Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa, Koh Samui

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has announced its continued global expansion with the unveiling of Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa, Koh Samui, as the brand’s seventh Thai property and their second to grace Samui’s shores.

With exotic touches that open a window into the life of the island’s original Chinese merchant settlers, and occupying an enviable beachfront position just north of Chaweng Beach, the resort’s exotic location is just a convenient 6 kilometres from Samui International Airport.  Anantara Lawana offers total immersion in scenic tranquility and leisurely luxury, whilst the hustle and bustle of Chaweng town’s shopping and nightlife scene is just a stone’s throw away for those who prefer to explore the heart of the island’s action.

Designed in contemporary Sino-Thai style and embraced by lush tropical gardens, Anantara Lawana boasts 88 spacious rooms and 34 pool villas.  Offering intimately oriental sanctuaries, refinement is expressed through plush comforts and exquisitely vibrant silks.

Gaze over a tropical paradise from a private terrace.  Take a refreshing dip in the resort’s splendid, wave-shaped, beachfront swimming pool, or romanticise with a loved one in the private pool of an elegant villa.  Extend the island experience aboard a luxury cruising yacht, soak up a mesmerising shoreline on an enthralling guided boat tour, or indulge in an invigorating array of water-sport activities.

Sample the finest wines and international cuisine, enjoying Anantara’s gracious service all the while.  Discover remarkable romance with a unique and exclusive dining experience where Western culinary gems are served in seven private salas on stilts, affording uninterrupted sea views.

Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa, Koh Samui

The luxurious Anantara Spa incorporates 9 en-suite treatment rooms promising pampering journeys encompassing Ayurvedic, traditional Thai and other classic international therapies, as well as blissful personal packages.

Delight in additional facilities including a fitness centre and library catering for every lifestyle need and providing the perfect hideaway balance.
William E. Heinecke, CEO of Minor International, owners of the Anantara brand, comments, “Announcing a second resort on the beautiful island of Koh Samui, as well as our seventh resort nationwide in Thailand is further proof of Anantara’s passion for creating amazing stories for our guests to experience through our growing diversity of unique destination experiences”

Building upon the presence of existing Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas worldwide, Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa in China, Anantara Kihavah Villas in the Maldives and Anantara Al Madina A’Zarqa Resort & Spa in Oman, all due to open in 2010, highlight the brand’s growing network throughout Asia and beyond.

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

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., recognised as the global leader in luxury hotels, service and lifestyle, is proud to announce the opening of its debut Reserve property, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve,  today in Krabi, Southern Thailand.

Phulay Bay, Ritz Carlton Reserve

As the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Phulay Bay embodies the attributes, philosophy and unique style and design of the Reserve brand extension. It has been designed for those who seek to escape the stresses of everyday life and immerse themselves into a completely bespoke and personally-tailored-to-suit vacation experience.

Set on the shores of the Andaman Sea, Phulay Bay is a striking 54-villa and pavilion boutique hotel offering unspoilt views of the naturally rugged shoreline and dramatic limestone karsts which make up this beautiful part of southern Thailand.

The resort is the vision and work of in-demand Thai architect Lek Bunnag, and is an awe-inspiring combination of modern styling and architecture; grand and oversized in scale with distinctive accents from not only Thai, but Middle Eastern and Moroccan cultures. Bunnag takes inspiration from beautiful things from around the world to create an environment where the senses are continuously triggered and enlivened from the moment guests enter the resort driveway to the moment they leave.

An exhilarating sense of arrival will immediately let guests know they are somewhere special: 20ft high aubergine walls and ‘hedges’ made from indigenous trees create a sense of wonder from the outside and a great sense of peace and stillness once on the inside. Guests enter the resort through the high walls and walk over a stepping-stone pathway that leads them to a magnificent pitched-roof Thai pavilion situated on an island surrounded by thousands of gently flickering candles.

Phulay Bay, Ritz-Carlton Reserve

From here on in, guests subtly and gently have their senses enriched and stimulated with the resort’s own scent, signature drink, the stunning scenery from both inside the accommodation and throughout the resort, to tactile 100% Thai silk soft furnishings used in the villas and restaurants.

