The Spa at The Saujana offers Oriental Spa Rituals and Med Beauty Treatments direct from Switzerland.

The Spa at The Saujana, scheduled to open on November 1st 2009, is like no other spa in Kuala Lumpur. Evolving beyond spa and beauty, The Spa at The Saujana is dedicated to the restoration of strength, beauty and balance of mind, body and soul.

The extensive facilities include six single spa villas, two double spa villas, two beauty studios, a spa lounge and a spa boutique. All the spa villas are located in a tropical rainforest setting scattered around a reflection pool and provide the ultimate environment for relaxation and rejuvenation combining a luxurious environment with superior quality botanical based products.

“The Spa at The Saujana, the first in Kuala Lumpur to offer Med Beauty treatments combined with a unique spa menu, offers an idyllic spa retreat conveniently located just 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur city centre” said Brenda Ramen, Director of Spas, GHM.

The future of anti-aging skin care, Med Beauty, will be available in Kuala Lumpur exclusively at The Spa at The Saujana. The Med Beauty system developed by Swiss dermatologist Dr Harald Gerny uses plant stem cells to protect and stimulate skin renewal. Skin and beauty treatments developed by Med Beauty are designed to offer “beauty without surgery” and tangible rejuvenation of the skin.

Alongside this, the unique spa menu includes indulgent oriental rituals, therapeutic massage, nurturing rituals, rejuvenating beauty rituals and romantic bathing ceremonies designed to relax and rejuvenate. The signature indulgent oriental ritual – The Saujana – is 180 minutes of pampering excellence including an Aromatherapy Foot Polish, The Saujana Jade Massage, Traditions D’Orient Organic Facial, Asian Style Foot Massage, Javanese Coffee Body Polish and an Oriental Bathing Ritual priced at 780MYR.

Considered Kuala Lumpur’s finest “city resort”, The Saujana is strategically located on the outskirts of the city, and is close enough for business or leisure travel, or a welcome combination of both. The Spa is also available to guests of The Club at The Saujana, the newest addition to the GHM portfolio and considered the most luxurious accommodation in Kuala Lumpur. The Club at The Saujana has been acknowledged as one of the world’s hottest new hotels, sizzling onto the prestigious Conde Nast Traveller “Hot List 2009″.

Set in a 160 acre private tropical estate fringed by two 18-hole world championship golf courses, guests can relax and recharge in a setting which offers exotic flora and fauna literally as far as the eye can see. The Saujana features 210 luxurious rooms and suites in a low-rise setting with picturesque views of the property’s emerald surroundings. The Club at The Saujana features 105 rooms and suites with 39-meter lap pools.

For more information visit http://www.ghmhotels.com

The all-encompassing 3,200 sq m Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Sanya, offers a comprehensive menu of rejuvenating experiences to soothe, restore and revitalize body and soul in beautifully appointed surroundings. On entering the Spa, the elevated, “floating” reception area provides a unique arrival experience for guests.

Eighteen luxurious treatment suites include eight single spa suites each equipped with steam shower, oversized outdoor bathtub and rain shower. In addition, there are eight couples’ suites and two spacious VIP villas offering the very best in heat and water experiences. Connected to the VIP Villas is the Secret Garden designed to encourage relaxation, featuring al fresco treatment areas and a private bathing house with waterfalls and whirlpool.

As with all Mandarin Oriental spas, the heritage of the Group is evident in the inclusion of personalised Time Rituals, which are rooted in Asian tradition and delivered by internationally trained therapists with the finest attention to detail. The wide range of massage treatment includes Thai, Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue, Swedish, Hilot (ancient Filipino massage) and Golfer’s Massage, while the ever-popular Mandarin Oriental facial therapies are also available.

A qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor provides personal consultations and a therapeutic menu of indigenous Chinese therapies such as acupressure, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and traditional bone setting.

