Jetsettersblog

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of the 202-room Hyatt Regency Dushanbe, its first hotel in Tajikistan. The only hotel in the city bearing an international brand, Hyatt Regency Dushanbe is located in the city center on the main Ismoili Somoni Avenue by the grounds of the City Park, is adjacent to Lake Komsomol, and near the Ismaili Center-Jamatkhana and the new Presidential Palace. The hotel is in close proximity to the city’s embassies, government offices and ministries, and is a 15-minute drive from Dushanbe International Airport. Designed by the Columbus, Ohio, office of global architectural firm, NBBJ, in conjunction with HAS Architects Ltd. of Istanbul, the hotel, which is one of the area’s tallest buildings, boasts a z-shaped exterior, which is a distinctive, modern addition to the city. Previously, NBBJ completed other projects for Hyatt in Asia and North America.

The 202 guestrooms, including 42 suites, at Hyatt Regency Dushanbe combine distinctive architecture and contemporary design with traditional hospitality and attentive service.

The guestrooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular mountain views of the Hisor range and surrounding peaks. In-room amenities include 37-inch LCD televisions, tech-smart desks with broadband Internet connectivity and easily accessible electrical outlets. Spacious bathrooms feature bathtubs, rain showers, and heated floors. The hotel also offers the exclusive Regency Club.

The suites of the hotel are well designed for long-stay guests and feature a separate living room, a bedroom and a walk-in closet.

Connecting Regency rooms can extend the living spaces of all suites. All guests staying in suites have access to the Regency Club where they will find complimentary amenities such as continental breakfast; pressing services; tea, coffee and sodas available throughout the day; and cocktails each evening.

Suite guests are also welcome to use the exclusive Regency Club boardroom, which can accommodate meetings for up to six people. In addition to Regency Club access, guests staying in suites may take advantage of additional services including transfers to and from the airport; in-room check-in; fresh fruit platter or fruit basket; and complimentary Internet access throughout the hotel.

Hyatt Regency Dushanbe offers more than 15,000 square feet of conference and banquet space, suitable for a large variety of functions from discreet board meetings to large banquets and state functions.

Event space includes a 5,300-square-foot pillar-less Regency Ballroom, seven meeting rooms and two boardrooms. A three-meal dining venue, Foccacia Grill, features an open kitchen;

a wood-burning oven; a charcoal grill; the retail outlet, Pastry Shop; and a private dining room. Foccacia Grill offers a contemporary menu filled with dishes from Mediterranean and international cuisines. Other food and beverage options at the hotel include The Bar and The Lounge.

Due to open in April, the latest Hyatt Pure spa, Spa Sayohat, will offer advanced treatments and massages designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. Spa Sayohat will treat guests in one of its five treatment rooms, two couples rooms, or the relaxation room. A sauna, steam bath, cold plunge, Jacuzzi and juice bar will be available for spa guests to enjoy before or after a session in massage therapy, hydrotherapy, or cosmetology.

Also opening in April, the hotel’s fitness center will feature an indoor heated swimming pool; an exercise studio offering classes in yoga, aerobics, pilates and taekwondo; and a workout room with state-of-the-art cardiovascular Life Fitness equipment.

They take their food very seriously on the island of Anguilla. Lauded as one of the Caribbean’s hot culinary destinations, the chic island is not only acclaimed for its 5 star cuisine found island wide, but for its finger licking local fare cooked up at roadside stalls, beachside eateries and backyard fetes.

And it is the true flavor of this laid-back island that will be celebrated when the island holds the annual Festival Del Mar on Easter Weekend, April 11 – 12, 2009.

The community based tourism festival will be ALL about food and the island’s fishing industry. Held at Island Harbour, Anguilla’s primary fishing village, the weekend will celebrate the sea with its fresh bounty the star cuisine of the day and activities from deep-sea fishing to boat racing.