“When styling and designing Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, we were very conscious of the abundant natural beauty surrounding us which is what makes people fall in love with Thailand,” explained Estelita Sebeto, the resort’s General Manager. “We want guests to enjoy and discover the extraordinary diversity so have worked with nature to maintain a setting that evokes the very best of the natural environment and sourced local and sustainable materials in its construction and styling.”

Working closely with Thai interior designer IA49, Bunang has carefully designed buildings and public spaces to combine contemporary with culture, perfectly complementing the natural flora of existing trees and plants which cleverly act as privacy screens throughout the grounds offering greater intimacy in the resort. The use of traditional story-telling Lanna art forms both in architectural structure and as paintings and artworks on the walls and doors of villas further stimulates the senses and creates an element of interest for guests.

No two of the resort’s 16 signature Reserve Villas are the same; all slightly different in physical design and styling, guests can opt for a villa with lap pool and lawn area for sun worshiping, a private rooftop for alfresco dining and sunset viewing, or a completely secluded pool bathing area for total privacy. Across all nonetheless, luxury prevails with oversized 3metre by 2metre beds, deep sunken baths, walk in closets, expansive decked gardens and vast ‘keyhole’ doorways that create a sense of magic setting the guest at ease and welcoming them to luxury.

Phulay Bay, Ritz-Carlton Reserve

With an emphasis on personalised, bespoke experiences, guests can ‘design’ or tailor make their visit to perfectly suit their needs and desires. Their very own villa butler, can organise a light BBQ lunch at a  favourite beach spot; a meditation class with local monks; elephant trekking to a remote picnic spot; a sea plane tour of region’s dramatic scenery; an in-villa personal yoga session; a boat journey to surrounding islands – the possibilities are endless.

World-class culinary experiences will be available throughout the resort’s six intimate and carefully thought-out restaurants. Each designed to accommodate a small number of guests for highly personalised and non intrusive service. Chef will personally meet diners to better understand their tastes and preferences and all ingredients will be sourced from local markets and cooked fresh.

Included is the resort’s signature Thai restaurant, Sri Trang, a modern, and stylish restaurant with private dining room for 10 set on its own jetty overlooking the shoreline called ‘Sri Trang by the Sea’.  Lae Lay, the resort’s sea front pavilion sits parallel to a 23metre infinity pool stretching out to the sea beyond. Beautifully appointed with oversized chairs and hanging lanterns among rustling trees, guests can also choose to dine under the stars on their own in a private sala seating up to 8 guests, aptly named ‘Lae Lay Under the Stars’.

An infinity pool bar will offer soft loungers and silk pillows by day with lighter more relaxed culinary offerings, while the resort’s sunset lounge, will offer day beds, oversized pillows, chill-out lounge bar music and candle lanterns for a truly intimate and relaxing feel. The perfect place for a glass of champagne or a stylish martini as the sun sets over the seemingly endless horizon.

Phulay Bay, Ritz-Carlton Reserve

RAW spa café prepares fresh, uncooked and unaltered vegan products and has a green hydroponic bar growing the resort’s own wheatgrass and lettuce.

The ESPA villa at Phulay Bay is a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation with stepping stones meandering through the spa leading to decked walkways and relaxation terraces surrounded by vegetation and reflection ponds that perfectly capture the unique character of Phulay Bay. The Spa itself comprises three traditional Thai pavilions set over two levels offering 11 treatment rooms including single and couples massage rooms and two VIP treatment suites with their own expansive decks for massage and showering.

The opening rates for Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve are as follows: Resort Pavilion THB19,550; Ocean Pavilion THB21,250; Beach Villa THB 27,200; Reserve Villa THB44,200 and Royal Beach Villa THB68,000. All rates are subject to 18.7% service charges and taxes.

For more information visit : reserve.ritzcarlton.com

Spa Treatment in Mandarin Oriental New York

Five Mandarin Oriental hotels were recently awarded the prestigious 2009 Forbes Five Star Spa Award out of only 13 hotels worldwide. Mandarin Oriental hotels in New York, Miami and Hong Kong, who had been awarded in previous years, were joined this year by The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong and Mandarin Oriental, Boston. In addition Mandarin Oriental Washington DC was honoured as a Forbes Four Star Spa.

