Natural Surroundings, Spiritual Traditions and Local Cultures Inspire Spa Experiences at Destination Hotels & Resorts Properties

Englewood, Colo. - Destination Hotels & Resorts properties are found in distinctive settings whether on ocean shores, in spiritual enclaves, surrounded by the serenity of the majestic mountains, set amidst gardens or perched on a cliff overlooking distant islands. These locations also provide the inspiration for the Destination Spa experience which takes these special places and draws from the unique landscape, environment, traditions and cultures to create treatments, products and services that exude the indigenous nature of the area. 

Natural Surroundings

Whether it's the colors of the desert or the juxtaposition of the Ocean's crashing but calming waves, nature inspires Destination Spas. The newest property slated to open June 2009 is Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, Calif. with the 25,000 square foot Spa at Terranea. Located on a dramatic setting at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, the spa is a California-style sanctuary of the senses. Terranea's harmonious relationship with nature is the cornerstone of The Spa experience. Programs and treatments focus on the body's natural bio-rhythms to achieve balance and harmony that restore's the body's natural circadian rhythm. 

The forces of the oceans of the world also inspire the seaside Spa L'Auberge at L'Auberge Del Mar in San Diego, Calif. The Spa captures the essence of the sea and exotic destinations around the world. Inspired by the beautiful Del Mar coastal location, the spa menu uses the healing powers of the ocean to leave guests feeling relaxed, nurtured and replenished. Signature body rituals know as Seaside Sojourns invokes the cultures and traditions of far away destinations using ingredients indigenous to exotic areas of the world.

THE WELL Spa at Miramonte Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, Calif. draws its inspiration from the magnificent colors found year-round in the desert.  The sunrises and sunsets over the Santa Rosa Mountains meet Mediterranean earth tone vistas and walls on the property to give off warm, nurturing tones that creates a sense of intimacy. This Mediterranean way of life inspires treatments which use organic olive oil, grape seeds and many other locally produced products. 

The Spa at Squaw Creek at Lake Tahoe's Resort at Squaw Creek reflects the beauty of the surrounding mountain peaks. Nestled in the Olympic Valley, the Spa radiates with natural colors, materials and textures.  The spa reflects a birch-tree forest with sun slanting through the leaves and the sound of a river nearby. Bringing the outdoors in, a water features soothes guests with the sound of cascading water.  Birch-tree trunks emerge from river-rock bases and reach toward the ceiling to create privacy and solitude.  Flooring of green slate, soft floral carpeting and wood creates pathways leading to the sanctuary and treatment rooms, where restful seating and muted lighting enhance guest comfort. 

Spiritual Traditions

For nearly 400 years, Santa Fe's natural healing and restorative powers have drawn people from around the globe to renew body, mind and spirit. Embodying the healing traditions of Native American spiritual healers, The Spa at Loretto at Inn and Spa at Loretto features intuitive lifestyle treatments that integrate ancient remedies, local herbs and natural oils used by Native American's to promote self healing, tranquility and inner balance. The holistic traditions of Santa Fe are woven throughout the art of massage therapy and other treatments. 

The Spa and Wellness Center at Stowe Mountain Lodge in Vermont is designed as a unique mountain oasis that is inspired by the pure and natural surroundings of the Green Mountains and embraces the same organic, natural qualities so prevalent in Vermont. The Spa provides an integrated approach to wellness that draws on the traditions of the area including the spiritual culture of Native Americans. The heart of the Pure Healing concept at The Spa is The Healing Lodge - a modern day version of the Native American sweat lodge. The Healing Lodge is designed to achieve a balance both physically and emotionally in an environment created to detoxify, heal and balance. Guests are provided with an opportunity to begin a journey of healing before or after their spa or wellness services.

Organic, Local Ingredients

Ingredients such as lavender, honey and chardonnay grapes play a key role in several signature spa treatments at Glade Springs Spa at Suncadia in Cle Elum, Wash. The lavender is grown in Walla Walla, Wash. at Blue Mountain Lavender Farm, which is dedicated to engaging in sustainable farming practices. The Glade Springs Spa uses freshly ground lavender buds to produce an enticing aroma and to help heal and nourish skin during exfoliation. The honey used in treatments is harvested from beehives around the Pacific Northwest and is mixed with organic milk to soothe, nourish and hydrate skin. Chinook Winery in Prosser, Wash. provides chardonnay grapes for wine-infused treatments. 

