Steeped in Asian healing traditions and a holistic focus on spiritual, mental and physical harmony, Banyan Tree Spa Phuket embraces the benefits of age-old Ayurvedic traditions with the launch of an extensive new range of authentic Ayurvedic therapies.

This innovative offering at Banyan Tree Spa Phuket is ideal for guests seeking an authentic Ayurvedic experience amidst tranquil tropical gardens. The dedicated Ayurvedic team, consists of a qualified Indian Ayurvedic doctor and trained Ayurveda therapists from Kerala, India, has been specially set up to deliver this range of wellness treatments at Banyan Tree Spa Phuket. The team is on hand if guests require recommendations on the treatments and oils that would be suitable for their body types. Using Ayurvedic oils and herbs, the treatments refresh the mind, detoxify the body and restore the natural balance of the energies within.

“The introduction of Ayurvedic therapies is in line with Banyan Tree Spa’s holistic approach to wellness with an emphasis on ancient health and beauty practices passed down from generation to generation,” said Mr. Ravi Chandran, Managing Director of Spa Operations for Banyan Tree Spas and Angsana Spas. “Ayurvedic therapies have gained notable recognition and prominence as an emerging spa trend in recent years and we have identified the popular demand for authentic Ayurvedic therapies by our guests,” said Mr. Chandran.

Authentic Ayurvedic Experience in a Resort Haven
The comprehensive Ayurveda menu offers an extensive range of massages and treatment packages targeting different needs. The Abhyangam treatment is a full body massage perfect for inducing deep relaxation and detoxification, improving the quality of sleep, suitable for those who experience insomnia or jet lag. For added benefits, opt for the Hasta-Paada Abhyangam treatment which includes the Abhyangam Massage before a reflexology massage, addressing Marma points in the hands and feet. Marma points are neuromuscular points that are linked to the organs and other areas of the body are stimulated, bringing relief to a range of conditions.

Stressed out individuals may try the Shirodhara treatment where the flow of a continuous stream of warm herbal oil gently over the forehead helps to soothe headaches and migraines, reduce blood pressure and promote sleep. Those who have concerns over cellulite problems can experience the Podi Kizhi treatment, where herbal pouches are filled with powder grounded from medicinal herbs and dipped in warm oil before applying to the body. The combination of massage strokes, herbs and warm oil purportedly reduces the appearance of excess cellulite.

Ayurveda treatments packages dedicated to specific dosha types are available for guests with more time on hand. According to Ayurveda, the tri-dosha – Vata, Pitta and Kapha are the vital forces that combine to constitute our individual well-being. The functions of each individual’s tri-dosha contribute to the overall dynamic state of the body, mind and soul.

The Vata Shamanam package is designed for relaxation and detoxification, comprising a Vata Massage to promote removal of toxins and a choice of Shirodhara or Ela Kizhi, which helps to reduce pains from the body. The Pitta Shamanam package begins with a head massage followed by the Pitta Massage which aids to palliate heat from the body to regain inner balance. A choice of Shirodhara or Chakra Vasti treatment, which soothes stomach indigestion, is also included. The Kapha Shamanam commences with a head massage followed by the Kapha Massage which helps to regain lost flexibility to enhance active lifestyles. The package also includes a choice of Shirodhara or the Udvartanam treatment, which is effective in reducing cellulite. All packages are completed with a steam bath to cleanse the body at the end of the treatment session.

History of Ayurvda
A holistic system of healing originating from ancient India over 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda is an ancient science which focuses on establishing and maintaining the balance of energies within the body, promoting harmony between the individual and nature. Each person is viewed as a unique individual governed by one or more of the universal forces of nature. Good health is promoted by balancing these energies.

Rates & Reservations
Banyan Tree Spa Phuket is open for treatments daily from 10am to 10pm. For more information, spa goers may call +66 76 324 374, email spa-phuket@banyantree.com or visit banyantreespa.com.

Banyan Tree Spa Phuket
33 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road
Cherngtalay, Amphur Talang
Phuket 83110 Thailand

About Banyan Tree Spa
Pioneer of the tropical spa, Banyan Tree Spa first opened in 1994 in Phuket, Thailand. As the first luxury oriental spa in Asia, it reintroduced an exotic blend of health and beauty remedies passed down through the generations. Banyan Tree Spas are found in all Banyan Tree resorts worldwide, and standalone locations including Banyan Tree Spa Shanghai, China (2003), Banyan Tree Spa Phoenix Seagaia, Japan (2004), Elements Spa by Banyan Tree Royale Hayat, Kuwait (2006), and The World Spa by Banyan Tree (2007).

Banyan Tree Spa therapists are graduates of the Banyan Tree Spa Academy, located in Phuket (Thailand) and Lijiang (China). The dedicated training facilities ensure therapists deliver consistently high quality service that guests have come to expect from the brand, and to cope with the Group’s worldwide expansion plans.

Entirely dedicated to guests’ well-being, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona will offer the ultimate escape in the heart of the city. Set to open in November 2009, the 1,000 square metre spa will be entirely dedicated to relaxation and wellbeing; offering guests an unrivalled holistic experience to achieve an ideal balance between body, mind and spirit.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona

With a conviction that surroundings have a profound influence on one’s state of mind, celebrated designer Patricia Urquiola has conceived The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona as an intimate and minimalist space, markedly modern in style with Oriental touches.