These awards are further confirmation that Mandarin Oriental spas are continuing to set the bar in terms of design and service, and have been added to a growing list of trophies that have been won throughout the year. In the US, Spa Magazine’s  Silver Sage Awards for Best Spas 2009 went to Mandarin Oriental, New York (for north and north east USA), Mandarin Oriental, Miami (for south and south east USA), Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong (for the Far East) and Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (for south east Asia).

In addition, AsiaSpa Magazine recently honoured Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group with the Baccarat AsiaSpa Award for best therapist team and placed Mandarin Oriental, Sanya as the Best New Spa of the Year for Asia. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group was also honoured for the fourth time as Best Wellness & Spa Group in the Asia Pacific Crystal Awards that salutes the best in the industry, while The Landmark Mandarin Oriental was awarded Best Hotel Spa.

Andrew Gibson, Group Director of Spa, said, “We are delighted to have been honoured by so many awards, which are testament to the hard work and consistency of our spa teams around the world. The launch of Mandarin Oriental’s signature treatments and brand of products this year has helped to underline our spa philosophy of delivering authentic and holistic experiences. We also remaining focused on providing a consistent level of service excellence to our guests.”

Mandarin Oriental spas are also open to non-residents providing the ideal venue in which to experience superb therapeutic massages and excellent skin care programmes.

For more information visit : www.mandarinoriental.com

Situated Amidst Hawaii’s Lush Tropical Landscape and Sparkling Azure Waters, The St. Regis Princeville Offers and Unrivaled Dimension of Luxury, Sophistication and Unparalleled Service in Kaua’i's Most Quintessential Address

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announces the debut of the St. Regis hotel brand in Hawaii with the opening of The St. Regis Princeville Resort.  Ideally located on Hawaii’s breathtaking island of Kaua’i, The St. Regis Princeville Resort introduces an unparalleled level of sophistication and serene luxury to one of the most remarkable destinations in the world. Following a multi-million dollar renovation, the iconic resort has been transformed into an elegant reflection of its island home, paying homage to the land and culture. Redesigned in collaboration with hotel design firm WATG and local Hawaiian architecture firm Group 70, The St. Regis Princeville Resort features 252 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, including 51 premium ocean view suites, the elegant Halele’a Spa, Prince and Makai Champion golf courses by Robert Trent Jones II and Kaua’i Grill by world renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
“We are proud to debut the St. Regis brand in Hawai’i with the opening of The St. Regis Princeville Resort, featuring the iconic luxury, unmatched privilege and bespoke services for which the St. Regis brand is renowned,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, St. Regis and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts. “Truly one of the world’s most desirable destinations, Hawai’i is rich in culture and heritage and offers our discerning global guests an exotic array of world-class cuisine, art and stunning natural surroundings.”
Formerly a part of Starwood’s renowned The Luxury Collection brand, The St. Regis Princeville Resort has been re-envisioned to accentuate a sense of relaxed yet refined island luxury and timeless beauty.  Bringing a residential feel to the interiors and reflecting Hawaii’s natural surroundings, the resort’s redesign was inspired by the Hawaiian concept of Ahupua’a, a philosophy of living in balance with nature. The grand lobby will be distinguished by a dramatic point of entry including a cascading chandelier comprised of over 4,000 pieces of Murano glass representing the waterfall of Na Molokama Mountain, a coffered ceiling of natural woven raffia, palm wood floors and soaring glass panels that open to the sea and the spectacular sunsets of Mt. Makana.

