Small Luxury Hotels Releases 2006 Spa Book

From Maple Body Sugar Scrubs to Merlot Wraps: The Spas of Small Luxury Hotels of the World Have It A

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. October 14, 2008

JUNE 22, 2006. Chocolate fondue facials, hay baths, wine therapy or alpine massages are just some of the exotic treatments not only offered at hotels within the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, but can now be found with more detail in the newly-released 2006 edition of the luxury brand's Spa Book, which is a complete compilation of 60 exclusive spas in 25 different countries along with information on their respective specialties and treatments. To further expand on the book, the brand created www.slhspa.com where web-goers can search for spas, learn about spa etiquette and order a copy of the new book.

In order to help guests fully appreciate the plethora of treatments and therapies offered worldwide, Small Luxury Hotels of the World compiled the 2006 Spa Book to provide an in-depth description of each spa, the treatments it provides and the hotel it is located within, as well as assist the less experienced spa-goer with a complete glossary of spa terms and a helpful guide to spa etiquette.

"The spa culture is evolving into a diverse, sophisticated and unique, experience-based phenomenon requiring constant creativity and development of new treatments. Our member hotels are continuously raising the bar and delivering unrivalled experiences to an incredibly well-travelled and discerning clientele - something quite evident in the 2006 Spa Book," commented Paul Kerr, Joint Managing Director of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

With recent studies revealing that the spa holiday is now ranked second only to sightseeing and shopping as reasons to travel, as well as the fact that according to US Consulting firm YPB&R travellers are twice as interested in spa than golf, luxury hotels are elevating their spa offerings to meet the needs of a very spa-savvy guest. The spas within the Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand are industry leaders that illustrate a complete dedication to the therapeutic well-being of their guests. Each property offers a line of signature treatments and therapies, both traditional and contemporary, that are executed within the finest facilities with the most obliging and knowledgeable therapists.

Many of the spas featured in the SLH Spa Book optimise the breathtaking natural surroundings in which they are located - Rajasthan's Oberoi Vanyavilas is in the middle of the jungle, overlooking a lake; St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel in Crete is set in lush gardens by the sea; while Alpine Thermal Spa at Hoteldorf Gruner Baum is nestled in the Austrian mountains 1,000 metres above sea level. More unique settings include the underwater spa at Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives, the spa at Masseria Torre Coccaro in Italy which is in a cave and the spa at Evason Hideaway at Hua Hin in Thailand which is housed in a traditional mud hut.

Grotta Giusti Natural Spa resort in Italy is a good example of the high standard set by the properties featured in the SLH Spa Book. This Tuscan retreat has its very own ancient grotto, with an underground hot water lake, a spa swimming pool, a waterfall, a thermal mud area and an inhalations area. All of the treatments are signature treatments and include a natural grotto steam bath, chocolate treatment, therapeutic water bathing with an Oriental massage.

An equally exceptional spa, yet in complete contrast to Grotta Giusti is the Vinotherapie Spa at Les Sources de Caudalie in France. Set in the prestigious Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard, the Vinotherapie spa specialises in wine therapies, combining warm spring water and vine and grape extracts for their cell renewal qualities. Its facilities include not only a thermal pool, water jets and a health and beauty outfit, but also a Hammam (a steam room with herbal scented vapours) and barrel baths. Some of its signature treatments include a Crushed Cabernet Scrub, a Wine and Honey Wrap and a Vigneron Massage.

The SLH Spa Book is available at each SLH spa featured within the book, and can also be ordered online at www.slhspa.com for a shipping and handling fee of GBP3.00. Reservations for any of the spa destinations can be made through www.slh.com or by calling toll-free 800 525 4800. Additionally, travel agents can use the GDS code LX for LuXury. Specific spa treatments can be scheduled with the individual properties by using the e-mail address provided on the particular hotel's page.

The Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand is a collection of over 370 independently-owned exclusive hotels in 60 countries. Carefully selected for their style and sophistication, Small Luxury Hotels of the World feature award-winning properties including spas, country houses, golf resorts, island retreats, city sanctuaries and game and wilderness lodges.

Lanny Grossman

Director of Communications

Small Luxury Hotels of the World

370 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1506

New York, NY 10017

Tel: (212) 953-2064

Fax: (212) 953-0576

[email protected]

Digital Image Library: www.leonardo.com/slh