Anantara Hotels & Resorts Spas

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is celebrating a glowing start to the New Year, with a string of accolades highlighting the brand’s elite recognition by both the travel industry and consumers.  Four Anantara properties have been named in Travel & Leisure USA’s 500 World’s Best Hotels, while a fifth shone out in Conde Nast’s 2010 Gold List.

Every year Travel & Leisure USA asks hundreds of thousands of its loyal readers to select their top hotel picks from around the world to ascertain the 500 World’s Best Hotels.  This year their readers’ poll ranked not one, but four Anantara Resorts & Spas worthy of inclusion.

Out of a portfolio of seven Anantara Thailand properties, an impressive hat trick made the grade.  Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa in the country’s legendary northern jungle sits on a hill ridge overlooking the misty forested slopes of Myanmar and Laos, as well as the Mekong and Ruak rivers.  Highlights of the 160 acre resort include the on-site Elephant Camp which offers a range of captivating guest adventures alongside a strong focus on elephant conservation and wider philanthropic initiatives.

Proving that quintessential seaside charm in Thailand’s Royal Paradise delivers equal allure, Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa also made Travel & Leisure USA’s 500 World’s Best Hotels.  Nestling the golden sands and temperate waters of the Gulf of Siam, this picturesque resort is designed to resemble an authentic southern Thai-style village.

The brand’s third Thailand property named in this year’s Travel + Leisure awards is Anantara Bophut, Koh Samui Resort & Spa.  The first of Anantara’s two resorts on the beautiful island of Koh Samui, this romantic haven blends island magic with Thai charm and Anantara style.

Most notably Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa was the only hotel chosen by Travel + Leisure readers in the Maldives, clearly demonstrating its unsurpassed uniqueness in the world’s most famous paradise. Anantara Veli, a sister property in the Maldives was also recently named in the Trip Advisor Reader’s Choice Poll for ‘Top 10 Hotels for Romance in Asia’.

Anantara’s immersion into Abu Dhabi’s desert charms also received distinction, with Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara featuring in Conde Nast’s Gold List 2010.  The sixth annual Gold List to date, this guide to the world’s greatest hotels is chosen by the magazine’s editors and travel experts based on service, location, facilities, as well as ambience and design.  Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara ranked in the location category for Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean for its unrivaled setting on Sir Bani Yas Island – a unique nature reserve roamed by rare Arabian wildlife.

William E. Heinecke, Chief Executive Officer of Minor Group under which the Anantara brand operates, comments, “These multiple award wins place Anantara on an unquestionable pedestal, highlighting the brand as a globally revered luxury hotel company and a leader in the hospitality business. We are delighted to once again be celebrating Anantara’s interactive concept of indigenous luxury in the most exotic destinations around the world, and look forward to launching equally compelling resorts as we implement our expansion plans.”

For intrepid globe trotters and travel experts alike, the year ahead promises a wealth of fresh Anantara horizons to explore.  Anantara Kihavah Villas Maldives, set upon a large, pear-shaped coral island in the stunning Baa Atoll, is due to welcome its first guests in July 2010, to be followed by Anantara Al Madina A’Zarqa Resort & Spa in Oman occupying a natural peninsula jutting into the Gulf’s crystal clear waters, and Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa on Sanya Island just off the southern tip of Hainan in China, both due to open towards the end of this year.

Make an award winning choice at anantara.com

Editors Note:

For hundreds of years throughout Thailand, people would leave a jar of water outside their house to provide refreshment and extend a welcome to the passing traveller. Anantara is taken from an ancient Sanskrit word that means ‘without end’, symbolising this sharing of water and the heartfelt hospitality that lies at the core of every Anantara experience.

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas initially opened in the seaside town of Hua Hin and on Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand, and in the Golden Triangle in the country’s north. In the world-renowned destination of the Maldives, Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli are a 30-minute boat ride from the capital Male.

Anantara Seminyak debuted in April 2008 in the most fashionable district of Bali – the Island of the Gods. Late 2008 saw the opening of Anantara Phuket, situated in the serenity of Mai Khao Beach, Thailand, followed by Desert Islands on Sir Bani Yas Island off the coast of Abu Dhabi, and Anantara Si Kao which lies on the secluded Changlang Beach area south of Krabi, Thailand.