Dining at The St. Regis Princeville indulges the senses with diverse culinary offerings.  Each of the resort’s four distinctive dining venues feature fresh seasonal ingredients locally farmed or produced on Kaua’i Island. As the resort’s signature restaurant, Kaua’i Grill will feature spectacular views of Hanalei Bay and a menu of masterful internationally influenced cuisine utilizing the freshest fish and ingredients indigenous to the islands, exclusively developed by Chef Vongerichten and his talented team. The dramatically designed interior of the restaurant features a rich palette of coco, ruby, cognac, leather, bronze and zebra woods evoking Hawaii’s luminous colors with a contemporary interpretation of island motifs. A spectacular, spiraling, lit fabric ceiling in the shape of a nautilus shell crowns the dining room, lending a dramatic glow by night and complementing the sweeping views by day. Spilling from the center of the ceiling is a hand-crafted fiber optic and ruby glass hibiscus chandelier that echoes the surrounding mountain waterfalls and Hawaii’s indigenous flora.

The 10,000 square foot Halele’a Spa at The St. Regis Princeville Resort is a masterpiece of style and refinement. Each guest is attended to by a qualified wellness consultant who designs individualized spa programs for body and mind inspired by Native Hawaiian healing rituals. Each spacious treatment room is enriched with custom millwork of native Hawaiian woods, palm wood floors, natural fiber drapery treatments and a custom Murano glass plumeria flower chandelier. Using only the finest finishes, the interiors provide a sense of peace and a place commensurate with the island’s transcendent beauty.

An ideal destination for weddings, meetings and social events, The St. Regis Princeville’s newly transformed meeting spaces boast 12,000 square feet of both indoor and outdoor space and offers a dynamic setting with the latest in computer and audio visual technology.
Among the resort’s signature features is a unique infinity pool situated on the ocean overlooking beautiful Hanalei Bay. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, naturally defined stonework and striking water features reflecting Hawai’i's tropical outdoor lifestyle, the pool deck will also feature Nalu Kai Restaurant. For those in pursuit of sports and recreation, guests can experience Princeville’s two premiere 18-hole golf courses; the Prince and Makai designed by Robert Trent Jones, II. The championship Makai Course is undergoing a major renovation to be completed in winter 2010.The St. Regis Princeville’s Young Guest Program will also caters to families with a private club boasting an array of Hawaiian cultural activities and adventures.

The St. Regis Princeville steeped in grand Hawaiian heritage, is built on legendary grounds beside the emerald green Hanalei Valley and overlooks the awe inspiring Napali Coast. The area was named the “City of the Prince” after a royal visit by Hawai’i's Prince Albert, son of King Kamehameha IV in 1860. Princeville’s breathtaking natural setting has made the area among the premiere destinations in the world. The resort is surrounded by five majestic mountains, a patchwork of taro farms, a wildlife refuge, equestrian paths, hiking trails, ancient sea caves and lagoons.
Following in the tradition of the iconic St. Regis Hotel New York, The St. Regis Princeville Resort will feature the famed hallmarks of St. Regis hotels around the world including the legendary St. Regis Butler Service, bespoke guest experiences and luxury accommodations tailored to meet global travelers’ needs. Trained in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present, yet unobtrusive service while anticipating guests needs and customizing each guest’s stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences.

For more information on The St. Regis Princeville and how to reserve its quintessential experiences, please visit, www.stregis.com/princeville

he award winning Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. offers winter vacationers a trio of resorts opening just in time for the holidays.  From the snow covered slopes of Lake Tahoe to the foothills of Arizona’s Tortolita Mountains, and across the Pacific to the lush forests of southern Thailand, these unique resorts offer the exceptional settings and extraordinary guest service which The Ritz-Carlton is known for around the world.

The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe

Opened on December 9 in California, The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe, a $300 million slope-side project, offers ski-in, ski-out access in winter. The 170-room contemporary lodge design also includes 23 private Ritz-Carlton Residences and 25 Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Residences. Guests will enjoy organic and regional dining at the resort’s signature restaurant, Manzanita, created by renowned San Francisco chef Traci Des Jardins. The first new-build resort development in the Lake Tahoe area in decades, it is situated mid-mountain in the Northstar-at-Tahoe ski resort, with an inter-mountain gondola to offer ease of access to the slopes and the hotel. After a day of skiing, guests of The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe can rest and relax at the 1,579 square meter/17,000 square foot Highlands Spa, where treatments and therapies are themed around water and the woods.