The island’s local chefs, whose specialties are served in food stalls that dot the island, will come together with the fisherman to provide a wide range of culinary offerings. In addition to the 20+ food stalls, some of the island’s celebrated restaurants (Hibernia, Cote Mer, KoKo’s, among others located in the area) will join in the food fest with stalls as well. The freshest fish and seafood – lobster, crayfish, conch, tuna, snapper – will be prepared every which way, with tastes ranging from hot and spicy to simply grilled, along with such island specialties as dumplings, fungi (corn meal prepared and served like polenta), fry cakes, rice and peas and other local delights.

Festivities begin early Saturday morning with the Deep Sea Fishing Tournament starting at 7:00am, followed by Sunfish Exhibitors and Boat Races. Admission is free. The food stalls will open at 10:00 am with culinary competitions set to take place throughout the afternoon, open to restaurants and non-restaurateurs. Categories will include best seafood soup or salad, best traditional seafood dish, best roasted or grilled seafood and much more.

Community activities will include awards for “Heaviest Catch of the Day;” tips on fishing, swimming races and traditional games – all to the beat of island music.

THE COVE ROTANA RESORT BRINGS A NEW LEVEL OF LUXURY TO RAS AL KHAIMAH

Rotana announces the opening of a new beach resort in the UAE’s most authentic Emirate

Rotana, the leading hotel management company in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced the opening of its first property in Ras Al Khaimah – The Cove Rotana Resort.

The Cove Rotana Resort is located at the entrance to Ras Al Khaimah, overlooking the Indian Ocean on an idyllic water inlet at Arqoob Beach. This exquisite resort offers authentic Arabian hospitality, an elegant design and more than 600 metres of beach, tranquil azure waters and a multitude of activities.

The get-away location is within easy reach of both Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah airport, perfect for business travellers and weekend trips to escape the bustle of city life.

The Cove Rotana Resort combines intimacy, comfort and exclusivity with the personalised service and attention to detail that are the hallmarks of Rotana. Indulgent amenities such as a well-appointed leisure and fitness centre and an excellent choice of restaurants, bar and lounge, all come together to create a new and irresistible oasis of relaxation.

Accommodating for singles, families or a group of friends, the resort houses 202 rooms and suites and 76 single or multi-room villas that offer breathtaking views. Guests will enjoy the design touches that give every room a distinct sense of Arabian luxury. All rooms combine attractive and contemporary accessories with modern day amenities.

The Cove Rotana Resort is all about fun, relaxation and excellent cuisine with recreational facilities and restaurants for every palate. Facilities include a fully-equipped gymnasium, Jacuzzi, steam and sauna rooms and seven massage rooms. Guests can also enjoy numerous watersport activities in addition to two swimming pools and 600 metres of alluring golden sand.

The hotel offers guests a choice of chic food and beverage outlets. Lively Cinnamon, the all-day dining restaurant, is the place to socialise over a casual meal with a circle of friends. Unwind and take in the calming atmosphere of poolside dining at Laguna Bay pool bar, which faces the villa islands and lagoons, Breeze bar and lobby lounge is an ideal please for an afternoon coffee or cocktail, Sunset pool bar has unrivaled views and large cushions to lounge in the shade, Breakers is located on the pristine beach and skilled chefs are bring a Mediterranean flavour to the upscale and Italian-influenced Basilico.

For the business traveller, The Cove Rotana Resort features three fully-equipped and stylish meeting rooms with the latest audio-visual equipment and IT facilities, making the resort ideal for small to mid-sized meetings of up to 150 delegates. A business centre with secretarial support is also available.

Business and weekend travellers will be in good hands with the management team, led by Omer Z. Kaddouri, Senior Vice President Rotana UAE, who is enthusiastic about the new location, “The Cove Rotana Resort is a milestone project, which is our first in Ras Al Khaimah, and we are very proud to be managing this landmark five-star resort.

“There is no better way to start 2009 than with the opening of this hotel, bringing renowned Rotana hospitality to Ras Al Khaimah. The team at The Cove Rotana Resort, headed by the General Manager Maurice de Rooij, have been working hand-in-hand with the owners Orascom Hotels and Development’s and Rotana Corporate Office to ensure all areas of the opening are perfected, for the operation of this property”.