Other wellness facilities available at the resort include a fitness centre, guided yoga and tai chi classes, a hair and beauty salon and a Spa Boutique with an exclusive range of spa and wellbeing products.

Mandarin Oriental, Sanya also features three outdoor landscaped swimming pools of over 6,400 sq m in total size, each with dedicated butler service and easy access to the beach. The 1.2 km private beach offers a unique opportunity to both relax and educate. Mandarin Oriental, Sanya provides an eco-friendly luxury environment for all to explore and enjoy.

Other leisure activities include organized water sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, tennis courts and access to world-class golf clubs in Sanya.

About Mandarin Oriental, Sanya
Mandarin Oriental, Sanya is the first hotel managed by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to open in China and is a showcase for the Group’s legendary award-winning service, innovative dining and holistic spa and wellness expertise.

Located on a private 12 hectare beach front site named Coral Bay, Mandarin Oriental, Sanya offers a wide range of facilities and services for sophisticated travellers in search of serenity and tranquility in beautiful surroundings.
About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most prestigious hotels, resorts and residences. Mandarin Oriental now operates, or has under development, 40 hotels representing over 10,000 rooms in 24 countries, with 15 hotels in Asia, 15 in The Americas and 10 in Europe and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates, or has under development, 13 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, connected to the Group’s properties.

For more information visit Mandarin Oriental Sanya with Finest SPA

In February 2010, the The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles and the iconic JW Marriott Hotel, Los Angeles will open their doors at L.A. LIVE, the $2.5 billion sports and entertainment center that is expected to be at the forefront of the renaissance of downtown Los Angeles.

Both hotels will share space at L.A. LIVE, a one-of-a-kind, distinctive LEED certified 54-story tower designed by Gensler.

Work on the highly-anticipated The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles continues, as excitement builds up on what will be the only luxury hotel of its caliber in the Los Angeles area, offering 123 well-appointed guest rooms, including 14 suites. When finished, the hotel will be managed by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C, under the helm of Javier Cano as the General Manager. Joining him will be Karen Englund, Director of Sales and Marketing; Dave Clayton, Director of Finance; Erik Palmer, Director of Event Management; Paul Rossi, Director of Food and Beverage; Eddie Starobrat, Director of Engineering; Jennifer Swallow, Director of Market Strategy; and Rick Spade, Director of Human Resources.

Some of the features of the hotel include a 3,400-square-foot Club Lounge, which will also serve as the 23rd floor check-in area for guests; an outdoor pool is located on the 26th floor rooftop, and will offer panoramic views of Southern California; a luxurious 8,000-square-foot spa, located on the second floor of the building, which features a full line of services; and a 2,000-square-foot fitness facility is located on the 26th floor, adjacent to the rooftop pool.

Meanwhile, JW Marriott, Los Angeles will offer 878 well-appointed guest rooms, including 35 suites. All rooms will be located between floors four and 21 of the hotel.

In addition, the property will feature a full-service restaurant located on the first floor, and will serve three meals daily; access to The Ritz-Carlton’s luxurious 7,000-square-foot spa, located on the second floor of the building, which features a full line of services; a 3,000-square-foot JW Marriott fitness center also will be located on the second floor; and an outdoor rooftop pool and bar located on the fourth floor of the hotel.

Both the JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton at L.A. LIVE will also feature more than 77,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, including the Diamond Ballroom (25,086 square feet), Platinum Ballroom (20,792 square feet), and the Gold Ballroom (17,072 square feet).

With a groundbreaking ceremony held for the property on June 1, 2007, L.A. LIVE’s The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles and JW Marriott, Los Angeles will only be steps away from Staples Center, The Nokia Theater, The Grammy Museum, and an array of restaurants and nightspots.