Adjacent to the resort, The Ritz-Carlton Club, Lake Tahoe offers two to four bedroom fractional residences with mountain and valley views of the Sierra Nevada. The fractional ownership prices range from the low $100,000 to more than $500,000 per deeded Home Club Membership. Portfolio Memberships are also available.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

Also in the western region of the United States, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain welcomes its first guests on December 18. Nestled in the foothills of the dramatic Tortolita Mountains, the 250-room low rise resort is surrounded by thousands of majestic Saguaro cacti, ancient Petroglyphs left by the Hohokam Indians, and home to native wildlife living within the 3,4 square kilometers/850 acres of the environment northwest of Tucson, Arizona. To enjoy the serenity of the high Sonoran Desert at its very best, guests can select from a small group of secluded casitas overlooking Wild Burro Canyon.

Golfers will take to the greens of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, host of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. For outdoors types, more than 37 kilometers/20 miles of clearly mapped trails by National Geographic will challenge their fitness and endurance skills. At the end of an active day, the Spa is the perfect respite for soothing treatments inspired by ancient Native American traditions.  Diners will discover CORE Kitchen and Wine Bar featuring an open kitchen highlighting the culinary team, with 180 degree views overlooking the desert terrain. Chef de Cuisine, Joel Harrington brings his culinary talent from the award-winning Fearings Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas.

Phulay Bay, Ritz Carlton Reserve

Finally on December 22, The Ritz-Carlton introduces its first of a select group of Reserve properties, which are a brand extension planned for unique destinations around the globe. At Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in Krabi, Southern Thailand 54 villas and pavilions have been designed to embrace the serenity and magical features of the country. Guests enter the resort over a stepping-stone walkway that leads them to a wooden Thai pavilion situated on an island surrounded by thousands of gently flickering candles. The contemporary Thai style blends seamlessly with the canopy of forests and flowers amidst the dense vegetation. High aubergine walls and “hedges” made from indigenous trees add to the sense of being one with nature.  Set on the shores of the Andaman Sea, guests of the resort can walk to the beach for an al fresco picnic. For the adventure seeker, elephant treks can transport guests to sites of ancient ruins, Buddhist temples, and undisturbed scenery. The experiences offered can be personally tailored to fulfill every wish.

For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe; The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain; or Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, consult www.ritzcarlton.com

Founder and CEO, Six Senses Resorts & Spas

Thirteen years after they created Soneva Fushi – the Maldives benchmark for high-end eco-friendly, all-natural opulence – the innovative husband and wife team Sonu and Eva Shivdasani are getting set to launch Soneva Kiri, just the third Soneva on the planet. In the interim, they have built Six Senses Resorts & Spas into a company that demonstrates to the world that luxury lifestyle and environmental responsibility can complement each other beautifully, to deliver Intelligent Luxury.

Soneva Fushi was awarded the Best of the Best for 2000 by the readers of Conde Nast Traveller, as Soneva Gili – the second Soneva – was in development. When Soneva Gili opened in 2002, it almost immediately was awarded Hotel of the Year from Tatler Travel Guide, plus Hideaway of the Year by Hideaways Magazine. This confirmed to Sonu and Eva that they were absolutely on the right track, and they set about creating Soneva number three – Soneva Kiri.

This time, the Soneva phenomenon was to be created in Thailand. Sonu and Eva discovered a stunning site on the island of Kood, on the south-east side of the Gulf of Thailand, referred to as Thailand’s last frontier. Sonu had always described the ideal Soneva location as “remote but accessible”, and remote was certainly the case with Soneva Kiri. Accessible was to come later, with the construction of a private airstrip at Soneva Kiri, reducing the travel time from Bangkok from more than three hours to less than one hour, with the convenience of a private, ultra comfortable 8-seat Cessna Grand Caravan.

“Soneva Kiri incorporates everything that we have learned from designing Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili”, says Sonu, “plus we have added some exceptional guest experiences that will surprise and delight guests. Like dining in tree-top pods, or discovering The Den – a vast manta ray construction hovering above the forest”.