Anantara Baan Rajprasong in Bangkok opened its doors in April 2009 to become the first serviced suites property for the Anantara group, while Qasr Al Sarab opened in October 2009 in the legendary Liwa desert near Abu Dhabi.  In November 2009 with the unveiling of Anantara’s second Koh Samui hideaway, the Chinese-inspired Anantara Lawana nestling the island’s famously long Chaweng Beach, Anantara Koh Samui became known as Anantara Bophut.

2010 will see a trio of new properties welcoming guests across Asia and the Middle East to further enhance Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas’ enviable worldwide portfolio.  Anantara Kihavah Villas Maldives is poised for its grand opening in July 2010, to be joined by Anantara Al Madina A’Zarqa in Oman and Anantara Sanya in China towards the end of the year.

For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please visit www.anantara.com

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubaï

Construction to begin April 15, 2010 and will more than double current room inventory after two years

This April, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai will being an expansion project that will increase the total number of guest rooms and include the addition of several new restaurant concepts.  This project is expected to be completed in early 2012.

The beachfront resort currently features 138 sea view guestrooms over seven floors.  Spearheaded by Dubai-based architectural firm Rice Perry Ellis, there are plans to build an adjacent wing to house an additional 163 guestrooms, bringing the total number to 301.  Of these, 18 are designated as suites including two Royal Suites, each providing more than 180 square meters/1,937 square feet and offering a 180-degree panoramic view of the Persian Gulf.

All guest rooms will be equipped with the finest bedding experience, state-of-the-art technology including wireless and wired internet access, iPod docking stations, flat screen televisions and DVD players as standard to enable guests to both work and relax in their rooms.  Located on the third floor of the new wing is The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, offering six complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout the day and dedicated multi-lingual concierge service.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubaï

“This major project is part of our goal to meet our guests’ requirements in the coming years,” says General Manager Andrew Nasskau.  “Since the resort’s opening eleven years ago, our number of guests have increased annually, and with the development of The Walk and Dubai Marina, we are predicting even higher visitors’ interest in The Ritz-Carlton at the completion of this expansion programme.”

As the new wing is located away from the resort’s guestrooms and recreational facilities such as the Spa and swimming pools, Mr. Nasskau believes the impact will be minimal.  “We are mindful of the effect that the expansion programme will have on our guests and we will make every effort to ensure that their comfort and enjoyment will not be compromised,” he says.  “All our rooms and suites will still be occupied for the next two years, and the only areas that will be closed are La Baie, the spa pool and garden in front of the new wing.”

To capitalize on the requirements of corporate travellers, the resort will boast sizable meeting and function space to include an 800-square-meter/8,640-square-foot grand ballroom that is divisible by six, a boardroom and three multi-purpose function rooms.  In total, the resort will offer 1,160 square meters/12,528 square feet of meeting space, all of which will be equipped with the most advanced technology.  In addition to a world-class audio and visual set-up, the hotel’s Technology Butler, floral artist services and a dedicated catering and conference team ensures a seamless experience for all meetings and events.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubaï

Culinary offerings will be enhanced by the ten new private dining rooms within an enclosed solarium in the Italian specialty restaurant Splendido, and the signature restaurant La Baie will be revitalized by a new concept and a larger dining space.  During the day, sun-worshippers may enjoy the fresh look of the Pool Bar & Grill Pavilion which can accommodate up to 100 guests around the new swimming pools.

The new wing will feature the resort’s famed landscaped gardens including new outdoor swimming pools and a terrace.  A 2,020 square meters/21,743 square feet Spa and Fitness Center, with separate entries for men and women, will showcase a fully equipped gymnasium, beauty salon and 13 private treatment rooms.

Visit the Ritz-Carlton Dubaï on Finest SPA

The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba

The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba: Set for 2012 opening

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. and the Government of Aruba announced plans to open The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, an exclusive 320-room oceanfront resort situated on the Caribbean island’s famed Palm Beach. The resort will offer several restaurants, a luxurious spa, two swimming pools and a 24-hour casino. In addition to spacious rooms and suites, the hotel will include The Ritz-Carlton Club Level, a private floor accessible only by elevator key, offering light fare and dedicated concierge service throughout the day.