Ordinarily, visitors request a “room with a view”. At the Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port, the entire hotel enjoys an exceptional panoramic view. Just next door stands the Pharo Palace, an imperial residence built for Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte in 1852. Further below, there is the St Nicolas citadel, constructed by King Louis XIV to protect Marseille’s natural harbour. Just opposite, Fort St Jean with its imposing Square Tower, guards the entrance to the Vieux Port (the Old Port) lulled by the gentle rolling of sailboats and small fishing craft. And in the distance looms the basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, which watches attentively over the city. Beauty lurks behind each window, extending an enticing invitation to contemplation.

This is the sumptuous setting that the Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port offers its visitors; but the hotel, the perfect stopping place between the Riviera, the Camargue and the Luberon, and just a short boat ride away from the Château d’If and the Calanques, conceals many other treasures.

Considered an emblem of the city’s renaissance by the inhabitants of Marseille, the Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port is also the best address for a stay in the heart of the Phocaean City, whether for leisure or business.
And it is an address to rediscover, since it has just undergone an incredible metamorphosis, orchestrated by Marc Hertrich and Nicolas Adnet. Charmed by the hotel’s magic, they immersed themselves in its history and then, like set designers, produced an all-new decor, inspired by yachting and the marine environment.

By carefully matching colours and noble materials in surprising combinations, the Hertrich-Adnet studio created a decor where luxury abounds and a quiet elegance inundates each room. A veritable tribute to the Mediterranean, the chosen theme is evident as soon as one enters the lobby. A pleasure for the eyes and the senses, the view, the lapping of waves and a fragrant marine breeze awaken the senses of anyone who steps inside.

The lobby shares a large open space with the bar where different atmospheres come together around noble materials, trimmed with white tufted leather, precious woods and works of art recounting the founding of Marseille.

The bar – Le Carré – became THE place to be in Marseille in a matter of weeks. The sea spreads out below through the expansive bay windows where the life of the port mysteriously unfolds, veiling and unveiling itself at the mercy of the sky. The bar thus joined the hotel’s gourmet restaurant in the select circle of the city’s smartest addresses.

But the biggest surprise the hotel offered its guests is undoubtedly the newly created So SPA. The opening of the Marseille spa is the second such event, following the inauguration of the spa at the London St James Sofitel. At the Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port, So SPA has joined forces with Carita beauty care products, an uncontested expert in the realm of beauty care and representative of the most refined French cosmetology.

The minimalist but ethereal 600-sq.m So SPA marvellously mingles terrestrial and marine materials to create a refined, soothing and luminous atmosphere. The fragrances instantly transport visitors to the heart of the Provençal scrubland with its aromas of the South that delight the senses.

Beauty rituals and treatments at So SPA by Sofitel are presented in a way similar to the menu of a French gourmet restaurant, another area of Sofitel-style excellence. Starters, lasting 30 minutes, are designed for busy urbanites looking for rest and relaxation after a busy day. Main Courses and Desserts take an hour and feature body massages, facials, hot-stone massages and other delights intended to nourish the body and soul.

So SPA by Sofitel has also designed its own range of therapy products, So Exhilarating and So Rejuvenating, exclusive treatments enhanced by Sofitel music played on So SPA iPods to create a unique experience. All the massage tables boast a version of the celebrated Sofitel MyBed concept, featured in all Sofitel Luxury Hotels and now converted for spa therapy for optimal comfort and perfect relaxation.

In addition to the So FIT fitness centre, enhanced by a relaxation pool, relaxation beach, sauna and steam bath, the So WELL area features a “duo” therapy suite with sea-view, three private therapy rooms and a private sun-deck with the old port providing a scenic panorama.

Aside from signature therapies, the Carita brand administers its unique know-how by way of totally original therapies combined with exceptional products, for example the made-to-measure renewal facial care adjusted to each skin’s own needs: replenishing cool care, soothing pampering care, delicious nourishing care or matifying balancing care.

The Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port has updated its look while remaining loyal to its history, thus confirming its leading position among Marseille’s luxury hotels. That position perfectly illustrates the up-market shift in the Sofitel network’s strategy.