It’s a Soneva – an amalgam of their names – so Sonu and Eva are intimately involved with every aspect of the property. It carries their DNA. And when it comes to design, Eva is quite formidable; an inspired zealot with all things concerning the environment, from furnishings to food. Yet she still manages to create some of the most innovative and memorable interior concepts for Soneva, whilst at the same time, leading the Six Senses Creative team, who are simultaneously working on another dozen properties in development. A former top model, working as Eva Malmstrom, she graced the front covers of more than one hundred fashion magazines in the 70’s and 80’s. She is blessed with natural style, albeit playful, with vibrant colours and the quirky re-assigned use of everyday items. For example, how does Eva hide a flat-panel television? Easy, she pops it into a travelling trunk at the foot of the bed, and when the trunk lid is open, the screen slides into a comfortable viewing position.

Soneva Kiri

Sonu and Eva’s own home is a Soneva, so they set about designing villas and facilities the way they would enjoy entertaining in them, themselves. They consider personal space and privacy to be one of the greatest luxuries, so this becomes integral to the Soneva philosophy; an extension of their own lifestyle. At Soneva Kiri, they have gone one better, by setting aside some villas for purchase by loyal Soneva Repeaters. Owners get all the benefits of the resort, while enjoying their very own piece of Soneva Kiri. As with guests, they also have the Soneva Kiri Grand Caravan for transfers.

Soneva Kiri will also be a showcase for SLOW LIFE, the philosophy that the couple have created for the Six Senses group. An acronym for Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wholesome  Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences, this has become the nucleus for the group’s core purpose: To create innovative and enlightening experiences that rejuvenate our guests’ love of SLOW LIFE, and an individual mission for hoteliers extroadinaire, Sonu and Eva Shivdasani.
Soneva Kiri has opened its doors on the 20th of November 2009.

Soneva Kiri Private Residence

For more information visit : http://www.sixsenses.com/Soneva-Kiri/

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

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., recognised as the global leader in luxury hotels, service and lifestyle, is proud to announce the opening of Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve on December 22, 2009, in Krabi, Southern Thailand.

The world’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Phulay Bay will embody the attributes, philosophy and unique style and design of the Reserve brand extension. Appealing to affluent and discerning travellers seeking more from their leisure time, Ritz-Carlton Reserve will offer exquisite resorts in secluded and naturally beautiful locations around the world.

Set on the shores of the Andaman Sea, Phulay Bay is a hideaway 54-villa and pavilion boutique hotel with unspoilt views of the towering limestone karsts which make up the beautiful landscape of this part of southern Thailand. Coupled with sandy beaches, a coastline flecked with more than 200 islands, surrounded by a national forest with rugged rock formations and hidden waterfalls, Phulay Bay is a natural wonder.

“Ritz-Carlton Reserve will feature signature, one-of-a-kind boutique resorts positioned in unique settings, each with a distinctive personality and sense of place reflecting its history and culture,” said Simon F. Cooper, president. “A refuge from the expected, Reserve is for travellers seeking to discover a singular location and peerless resort that will offer guests’ exotic, hand-selected ‘hideaway’ destinations in a relaxed, casually elegant atmosphere. Phulay Bay in Thailand is a natural choice for the first Reserve,” said Cooper.

The essence of Phulay Bay will be about enlivening the senses. Guests will subtly and gently have their senses enriched and stimulated with the resort’s own scent, signature drink, beautiful and stunning scenery both inside the suites and in the environment of the resort, as well as by the sounds of traditional Thai music coupled with the gentle lapping of the sea on the shores of Phulay Bay. This will be coupled with the environment of tactile natural Thai silk soft furnishings and coverings to help guest’s truly relax in this unique and special environment.

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 to create a harmonious synergy of luxury and tradition to compliment its secluded location. Bunnag draws strongly from Thai traditions and cultural heritage to create an environment where relaxation and enjoyment are the very bedrock of the guest experience.

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.

