November International Trends: Egypt, Barbados, England, Zurich and More

The Finisterra Spa, Martinhall Beach Resort and Hotel, Portugal
The Finisterra Spa, Martinhall Beach Resort and Hotel, Portugal

Clinging to the rock face of a stunning sea cliff, the Edge Spa defies conventions and, ... gravity. Designed to fuse with its surrounding the spa skims above the blue sea. With liquid floor, wall-less rooms and sensuous curves-- its lightness of being seduces and liberates the senses. Designed by A.W. Lake Spa Concepts, PTE, Singapore, The Edge Spa, located at the edge villas in Pecatu, near Uluwatu, the pinnacle of Bali, offers quintessentially Balinese spa experiences inspired by the four basic elements of a simple Balinese temple offering (canang): sacred flowers, blessed water, life-giving rice, and sincere devotion. Each treatment begins with a meditative cleansing ritual and a purifying body wash, followed by The Edge’ signature rituals: Oceanic, Sacred Flowers, Dewi Sri and Divine Fire Rituals. The Edge Spa features wet and dry treatment areas, private steam coves and unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean. It also offers a selection of in-villa baths and treatments. 0361 847 0700

The first Holmes Place Spa has opened in Europe within the Zürich Holmes Place Club. Designed by Heinz Schletterer of Schletterer Wellness & Spa Design, facility's interiors feature accents of cool stonework and natural wood. A wide range of treatments from exclusive spa partner Elemis are offered while facilities also include a sauna, steambaths, a whirlpool and relaxation areas. There is also an ice fountain, experience showers, a silent relaxation room with four water beds, a drinks lounge, a VIP spa suite, a herbal bath and a scented mist walk. (From www.leisureopportunities.com)

A new spa is to open in November 2010 on Barbados' West Coast to coincide with the reopening of the Tamarind hotel. Created by Elegant Hotels, the spa will feature two treatment rooms, a spa pool and a team of therapists who will use local ingredients such as Bajan sea salt and Barbadian Moscovado brown sugar to create a bespoke wellness experience for each guest. (From www.leisureopportunities.com)

Claridges Spa at The Claridges, Surajkund, India recently opened. The spa was initially slated to open in May 2009, but the opening was pushed back due to the economic downturn. Spatality has been involved with the project since the beginning, providing design consultation, pre-opening and technical services, and marketing plan assistance. The firm is now providing ongoing management services for the spa. Designed by Bangkok, Thailand-based interior designers PIA, the 15,500 square-foot spa spans two floors within the 150-bedroom Claridges hotel and houses 10 treatment rooms, a luxury spa suite, beauty stations, wet facilities and a fitness area. Signature spaces include a 'baoli' entrance, nails hall and dedicated steam and sauna facilities with ice fountains. The spa menu, also developed in conjunction with Spatality, provides a selection of more than 30 treatments including Ayurvedic experiences and bespoke body rituals. (From www.leisureopportunities.com)

The Mandara Spa Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas is now offering guests the opportunity to pamper their BFF (Body, Face and Feet) with it’s new BFF package. This 30,000 square-foot flagship spa, which reflects a contemporary, Balinese design, offers guests a broad spectrum of wellness options from signature therapies steeped in Balinese tradition, to customized couples treatments in private spa villas. The BFF package includes: 25 minute back massage (Body); 25 minute refresher facial (Face); and 25 minute foot massage (Feet).

Harsh winter weather and a hectic holiday schedule causes skin to become dry and dull. Two leading spas in France, the new Majclub Wellness Center at the Villa & Hotel Majestic in Paris, and the Valmont Spa at the Hotel de Charme Les Airelles in Courchevel, offer new treatments to offset the visible and internal damages of winter At the Les Airelles Valmont Spa, the Valmont Glow Energizing Treatment is an energy-corrective treatment based on the ancestral technique of digito-puncture. The massage combines kneading and pinching to re-launch to the circulation of energies. Then, the energizing massage of the Glaciers is carried out with ice cubes to stimulate the skin with a striking revitalizing effect. The complexion is radiant and the face regains fullness. One of the spa’s highlights is the snow cave. Emerge from the steaming sauna and step into a one-of-a-kind alcove covered with natural and pure powder snow. The stimulating and cooling -10°C temperature between sauna sessions creates a truly purifying and exhilarating experience. The massive spa also includes a soothing waterfalls, swimming pool, indoor and outdoor whirlpool bath, Turkish bath, hammam, saunas and an aromatic jet shower system. At the MajClub Wellness Center, the Balade d' Hiver Treatment is designed specifically for the wither season, consisting of a soft scrub done with sheen of olive wax, vanilla essence, cinnamon and honey followed by a fresh seasonal wrap of eucalyptus and camphor oils. The session winds down with a massage with scent of rosehip and a hot and wet haystack to warm the kidneys, that may weaken in the winter months. Additional spa amenities included blue-tiled hammams, infrared saunas, a fitness facility with Technogym equipment, a heated indoor lap pool, and teakwood chaise lounges for relaxing.

