STEPPES TRAVEL’S ULTIMATE CENTRAL AMERICAN HOLIDAY: MUKUL BEACH, GOLF & SPA

NEW YORK, N.Y. (01/2014) One of the “must” destinations for 2014 is Central America. For those who like to be first on their block, Steppes Travel, known for identifying and customizing tours of the world’s most remarkable places, is offering bespoke trips to the new Mukul Beach, Golf & Spa, one of the most luxurious resorts on the planet. Located on Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast north of San Juan des Sur, Mukul (the Mayan word for secret) takes luxury to a stratospheric level with a gorgeous private beach, capacious villas, 24-hour butler service, helicopter transfers, cigar and rum rooms, and a Spa that comprises no fewer than six buildings. Rates from $550 per night for a Bohio Mountain view room with double occupancy.

But Steppes’ Central American expert Beth Collins advises, “Mukul is not just for adults – the whole family is welcome here. Accommodations for ‘Kul’ Kids aged 0 to12 are complimentary, if sharing with their parents.  The resort is completely geared up for families, offering professional daycare, adventure programs, beachcombing, monkey viewing, movie nights and much more.”

The resort of Mukul sits along a stunning four-mile stretch of pristine, white sandy beach. There are 37 guest accommodations: Beach Villas range from 955 square feet to 2,620 square feet, with the Bohios rooms perched dramatically on the hillside among the lush canopy of the rain forest. All villas offer inside/outside living with wrap around balconies and private plunge pools of varying sizes.

For the ultimate getaway with family or friends, there is the house of all houses for rent -- Casona Don Carlos, home of Mukul owner Don Carlos Pellas (one of the top 50 most influential people in Latin America). The Pellas’ four-bedroom residence and large private swimming pool comes with 20,000 feet of ocean front and a palapa (traditional Latin American shelter roofed with palm leaves or branches) that soars 80 feet high.

Golfers can play endless rounds on the exquisite oceanfront course designed by celebrated Scottish designer David McLay Kidd.  For those who just want to wind down, the Spa offers healing therapies from Japan, India and Turkey.

Steppes Travel will handle arrangements to the minute.  Email enquiry@steppestravel.com; Toll-free: 1-855-352-7606

NEW SISTERS OF AFRICA SPA LAUNCHED WITH PROPRIETARY HEALING TREATMENTS AND PRODUCTS

LIVINGSTONE, Zambia (08/2013) - A new spa called Sisters of Africa, featuring proprietary spa and beauty treatments and products based on age-old Zambian healing techniques, has been launched at Islands of Siankaba, the “green” luxury lodge set on two islands in the Zambezi River, just 24 miles from famous Victoria Falls. All guests receive a complimentary five-minute foot or neck massage to help them relax and unwind.

Sisters of Africa founder, Bessie Mwale, said the Spa was created to bring “true tranquility to the body, mind and soul.” The treatments are offered in the lodge’s poolside Spa, inside guest rooms or alfresco on the chalet’s “porch”. “What is more relaxing than being in the middle of the glorious Zambezi River surrounded by the natural music of the birds, the water and the light scent of the trees?” says Mwale.

The Signature Treatment is the Sisters of Africa Massage (US$75, sixty minutes), using warm or cold cloths to help stretch and heal aching muscles, a technique traditionally used in Zambian villages with the purpose of removing toxic energy and relaxing the body through a sisterly touch. The Siankaba Aromatherapy Massage (US$75, sixty minutes) uses oils extracted from the
Mongongo (euphorbia) and Baobab trees, oils that help slow aging and improve skin tone. 

Beauty treatments include the Zambian River Island Facial, where skin is cleaned with steamed towels and pure, distilled Zambezi River water, then deeply nourished with Mongongo oil and wild African ginger. A gentle massage to improve blood and nutrient circulation follows. The Arabica Coffee Body Polish contains a thick layer of cocoa butter, pure coconut oil and freshly-grown Zambian Arabica Coffee to help intensely cleanse the skin while removing dead cells to prepare the skin for Africa’s sun-kissed weather. The Back and Neck Massage (US$45, thirty minutes) or the Foot Massage (US$45, thirty minutes) can be combined with other full body massage treatments (US$115, ninety minutes).

Zambia-born Sisters of Africa founder Bessie Mwale worked her way through beauty school in South Africa to achieve a Beautician’s Diploma. Wanting to return to her country of origin after gaining work experience outside of Johannesburg, Mwale seized on the opportunity offered by Islands of Siankaba to become a consultant for their spa treatments and to run her own Spa at 
the lodge.