The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, projected to open in late 2012, will be the seventh location in The Ritz-Carlton portfolio of award winning Caribbean properties, joining existing hotels in St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, Mexico and The Bahamas.

“Aruba is an island destination with growing appeal to discerning travelers from Europe and the United States. Its stunning beaches and majestic views make the island one of those exceptional places in the Southern Caribbean, blending serenity and scenic attractions our guests seek when planning a vacation,” said Ezzat Country, senior vice president, Southeast Region, Caribbean and Latin America, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. “It is an extraordinary location for luxury development on the island,” added Country.

“I am thrilled to partner with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company on such an exciting project that will set a new standard for luxury travel to the island,” commented Walter Stipa, developer for The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba. “I am confident that The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba will be a highly successful endeavor for all partners involved,” he added.

Newly elected Prime Minister Mike Eman stated, “In all honesty, the credit for this project should go to the former administration. Due to a rapid expansion of hotels and condominiums over the last 20 years we are concerned that we are left with too few vacant public beach areas,” said Eman. “The fact that we are looking at the addition of such a prestigious hotel as the Ritz Carlton reduces this pain for us. We hope to work closely with Mr. Marriott to achieve the vision of our new government that will put more emphasis on sustainability and durability in the development of our tourism industry for the people of Aruba and our visitors alike,” Eman added.

Located off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is renowned for miles of white powder sand beaches and crystal blue water that boasts a warm tropical climate year-round. The 21 mile-long island is situated on the southern part of the Caribbean Sea and features many diverse influences as a result of its rich history. The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba is located in Palm Beach, home to some of the island’s finest beaches. Lush tropical surroundings and a balmy temperature allow for swimming, sunbathing and relaxation by the water. The resort will bring a new level of elegance in accommodations and amenities to the island.

ABOUT THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL COMPANY, L.L.C.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 73 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More  than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe with future openings including Dubai International Financial Centre, United Arab Emirates; Dove Mountain, Tucson, Arizona; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Lake Tahoe, California. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the UK 0800-234-000, in Ireland 00800-2413-3333, in Belgium 0800-77269, in France 0800-907203, in Spain 00800-2413-3333 or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:  MAR)

Constance Ephelia Resort, Seychelles

“Spa attitude”, A thousand and one reinvigorating care

Accommodation and architecture:
An encounter with the thousand and one beauties of the Seychelles. Oriented towards the Spa activity, this Resort has open the 1st of Febryary 2010 in Mahé, on the site in Port Launay, the main island of the archipelago, draws its inspiration from the diversity of the Seychelles and expresses generously its wide range of dream accommodation and multi-facetted spa.

This new generation of Resort is betting on the development of tourism in the Seychelles.

The Spa which extends on 7,000m2 is reminiscent of a garden of delights.
The concept of the “Shiseido Pavilion” here unravels itself on a grand scale. The Spa conceived in harmony with the natural setting proposes various islets of beauty, pleasantness and wellness. The Spa Spirit / Shiseido Pavilion unfolds step by step for the fortunate guests of the ten “Spa Villas”. Each one is an invitation to let oneself go, to surrender and embark on a sumptuous pleasure trip for the five senses. From the futile to the useful… one has all the time to pamper one’s beauty in order to better arouse the emotions. Ephélia also vouches to awaken the senses.

The concept of “Spa Villas” is innovative in the archipelago and in the whole of the Indian Ocean: a room with the cosy
minimum opens out spaciously on a bath-room with sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, mini-bar, hi-fi and couch so as to drift in
that universe of beauty where self-respect is experienced in all privacy. But the greatest factor of disorientation in this
comforting universe is without doubt the private pool contoured like a long ribbon between the bed and a teak bridge
which beckons one to relaxation and repose.

The strong points:
An immense spa immersed in lush nature. 7,000m2 are here dedicated to well being. Unique “Spa Villas” with private pools,
sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, space for rest and an incomparable refinement for rejuvenation. A broad scope hotel where the
human element always remains a priority. A full-fledged conference centre, quite a rarity in the Seychelles !