The City of Marseille, for its part, will be the World Water Capital in 2012 and the European Capital of Culture in 2013, creating a fantastic opportunity to enhance community spirit and mobilize the city and its inhabitants, with the added bonus of increased international visibility.

For more information visit www.sofitel.com

Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai unveils Qin The Spa

Upon entering the new Qin The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai, guests are transported to an enclave of high design that melds ancient Chinese mythology and astrology with innovative spa treatments. The new spa is the first of its calibre within Shanghai – in size, scope of services and design – and has been eagerly anticipated for some time.

Qin, which is pronounced “chin” and means “to affect deeply,” is an enclave of retreat from bustling Shanghai city life. Guests are first greeted by a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling lacquered door of aged elm wood, reminiscent of the enormous imperial palace doors common in the early Chinese dynasties. Within is a quietly stylish haven of textured black granite flooring, contemporary Chinese furniture and beautiful objets d’art distinctive to the destination.

Designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates, Qin The Spa occupies a sprawling 762-square-metre (8,200-square-foot) space that includes eight treatment rooms, a private manicure and pedicure room, a reserved consultation space for acupuncture and a separate domain for foot reflexology – a staple of Chinese wellness practices.

Each treatment room takes on a unique character based on the I Ching, a symbol system used to define order in an otherwise chaotic world. The I Ching is made up of eight symbols that signify the Universe’s eight defining phenomena: Sky, Earth, Thunder, Wind, Water (Moon), Fire (Sun), Mountain and Lake. The rooms are distinguished by richly ornate interiors and each represent one of these symbols, creating Ying/Yang or balance throughout the spa.

The menu and services at Qin The Spa bring rituals of long ago into modern-day living. Each treatment draws inspiration from ancient rites and healing methods based on the four celestial seasonal guardians found in traditional Chinese medicine. These include the Green Dragon Spring Rites, which incorporate a foot massage with warmed bamboo sticks, the Red Phoenix Summer Rites, the White Tiger Autumn Rites, with artistic t’ai chi and meditation, and the Black Tortoise Winter Rites. Also of note is the Imperial Dragon Massage, which uses warm poultices to prepare the muscles for a detoxifying deep tissue treatment. Over 37 treatments in total are available at the spa.

Complementing the unique treatments is a specially blended line of Qin The Spa products. Developed in Indonesia, the products are designed to pair with each of the spa’s signature therapies. The full list of products includes body scrub, face and body mist, body balm, essential oils and skin and beauty care. All are made using all-natural fruit and herbs, with no artificial colourings.

For more information visit the Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai with Finest SPA

Hotel Missoni Kuwait, which is scheduled to open the first quarter 2010, is pleased to announce that the hotel will offer guests a Six Senses Spa. One of the world’s most respected spa developers and operators, the Six Senses Spa at Hotel Missoni will quickly establish itself as one of Kuwait’s most luxurious spas.

The 1500 square metre spa will be open to hotel guests and non-residents and will offer a full range of beauty treatments including several signature Six Senses treatments. There will be 10 treatment rooms with manicure/pedicure stations, two yoga studios, relaxation areas and a juice bar. The Spa has separate gyms, hammams and changing areas for men and women, each with a sauna and steam room. The Spa is located adjacent to the hotel pool, which will be tiled in the signature Missoni stripe and will enjoy views over the Arabian Sea.

Six Senses delivers unique and memorable spa experiences with an emphasis on offering treatments using products made from natural ingredients. The Six Senses Spa at Hotel Missoni will be tailored to reflect the local culture and environment but will share the overall aim of all Six Senses spas to enhance guests’ “sixth sense” – a feeling of elation that comes from a person’s five senses being in perfect balance.

“We are delighted that Six Senses will be developing the Spa at Hotel Missoni Kuwait,” comments Gordon McKinnon, Rezidor Executive Vice-President of Brands. “Their award-winning spas are among the best in the world and we fully expect that the Spa will become an integral part of a visit to Hotel Missoni.”