Maurice De Rooij, General Manager of The Cove Rotana Resort, adds, “The management team and I are dedicated to making The Cove Rotana Resort the number one holiday resort for international, regional and local travellers in Ras Al Khaimah. The well-appointed and relaxed environment together with a wide range of culinary offerings makes this resort an ideal place to have a family outing or simply unwind and gives guests the chance to explore this untouched side of Ras Al Khaimah. The Cove Rotana Resort is an exclusive oceanfront property catering to those who seek a grander level of relaxation and comfort.”

For more information on this resort and the latest news on Rotana’s impressive expansion plan, please go to www.rotana.com

‘Gateway To The World’ Museum Of London Docklands Celebrates 100 Years Of London’s Port History

Museum of London Docklands welcomes the Port of London Authority (PLA) to help celebrate a century of service to the tidal Thames. The exhibition Port of London Authority: A century of service (30 March – 19 April 2009) forms part of a year long celebration of the PLA centenary. With over 100 captioned images, films and archive material telling stories from Polar expeditions to 1930s Christmas parties; this seafaring exhibit is not to be missed.

PLA chief executive, Richard Everitt, reflects:

“London isn’t just one of Europe’s great cities – it’s one of Europe’s great ports. Since the first Londoners settled on the banks of the Thames thousands of years ago, the river has fed, supplied and transported them. It still fulfils this vital task today under the stewardship of the Port of London Authority.

For the last 100 years the PLA has battled through two world wars and a revolution in shipping, to ensure the river remains an economic powerhouse for the people of London and the south east.

The tidal Thames is safer and more efficient today than it has ever been, and now the Museum of London Docklands is telling its story. It’s a tale of upheaval, change, sacrifice and, ultimately, success. It’s the story of a port authority, its people, the docks, and a river that has evolved alongside the city it serves.”

The PLA has worked to ensure that London remains a competitive port and to facilitate the safety of river users for over a century. The exhibition at Museum of London Docklands offers a rare chance to see items from the extensive PLA archive and collections including never before seen footage of the Thames and a brand new film about the PLA’s work, commissioned for the centenary.

The exhibition will also include:

o 20-25 graphic panels with captioned images that capture chronological history and development of the PLA from 1909 to 2009

o Stories from the PLA staff, documenting their time working on the tidal Thames over the last 100 years

o A dedicated display case of archive material including letters covering the PLA’s role in Polar expeditions during the early 1990s

David Spence, Director at Museum of London Docklands comments: “Our collection includes a significant amount of material from the PLA archive, so this celebration of the PLA is part of our history too, a chance to showcase the important and dynamic relationships we have with the varied organisations and people who play a vital part in the Thames history. The exhibition is a significant celebration of the PLA and Museum of London Dockland’s continuing relationship and work.”

Port of London Authority: A Century of Service opens on 30 March 2009 and runs until 19 April 2009 at Museum of London Docklands.

It is free to Port of London Authority staff and alumni staff and to Museum annual £5.00 ticket holders, admission for children is free.

Diversity, Originality and the Unexpected- the three elements you can uncover at London’s exciting Newburgh Quarter, to the East of internationally revered Carnaby. Mixing fashion, lifestyle and entertainment, this historic segment of the Capital is also on-trend and fashion-forward appealing to those who demand something different.

Rich in heritage, Newburgh Quarter has real character with its 17th Century cobbled streets, unique tall and narrow buildings- once Central London dwellings and was even a plague pit in the 1600’s. The Victorian craze for bath and wash houses saw the establishment of the infamous Marshall Street Baths (re-opening in 2010), a stone’s throw from where William Blake was born.

The vision of today’s Newburgh Quarter is clear- the remit to reflect the best of contemporary British and International talent in fashion, jewellery and accessories creating a sense of uniqueness and an exciting shopping adventure. Celebrity fans of the Newburgh Quarter include Matthew Williamson, Alex Turner, Fat Boy Slim, Pink, Brad Pitt, Kate Moss, Sadie Frost and Peaches Geldof.