Von Essen hotels has confirmed that it launched The Spa at The Mount Somerset in Lower Henlade, Somerset, England, in October. The spa has been designed as a traditional bathhouse and will include a hydrotherapy pool, thermal suite with sauna and steamroom, relaxing foot spas, experience showers and a number of treatment rooms. The spa menu boasts a range of treatments, supplied by comfort zone. Von Essen will introduce two exclusive signature treatments for the spa: the peaceful earth facial and body cocoon. There is also a large fitness suite with Technogym equipment, a spa terrace and a retail area. (From www.leisureopportunities.com)

The Finisterra Spa has opened at the Martinhal Beach Resort and Hotel on the Western Algarve near the fishing port of Sagres in Portugal. Martinhal's Finisterra Spa covers 4,844 square feet and features six treatment rooms, as well as a relaxation area and interior garden. The menu includes six signature rituals that are based on the travels of some of Portugal's most famous explorers and their encounters with various continents and cultures, including the Vasvo de Gama Indian hot stone treatment and North Africa's Gil Eanes' exfoliation and massage. (From www.leisureopportunities.com)

Bannatyne Spa has launched a wellbeing facility at the group's existing health club at Bodicote Park in Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK. The facility will be open to both members and nonmembers of the health club, boasting four therapy rooms and a dual-treatment that is designed for couples and friends to share. A range of treatments for men and women are available at the spa - such as facials and massages, with products supplied by Elemis. The spa's special treatments include a Lava Shells back, neck and shoulder massage and Ionithermie detox. Other facilities include a relaxation room and a spray tan room. (From www.leisureopportunities.com)

Luxury hotel operator Dorchester Collection opened a new country house hotel and eco-luxury spa, Coworth Park near Ascot, UK. The Spa at Coworth Park will offer treatments by Dr Alkaitis. Rich in antioxidants and healing enzymes. In addition, Carol Joy London skin and hair care products will be offered as well as Kerstin Florian and Aromatherapy Associates. Built over two floors, the spa is partly submerged into the landscape. The upper floor has eight treatment rooms (including two doubles), a manicure/pedicure salon and relaxation rooms. The lower ground level is dominated by the indoor pool and also offers a large health and fitness suite equipped by Technogym and a sun terrace. The spa's roof is adorned with a garden of thyme, lavender, chamomile and other fragrant herbs. (From www.leisureopportunities.com)

A new retreat has launched at the Six Senses Spa within the Kempinski Hotel Barbados Bay in Bodrum, Turkey. Called the Glorifying Journey, the three-day program combines spiritual therapies with physical treatments. Including morning yoga or Pilates as well as a daily meditation session in the evening, spa treatments will include a hammam therapy, a choice of a balancing, soothing or purifying facial, a watsu massage and a body polish on the final day.(From www.leisureopportunities.com)

A new Moroccan spa treatment has been introduced to the menu at two Spa Cenvaree facilities in Thailand. The 105-minute treatment uses Marrakesh Black Soap that contains argan oils and is currently available at Centara Grand at CentralWorld in Bangkok and the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. (From www.leisureopportunities.com)

A new spa has opened within the luxury Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow, Scotland, following the redevelopment of one of the city's most famous buildings, the former Royal Scottish Automobile Club. Covering 10,000 square feet, the spa features a range of bespoke indigenous Scottish treatments designed in conjunction with Denise Leicester, founder of the organic product house ILA. Ingredients include Scottish thistle, borage, camellia and Scottish hops for soothing and nourishing the skin. In addition, there will also be a range of therapies using Anne Sémonin products including a seaweed bath with organic seaweed sourced direct from the Hebrides. There are nine treatment rooms, including a double suite, as well as a rasul and a dark pool where guests can relax in warm water. (From www.leisureopportunities.com)

What is reported to be Egypt's first ever salt cave opened in August at the Taba Heights resort on the Red Sea. Using salt from the Dead Sea, the cave's floor is covered in a thick layer of salt crystals while the ceiling has salt stalactites, creating a unique microclimate. Siwa Oasis Salt is used, which originates from the ancient time of Alexander the Great, while the air also includes iodine, calcium, magnesium, iron and selenium. A standard session takes around 45 minutes while salt cosmetics, lamps and candles can also be purchased to extend the experience. (From www.leisureopportunities.com)

Queen’s Gardens Resort in Saba, Dutch West Indies, invites guests to a royal escape with the Total Relax Spa Package. This four-night offer, priced at $1,600 based on double occupancy, is designed as a sanctuary through massages, fine dining and excursions. Guests enjoy a private-floor superior suite and the Queen’s Signature Massage for two takes place en-suite. A royal four-course dinner, two-course lunch and daily continental breakfast are prepared by Chef Keith, and a guided tour of Saba offers a VIP view of Saba’s unique charm. +599 416-3494

Experience soothing Mesoamerican spa tradition at Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort, an intimate boutique property located on the picturesque, white-sand shores of peaceful Puerto Morelos, Mexico, with a Fresh Start Getaway, which pairs adventurous outward retreat with luxurious inner exploration. Components of this holistically-focused, Mayan-inspired spa package include early morning yoga near the peaceful shores of the Mexican Caribbean; Bio-Meridian Emotional Protocol with Flower Remedy, an energetic evaluation and rebalancing of the body's 10 meridian points, integrating special botanical remedies to help optimize overall emotional health and well-being; a soothing Balsamic Massage and Grounding Mayan Massage; meditation and emotional cleansing with a Temazcal Ceremony, a detoxifying spa therapy based on an ancient Mayan cleansing rite,led by a local healer that takes place beachside at sunset inside a terra-cotta sweat lodge. 800-490-0483

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