Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts is slated to soft launch Banyan Tree Al Wadi in the fourth quarter of 2009 in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Banyan Tree Al Wadi is set to be the first luxury desert resort in the UAE to offer an all-pool villa concept, complete with Asian-inspired hydrotherapy spa facilities, a private beach club, as well as a dedicated nature reserve within the resort grounds.

Located in the tranquil Wadi Khadeja, the protected enclave of the sturdy, evergreen ghaf tree, Banyan Tree Al Wadi is a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport and located 20 kilometres from the vibrant Ras Al Khaimah city centre. The resort offers city dwellers a unique retreat with its own nature reserve where indigenous desert wildlife roam free, exciting outdoor adventures, and close proximity to a private beach and an 18-hole championship golf course.

Desert Elegance
Banyan Tree Al Wadi comprises 70 Pool Villas and 31 Tented Pool Villas that measure approximately 158 and 253 square metres respectively. The style of the resort is a contemporary adaptation of traditional Arabic architecture set amidst miles of rolling sand dunes. It is a tribute to the heritage of the region – from the tented design that is inspired by local tribes and nomadic lifestyle, to traditional mud brick buildings – each villa also features elaborate Arabic touches of lattice woodwork, stylised motifs, intricate carvings in arabesque design and high ceilings.

All 101 villas offer a tranquil view of the desert oasis, while the external area of each villa features a private pool enveloped by gardens. The Tented Pool Villa also features a dedicated spa treatment room, and an outdoor shower.

Oasis of Indulgence
The award-winning Banyan Tree Spa features 10 treatment pavilions, complemented by a hydrothermal circuit with a hammam and vitality pool. Guests can enjoy signature Asian-inspired massages delivered by therapists trained at the Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket, Thailand.
Banyan Tree Al Wadi features five food and beverage venues, giving guests a myriad of dining options. These include contemporary Thai cuisine and Southeast Asian specialties at the signature Saffron restaurant, international selections at the all-day dining restaurant, and refreshing cocktails by the beach club.

Nature’s Offerings
Ras Al Khaimah is renowned for its pristine natural attractions. Here, eco-explorers can seek adventure in activities such as falconry, camel riding, wadi (desert) safaris, or simply meander along rivers on a dhow (traditional Arabic sailing vessel with lateen sails) cruise.

Banyan Tree Al Wadi is the first desert spa resort in Ras Al Khaimah to offer a private nature reserve within its grounds. The resort spans over 100 hectares, of which 60 hectares are set aside for the dedicated nature reserve – home to local desert wildlife such as Arabian gazelles and oryxes, offering guests a unique opportunity to interact with and observe these gentle creatures up close.

Located within a 20-minute car ride from the resort, the Beach Club offers a selection of recreational activities like water-skiing and sailing. Guests who prefer to lounge by the private beach may do so in comfort at the Beach Club’s breezy bar or by the pool area.

To book please visit banyantree.com or contact our toll free number 00800 300 20000.

France’s first Six Senses urban well-being sanctuary – Six Senses rue de Castiglione, introduces a Parisian interpretation of the world-renowned Six Senses urban sanctuary. Scheduled to open late December 2009, the facility is splendidly located close to the famous Rue St Honore, the Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre.

Perfectly integrated into its historic surroundings, the creative interior draws on Parisian elements, which include the famed skyline and the Jardin des Tuileries, plus the natural and organic forms of each of the five senses – and beyond. It balances the elements of sky and earth, combining natural woods with skilled local craftsmanship, ensuring that guests leave feeling rejuvenated and de-stressed, ready to face the bustling urban lifestyle.

The entrance to Six Senses rue de Castiglione features simple glass panels suspended between classic columns leading into the retail boutique. The focal point of the reception area is a stunning two-storey vertical hanging garden, which was specially designed by Patrick Blanc to bring urbanites in touch with nature. Inspired from the concept of the ancient hanging gardens of Babylon, the evergreen garden offers soaring lines of vibrancy that uplift the senses.

Another innovative design aspect is featured in the lower level. A real-time sky image is projected the full length of the wall, creating the fascinating visual experience of being able to see the actual Paris sky and weather whilst being indoors and below street level. Also featured are two double and four single treatment rooms, innovatively designed as organic shaped cocoons. Each cocoon exterior is made from hand curved light oakwood and is decorated inside with back lighting to resemble the glow of a Japanese lantern at night.

Six Senses’ signature packages and rejuvenating Asian-based treatments are offered along with half-day sensory journeys to balance the senses. The comprehensive spa menu offers locally inspired treatments and ingredients that support Six Senses’ commitment to SLOW LIFESM: Sustainable, Local, Organic, Wholesome – Learning, Inspiring, Fun, Experiences. The SLOW LIFE philosophy is applied to all Six Senses treatments, creating wholesome treatments such as the Organic Detoxifier Journey using hand-collected organic seaweed to expel toxins and re-balance the body, and the Opera de Paris Honey Facial using honey harvested from hives atop the Paris Opera, graciously collected by city bees from the nearby Jardin des Tuileries.

Throughout the Six Senses rue de Castiglione experience each guest becomes aware of how to take home and incorporate the SLOW LIFE philosophy into their own life, and how these intelligent alternatives benefit their health and our planet as a whole. The Six Senses well-being programme is complimented seasonally with a holistic calendar of treatments and workshops administered by specialised visiting practitioners. Treatments include reiki, shiatsu, chi kung, traditional Chinese medicine, kinesietherapy and fasciatherapy to ensure a comprehensive mind and body experience.

With the opening of Six Senses rue de Castiglione Paris, it will bring the number of Six Senses urban sanctuaries in Europe, to eight. To ensure an integrated experience, each facility provides guests with access to ongoing well-being care through treatments, products, lifestyle consultations, plus simple and effective advice-to-go.

http://www.sixsenses.com/Six-Senses-spas/Rue-De-Castiglione

For more information :
Six Senses at Rue de Castiglione Paris
3 Rue de Castiglione, 75001, Paris
Tel: +33 (0) 1 43 16 10 10, Fax: +33 (0) 1 43 16 10 11
E-mail: reservations-castiglione-spa@sixsenses.com

Ms. Clare West, Holistic Operations Advisor
Email: clare@sixsenses.com