Hotel Missoni represents a new standard of design hotel that combines the style of the iconic fashion and interiors label with the expertise of one of the world’s leading hotel operators. Spearheaded by Hotel Missoni Creative Director, Rosita Missoni and Rezidor Executive Vice-President of Brands, Gordon McKinnon, the partnership is creating a distinctive blend of fashion, function, form and service that adds up to a new genre of genuinely luxurious hotels.
For more information visit www.hotelmissoni.com

Centrally situated in one of Beijing’s most fashionable areas and adjacent to Shin Kong Place shopping center, The Ritz-Carlton Spa Beijing offers guests and local patrons a sanctuary in the CBD.

Located on the top floor of the Ritz-Carlton, the Spa is spreed over a spacious area of 2500 square metres. The Ritz-Carlton Spa Beijing is contemporary, yet designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. The Spa is devided into ladies and gentlemens resting areas. It features six single lavish treatment rooms, one couples Suite that comes complete with Balinese massage bed and color hydrotherapy bathtub, a Nail Bar, one Vichy Shower room, Aqua Bed room, wet area and whirlpool. The colours of the suite are aqua blue, earthly tone paired with leather in the men’s salon and a warm persimmon shade for the women’s salon.

The Spa features a set of comprehensive heath and beauty therapies with and overall goal of enhancing wellness. Treatments are a synergetic blend of ancient rituals, with a modern scientific basis. The Ritz-Carlton Spa is headed by Vanicha Phaphoom, a Thai seasoned spa specialist, leading a team composing of Balinese therapist in residence and Chinese massagers to promote holistic spa experience and wellness for guests.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers three levels of Memberships, Diamond, Gold and Silver are available at The Ritz-Carlton Spa Beijing. Benefits are exclusive and wide-ranging, including an overnight stay at the hotel and discount at restaurants, the lounge and bar.

On the same level of The Ritz-Carlton Spa features a cozy, yet fully equipped with cutting edge facilities fitness center, as well as a heated indoor pool.

The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing is the second Ritz-Carlton Property in the vibrant China’s capital. Centrally situated in one of Beijing’s most thirving business area-China Business District, the hotel is 45 minutes away from the Beijing International Airport and offers easy access to the city’s historical and cultural landmarks. A classic Ritz-Carlton style, the Hotel features 305 well-appointed guest rooms, six exquisite outlet including Italian restaurant Barolo, Chinese restaurant Yu, all-day dining restaurant Aroma, The Ritz-Carlton Bar, the Lobby Lounge and the Davidoff Lounge. Other Luxurious facilities include The Ritz-Carlton Spa, fitness centre, indoor pool, 1100 square meter meeting and conference space, 648 square-meter ballroom and the only wedding chapel inside the hotel in Beijing.

For more information visit with Finest SPA The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing.

“The Ultimate Pampering experience combining the Best of East and West”

Occupying an entire floor of the hotel, the 1,500 square meters’ Ritz-Carlton Spa, Beijing, Financial Street embodies the philosophy: “First we make the world revolve around you, then we gently slow it down.”

“Therapy for your soul not only comes from the hands of a masseuse, it also comes from the world-renowned service of The Ritz-Carlton. At our new luxury lifestyle spa, we have blended the customs and culture of China with the rich traditions of The Ritz-Carlton in the design and treatments, offering a sense-of-place experience that is unique and personalized,” says Vice President & Area General Manager Mark Lettenbichler.

Combining the best of eastern and western techniques and applications, an array of beauty treatments and rejuvenation therapies offers an indulgent experience for weary road warriors and spa lovers alike. Designed to offer an oasis of rejuvenation and tranquility, the lifestyle spa encompasses relaxation lounges and 11 treatment rooms consisting of a signature suite featuring Aquatherapy and an exclusive couples’ suite highlighting Ann Sack’s soaking tub. Additional features include four enriching body treatment rooms, two specially designed rooms for Thai massage and three facial rooms.