Central Reservations
Fax: (230) 402 2616 – Email: resa@constancehotels.com
www.constancehotels.com or www.epheliaresort.com

Banyan Tree Madivaru, Maldives

Award-winning premium hospitality brand, Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, invites those in love to ignite and rekindle their relationships in intimate retreats that are perfectly geared to celebrate romance. To observe love all year-round, here are a few ideas and suggestions.

The dedicated resident Romance Managers in Banyan Tree Mayakoba, and the soon-to-open Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués, both located in Mexico, are ever ready to help enhance each romantic getaway, to create truly indelible memories for lovebirds. While tasks include organising the ideal wedding occasion for starry-eyed couples, there is much more that a Romance Manager can advise on.

Often credited in glowing TripAdvisor.com reviews, Ms Yvonne Suñer Beltrán, Romance Manager at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, shares, “It is a privilege to be able to inspire and help create memories of a lifetime for our guests during their stay. At Banyan Tree Mayakoba, we aim to offer couples with endless opportunities for romance within the privacy of their pool villa or in an intimate corner within the resort. Set against the magical charm of Riviera Maya and infused with our signature Banyan Tree service touch, we set the mood for love with experiences such as a star-gazing session, a marathon of romantic movies indoors, getting creative with a paintbrush, or a seaside moonlit dance to a favorite song.”

Banyan Tree Seychelles

Another Banyan Tree innovation is the Intimate Moments set-up, specially customised at Banyan Tree properties all around the world. Each Intimate Moments is uniquely centred on the bathtubs or sunken bathtubs found in the bathrooms of the villas and suites, which are not just spaciously appointed but also conducive to bringing out the most of the experience.

Each set-up varies; however, the essential elements include a delightful drawn bath, scattered candles creating a glowing ambiance amid sensual aromatherapy, profusion of flower petals, and tasteful treats that range from chocolates and coolers, to canapés and champagne, for the ultimate romantic sojourn in one’s very own private oasis.

Celebrating Love

The refined comforts of Banyan Tree resorts combine with the uniqueness of each destination to create romantic memories that last a lifetime. Destinations include the enigmatic deserts of Bahrain, the serene beauty of Hangzhou, as well as the tropical dreaminess of the Seychelles and the Maldives – where dedicated Valentine’s Day packages will be offered for guests looking to celebrate romance and rekindle passion.

Banyan Tree Al Areen, Bahrain

Banyan Tree Al Areen, Bahrain
Book a two-night stay and receive daily in-villa breakfast, a Saffron Private Island dining experience, choice of a 90-minute spa treatment session for two, an Intimate Moments bath experience and a welcome gift from Banyan Tree Gallery. Rates start from BHD 410++ for stays in a Desert Pool Villa; available from now till 31 March 2010.

Banyan Tree Hangzhou, China
Book a one-night stay and receive daily breakfast, dinner at our signature restaurant or in your private villa, a 90-minute massage session and an Intimate Moments turndown experience inclusive of red wine or champagne. Available at RMB 4,500+15% and RMB 5,500+15% for stays in a Premier Water Terrace and Water View Villa respectively for the entire month of February 2010.

Banyan Tree Seychelles
Book a three-night stay and receive return land transfers, daily breakfast, an in-villa dining experience, choice of a 90-minute spa treatment session, welcome drinks for two, an Intimate Moments turndown experience inclusive of wine, a complimentary fruit basket and a special gift from Banyan Tree Gallery. Rates start from Euro 1400 for stays in a Hillside Pool Villa; available from 1 to 28 February 2010.

Banyan Tree Madivaru, Maldives
Enjoy three nights’ stay with full board in a Tented Pool Villa, including a romantic beach dinner, 90-minute spa massage session, welcome drink, complimentary fruit basket and return seaplane transfers for two. Rates start from USD 2755++ and are valid for stays from now till 31 March 2010.

For reservations, contact the individual resorts directly, through the nearest toll-free line, or book online at banyantree.com.