The Great Frog has been in the Newburgh Quarter since the 1970’s and has been joined by the current vision and style of new, young talent such as Chateau Roux and Leluu. But whether established or new, all contribute their considerable talent to the lure of this creative, spirited community peppered with chic eateries, bars, cafes and traditional, welcoming Victorian public houses. It is a winning combination.

Add to this the fact that the Newburgh Quarter is in the West End, in the heart of the bustling centre and yet an enclave of its own, the very antithesis of the humdrum high street. It’s an added feature with so many owner- makers often working in and from their boutiques; the shopper often receives very personal attention from bespoke services to spirited advice.

The Newburgh Quarter is divided into streets- Newburgh Street, Marshall Street, Lowndes Court, Marlborough Court, East Foubert’s Place and East Ganton Street.

NEWBURGH STREET

Chateau Roux are experts in cutting edge streetwear which has both an edgy contemporary and realistic futuristic feel. The range of clothes available including an unexpected T-shirt range featuring challenging designs, with a comprehensive range of sweaters and jackets featuring bold prints and a rich colour palette to boot.

The latest opening on Newburgh Street, Leluu’s designs are purposefully unique. The emphasis is most certainly on a bold mixing of influences and styles created by Founder and Creative Director, Uyen. Unique material for her clothing range is sourced from Vietnam markets and she works with her family who tailors them at home. Here you can discover feminine clothing, cute accessories, shoes and amazing bags.

Decorate your home in contemporary decorative objects, china, lighting and furniture from Lifestylebazaar. The designers showcased are sourced and endorsed by the two co-owners who have a taste for the exquisite. The pantone mugs are a must buy in every rainbow colour.

A perfect example of Newburgh’s celebration of beautiful design is Beyond The Valley. A delightful store, gallery and studio that promotes the work of London’s emerging creative talents, acting as a platform for them to showcase their work in retail. Most products are totally exclusive to the store.

Anna Lou of London is ideal for those wanting fun fashion jewellery to make an impression. Key trend pieces include big letter charm necklaces in bright perspex a la Kate Moss and oversized flower headbands. Quite the little shop of treasures.

55DSL is the baby brother to Diesel and has a fun, open minded attitude, fusing sports and urban street style in aesthetically stunning garments aimed at free thinkers.

Fred Perry’s Newburgh store offers originals and collaboration pieces with Commes de Garcon, Paul Weller, Terry Hall and Swear footwear adding a twist to the great British heritage brand.

No. 6 are purveyors of ‘street’, selling coveted special edition Adidas sportswear and trainers. It is a shop, gallery and hang out area for those in the know. Look out for the Consortium range showcasing designs by the Undefeated Crew and Colette, Paris.

L.A. Sugar offers pretty silk printed dresses, tops and accessories all sourced from tinsel town. Adored by the L.A. fashion pack; Eva Longoria, Cameron Diaz and Lindsay Lohan have all been caught out and about in L.A. Sugar. Only available in the UK on Newburgh Street.
Other stores to visit on Newburgh Street include MAC, Levi’s conceptual store Cinch showcasing coveted collaborations with Henry Holland and Damian Hirst, Onitsuka Tiger, Savage London, and fine jeweller Van Den Berg.

MARLBOROUGH AND LOWNDES COURT

The Face, on Marlborough Court has a fantastic collection of original fashion from the 60’s, including menswear, womenswear and accessories such as their infamous winkle pickers.

MARSHALL STREET

Explore Marshall Street, parallel to Newburgh Street.

Hurwundeki is an inspirational store with their own unique range of irresistible cutting-edge clothing and accessories available at remarkably reasonable prices. The boutique has quite a cult following.

The Concrete boutique sources alternative, up and coming labels for their boutique which alongside their own range, Unconditional. Concrete is a mecca for those seeking something distinctive and inspiring.

Bob Soho is a stylish hair salon with a difference.

GANTON STREET

Doors by Jas M.B. is effortlessly stylish and refreshingly unpretentious. The boutique’s trademark is the range of Italian leather bags, visionary in style and craftsmanship. Customers can choose the leather and design they prefer to create the ultimate in bespoke bags.

