconstruction Ritual for hair is now being offered.

Holistic :
The holistic department has launched 5 new treatments this month: A ‘stop craving treatment’ which is a modification of the ‘stop smoking treatment’ to cater to other cravings; Weight Loss Made Easy which is an alternative/complementary treatment option for people who want to lose weight but who have a difficult time cutting back on their diet; Auricular Therapeutic Massage based on TCM principles with the massaging of certain points; Sound Bath Therapy, a form of meditation to clear emotions; and Therapeutic Lymphatic Drainage, a gentle hands-on method of clearing blockages of
the lymphatic system.

Niranlada Medi-Spa :
At Niranlada, the team of US-trained Cosmetic Surgeons are creating new services to help their guests reach aesthetic goals. Ultrapeel Microdermabrasion is useful for the removal of dead and damaged skin cells leaving skin blemish-free, smooth, young, and radiant with no downtime; Anti-cellulite therapy with D-Actor® 200 incorporates Acoustic Wave Therapy which is an effective and long-lasting treatment modality for cellulite, improved firmness and restored natural elasticity of the skin; and MicroLaserPeel TM is a full resurfacing of the face and body in which the procedure is tailored to the nature of an individual’s skin condition for reasons such as wrinkles, scars, acne scars, keratoss, or pigmentary problems. Continual innovation is a hallmark of Chiva-Som’s approach to health and wellbeing; however, there is a constant in the Chiva-Som philosophy – a dedication to providing its guests with a truly distinctive health and wellness experience.

For more information visit : Chiva-Som

The 2.099 sq. m. Royal Villa of Sharq Village & Spa aptly named “Beit Al Shyoukh” is a testament to the rich and varied Qatari heritage. The experience is simultaneously authentic and contemporary blending traditional elements with contemporary interpretations of patterns, fabrics and colors.

The design of The Royal Villa is based on a traditional ornate Sheikh’s palace decorated with beautiful furnishings and treasures from around the orient, which makes this an experience steeped in detail and tradition.

Divided into two wings one of which is a recreational annex, connected via overhead walkway, the accommodation wing houses the royal suite, guest suite, a pair of two-bedroom suites and a pair of king suites, along with majlis seating areas, study and dining room.

The lavish inner majlis and private dining room of The Royal Villa are separated by double wooden sliding doors while allowing for intimate seating, groupings and moments of reflection and interest. All aspects of detailing refer back to authentic Qatari motifs-handrails, stone carvings, and inlaid mosaics create a sense of continuity and refinement that assists to reinforce the legend behind Sharq Village & Spa.

An elegantly appointed study with majestic hand carved wooden desk inlaid with marble with outdoor patio complements the Qatari themed royal villa, while offering technology that is integrated into the décor of the space.

The Royal Suite of the Villa is designed to blend tradition and Arabian influence with the most modern of amenities. A large iron studded wood door is the first indication that what lies ahead is a unique palatial experience. A four poster, canopied bed sitting atop a polished marble platform and Persian carpets are all part of this magnificent environment. Bed linens are amongst the finest in the world with 1050 thread-count sheets by the Italian house of Frette. Completing

the lavish surroundings is the en-suite walk in wardrobe and bath which is tiled by prized Brazilian blue marble. The Jacuzzi tub surrounded by indigo hued mosaic tiles veined with 18K gold add the regal touch, complemented by bath amenities from Acqua di Parma and lotions with 23K golf leaf by Linden Leaves. Separate shower with steam and glass enclosed WC facilities.

Adjacent to accommodation wing of The Royal Villa is the luxurious annex area, a separate building designed to reveal a secret sanctuary of indulgence and well being. Water features and meandering corridors lead to a strikingly designed indoor temperature controlled swimming pool complete with a custom-built water fall, an indoor state of the art gymnasium with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, Jacuzzi, a multipurpose bar area and a chefs kitchen is perfect for social purposes. Other amenities include rain forest showers, an oversized locker room, sauna, a steam and a luxurious wet treatment room equipped with a heated stone massage bed, the treatment room opens onto an outdoor veranda outfitted with a hand made bathtub and outdoor shower facilities.

The design team focused on detail, texture and colour throughout the entire creative process. According to Pascale Julien the interior designer for Qatar National Hotels, “the textural elements are reminiscent of the natural beauty of the area. The sea and the rugged landscape that are symbolic of Qatar are all represented throughout Beit Al Shoukh. This is opulence at its very best,” explains Julian. “It was all about creating a lavish yet traditional environment that would inspire long, leisurely experiences while capturing the true beauty of the Qatari lifestyle.”

General Manager, Hossein Vetry mentions, “No detail was spared in creating this ultimate haven for our most important guests with the most luxurious of furnishings and facilities. However it will be the elite team of Ladies and Gentlemen who staff The Royal Villa who complete the regal experience that a stay in the villa offers.”

Service offerings include Rolls Royce transfers for the head of the villa, a chauffer driven BMW on standby, personal butler including ladies’ butler, five culinary and beverage presentations with continual replenishment of fruit, beverage and open bar of house pours, personal chef and trainer. Upon sunset, a narguileh (water pipe) cart with a selection of over 30 tobacco varietals, Arabic sweets, dates and nut platter will be available at the exterior majlis which overlooks the sea.

Operated by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, B.V., Sharq Village and Spa is a luxury beachfront property situated on the Persian Gulf, 15 minutes from the city centre. Modelled after a traditional Qatari village, the 174 room resort blends authentic Arabian architecture with the very latest in modern comforts and amenities. Services and facilities include restaurants and lounges serving Middle Eastern and Western cuisine with outdoor dining options, a cigar lounge and rooftop shisha terrace; a 6,500 square meter Six Senses Spa with 23 treatment rooms, private ladies’ areas, and two outdoor pools; and over 1,130 square meters of conference space that includes two magnificent ballrooms, a boardroom and a grand reception foyer.

For more information or reservations, please visit www.sharqvillage.com or www.ritzcarlton.com or call +974 425 6666.
You can visit also the property in our directory at Sharq Village & Spa