You can also visit our Selction of Banyan Tree resorts on our on-line Directory with Finest SPA

Hotel Eden Roc - Ascona

The arrival of spring at Lake Maggiore: twice as heavenly this year thanks to the new Eden Roc Spa.

Spa Opening Offer in April and May including three nights’ accommodation, breakfast, dîners and massage from CHF 930 ( EUR 600) per person.

After the icy months of winter, the yearning for the first heralds of spring and the warming rays of sunshine grows stronger from day to day. For guests who choose Lake Maggiore and the five-star Hotel Eden Roc in Ascona, Switzerland, this April or May, spring will be twice as heavenly this year: on the one hand, outdoors in the picturesque setting with the camellias glowing in the lush green bushes, and on the other, in the new Eden Roc Spa. Interior designer Carlo Rampazzi spent six months redesigning the hotel’s wellness area and lavishly decorating it with themes inspired by the wealth of flowers to be found in Ticino. Guests have access to the outdoor pools and numerous loungers alongside the lake from all parts of the 2,000 square metre relaxation area. To mark the opening of the spa, the hotel is offering a special three-night package including breakfast, dinners and a 50-minute spa massage from CHF 930 (EUR 600) per person in April and May.

Hotel Eden Roc - Ascona

The spa area on which more than 150 industrious workers were engaged starting in October 2009 forms a harmonious entity with the hotel, into which it has been integrated, and is a fitting tribute to the lakeside setting. Wherever they may be in the spa, guests enjoy a view of the water – whether from one of the eight whirlpool recliners in the hydropool, from the treadmill in the fitness area or from the walkway joining the sauna and water worlds. The latter shimmers in the colours of Lake Maggiore from blue to grey while a Kneipp path has been created using stones from the nearby River Maggia. The spacious sauna world offers not only a steam bath, sanarium and Finnish sauna but also an exclusive private ladies’ area. As the dominant theme for the furnishing of the seven treatment rooms for massages, baths and beauty care, Ascona interior designer Carlo Rampazzi chose the incomparable floral diversity to be found in Ticino.

The Spa Opening Special Offer applies from 5 April until 28 May on request and subject to availability. The Hotel Eden Roc’s direct telephone number for reservations is +41 (0)91 785 71 71.

For more information visit www.edenroc.ch

Chiva-Som

The award winning Chiva-Som retreats of tailor-made programmes geared to your individual needs have been completely revamped for 2010 to make them even better value and results orientated.

Of the ten programmes now on offer, one – the Eternal Youth Retreat – is a completely new concept: the first to mix holistic therapies with treatments at Chiva-Som’s Niranlada medi-spa. Others include Natural Healing, which combines elements like holistic bodywork, emotional development and energy therapy to renew life balance; Physical Renewal, a plan focused on structural elements like physiotherapy, massage and soft tissue mobilisation; and Inner Peace, which guides you through meditation, Watsu Water Therapy and other techniques to help you de-stress.

Chiva-Som has also enhanced its Physiotherapy concepts for 2010 through Total Body Balancing, an innovative treatment that corrects misaligned physique caused by the natural human instinct of favouring one side of the body over the other.

State-of-the-art diagnostic techniques, customised nutritional supplements, and nutritional counselling as a fixed feature of all Weight Management programmes are some other features of the new initiative.

When you arrive at Chiva-Som, your personal health and wellness advisor will discuss your aims for the stay and help you custom build the treatment menu for your ideal retreat. The newly conceived retreats give you full flexibility on each aspect of your programme.

The choice of value-for-money treatment packages is now wider then ever. Please visit Chiva Som on our On-line Directory

Shangri-La smile, Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai

Fourteen Shangri-La hotels and resorts were voted by readers of Travel + Leisure onto the 2010 T+L 500 and Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong and Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai were placed amongst the top 50 hotels in the world.

Readers of Condé Nast Traveler U.S. edition voted five Shangri-La luxury hotels onto the 2010 Gold List. Both lists were published in the January 2010 issues.

The T+L 500 includes the 500 best hotels in the world as determined by a survey of the magazine’s readers.