“When styling and designing Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, we were very conscious of the abundant natural beauty surrounding us which is what makes people fall in love with Thailand,” explained Estelita Sebeto, the resort’s General Manager. “We want guests to enjoy and discover the extraordinary diversity and beauty in this part of the country in a setting of relaxation and rejuvenation. So we have worked with nature to maintain a setting that evokes the very best of the natural environment of the hotel and sourced local and sustainable materials in its construction and styling. We see the resort as an ambassador for the local environment and for the tradition of the land here in Phulay Bay.”

With an emphasis on personalised, bespoke experiences, guests can ‘design’ or tailor make their visit to perfectly suit their needs and desires. A light BBQ lunch in your favourite area of the resort? A meditation class with local monks? Elephant trekking to a remote picnic spot? A sea plane tour of region’s dramatic scenery? No problem. The resort will tailor-make your visit and personalise your experience, to make it a truly unique and one-of-a-kind visit.

The sense of arrival will immediately let guests know they are somewhere special and unique. High aubergine walls and ‘hedges’ made from indigenous trees create a sense of wonder from the outside and a great sense of peace and stillness once on the inside. Guests enter the resort over a stepping-stone walkway that leads them to a wooden Thai pavilion situated on an island surrounded by thousands of gently flickering candles.

Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve will offer world-class culinary experiences throughout the resort including a sea front pavilion with private rooftop dining, a signature Thai restaurant creating traditional Thai cooking in a modern, minimalist setting using the very best of ingredients and cooking traditions from Thailand’s southern region. An infinity pool bar will offer soft loungers and silk pillows by day with lighter more relaxed culinary offerings, while the resort’s sunset lounge, will offer day beds, oversized pillows, chill-out lounge bar music and candle lanterns for a truly intimate and relaxing feel. The perfect place for a glass of champagne or a stylish martini as the sun sets over the seemingly endless horizon.

The ESPA at Phulay Bay promises to be a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation with stepping stones meandering through the spa leading to decked walkways and relaxation terraces surrounded by vegetation and reflection ponds that perfectly capture the unique character of Phulay Bay. The Spa itself comprises three traditional Thai pavilions set over two levels offering 11 treatment rooms including single and couples massage rooms and two VIP treatment suites.

The opening rates for Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve are as follows: Resort Pavilion THB19,550; Ocean Pavilion THB21,250; Beach Villa THB 27,200; Reserve Villa THB44,200 and Royal Beach Villa THB68,000. All rates are subject to 18.7% service charges and taxes.

For more information visit www.ritzcarlton.com or http://reserve.ritzcarlton.com/

This fall, Geneva’s famous after the rain spa created by Isabelle Nordmann 7 years ago is launching its totally innovative concept for Europe, a spa for children. After the rain will be catering solely to children ages 7 to 17 one Wednesday afternoon per month, starting in the fall 2009. For this occasion, the spa is making available a menu of original treatments that will introduce children to the world of spa in a thoroughly delightful, fun way.

Christine Masson, the spa’s director and creator of the children’s treatments, has imagined 9 enchantingly magical treatments for both girls and boys. To give an example, Le petit Prince includes a 30-minute back and leg massage using a sweet almond oil scented with essential oils. The 45-minute Snow White treatment offers a pearl and silk facial. Strawberry Milkshake is a fragrant strawberry-scented bath served with cotton candy. As for little customers fond of all-sugar scrubs, they will have to try Melusine’s recipe… A wide array of creative treatments bearing the brand of the Swiss spa feature delectable recipes and 100 % enjoyable treatments.

The originality of the treatments is coupled with complimentary comforts for first-time spa-goers. Offering popcorn, cotton candy and sliced bread and jam, the snacks served in the rest area will be no doubt highly appreciated.

Beyond the concept’s magical aspect, Isabelle Nordmann and Christine Masson also wanted to teach children to be aware and take good care of their bodies. “This is an initiation to the spa universe, a friendly environment in which you can experience your first massage or your first facial”, says Christine Masson. The treatments were specially developed and designed for children. They feature shortened protocols and adjusted hand pressure during massaging; the products are safe for use on children. In their approach, the specially trained therapists, who for the most part have children of their own, will take into account their young customers’ reservations. The children will be cared for with the utmost attention to detail.

