May 2008
From Monastery to State-of-the-Art Spa
The Parador de Santo Esteva, Galicia, Spain
The Parador de Santo Esteva—a former 10th-century Benedictine Monastery in Galicia, Green Spain—has been transformed into a state-of-the-art spa. Nestled in the heart of the Ribeira Sacra (Sacred River Bank) and overlooking a chestnut forest, the Romanesque-Baroque building boasts 77 rooms and several restaurants along with three cloisters. In true old meets new style, the $2.2-million, 9,600-square-foot spa boasts the latest in pampering, with a heated indoor pool, cold plunge pool, saunas and steam rooms, an outdoor hydro massage bath and a relaxation zone. The spa also offers a variety of treatments including a series of different showers (Vichy, bi-thermal Scottish), massages (Celtic with hot stones and essential oils, flotation massage in a warm waterbed), wraps (mud or seaweed) and a plethora of facials.
For more information visit www.parador.es
April 2008
The Chocoholic's Spa
The Mountain Spa at the Intercontinental Resort Berchtesgaden
Do you love chocolate so much that dreams of being covered in it have crossed your mind? If so, your next vacation destination should be the Bavarian alps of Germany. The Intercontinental Resort Berchtesgaden has recently launched a new Chocolate Spa Suite at its Mountain Spa. Situated 1000 meters above sea level, the Intercontinental Resort Berchtesgaden provides views of the Alps in every direction. Within this paradise for the eyes lies a paradise of delectable relaxation. The treatments include almost all edible ingredients with chocolate treats that follow. One treatment includes a body mask made of crème de cacao and white chocolate; a moisturizing body fondue of hot chocolate sauce mixed with melted cocoa butter, fresh cream and warm olive oil; and a full body massage with espresso truffle oil or chocolate and sweet orange oil. In case your chocolate desires are still unfulfilled, enjoy the hot chocolate with crème or Amaretto choco-press with orange liqueur served directly afterwards.
For reservations, call 1 888 IC HOTELS or visit www.ichotelsgroup.com online.
March 2008
Far From Chilly in Chile
The Uma Spa at Tierra Atacama Hotel
Where can you climb a volcano by day and enjoy a massage with volcanic stones by night? Welcome to Chile's Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa. This literal desert oasis in the dramatic Chilean Altiplano is located at the entrance of one of the driest places on earth: the Atacama Desert. Thank goodness, then, for the hotel's Uma Spa, whose name is based on the Aymara word for water—a promise of the refreshment and relaxation to come. Local elements like desert herbs, desert sand, volcanic stones and volcanic mud from the mountains are incorporated into the calming spa treatments. Basics such as body scrubs, body wraps, and body treatments are available along with signature experiences like the Atacama Ritual or the Desert Ritual, which includes a volcanic stone massage, body wrap, bath and hydration. Aside from the spa, area activities for guests include hiking, biking, volcano climbing, rock climbing or wildlife viewing around the magnificent landscape. After that last exhausted step up the steep cliff to gaze out onto the Chilean Altiplano, remember the Uma Spa is waiting to quench your body's thirst for rejuvenation.
For more information, visit www.tierraatacama.com
 More
Spa News
|