Shangri-La was awarded the number one spot in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Malaysia, Taiwan and the Philippines. The 14 Shangri-La hotels and resorts on the T+L 500 list are:

• China World Hotel, Beijing
• Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing
• Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong
• Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong
• Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai,
• Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu
• Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
• Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Penang
• Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
• Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei
• Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
• Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu
• Makati Shangri-La, Manila
• Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

The sixteenth annual Gold List in the Condé Nast Traveler U.S. edition features the world’s best hotels, resorts and cruise lines as selected by subscribers.  Shangri-La hotels on the 2010 Gold List are:

• Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong
• Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong
• Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
• Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing
• Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok

In the Gold List 2010 of Condé Nast Traveller U.K. edition, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Oman was acclaimed as the Best for Leisure Facilities and Michelin two-star Restaurant Petrus at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong was voted the Best for Food.

The T+L 500 results are based upon the 2009 World’s Best Awards survey, in which Travel + Leisure subscribers evaluated hotels on five characteristics: rooms and facilities, location, service, restaurants and food, and value.  The publication calculated the average rating of each characteristic and tabulated each property’s overall score.

The Gold List results are based upon the 2009 Readers’ Choice Survey, in which the publication asked respondents to rate hotels according to criteria such as service, rooms, design, dining and location.  From more than 25,000 responses received, the publication calculated the average score of each category and tabulated the overall satisfaction percentage.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group, currently owns and/or manages 65 hotels under the deluxe Shangri-La and mid-market Traders brands, with a rooms inventory of over 28,000.  The group has over 40 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, Qatar, Seychelles, United Kingdom and the United States.   For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.

Visit our Shangri-La Resorts on Finest SPA

Mandarin Oriental Boston

Five-Star Spa in the heart of Boston provides a sanctuary of relaxation for solo travelers with new spa package

After the bustle of the holiday season, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston is inviting guests to rejuvenate and revitalize in the New Year by Flying Solo. The Flying Solo Spa package allows individual guests to retreat into the luxurious surroundings of AAA Five-Diamond Mandarin Oriental, Boston and feel their stresses float away at Massachusetts’ only Five-Star awarded Spa.

The journey begins as guests check-in to the hotel’s Lifestyle guestrooms, conveniently located on the property’s 4th floor, adjacent to the 16,000 square foot Spa. Ideal for an individual retreat, the lifestyle guestrooms offer every amenity for the wellness-minded traveler, including a yoga mat for practice and a day bed for relaxation. Guests are invited to take part in an hour-long group Yogalates session, a fusion of Mat Pilates and Vinyasa Yoga, to help lengthen the spine, tone and tighten the deep muscles, and promote better posture and functional movement habits. In addition, you will be offered a choice of either a “Time Ritual” or “Mandarin Oriental Signature Spa Therapy” treatment, each specifically tailored to the individual needs.

Prices for the Flying Solo Spa package start at a special rate of USD555 on weekdays and USD525 on weekends and include:
• One night accommodation in a Lifestyle guestroom
• Choice of a 1 hour and 50 minute Time Ritual or a Mandarin Oriental Signature Spa Therapy treatment for one guest
• An hour-long group Yogalates session in our fitness center with one of our personal trainers for one guest
• A healthy Spa lunch in our intimate Spa Café for one guest
• Luxurious Mandarin Oriental Signature Spa bath oil for an evening bath

Mandarin Oriental Boston

The Flying Solo Spa package is available from January 8, 2010 and is subject to availability plus taxes and gratuities. This package is also available for two guests for an additional rate. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly on +1 (617) 535-8880, through Mandarin Oriental’s worldwide sales and reservations offices on +1 (866) 526-6567, or visit the Group’s direct on-line reservations service at www.mandarinoriental.com.

About Mandarin Oriental, Boston
An intimate, luxurious hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Boston combines classic New England elegance with refined Oriental touches to create one of the most distinctive hospitality experiences in the region.  Featuring 148 guestrooms and suites over 14 floors, the hotel delights its guests with the finest facilities and service, innovative dining experiences and an unparalleled holistic Five-Star awarded spa.  A short, 15-minute drive to Logan International Airport, Mandarin Oriental, Boston connects guests to the city’s finest shopping, cultural venues and business institutions from its prime location in the heart of the chic Back Bay on Boylston Street.