After launching the brand’s delectable treatments in 2002 and tandem treatments in 2004, will the pioneering and visionary Isabelle Nordmann and her partner Christine Masson start a new trend with the after the rain children’s spa? The future can only tell…

dates & hours:

Wednesday 28 October 2009 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday 25 November 2009 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday 23 December 2009 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

reservations:

Spa after the rain

4 passage des Lions, 1204 Genevra

T: (41) 022 819 01 50 – email: reception@aftertherain.ch

Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

www.aftertherain.com

First LEED®-Built Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Wellness Center has welcomed its first Guests on October 1, 2009

The eco-conscious Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, designed to achieve LEED® Gold certification and provide a slate of new conveniences for frequent travelers, opens today in the heart of Charlotte’s thriving uptown district. The sleekly contemporary, environmentally-friendly hotel features 146 technologically-advanced guest rooms, a 13,000 square-foot penthouse Wellness Center with Aqua Lounge and saline-treated swimming pool, a street-side BLT Steak restaurant, and more than 12,000 square-feet of meeting space utilizing recycled aluminum conference tables, on-property purified and bottled water, and green meetings as a standard. The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte is the first Ritz-Carlton hotel in the Carolinas, the 73rd Ritz-Carlton property worldwide, and the first domestic new Ritz-Carlton hotel to be unveiled in 2009.

Highlights of The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte

Environmentally-Focused Operation and Design:
-A green roof vegetated with 18,000 plants insulating the building, slowing rain runoff and cooling the air through evaporation of water from leaves
-Select employee uniforms made of fabric derived from regenerated plastic bottles
-An in-house water purification and container system that will divert 73,000 plastic bottles from landfills, save more than 104 barrels of oil, eliminate nearly 49 tons of CO2 emissions and save almost 605,000,000 BTUs of electricity each year
-A state-of-the-art air transfer system which circulates outside air into guest rooms at 60 cubic-feet per minute
-A hotel Bike Valet, featuring 150 bicycle parking spaces, complimentary Trek Bikes for hotel guests to use, and bicycle maintenance and safety training for hotel staff
-Complimentary parking for Hybrid vehicles
-Complimentary weekday morning guest transportation via Hybrid vehicle

Frequent-Traveler Conveniences
-The Nook — complimentary private offices for guests, offering computers, printers, office supplies, teleconferencing, wireless Internet, and copy/fax access
-Travel Lite, eliminating the hassle of having to pack toiletry essentials in TSA-approved plastic bags for airline carry-on purposes. With Travel Lite, hotel guests may pre-select from a menu of nominally-priced daily grooming essentials to be delivered to the room upon check-in
-Desktop-on-Demand, the technology version of Room Service. Guests may have printers, disks, phone chargers, surge protectors, cables, keyboards and office supplies delivered to their rooms, which are already pre-outfitted with business essentials and electronic jack-packs
-Guests who stay a minimum of four nights per month may enjoy Luggage-Less Travel, checking in their clothing and personal items and leaving them at the hotel at the end of each stay. Their items will be held for them until their next arrival or, for an optional added charge, their clothing can be cleaned and preferred personal toiletries replenished

The Wellness Center
-Aqua Lounge with saline-treated swimming pool and whirlpool, plus floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of the Charlotte skyline
-Four treatment rooms with private shower, floor-to-ceiling windows, Tempur-Pedic® memory foam mattresses and all-organic products
-Specialties: Green Your Body Eco-Treatment, Lunch-Break Re-Nourish experience, Drift to Sleep for the sleep-deprived, Techno-Stress Relief for computer and PDA overuse, facials, massages, skin treatments
-Fitness Center, movement studio, yoga/Pilates classes

Dining
-BLT Steak, Chef Laurent Tourondel’s signature modern American steakhouse, offering prime cuts of beef and fresh fish, as well as a wide variety of tempting side dishes and classic American desserts. The 140-seat restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, and is accessible through both the hotel lobby and a separate entrance.
-The Lobby Lounge, offering sustainable organic cuisine; signature martinis, cocktails, wines, coffees and flavored iced teas; complimentary wireless Internet access; and boarding pass kiosk

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