“I want to inspire other African women to follow their dreams as I have mine,” says Mwale. 

For information or reservations: info@siankaba.net; Visit: www.siankaba.net

RE-VAMPED HEALTH CLUB & SPA AT ABERDARE COUNTRY CLUB OFFERS RE-VITALIZING TREATMENTS FROM THREE CONTINENTS

NAIROBI, Kenya (08/2013) Aberdare Country Club (ACC), a luxury lodge and chalets set in a 1300-acre wildlife sanctuary 2 1/2 hours northeast of Nairobi, unveiled a new menu for its Health Club & Spa that includes treatments from three continents – Europe, Asia and Africa – at very affordable prices.

From Europe comes the long-time favorite Swedish Massage ($30, sixty minutes), the basis for all Western forms of massage treatment. The massage alleviates stiffness and fatigue, improves circulation and uses oils that soften the skin.

From Africa comes the Aromatherapy Massage ($35, sixty minutes). Aromatherapy can be traced back to ancient Egypt, when incense and aromatic oils and plants were used to cure a variety of ailments and were enlisted in sacred rituals to evoke separate states of consciousness. For the Aromatherapy Massage essential oils are customized to the individual. Two distinct but overlapping aspects of this treatment are employed to maximize the soothing effects on the body.

From India comes the Indian Head, Back & Shoulder Massage ($25, forty minutes), a treatment that delivers therapeutic benefits while turning the customer’s relaxation dial down to zero.  The Hindi word for head massage is “Champi,” an age-old tradition in Indian households: Mothers would stroke their daughter’s hair to promote its growth and health.  Aspects of this technique have been adapted to help calm the nervous system and relieve joint and muscle stiffness. While the nervous system is soothed, the lymphatic and circulatory systems are stimulated through varying strokes and pressure. Added benefit:  the massage diminishes tension headaches and reduces eye strain. 

ACC’s Health Club & Spa boasts a fully-equipped gym with the latest cardiovascular machines, free weights and a matted section for Pilates and/or aerobics. The facility includes rooms for massage, body therapy treatments and beauty care. Hours are 7:00 am to 8:00 pm, weekdays, week-ends and public holidays.

Contact:   kenyasales@marasa.net or Visit: www.aberdarecountryclub.com

MONASTERO SANTA ROSA BECOMES PREFERRED SUPPLIER OF LUXURY TRAVEL NETWORK VIRTUOSO®

CONCA DEI MARINI, Italy-  Monastero Santa Rosa, a luxurious new boutique hotel and spa built into a Cliffside above Conca dei Marini on the Amalfi Coast of Italy, has become a preferred supplier to leading luxury travel network Virtuoso. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 320 agencies with more than 7,200 elite travel specialists in 20 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as over 1,000 of the world’s best travel providers and premier destinations.

Monastero Santa Rosa opened in May of 2012, and immediately became a sought-after destination.

Built into the side of a mountain with floors connected by a glass-fronted elevator affording panoramic views, the hotel seems to float over the coastline from a rock base on the edge of a cliff which plunges into the depths of the Gulf of Salerno. Originally a 17^th century monastery, the building was restored to honor its roots.  Both the exterior and the interior maintain the asceticism of the property, offset by warm and inviting contemporary design within.

The Amalfi Coast boasts the most beautiful vistas in the world, and Monastero Santa Rosa takes full advantage of them with 20 sea view guest rooms and suites, a full-service spa, a heated infinity pool, beautiful gardens, and a special herb garden, all situated over five terraced levels. Each room is named after one of the historical herbs still grown at the property site.

The pièce de résistance of the hotel is its extraordinary Spa.  The Spa designer kept intact the original 17^th century vaulted ceilings and many of its rustic walls in order to maintain the intriguing character of the original rooms.  The unique experience here may only be described as a journey, an event distinguished by the monastery’s authenticity combined with the amenities of a modern spa.

Travel and tourism make up one of the largest industries on the planet, employing more than 260 million people worldwide and generating nearly ten percent of global GDP. Virtuoso is proud to be a member of the World Travel & Tourism Council, which works to raise awareness of the importance of this industry. Monastero Santa Rosa is proud to be a preferred supplier of Virtuoso.

For more information, visit www.monasterosantarosa.com

NEW SPA TREATMENTS AT MONASTERO SANTA ROSA FEATURE THE SOOTHING PROPERTIES OF MANUKA HONEY

CONCA DEI MARINI, Italy- Monastero Santa Rosa (MSR), the ultra-luxe hotel on the Amalfi Coast, is introducing a new body treatment and a new facial in its extraordinary Spa for the 2013 season.  In addition to featuring the sublime oils, creams and lotions of Santa Maria Novella, the new products will incorporate Manuka Honey, a special honey from the crisp white flowers of the Manuka bush found in remote areas of New Zealand.  Ideal for healing and soothing, these honeys have a unique antibacterial activity not found in most honeys.

The Aloe Coulis Body Wrap is especially beneficial for sun-exposed skin and for the release of tension caused by heat.  Cooling marble stones are placed over the face and soothing Manuka Honey is applied all over the body. Nurturing Aloe Gel is slathered on beneath a gentle body wrap to enable the aloe to work its magic.  Compresses of natural salts and chamomile further relieve the skin of stress. At the same time, crushed ice eye presses with a floral fragrance help massage away tenseness.  The Aloe Coulis Body Wrap lasts 60 minutes and is €120.

Restoring Aloe Refresh stimulates and enlivens facial skin with a delicate touch. A Manuka Honey polish hydrates with antibacterial and brightening properties.  The Santa Maria Novella products, created especially for damaged skin, help restore energy to the complexion.  Calming Camomile eye presses and a deep contouring facial massage create a perfect resolution to several skin concerns.  Restoring Aloe Refresh is a 75 minute facial and is €140.

The Spa, like the hotel, is an excellent example of adaptive re-use:  it has been built within a 17^th century monastery*, preserving the vaulted ceilings, ancient walls, and exquisite architectural details of the historic building. Throughout the conversion of the space, the goal was to draw upon the convent’s unique character – not to follow a pre-determined formula that a branded spa would impose upon the space.  A focus on enhancing the ‘integrity of place’ allowed the building to show what suited it best. Thus, spaces were joined together to form a seamless flow.

The Spa is designed for extraordinary experiences and suffused with a spiritual dimension in keeping with the building’s heritage. The Italian tradition of bathing within a series of thermal rooms is re-created within the Spa.

Thermal Suite, a sequence of historic monastic spaces interconnecting the various warm rooms via arched openings, comprises:

• A double-heighted, vaulted Tepidarium with pomegranate-infused foot spas and heated mosaic loungers
• Aromatic Steam Room
• Rock Sauna
• Crushed Ice Fountain to refresh between thermal bathing
• Hydro Pool
• Emotion Showers. 

Spa Suite, an exceptional private double suite (a Spa within a Spa), boasting a magnificent

861-square-feet double-heighted vaulted space includes:

• Rasul
• Steam Room
• Double Wet and Dry Treatment Couches
• Manicure/Pedicure Relaxation Lounge
• Private Dressing and Grooming Space
• Garden Terrace

 

Outdoor treatments are available under the shade of a pergola within the privacy of the Treatment Garden or within a single Treatment Room.

Santa Maria Novella treatments draw upon the ancestral traditions dating back to the 14^th century of Italian monastic herbalists, who used local plants and flowers renowned for their healing powers. Treatments range from Santa Maria Novella facials (including back facials and facials for men) to honey hair and scalp treatments, and from massages, aromatic scrubs and wraps to manicures and pedicures. Prices vary depending on the selection, but an average 60-minute treatment costs €120. Some additional treatments:

Candle Massage uses an aromatic powder scrub of iris or bitter orange to soften and prepare the skin for a deeply-focused, relaxing massage with Santa Maria Novella candle wax made of pure plant oils and prime emollient butters.

Iris Drizzle Hydrating Body Wrap Warm iris oil is drizzled on to the body and blended with iris powder.  The idrasol body mask deeply enriches the skin during a scalp massage and layers in moisture and fragrance.

Polline Hydration Deep hydration with Crema Polline, a regenerating cream formulated with pollen and extra virgin olive oil to improve the appearance of a flat, dry, non-reflective surface and to inject skin lustre.

Amalfi Blue offers no fewer than 3 3/4 hours of treatments – Pomegranate Foot Bathing; a 60-minute Santa Maria Novella facial; Aromatic Powder Scrub and Spa Life Massage for 60 minutes; and a choice of a Manicure or Pedicure treatment.

The aromatics of Santa Maria Novella range from summery oils of lemon, bergamot, petitgrain and iris to such sweet-smelling herbs as rosemary, lavender, sweet orange as well as the special fragrance of pomegranate created for Catherine di Medici. 

The Spa is open seven days a week from 9 am until 7:30 pm.

Email bookings:  spa@monasterosantarosa.com

Or visit: www.monasterosantarosa.com

*In the English language, “monastery” usually refers to a building for monks.  But the broad sense of “monastery,” used by Italians, refers to a community of people, whether male or female, bound by vows to a religious life.  

PAMPERED IN PARADISE: INDULGE IN A GRANDHOTEL LIENZ BEAUTY WEEK TREATMENTS, FITNESS AND FINE DINING

Established by World Travel Awards as the World's Leading Medical/Wellness Spa, Austria's GrandHotel Lienz presents a special Beauty Week package for 2013. Ideal for both men and women, enjoy nourishing luxury - from gourmet meals and a lavish suite to daily fitness programs and various body treatments.

Built from scratch on the banks of the River Isel in a region surrounded by majestic mountains, this state-of-the-art facility has raised the bar for excellence in wellness tourism. From May 8 to October 31, 2013, take part in this all-inclusive offer for $1,690* per person per week, and from November 1 to December 15, 2013, enjoy everything for only $1,300* per person per week.

A Beauty Week consists of seven nights in a Superior Suite with scenic views from the balcony; breakfast buffet; 5-course gourmet dinner; a special fitness program (includes full body toning and aerobic training); an Immersion massage; the "St. Barth Chill out" - a deeply relaxing body treatment with warm clams; "St. Barth Softness" - a Caribbean body scrub massage; "St. Barth Sensation" massage; "Intuitive & Sensitive" massage, adjusted to your needs; anti-stress massage with scalp treatment and aromatic oils; a "Serail steam bath"; wellness bag with a fluffy bathrobe, towels and slippers for use during your stay; use of all facilities in the spa and fitness area (indoor and outdoor relaxation pool, sauna complex, steam baths, Solarium, etc...); and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Treat the body and soul, and feel rejuvenated at the end of a week.

For more information, visit www.grandhotel-lienz.com/en/.

*Rates are based on the exchange rate between the Euro and the US dollar as of 03/08/13.

A SANCTUARY ON THE AMALFI COAST

Features Santa Maria Novella Products & Treatments
Monastero Santa Rosa (MSR), the new ultra-luxe hotel set into a cliff above the Gulf of Salerno on the Amalfi Coast, has opened a sybaritic spa featuring sublime beauty and health treatments using the renowned products of Santa Maria Novella.  MSR is one of only a handful of hotel spas in the world to offer these beloved products, made for centuries by one of the oldest pharmacies on the planet from the flowers and botanicals of Italy and the Mediterranean. The Spa is open to guests of the hotel as well as to visitors. 

The Spa, like the hotel, is an excellent example of adaptive re-use:  it has been built within a 17^th century monastery*, preserving the vaulted ceilings, ancient walls, and exquisite architectural details of the historic building. Throughout the conversion of the space, the goal was to draw upon the convent’s unique character – not to follow a pre-determined formula that a branded spa would impose upon the space.  A focus on enhancing the ‘integrity of place’ allowed the building to show what suited it best. Thus, spaces were joined together to form a seamless flow.

The Spa is designed for extraordinary experiences and suffused with a spiritual dimension in keeping with the building’s heritage. The Italian tradition of bathing within a series of thermal rooms is re-created within the Spa.

Thermal Suite, a sequence of historic monastic spaces interconnecting the various warm rooms via arched openings, comprises:

• A double-heighted, vaulted Tepidarium with pomegranate-infused foot spas and heated mosaic loungers
• Aromatic Steam Room
• Rock Sauna
• Crushed Ice Fountain to refresh between thermal bathing
• Hydro Pool
• Emotion Showers. 

Treatment Suite, an exceptional private double suite (a Spa within a Spa), boasting a magnificent

861-square-feet double-heighted vaulted space includes:

• Rasul
• Steam Room
• Double Wet and Dry Treatment Couches
• Manicure/Pedicure Relaxation Lounge
• Private Dressing and Grooming Space
• Garden Terrace

Outdoor treatments are available under the shade of a pergola within the privacy of the Treatment Garden or within a single Treatment Room.

Santa Maria Novella treatments draw upon the ancestral traditions dating back to the 14^th century of Italian monastic herbalists, who used local plants and flowers renowned for their healing powers. Treatments range from Santa Maria Novella facials (including back facials and facials for men) to honey hair and scalp treatments, and from massages, aromatic scrubs and wraps to manicures and pedicures. Prices vary depending on the selection, but an average 60-minute treatment costs $150. Some sample treatments:

Candle Massage uses an aromatic powder scrub of iris or bitter orange to soften and prepare the skin for a deeply-focused, relaxing massage with Santa Maria Novella candle wax made of pure plant oils and prime emollient butters.

Iris Drizzle Hydrating Body Wrap Warm iris oil is drizzled on to the body and blended with iris powder.  The idrasol body mask deeply enriches the skin during a scalp massage and layers in moisture and fragrance.

Polline Hydration Deep hydration with Crema Polline, a regenerating cream formulated with pollen and extra virgin olive oil to improve the appearance of a flat, dry, non-reflective surface and to inject skin lustre.

Amalfi Blue offers no fewer than 3 3/4 hours of treatments – Pomegranate Foot Bathing; a 60-minute Santa Maria Novella facial; Aromatic Powder Scrub and Spa Life Massage for 60 minutes; and a choice of a Manicure or Pedicure treatment.

The aromatics of Santa Maria Novella range from summery oils of lemon, bergamot, petitgrain and iris to such sweet-smelling herbs as rosemary, lavender, sweet orange as well as the special fragrance of pomegranate created for Catherine di Medici. 

The Spa is open seven days a week from 9 am until 7:30 pm.

For additional photographs contact: phealy@montcom-ny.com

For more information:  contact Francesca Speroni:  francescas@monasterosantarosa.com

Email bookings:  spa@monasterosantarosa.com

Or visit: www.monasterosantarosa.com

*In the English language, “monastery” usually refers to a building for monks.  But the broad sense of “monastery,” used by Italians, refers to a community of people, whether male or female, bound by vows to a religious life.  

SUBLIME MOTHER'S DAY PACKAGE AT LONDON'S DRAYCOTT HOTEL

London, ENGLAND (03/2010) Children or spouses of Moms who need a break, listen up!. The small but charming Mantis-owned five-star Draycott Hotel, situated in one of London’s most elegant enclave between Chelsea and Knightsbridge, is offering a Mother’s Day package for those Americans who want to give Mom a special treat – a stay at one of London’s finest boutique hotels and a body treatment at the city’s most exclusive Day Spa.

The package is designed to spoil Mom. She can luxuriate in a room overlooking a beautiful, private garden square lined with flowering fruit trees. If she loves the outdoors, you can special order from the hotel a gourmet picnic for her to take in the garden. At four pm she can enjoy afternoon tea in the drawing room and at six pm a complimentary glass of bubbly before a sparkling fire. Then, to assure a solid night’s sleep, she’ll be served soothing hot chocolate just before bedtime.

The following day she can completely mellow out at Ushvani, the luxe day spa in the heart of Chelsea providing an oasis of tranquillity, a much-needed antidote to the stress of 21st century metropolitan life. Here, therapists take a holistic approach to authentic South East Asian treatments, and it’s here Mom will receive a complimentary Balinese Massage and a Bespoke Foot Treatment.

The powerful Balinese massage derives from the Spice Islands of Indonesia and effectively balances the body, restores vitality, releases tension, and boosts circulation – leaving Mom feeling uplifted and recharged. The Bespoke Foot treatment is an invigorating jojoba scrub containing peppermint oils used to thoroughly exfoliate the feet, before they are nourished with Ushvani’s Coconut and Kemiri Blend, a rich body butter fragranced with natural essential oils. Reflex zones are worked while the feet are massaged, putting a spring back in Mom’s step.

Now Mom’s ready to step out. She can take in the sights and sounds of the Chelsea/Knightsbridge area where the vibe is all about shopping, dining, theatre and museum-going.

Rates for the Draycott Mother’s Day package are US$662 + VAT for a double room per night. This includes an English Breakfast and the 120-minutes Ushvani Balinese Massage and Bespoke Foot Treatment.

The offer is valid from April 30 through May 9, 2010, and is subject to availability.

For reservations please email: reservations@draycotthotel.com or call 020 7730 646. For more information on the Draycott Hotel, visit www.draycotthotel.com