Jetsettersblog

Perla Boneriano is a new dive resort in Bonaire, consisting of seven villas, divided into 12 apartments featuring a pool and is within walking distance of the sea.

Four of the villas are already finished and the other units will be available soon.

All the villas of Perla Boneriano have several ecological features: solar hot water panels, LED-lights for the pool, solar-powered evening lights, and septic tanks for re-usable water for the garden.

For more information, call 599-717-6955, email info@perlaboneriano.com  or visit www.perlaboneriano.com/rentals

Experience the thrill of an African safari from your own private suite aboard a luxurious 45 meter riverboat on Namibia and Botswana’s great Chobe River.

The Zambezi Queen, Africa’s newest luxury riverboat safari, is due to launch in November this year. There can be few natural wonders as synonymous with Africa’s raw wilderness as this stretch of untamed waters. The Chobe River divides Botswana’s Chobe National Park from Namibia’s Caprivi Strip and its exotic banks boast one of the densest populations of wildlife on the African continent.

Chobe National Park is teeming with life and sprawls across some 11, 000 km² of lush African bush. It is home to the largest populace of elephants in the world, currently estimated at about 120, 000.

Along with the elephants, prides of lion, leopard, huge herds of buffalo and numerous species of antelope can be seen on the river banks, with hippos and crocodiles in the waters alongside. It is on this great expanse of water that an adventure unlike any other awaits.

The Zambezi Queen operates in opulent luxury, where the essence is about pampering, indulgence, and personalised comfort in the heart of African wilderness. The 14 Suites, of which 4 are Master Suites, will all enjoy private balconies and fans, full length sliding shutters for privacy and protection from the sun, mosquito screens and the finest finishes.

Of the vessel’s three levels, the first boasts an air-conditioned reading room, which offers a library of books on the fauna, flora and history of the area, numerous games, a DVD player with wildlife documentaries and computer facilities with Internet access.

The remainder of the first and the entire second deck contain the 14 Suites and Master Suites. On the third level with unobstructed views on three sides, guests will dine in absolute luxury whilst taking in the picturesque African surroundings.

Pete Goff-Wood, self-styled food guru and one of South Africa’s top chefs, has been commissioned to create a menu that reflects the flavours of Africa. He has extensive experience in all things pertaining to the African palate and specialises in authentic cuisine.

All sous-chefs and waiters have been trained at his Cape Town-based training centre. In the centre is.

Also on the third level is a stylish bar stocked with the finest wines and spirits and an open-plan lounge area with wood-burning fireplace. All areas are protected by mosquito screens, allowing for a comfortable and pleasant environment for relaxing and dining. Two outside areas on the top deck include a shaded area with seating and a pool and sun bathing area.

Your home for the next 2 or 3 nights, depending on the cruise cycle, a voyage on the Zambezi Queen includes collection from either Botswana immigration at Kasane on the banks of Chobe River or Impilila airstrip on the Namibian side. Special arrangements can be made for other land transfer requirements. Included in the price are all meals prepared by skilled chefs; local wine and beers with meals and during game drives; water-based game viewing on smaller boats enabling close-up viewing in an environment where the animals feel comfortable; land-based 4×4 game viewing in Botswana’s Chobe National Park; tiger fishing in season; bird watching from smaller boats and a land-based cultural tour of local villages. A dedicated team of experienced guides, chefs and hands-on staff will ensure a memorable experience for all guests.

Sustainable, responsible tourism lies at the heart of this project. One of Zambezi Queen’s major concerns is the preservation of this unspoilt area.

The boat has therefore been designed and built to very specific requirements. It does not use conventional propellers but a jet propulsion system which reduces damage to the river bed and enables the boat to operate in very shallow water.

At night it switches over to a low emission power system for lighting, refrigerators and other requirements. This unique system will allow guests to enjoy the sounds of the bush, undisturbed by the unwanted sounds of modern technology.

All hot water requirements are provided by solar panels which transfers the sun’s heat to storage boilers. Taps and showers incorporate the most advanced water saving designs available and all waste water is stored in holding tanks, so as to prevent discharging directly into the river.

Launching in November 2009, Zambezi Queen is owned by business partners Tony Stern and Brett McDonald.

Tony’s flair for design and Brett’s passion for Africa form the catalyst behind the creation of one of Africa’s most luxurious vessels. Brett, assisted by his wife Jacqui, who have both spent many years in the surrounding areas, have an intimate knowledge of Africa and a valuable understanding of delivering a unique African safari experience to their guests. Living at the base camp, they will be responsible for operations and guest management.

Zambezi Queen provides a sophisticated, elegant experience that has retained the essence of all that is uniquely African. Whether dining on the top level while watching the wildlife gather at the waters at dusk, game viewing from one of the private boats, or attempting to land your first tiger fish, Zambezi Queen’s professional team will be on hand to meet your every need.

Bonaire Wedding Pros is a consortium of several Bonaire companies who have joined together to assist those getting married on Bonaire.

The participating companies are Suze’s Wedding Planning, Philip’s Cooking, Fish Eye Photo, Barbel’s Hair and Make-up.

For more information, visit www.BonaireWeddingPros.com 

Looking for a first-time skiing holiday that offers more than just the slopes? Then Slovenia could be the perfect choice.

Just a two-hour flight from London, Slovenia is one of the cheapest skiing destinations in Europe. Its ski resorts are world class but include plenty of gentler slopes suitable for beginners.

What’s more, as one of Europe’s most compact countries, it’s easy to escape the pistes and combine a ski trip with a distinctive city experience in the picturesque capital, Ljubljana.

About 40 per cent of Slovenia is mountainous so skiing is a national sport. The country hosts the men’s and women’s World Cup slaloms every year (at Kranjska Gora and Maribor-Pohorje respectively) and offers dozens of other ski areas. From the award-winning Krvavec (identified by one UK national newspaper as ‘the best ski short break resort in Europe’) to the charming little resort of Cerkno, Slovenia is becoming renowned for its beautiful alpine settings and its skilled ski instructors.

Visitors can take full advantage of their surroundings by trying some of the other popular winter activities on offer: snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, dog sledding, ice-skating and ice-climbing. In the main tourist resorts, horse drawn sleigh rides are also available.

In addition, Slovenia consistently ranks among Europe’s most affordable skiing destinations – significantly cheaper than ski resorts in France, Switzerland and Austria. The World Ski Lift Ticket Price Report (2009) reported that last season, Brits paid an average of £168.98 for a six-day lift pass across all destinations, with prices in Europe reaching an average of €245 in Andorra.

By comparison, the price of a six-day pass at Slovenia’s top resorts Kranjska Gora and Maribor was €147 (approximately £128). Slovenia’s ski resorts also stand out for their high quality, offering Western standard accommodation and service at Eastern European prices.

Although flights from London to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, take only around two hours, the country still remains untainted by tourist influence or over-development and offers a traditional ski experience – off-the-beaten-track adventure with interesting cultural experiences.

The country’s compact size (Slovenia is slightly smaller than Wales) means that you can be on the top of a mountain within 45 minutes of leaving the airport in Ljubljana. You can also easily combine your ski break with a city experience – either by staying in the mountains and heading to the city at the end of the day, or by using Ljubljana as a base for your skiing and other outdoor activities.

The ski season in Slovenia begins as early as November and in resorts such as Mount Kanin – the highest in the country – the snow remains well into the spring.

For further information about Slovenia and its winter sports scene visit www.slovenia.info

Virgin Atlantic Airways has a special fall promotion that allows travelers to earn an American Express-branded rewards card valued up to $300 for every qualifying roundtrip flight they take before the end of November.

Until Nov. 30, 2009, travelers flying between the U.S. and London in Upper Class, Premium Economy or Economy (in booking classes J, D, W or Y) will receive an American Express-branded rewards card for each way they fly to and from London.

No matter how many times they fly, passengers can earn an unlimited number of reward cards between the set dates. Upper Class passengers will receive a rewards card worth $150 each way; Premium Economy passengers will receive a rewards card worth $75 each way; and Economy passengers will receive a rewards card worth $25 each way.

To qualify, travelers must join or be existing members of the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and register for the “Never Been So Rewarding” fall promotion before taking their first qualifying flight.

In addition to earning unlimited American Express-branded rewards cards, Flying Club members will also earn miles.

For more information, visit www.virginatlantic.com/payday

 
Elegant Resorts is delighted to be the exclusive UK tour operator for the Virgin Galactic Experience, due to launch in 2011.

Virgin Galactic Sub-Orbital Space Flights

With 3 days of training required, including full G-force acclimatisation, the sub-orbital space flights will truly offer an experience unlike any other, with the opportunity to unfasten those seatbelts and float in zero gravity, enjoying extraordinary views of the earth below. After the three days training and fitness assessment, flight day will see passengers boarding SpaceShipTwo for their 2 hour sub-orbital experience, which will be followed by a launch at 50,000ft by WhiteKnightTwo.

After accelerating to Mach 3.3 in 30 seconds in a vertical ascent, SS2 will slow to reach 110km into space from where passengers can view the earth below from their zero gravity position.

The Virgin Galactic Experience costs US$200,000 p.p.** with deposits starting at US$20,000, and is planned to commence in 2-3 years.

And for those who just can’t wait, Elegant Resorts offers two extraordinary ‘space experiences’:

ZERO-G Parabolic Flights

Follow in the feet of all astronauts, who train for spaceflight on the specially modified Boeing 727. A ZERO-G Experience is the only one of its kind and the ultimate opportunity to experience true weightlessness. During the flight, 12-15 parabolic arcs are performed mid-air to create a weightless environment allowing you to float, flip and soar as if you were in space. The ZERO-G Experience is available with Elegant Resorts, from US $5,197.50 per person**.

Upcoming ZERO-G flight dates include  October 3 – Washington DC& November 7 – Cape Canaveral, Florida.

National Aerospace Training & Research Centre Sub-Orbital Space Flight Introduction, Philadelphia
Join the elite few to who have experienced the real sensations of space flight at NASTAR in Philadelphia. Learn the dynamics of space, the effects of G forces and practice comprehensive techniques used by real NASA astronauts to physically and mentally prepare you to handle the physical stresses that affect your body during space travel. Then, take your seat in the centre’s high-performance human centrifuge and enjoy the Virgin Galactic sub-orbital space flight simulation experience.

The 1 day NASTAR Sub-Orbital Space Flight Introduction Programme with Elegant Resorts costs from US $2700 per person**.
* 20th July 1969 is based on EDT, if using GMT then the date is 21st July

* * All the above prices are exclusive of flights, transfers and accommodation.

Elegant Resorts is extremely proud to be Virgin Galactic’s only Accredited Space Agent for the UK. To book your Virgin Galactic, NASTAR or ZERO-G experience, and for further information about Space Travel with Virgin Galactic please contact the Elegant Resorts Space Team on 01244 897 003 or space@elegantresorts.co.uk

15000 Sq.ft. of Wellness Centre with state-of-the-art ‘Serena Spa’ now open at Novotel Hyderabad Airport, Shamshabad

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Hotel is located only minutes away from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and a short trip from Hyderabad’s city centre, by highway or public transport system.

Serena Spa at Novotel Hyderabad Airport has developed an essence of individuality, a pampering spa experience that delivers a healthy, natural and extremely enjoyable rejuvenating experience. Serena Spa is a must do when at Novotel or in the Hyderabad surrounds. The pleasing interiors and soothing atmosphere combined with the friendly nurturing spa practitioners create a ‘new ‘you’ at the Serena Spa.

Serena spa is a spacious 7265 sq ft space which includes a salon. The spa is complete with a couple massage room with shower and steam, 5 massage rooms with private showers, herbal bath, pedicure and manicure room, relaxation area, relaxing chair, a back and foot massage room, separate male and female changing area equipped with steam, shower and ice room and a large reception area.

No matter whether you prefer to feel fit, fresh and natural; drenched in sweet and fragrant aromas; or silken smooth and polished, you’ll quickly find a favourite on the Serena Spa menu. Be scrubbed, wrapped, cleansed and moisturized from top to toe and all around, with one of our heavenly body treatments.

Massage is not only for those who have an active lifestyle. Serena Spa’s wide range of energizing and relaxing body treatments will restore your senses, connect every inch of your body, and make you feel that you are living life to the full again. Specially trained therapists use only natural oils, scrubs and scents in Anti-stress, slimming and rejuvenation packages.

Take your pick from among the Marma Body, Mind and Spirit Massage, Serenity Full Body Massage, the Anti-Stress Head Neck and Shoulder Massage, Thai Yoga Massage, the Aromatic Back Massage, or the Sports Massage. Couples can opt for the deeply relaxing Adam & Eve Serenity Massage.

Body Works: The spa offers a range of scrubs, wraps and body polish to give you that gleaming, glowing skin that most of us only dare to dream of.

Be it the removal of dead layers of skin, protecting the skin from overexposure to the sun, deep cleansing, rehydrating and revitalizing it or eliminating water retention, they use a range of natural products such as honey, coffee, orange, sesame, papaya, coconut, yoghurt and turmeric to revive and smoothen the skin.

Facials: The face calls for special attention, and Serena Spa gives it its due by a thorough regimen of cleansing, gentle exfoliation, toning, moisturizing and massage. Again only natural products, such as fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables are used, with individual attention to dry, mature, sensitive and normal skin types. Allow your inner beauty to shine through a smooth, rejuvenated face and figure, with their beauty treatments for either sex.

Serena Spa offers an extensive range of salon services as well as spa home care products. Salon Treatments such as Hair styling & colouring, pedicure, manicure, waxing, threading, Mehendi etc are available. Pamper yourself in the sun with the Outdoor swimming pool in an elegant garden setting.

Novotel Hyderabad Airport is built over five acres of beautifully landscaped area. With 305 well appointed guest rooms, this hotel is contemporary and fresh in design. The lobby with modern interiors is spacious and well lit with natural light during the day.

The warm atmosphere in the hotel is appealing and adds to the stress free, efficient and pleasant ambience.

In addition to comfortable rooms with a warm atmosphere and modern amenities, Novotel Hyderabad Airport offers restaurants and bars that are designed for both international and Indian palette.

The hotel also provides the largest Gym and Spa complex in any hotel in the city (15000sq.ft.) and an outdoor swimming pool.

Whether you are in Hyderabad for business or relaxation, Serena Spa at Novotel Hyderabad Airport makes your stay as comfortable, peaceful and stress-free as possible. You can let go of your cares and worries, settle and relax.

Serena Spa operates spas in several countries; In India they are operational in Delhi, Udaipur, Cochin, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Chennai and Mumbai would be operational by the end of August this year.

Serena Spa has always been among the awardees in the spa industry for excellence.

 Zen Serena Spa at The Metropolitan Hotel New Delhi – won the Asia Spa & wellness Festival 2009 Gold Awards for the “BEST HOTEL SPA” category.

 “Conde Nast Traveller Readers spa Award” – Devigarh Serena Spa at Devigarh resort rated “4th Best Spa in Asia and Indian Sub-continent”. Placed 22 in “The World’s Top 25 Spas”.

The new Serena Spa, state of the art ultra modern spa is at:

Novotel Hyderabad Airport,
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad,
RangaReddy District, Hyderabad,
Andhra Pradesh – 501 218.
Ph: +91 40- 66503841
EMAIL: novotelhyd@serenaspa.com
Web site : www.novotelhyderabadairport.com

In this day and age, it can often feel that everyone’s only out for himself. An appetite for both the big and little things in life, which satiate a hunger for maximum personal joy, only serves to create a dog-eat-dog world—one that is expedient yet insidious. The resulting effect: a self-centred worldview, a greedy ambition and a blatant disregard for the community.

Enter Alila Villas Hadahaa, the very first ultra-premium resort to open in the unspoiled and unsullied Southern Atolls in the enchanted isles of Maldives,.

Representing Alila Hotels and Resorts’ new generation of high-end luxury villas, this luxury resort is more than just the ‘new kid on the block’. If anything, the Green Globe-certified Alila Villas Hadahaa will teach its elders in the hospitality arena a thing or two about giving back to the community and what is the hallmark of true hospitality.

The juxtaposition of a spectacularly stylish luxury resort against the humble Maldivian way of life in a part of the country where most of the country’s islanders live may be a little odd, even jarring, but Alila Villas Hadahaa puts cynics and sceptics to shame with its genuine fervour to bless the community in a variety of intentional endeavours. The resort’s community efforts, backed by a commitment to support the Maldivian community in which it is located, are commendable, inspiring, refreshing and undeniably crucial. “We count ourselves fortunate to be able to build such a beautiful property on the previously untouched Gaafu Alifu Atoll, and we seek to involve and give back as much as we possibly can to its equally lovely community,” says Mr. Julian Moore, the General Manager of the resort.

The “Gift-to-Share” programme, to commemorate and coincide with the luxury resort’s opening, is just one such community effort which proudly resonates this ethos. Not only does Alila Villas Hadahaa participate, but the resort brings it one noble notch up by implementing a scheme which encourages its guests to give as well. For trips booked at opening rates, Alila Villas Hadahaa will waive accommodation charges for every second night, on top of presenting all guests with a host of complimentary Alila hospitalities and villa amenities (that’s a lot of savings).

Fuelled by the belief that ‘it is better to teach one to fish, than to give one a fish’, Alila Villas Hadahaa has initiated three Maldivian community programmes: building up a reference and research library in the local schools for the Maldivian children; re-introducing Maldivian traditional crafts into primary schools; and introducing community farming projects.

Guests will be introduced to the “Gift-to-Share” programme at the luxury resort itself, with the non-pushy, no-obligations option to share the ‘Gift’ by choosing to donate any amount they wish in support of their preferred Maldivian community programme.

With a deep curiosity about issues its community face and the solutions needed, Alila Villas Hadahaa sent Mr. Moore, an established hotel management expert, to spend many months interacting with the islanders.

His goal was to integrate their opinions and feedback in devising ways to enhance and better their living conditions. After intensive research and much careful thought, the resort management created the three community programmes to purposefully address pressing education, culture and income issues which inhibit progress for the Maldivians.

All three programmes are well-calculated and designed to empower individuals in practical ways, no matter at what circumstance or at which stage of their lives.

The reference and research library initiative stems from the hope of charting a child’s path right, by providing Maldivian children access to information and knowledge. Although a physical library will not be literally built, the funds collected will go towards supporting local primary schools, who can then add good quality materials to their own libraries. Such aid tremendously benefits those who have little access to educational resources and literary knowledge, giving each young child a leg up in dreaming bigger dreams.

As the Maldives—one of the world’s smallest nations—grows to become the epitome of luxury beach breaks, traditional artisanal crafts sadly become lost as generations pass. Especially targeted at youths, Alila Villas Hadahaa valiantly attempts to re-introduce Maldivian crafts to the community, in order to share the knowledge of the past with Maldivian artisans of the future.

The programme seeks to reach out to professional and experienced artists, usually middle-aged, and sponsors them to teach classes in schools. Crafts include traditional painting, lacquer ware, net weaving, and assembling gold or silver craft. Looking into the future, the luxury resort hopes to institute a craft centre to provide the training of skills, not only to preserve culture, but as a means of generating a source of income for the local Maldivians.

The over-arching objective of the community farming project is to proffer the islanders a sustainable food supply and enable them to develop a commercial enterprise in supplying upcoming resorts. Yes, even the ones that are not managed by Alila. Understanding that local agricultural produce has to meet international standards in order to profit, the luxury resort seeks to help local farmers improve knowledge on farming techniques.

Funds will be channelled towards a government programme to provide the farmers with necessary skills and tools. Also, by educating the farmers on the types and quality of produce required at the resort, Alila Villas Hadahaa can support the local suppliers in a very tangible way, and switch from international to local suppliers.

Programmes and funds aside, what Alila Villas Hadahaa really does is to create an authentic experience for guests, far beyond a temporary journey of wonderment and lavish comfort. Alila Villas Hadahaa imparts and reminds guests of a simple truth: it is better to give than to receive.

In line with the recent Maldivian tourism policy aimed at increasing contact between visitors and locals, the upcoming resort will be a fabulous example that should hopefully abolish the existing parallel world of resort islands and islands inhabited by Maldivians.

“Alila Villas Hadahaa is an eminent manifestation of the Alila Experience— centered on building emotional ‘moments of truth’ between the guest, hotel and destination,” says Mr. Frederic Flageat-Simon, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Alila Hotels and Resorts.

Even as corporate social responsibility is the new buzz word in business, Alila Villas Hadahaa takes community involvement to a whole new level. Proving itself through its intentional community programmes and passionate rally for guests’ participation,

Alila Villas Hadahaa is definitely not a white-washed tomb, nor merely an enchantingly hold-your-breath beautiful resort with splendid scenery, but is ultimately a resort built on substance, soul and heart.

About Alila Villas Hadahaa

Alila Villas Hadahaa is set on the pristine tropical island of Hadahaa in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, southern Maldives, surrounded by a vast expanse of sea, stunning coral reef, abundant fish life, and stands of the native Sea Trumpet and Sea Hearse.

Alila Villas Hadahaa features 14 stilted over-the-water Aqua Villas and 36 Island Villas, 20 of which come with a private pool. In-resort facilities and services include PADI dive centre and water sports centre, two large freshwater swimming pools, a Leisure Concierge, Spa by Mandara, a fully-equipped gym and yoga centre, a Maldivian specialty restaurant, a fine-dining restaurant, a poolside and cigar bar, and a library with a star-gazing roof.

Alila Villas Hadahaa, which represents Alila Hotels and Resorts’ new generation of high end luxury resorts, captures the authentic Maldivian experience of tranquillity and space so passionately sought after by discerning travellers.

Alila Villas Hadahaa is setting new standards for luxury living in natural environments with unique bespoke Maldivian experiences. Sustainably designed by the award-winning SCDA Architects and then carefully constructed from the ground up, Alila Villas Hadahaa is the first resort in the Maldives to have achieved the prestigious Green Globe ‘Building, Planning and Design Standard’ Certified status.

About Alila Hotels and Resorts

Alila Hotels and Resorts offers a stylish, relaxing environment with a new level of guest experience which is continuously redefined by the latest developments in design and living. Alila Hotels and Resorts fashions uniquely different lifestyle concepts in creating luxurious destination experiences for its guests.

The management company has gained much repute as a niche innovator of exclusive resorts that differentiate themselves by adding that special lifestyle component. The Alila Experiences are centred on building unique emotional “moments of truth” between the guest, the hotel and destination. More information about its current hotels and resorts in Bali, Jakarta, Thailand, and Laos can be found at www.alilahotels.com

Currently, Alila is embarking on its next generation of high end luxury resorts in Bali, China, India, Indochina, Thailand, Maldives, Oman and the Gulf region.

German Speaking Prestige Partner ‘The Luxury Experience’

GHM (General Hotels Management) has appointed prestige travel consultants ‘The Luxury Experience’ (TLE) to promote its worldwide collection of exclusive hotels and resorts, in German-speaking markets.

TLE specialises in sales & marketing services on behalf of international luxury hotels in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

GHM seeks to develop those core markets amid international expansion of the brand exporting Asian-style hospitality to luxury hotels and resorts worldwide.

Its fast-growing portfolio currently numbers 14 resorts in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Oman and South Beach, Miami.

Over the next three years GHM is expanding to 23 resorts, with nine new properties scheduled to open in Phuket, Mexico, Oman, Dubai, Greece, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Mainland China and Bali.

“The value of having a presence in the German market is more important than ever as we expand internationally in the challenging market conditions of today,” said GHM Director and President, Hans Jenni.

TLE has well established links with prime travel agencies, high-end tour operators, travel managers, incentive agencies, airlines and manufacturers of luxury consumer goods in the German-speaking markets.

The company was founded by managing director Susana Ng, a Hong Kong native, who was formerly sales manager for The Leading Hotels of the World.

For more information please visit www.ghmhotels.com

About GHM

Established in 1992, GHM (General Hotels Management) is a market leader in conceptualizing, developing and operating an exclusive group of hotels and resorts worldwide. With its expansive portfolio and several more in the pipeline, GHM prides itself on providing guests with a distinctive lifestyle experience that is unrivalled.

Each GHM resort and hotel is one of a kind, possessing distinctive concepts and design elements. The signature GHM style is best defined through “Asian-inspired designs with delicate details”.

GHM’s portfolio of properties includes The Setai (Miami Beach), The Datai (Langkawi, Malaysia), The Legian & The Club at The Legian (Bali), The Nam Hai (Vietnam), The Strand (Myanmar), Carcosa Seri Negara (Kuala Lumpur), The Saujana & The Club at The Saujana (Kuala Lumpur), The Andaman (Langkawi, Malaysia), The Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah – Ubud (Bali), The Chedi – Muscat (Oman) and The Chedi – Chiang Mai (Thailand)..

For more information please visit www.ghmhotels.com

First TCM Herbal Spa Range Developed for a Hotel Group by Eu Yan Sang

InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts announced today the launch of two signature spa treatments using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal spa products created by Eu Yan Sang, a leader in the TCM industry. This range of spa herbal products is a first created by Eu Yan Sang exclusively for InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts in Greater China.

The two signature spa treatments themed “Yin” and “Yang” are inspired by the basic TCM principles of Yin and Yang – complementary opposites within a greater whole or a process of harmonisation creating a dynamic balance of all things. Eu Yan Sang created a range of pre-packed herbs selected based on the principle of Yin and Yang for relaxing and energising respectively, which the spa then mixes with either oil or water during its treatments. Made from 100 per cent natural herbs, there is no addition of artificial colourings, preservatives, or artificial fragrance in these products.

Designed for the jet setting executives who needs to relax or recharge themselves, each spa ritual combines a body exfoliant, wrap, massage with special oil and herbal tea.

The Yin Ritual – Relaxing

Stress is a part of modern living, and the “Yin” ritual will help to calm the body and mind and detoxify the body. The herbs best suited for calming have cooling properties, and include fragrances like geranium, lotus and peppermint.

Relaxing Massage – deeply soothing, and performed with skillfully firm pressure. The comforting botanical elements of geranium, lavender and marjoram, known to calm nerves and relieve stress, will be smoothed onto your body, absorbed, and leave you feeling deliciously light in body and mind, and ready for the next treatment. Herbs used in the relaxing massage oil include geranium, lavender, marjoram, rosemary, sweet almond and grape seed (Mi Die Xiang / Xun Yi Cao / Tian Xing Ren You /Ma Yu Lan / Pu Tao Zi You).

Relaxing Body Scrub – Cleansing and calming, the skin will be encouraged to heal and the mind settle after this tranquil treatment. Herbs used include wolfberry bark (di gu pi), coix seed (yi yi ren), ampelopsis (bai lian) and sea salt (hai yan).

Relaxing Body Wrap – induces relaxation in the most stressed guest and aids the reduction of water retention. Lotus leaves soothe irritation and inflammation on the skin, while pearl powder helps heal the body’s complexion and clear skin pigmentation. Herbs used includes Chinese yam (shan yao), poria (fu ling) and lotus leaf (he ye).

Relaxing Tea – any remaining tension in the mind and body will be washed away by American Ginseng, which refreshes while it soothes. Peppermint will encourage a gentle energy that clears the head and lifts the senses, offering a profoundly therapeutic end to the relaxing treatments. Herbs used include American ginseng (yang shen xu), peppermint (bo he), citrus peel (qing pi) and poria (fu ling).

The Yang Ritual – Energising

Smooth energy flow is essential to good health, so when the body needs to be energised, the “Yang” ritual will help boost the Qi (energy) and blood (circulation) while clearing any blockages. Herbs used have warming properties and work to nourish the body and mind.

Energising Body Exfoliation – the first treatment in this ritual will awaken the body’s inner vitality, activating the Qi within the body. Traditional herbs used to protect and repair the body’s tissues, such as the fragrant twigs of the mulberry tree, will spread their botanical power deep into the body to reduce stress and initiate the re-energising journey. Herbs used include garden balsam stem (tou gu cao), mulberry twig (sang zhi), acorus rhizome (shi chang pu) and clove (ding xiang).

Energising Body Wrap – The treatment will showcase salvia root, effective in promoting circulation and calming the mind, together with several herbs for boosting the flow of energy in the body. Herbs used are salvia root (dan shen), atractylodes rhizome (cang zhu), sappan wood (su mu) and tangerine peel (chen pi).

Energising Massage – a deliciously light but effective body work which will work its magic not only on tired muscles but also invigorate the mind. Black pepper and lemongrass continue to increase blood circulation, ease muscular fatigue and improve the digestion. Herbs used in the massage oil include black pepper, lemongrass, rosemary, lemon, sweet almond and grape seed (Mi Die Xiang/ Ning Meng/ Hei Hu Jiao/Tian Xing Ren you/Ning Meng Xiang Cao/Pu Tao Zi You).

Good digestion is key to feeling energetic. Patchouli fires up the digestive system while Korean red ginseng boosts energy by repairing and enlivening the body’s cells.

Both are ingredients of the delicious Energising Tea, to be sipped at the end of the energising spa experience for the ultimate in rejuvenation. Herbs used include red ginseng root (hong shen xu), licorice root (gan cao) and dried ginger (gan jiang)) and patchouli (huo xiang).