Something of a Newburgh Street ‘veteran’ yet no one more with their finger on the contemporary pulse, The Great Frog has been established here since 1976. The merchandise is all hand crafted, mostly in silver and some set with stones to highlight staring eyes or decorate a worked design element. The purpose was to create challenging, dramatic jewellery. Johnny Depp, Iron Maiden and Lenny Kravitz are all fans.

Mor challenge traditional jewellery designs with their hand crafted ethnic inspired ranges. Many pieces are one-off and a bespoke service is also offered for customers who would prefer pieces designed in platinum or gold.

For girls who love flamboyant fun clothing and accessories, Joie is a dream come true. Look out for the pretty vintage inspired fabrics, dresses in psychedelic colours and cardigans with cute trims.

EAST FOUBERT’S PLACE

Pamper yourself in Cowshed’s concept store with their premium range of naturally based bath and body products hand made from only the finest natural ingredients. Be sure to indulge in the beauty treatments also on offer, well known for their therapeutic rewards.

FOOD/ DRINK IN THE NEWBURGH QUARTER

Shopping can be thirsty work, so regain your composure with a cheeky tipple at The White Horse or The Shaston Arms, both traditional English pubs, packed with characters from Carnaby, the atmosphere is cosy, the food hearty, and is certain to have you returning for more.

Alternatively, Canela on Newburgh Street is a Brazilian and Portuguese café popular with locals where the coffee is brewed strong, the service is warm and the food mouth-watering. Check out their lunch offers.

La Trouvaille, a quaint restaurant and wine bar, has a philosophy of passion, serving French inspired food with the finest ingredients in an upbeat atmosphere. They regularly host cheese and wine evenings with a 3 course dinner for two, the vineyard owner attends to discuss the intimate details of their wine.

The New Newburgh Quarter is quite simply, the new way to shop.

www.carnaby.co.uk

Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson’s privately owned collection of luxury retreats, is delighted to announce the addition of a new luxurious ‘Cliff Lodge’ at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve from April this year.

Cliff Lodge will have an eclectic African feel with a strong traditional South African theme running through. Furniture has been custom-designed and made; to complement the solid African Teak wooden floors. Colourful and dynamic artwork, by renowned South African artists, decorates the stunning bedrooms and lounges. Access to the Cliff Lodge will be via a wooden walkway from the main house of Rock Lodge allowing guests who stay in Cliff Lodge to feel a sense of adventure as soon as they stroll over the walkway to their secluded suite.

Cliff Lodge will comprise of two one-bedroom suites. The larger of the two suites has a luxurious one-bedroom suite and two additional small pull-out beds, an en-suite bathroom, separate kitchen, private dining area, a bar, a spacious lounge to relax in with all the latest technology, an outdoor deck with a braai area and a large swimming pool. Guests who wish to indulge in some pampering or feel the need for a workout with a spectacular view can use the small spa and gym as well. It also has a smaller second bedroom/study which can accommodate one adult or two small children.

The second suite is a luxurious bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, lounge area with fireplace and a spacious outdoor deck with Jacuzzi. The suite also has two small pull-out beds.

Cliff Lodge can be booked exclusively accommodating a maximum of five adults and four children. Exclusive use will include the use of both suites, a private game drive vehicle and a chef!

The two suites will also be able to be booked individually.

In November of last year Ulusaba also introduced a stunning new ‘Treehouse suite’ and open air viewing lounge.

The Treehouse Suite overlooks the Xikwenga Dam, where hippos and elephants come to bathe and is perfect for those looking for a little more privacy and seclusion.

Access to the suite takes 15 minutes by footbridge from the main Safari Lodge so guests can hide away with just the animals for company.

Set on the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa, Ulusaba brings the thrill of adventure and safari traditions of Africa to life in an exclusive and luxurious setting.

Virgin Limited Edition is a collection of unique retreats chosen for their stunning locations, magnificent surroundings and offering a sense of fun, style, luxury and exceptional personal service.

The group includes Necker Island in the Caribbean’s British Virgin Islands, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in South Africa, Sa Terra Rotja in Mallorca;

The Roof Gardens and Babylon Restaurant in London; Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco, and The Lodge in Verbier.

For bookings please call 0800 716 919 or visit www.virginlimitededition.com  for more details.

At Thailand’s northernmost point, in the Golden Triangle area where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, the Chiang Saen Water Festival will stretch from April 13 to 21, 2009. A special ceremony each day will pay homage to the town’s Buddha image, while after nightfall, visitors can join a traditional Lanna-style dinner, known as Khan Tok. The festival will also feature a fair of locally made arts & crafts, as well as traditional folk dance performances.

For more information, please visit www.tourismthailand.org

Nomads, Australia’s premium Backpacking and Flashpacking accommodation network, has opened a new “FLASHPACKERS” in Byron Bay. The brand new property, which opened on 2nd March 2009 consists of 52 rooms in a variety of dorms, family and king ensuite configuration.

BYRON BAY, AUSTRALIA — Located in stunning Byron Bay, on the New South Wales North Coast, ‘Nomads Odyssey Backpackers’ is located on the corner of Jonson and Byron Streets within easy walking distance to Main Beach and situated right behind the iconic ‘Great Northern Hotel’. Guests will love the high standard of facilities and great location of the property.

With 24 ensuite king and family rooms, Nomads Odyssey Backpackers will attract the new Flashpacking market who demand higher facilities but also require the interaction and community so sought after by backpackers. Nomads Odyssey Backpackers also offers 4, 6, and 8 bed dorm rooms for the traditional backpacker market.

With facilities such as 24 hour internet, 24 hour reception, tour and travel desk as well as a fully equipped kitchen and common areas, Nomads Odyssey Backpackers is the place to stay, meet new friends and explore the stunning NSW North Coast.

About Nomads

Nomads have 14 owned & managed properties and 20 affiliated member hostels around Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, with over 4000 beds, all catering to the backpacker and Flashpackers travellers.

Every year over half a million travelers stay with Nomads.

For more information, please contact us at

marketing@nomadsworld.com

National County Card’s position as a leader in providing golf club members with substantial green fee discounts at some of the world’s top venues has been enhanced after Le Touessrok became the third luxury resort to join the scheme this year.

Le Touessrok Golf Course in Mauritius has followed in the footsteps of Druids Glen, in Ireland, and new Portuguese resort Bom Sucesso in signing up to National County Card (NCC) – the innovative concept designed to benefit private member clubs and their members.

Under the terms of the new agreement, NCC card holders will be entitled to play the award-winning course, regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world and set in the Indian Ocean, for 20 per cent less than the normal green fee during the high and low season.

“Le Touessrok Golf Course is excited to partner with the National County Card and the promotional benefits this excellent partnership will bring us,” said David Marsh, general manager at Le Touessrok Golf Course.

“We are always looking at ways to increase business volumes to Le Touessrok Golf Course and the National County Card program is the perfect vehicle to help us achieve this goal.

“The scheme offers golfers a fantastic opportunity of playing some great golf courses at exceptionally competitive green fee prices and we look forward to welcoming the first NCC golfers.”

NCC has more than 1,200 courses across the world in its growing portfolio including San Roque, La Manga and PGA de Catalunya in Spain, Oceanico Group’s seven courses in Portugal and two of the most famous venues in America – Doral Golf Resort, venue for this year’s WGC CA Championship and the Stadium Course at Sawgrass, Florida.

Le Touessrok has won a series of awards since the Bernhard Langer-designed course was unveiled in 2003, including being voted the Indian Ocean Leading Golf Resort at the World Travel Awards in 2007, and regularly features in polls for the top ten golfing venues in the world.

The course is situated on its own 130-acre island ‘Ile aux Cerfs’ a seven-minute water taxi ride away from the mainland resort, all 18 holes of the 7,056-yard championship course have views of the ocean and water is an essential feature of the lay-out – which has been designed to challenge advanced players while remaining exciting and playable for recreational golfers.

Rob Sutton, managing director of NCC, said: “Le Touessrok is regarded as one of the top golfing destinations anywhere in the world and their decision to join NCC shows how far the scheme has come in a relatively short space of time.

“We have taken a major step forward in the first three months this year and it is all part of our determination to reward golf club members for their continual commitment to the game.”

All members of private members clubs with a valid handicap certificate can buy an NCC card and take advantage of discounted green fees at leading venues across the UK, Europe and North America by buying one of the cards for just £24.95 for 12 months’ membership.

NCC is free to join for private members clubs and offers a series of benefits including a complimentary tailored advertising campaign at a nearby driving range – aimed at increasing memberships and visitor levels.

In addition, enrolled clubs will also receive £5 per card sold when their members buy a card to play at any of the clubs enrolled in the scheme.

For a full list of NCC courses and details on how to join, go to www.nationalcountycard.co.uk  .

For more details on Le Touessrok Golf Course, visit www.letouessrokresort.com

Information for media: Issued by Andrew Tremlett Associates.

For more details, please contact Andy Tremlett on 07775 842716 or Pete Simm on 07747 012539, or e-mail ajtrem@aol.com  or simm_6@msn.com

Introducing Anantara Spa Phuket, where soothing treatments and modern amenities combine with ancient cultures and healing wisdom to create a luxuriously unique spa experience.

Anantara Spa Phuket is defined by the beauty and symbolism of the lotus flower. Considered in cultures around the world as the embodiment of purity, the lotus is also one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism – which is widely practised in Thailand – and represents enlightenment, rebirth and self-regeneration.

With its roots in the earth, its growth sustained by water, its leaves nourished by air, and its blooms made radiant by the fire of the sun, the lotus is the perfection of the fourfold order of the natural world. The emergence of a new flower from its earth-bound origins is an act of transcendence in which a higher world is reached beyond the physical self. It is with this symbolism in mind that Anantara Spa Phuket has combined age-old relaxation and restoration techniques with aromatic oils that allow guest to rediscover the inner and outer beauty that so often becomes clouded by life’s daily struggles.

The unique range of treatments is an homage to the mystical influences of the lotus: the white lotus for cleansing and de-stressing, the red lotus for the romance of couple’s treatments and the majestic double rose lotus to represent the stunning spa rituals.

The Anantara Spa Phuket is set over 1,000 square metres and has five treatment suites, some with sumptuous bathtubs for bathing rituals, a suite dedicated to the ancient Indian therapies of ayurveda and a yoga sala. The team of highly trained and nurturing receptionists and therapists are dedicated to creating unforgettable guest experiences that are as personalised as possible. Pampering products resplendent with intoxicating fragrances and genuinely proven properties combine with unparalleled service to promote inner calm, balance and harmony.

The Signature Massage is a perfect blend of East and West that allows guests to experience the benefits of traditional Oriental medicine in the realms of comfort and relaxation.

The therapist uses a unique blend of oils and purpose-designed massage to concentrate on the body’s meridian liens to stimulate blood circulation, provide deep relaxation of the muscles and clear any blockages of energy or “Prana”.

Three and five-day spa journeys offer guests the opportunity to totally immerse themselves into a quest for healthy living, spiritual vitality and sheer beauty, both inside and out. Special treatments for two including massages, facials and body treatments can be enjoyed by couples, friends or mothers and daughters in one of the double therapy suites.

The Anantara Spa Phuket has been created as a haven of peace, calm and serenity where guests can leave behind the stresses and strains of everyday life and begin to synchronise the subtle energies of their being.

Our unique combination of rich local ingredients using herbs and plants, blended to achieve delicate flavours, luxurious aromas and powerful sensations will take guests on the path to ultimate self-regeneration. Whether it’s a brightening facial to enhance the natural glow of the skin or a yoga and meditation session to harmonise the body’s subtle energies, a visit to Anantara Spa Phuket will leave guests rejuvenated and revitalised.