A soothing environment for guests to enjoy holistic treatments, the spa will feature a total of eight treatment rooms. This includes: two luxury couples’ spa suites, two oriental suites which includes a spa vitality pool and futon for traditional Thai massages and four luxurious treatment rooms, each with their own aromatherapy experience shower. An expansive 12-metre indoor swimming pool, heat and water areas as well as a fully serviced state-of-the-art fitness centre will further complement the hotel’s lifestyle facilities.

Treatments

The Spa will offer the newly launched Mandarin Oriental’s Signature Spa Therapies which have been devised to address guests’ increasing desire for simple, effective and authentic spa experiences, which can be extended to one’s home.

Developed in consultation with specialists in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and master aromatherapists, each signature therapy consists of a relaxing, hands-on body massage ritual that combines the powerful effects of oriental meridian massage with the therapeutic benefits of custom-blended essential oils, created uniquely for Mandarin Oriental.

Adopting a different approach to the traditional spa experience, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental offers a series of innovative and restorative treatments, known as ‘Time RitualsTM’, where guests are encouraged to book ‘Time’ rather than a specific treatment. Each Ritual begins with a recommendation by the spa manager to arrive at least 40 minutes ahead of the actual treatment in order to fully enjoy the facilities available.

In addition to its comprehensive array of signature treatments, the Relaxing Orange Ritual and the exclusive Barcelona Spring treatments are a celebration of the city’s culture, aromas and colours. The former was created with citrus fruit extracts, while the latter highlights local ingredients including sage, fresh mint and olive oil.

About Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona

Mandarin Oriental group’s first hotel in Southern Europe; Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona is an elegant, contemporary establishment in the heart of the avant-garde city’s celebrated Passeig de Gràcia. Located in a renovated mid-20th century building, 98-room Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, offers exceptional Mandarin Oriental services and facilities within an exquisite interior created by world renowned Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola.

For more information visit : Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

To celebrate autumn, Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo will be dressing up in Natural Attitude. From 18 September until 27 November 2009, the hotel will morph into its latest theme to mark the transition between the summer and winter season. Using autumnal shades of brown, beige and reds, the hotel will be displaying unique creations using natural materials throughout all the public areas.

Maud Lesur, the Artistic Director at the Hotel Métropole, explains how her inspirations behind the theme will “highlight the hotel’s involvement in eco-friendly actions and respect for nature. Such simple materials might be seen as unusual for a luxury hotel display – with wood being used principally in all public areas – but it is the perfect match for autumnal tones and is a gentle reminder to all of the importance of nature.”

The hotel’s entrance and lobby, as well as the tables in the bar and restaurant, will be decorated with unique floral arrangements containing small pieces of wood and cream orchids and, as the season turns, so will the display; with October introducing a huge composition of autumn leaves, red berries and branches and in the lobby; alongside brown dahlias. The tablecloths and napkin ties at the hotel’s Restaurant Joël Robuchon will be beige, with brown tumblers ate every setting.

The Natural Attitude “Just For You” programme

Luxury Picnic on the Col d’Eze

Hotel Métropole is offering guests the chance to enjoy a luxury picnic, prepared by Executive Chef Christophe Cussac, under the trees the Col d’Eze, boasting spectacular views over Monaco and sweeping out to the Mediterranean sea. Guests will be chauffeured to the picnic spot, which in true Métropole style, is presented with fine china and cutlery and served by a personal waiter, as sommelier Cyril Jaegle will be on hand to serve fine Champagne and wines.

Restaurant Joël Robuchon Monte Carlo

At the hotel’s Restaurant Joel Robuchon Monte-Carlo, Executive Chef Christophe Cussac will be serving organic suckling pig, braised in Robuchon’s open kitchen with the intent to illuminate guests’ dining experience. The organic suckling pigs are bred locally in the open-air by a small producer from the Larzac region of the south of France. The meat is the highest quality and very tender and is one of the best selling dishes on the menu, served with the famous Robuchon puree. The menu boasts classic dishes blended with contemporary flavours and Mediterranean styles using locally produced ingredients. An on-site bakery ensures that only the freshest breads and pastries are being served.

Métropole ESPA

Métropole ESPA Monte-Carlo is a sophisticated space dedicated to guests’ total wellbeing, relaxation and rejuvenation – a complete escape in the heart of Monte-Carlo. The ESPA uses 100% natural oils and all of treatments are personally tailored to each guests’ needs. ESPA rituals are also on the menu, which are a fusion of modern techniques with ancient therapies sourced from all over the world. By combining this research with scientifically advanced, natural skin care products, every ESPA Ritual delivers a personalised journey which is both totally luxurious and unique.

Natural Attitude Stay includes:

· VIP ‘Natural Attitude’ welcome

· Daily American Breakfast in Joël Robuchon’s restaurant

· One 25minute reflexology massage per person per day

Superior rooms start at 495 euros per night from 27 September until 24 October. Superior rooms start at 410 euros

from 25 October until 3 December 2009.

For more information visit Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo with Finest SPA or www.metropole.com