Under the skilful hands of trained therapists, guests may recharge and rebalance in the signature suite – Shui Yang – appropriately named for a water experience. Soothing Aquatherapy treatments purify the mind and body while floating on a bed of water, whereas a cascading Vichy rain shower comprising seven individual shower heads positioned along the Chakra points, provides a soothing and calming water massage.

For a romantic interlude, the couple’s suite featuring an Ann Sack’s soaking tub followed by an Oriental healing massage for two allows the couple to enjoy their private moments in luxury.

For more information visit with Finest SPA The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street

Stones have been used in different cultures for a very long time. Native American women used toput warm stones on their belly during menses. The roman empire had roman baths where they sit or lie on hot and cold marble stones. The Chinese like to wear jade pendants and ring in the belief that it will protect them and also remove any negative energy. The egyptians use stones to build their pyramids. Some cultures will arrange the stones in a certain fashion for eremonies and piritual functions. Like in stone henge in the UK. In Japan, where there are hot springs, the Japanese will sit in the hot springs and use one or two hot rocks to rub at their tensed shoulders or tired muscles. Today using stones in massage therapy has become fashionable. Most spas would use the common lava or volcanic stones. The heat from the stones will quickly relax the muscles and help move the blood and lymph.

What Aman at Summer Palace Beijing has created is a unique combination of using gem stones and shiatsu knowledge to give their guests a heated stone massage.
Gem Stones are usually placed on the body or carried around in handbags. Depending on the variety used-they can help with giving you confidence to helping you overcome your fears. Aman at Summer Palace Beijing have selected gemstones that will help with blood cirulation, help with strenghtening of the connective tissues, help with alleviating pain, help with balancing the metabolism of water, salts, acid and alkali ratios. As the stones are moved all over the body – it also helps to move the energy flow and rebalances the physical body and emotional mind. Therapists will benefit from this type of treatment as they will not tire out easily unlike the ordinary basalt stone massage. For the Clients – clients will find that this particular treatment has a deeper sense of relaxation and calmnessas compared to an ordinary basalt stone treatment. This heated shiatsu gemstone massage is good for jetlagged people and people who are constantly feeling tired or have a lack of energy.

How the treatment is performed :
For the body – 60 minutes of heated gemstone treatment
Client lies in the prone position first and the stones are worked at the back – just beside the spine. This is where the body keeps most of the tension. Next, the shoulders will be worked on and then the lower back followed by the legs. In the supine position, we will work on the hands first, then the abdominal area and will finish off with the leggs.

For the Face – 60 minute treatment – with 20 minutes of heated gem stones on the face – rest of the time is spent with cleasing, scrubbing, and masking.

We start off on the right side of the face and then the left side. Once the face is warmed up – we will work on relieving tension in the jaws, cheek bones and round up with a hot and cold treatment.

The Gem Stones that they offer :

Aventurine
Encourages regeneration of the heart, stimulates fat metabolism, lowers cholesterol levels, has anti-inflammatory effects, helps with skin diseases, skin eruptions and allergies, strengthens connective tissues, alleviates pain.

Jade
Stimulates functionning of kidneys, balances matabolism of water, salts, acid and alkali ratios, nervous system, suprarenal glands, better reflex actions.

Jasper
Red jasper – Stimulates circulation and energy flow
Jasper helps with diseases of sexual organs, digestive and intestinal issues.

Obsidian
Gets rid of pain, tensions, energy blocks, vascular contractions, blood clots, speeds up healing of wounds, improves circulation.

Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz stimulates the blood circulation in the tissues. Spiritually it makes us gentle and firm and encourages helpfulness, openness and the desire for a plesant environment.

For more information visit with Finest SPA Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing