Bianca Sharma, a US-based businesswoman, is to launch a new boutique hotel and spa within a former a 17th century monastery on Italy's Amalfi Coast in May. Sharma, who is also a director of the Sharma Foundation, acquired the building after visiting the region in 1999 and has taken more than 10 years to transform the historic property. Howard Consulting has worked on the conversion of the building into the Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel and Spa, which features 20 guestrooms and suites and a heated infinity pool. The Jane Goff-designed spa comprises a double height vaulted warm relaxation room with heated benches and whirlpool foot baths; a domed herbal steamroom; and an ice fountain. A "spa within a spa" is also on offer, which features a rasul, a steamroom and a relaxation area, as well as two wet and two dry treatment beds. It is designed for groups or couples. Other spa facilities include a private walled outdoor treatment pavilion; a wood sauna; and a hydrotherapy pool. Florence-based Santa Maria Novella products are used. A spokesperson said: "An open-plan flow throughout the indoor spa heightens the perception of luxury and authenticity. "The panoramic views and sounds of the magnificent, untamed coast help provide an oasis for anyone wanting an escape."
A new spa including seven treatment rooms and relaxation areas is to open in Suffolk, UK, after plans to convert an existing art gallery were given the go ahead by the local authority. Lavenham's Wildlife Art Gallery is linked to the historic Swan Hotel building and is to be transformed into the 528sq m (1,732sq ft) spa, with the gallery to move to another site. The scheme also incorporates two two-story extensions to the listed property. The spa will also include a crystal steam room, heated loungers, changing areas and an ice fountain. Roger Balmer Design drew up the plans on behalf of applicant Thorpeness and Aldeburgh Hotels, which has been given the green light by Babergh District Council.
Wynyard Hall Country House Hotel, in Durham, UK, has unveiled its new day spa.The spa has four treatment rooms and will offer treatments supplied by Elemis, Karin Herzog, Jessica and bareMinerals. Facilities also include a relaxation room offering light refreshments, rasul mud chamber, salt inhalation room, herbal sauna, ice fountain, an outdoor vitality spa pool and a manicure and nail bar. The spa will be open for both residents and day visitors.
The Maroma Resort & Spa on the Riviera Maya in Mexico has tapped into the increased interest to all things Mayan for their 2012 marketing campaign. As time draws to an end on the Mayan calendar - an event some believe will signify the end of days - the resort has created a number of treatments and events related to the Mayan culture. Available throughout the year, guests can indulge in a Mayan menu or themed spa treatments at the resort's Kinan Spa - named after the Mayan word for the healing energy of the sun - which are based on the four earth elements which are integral to Mayan beliefs. The experience is completed with visits to the many historical temples that surround the hotel, including Coba and Chichen Itza. A new permanent treatment room, called Maya Room, has also been created. The spa is looking to benefit from an expected increase in foreign tourists visiting the Chichen Itza region in the lead up to December 2012.
Affording guests spectacular views of the city landscape and Chapultepec Park from its location on the 15th floor, Remède Spa at The St. Regis Mexico City is a private urban sanctuary that exudes quiet elegance and home to the first panoramic indoor pool in Mexico City. Starting with the stressed set, Remède Spa is pleased to offer a new Bamboo Massage Therapy to counter the effects of stress, tension and lack of rest. This centuries old modality utilizes heated bamboo rods of various sizes to free muscles of tension and stimulate circulation, a technique that combines the traditional benefits of massage along with the comforting qualities of aromatherapy oils such as cedarwood, pine and cinnamon. 90 min. $160. For moms and moms-to-be, The Mama Mia! Package is the perfect opportunity to excourage the woman who takes care of everyone to focus on herself with a day of pampering, featuring the following elements: Yoga session/prenatal yoga--60 min; choice of Remède customized treatment--60 min; pedicure--30 min; light lunch; glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne; and spa amenities. To celebrate with mom, Remède Spa offers The It’s Our Day Momma Package for mothers and daughters to reconnect over shared relaxation, including: two Remède customized massages of 60 min; a Remède customized facial--30 min; manicure--30 min; cheese selection; glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne; and spa amenities.