The hazelnuts found in the Pacific Northwest provide the local, indigenous, organic ingredients for the Sage Springs Club & Spa signature products at Sunriver Resort in Oregon. Angelina's Organic Skincare specially produces the spa's signature, private label products featuring this sweet smelling ingredient, which is incorporated into scrubs, facials and massages using products such as the Hazelnut Apricot Exfoliating Cream. 

Neroli, the fragrant bitter orange blossom which produces one of the most cherished and expensive oils in the botanical kingdom is the inspiration for the Alvadora Spa at Royal Palms Resort and Spa. Located amidst an orange grove, Alvadora Spa offers a menu of citrus based products and services that is unexpectedly indigenous to the Phoenix area and offers a very different sense of place from the typical desert-inspired treatments. The Alvadora menu features aromatic citrus treatments that use neroli to calm and relax. A private label product line of body and hair products featuring neroli is offered in all guest rooms and available for retail purchase.

Colorado's mountain lifestyle inspires products that are made with the active individual in mind and Aria Spa & Club at the Vail Cascade embraces these products in this environment like no other spa in the area. Astara Skin Care and Buzz Spa oils and body treatment products are all naturally crafted in the Rocky Mountains and used in Aria services. Signature treatments such as Rocky Mountain High incorporate this active lifestyle, natural ingredients and relaxing treatments. This three and half hour treatment includes personal training or a Pilates session, a custom massage, restorative facial, a foot ritual and fresh smoothie or glass of wine. 

At Estancia La Jolla in California, fresh flowers from the hotel grounds speckle the interior areas of the spa adding to the cozy, welcoming feel of the holistic spa.  The Spa features Arcona Skincare and Body because the products reflect the belief that lasting beauty comes from within, and what goes into your body is equally important as what goes onto the skin. Arcona uses only the finest quality, natural enzymatic- plant based ingredients which are cold pressed, made in small batches resulting in products that penetrate deep into the cellular layers of the skin to effect real change, resulting in glowing, healthy skin at any age. 

Signature Experiences

The signature treatments and guest experiences found throughout the Destination Spa collection capture the essence of their unique locations.

• Located near Charleston, S.C. Sand & Sea Salon and Spa at Wild Dunes draws from Southern traditions. The Fried Green Tomato Facial is a soothing, cooling, anti-inflammatory treatment created to calm and hydrate skin.
• The Indulge spa package at Indulge Spa at The Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach Shores, Fla. is a guest favorite, which begins with a refreshing Signature Ocean Ritual soak followed by a relaxing massage. Next, relax with a Calm Seas facial to strengthen and hydrate skin. A soothing spa manicure and pedicure completes the Indulge experience.
• The hustle and bustle of Denver takes a back seat to relaxation at The Spa at The Inverness Hotel and Conference Center. The urban spa creates a signature experience for each guest with its iPod system, which is wired throughout the spa to allow for custom playlists before, during and after services.
• In the Native Reflections Ritual at The Spa at Loretto, the therapist incorporates the art of Sage Smudging into the treatment. Native American people use sage for inner cleansing and clearing. Burned in a dried bundle called a smudge stick, it clears negative energies and elevates ones prayers as the smoke lifts to the heavens.
• The El Segundo Blue at The Spa at Terranea is named after a small, rare butterfly indigenous to the area. The treatment of sedating, warm cocoon of algae, marine clay and essential oils provides rest and renewal. 
• The Hot Oil Elixer Infusion at Skamania's Waterleaf Spa provides guests with a relaxing, holistic experience. The treatment begins with a full body dry brush followed by a rhythmic body oiling with organic essential blends infused in healing camellia and jojoba oil. Immortelle soothes the skin and opens the body to healing energies of aroma therapy and the power of touch. The body then rests wrapped in natural muslin to soak in all of the natural oils. 

For more signature treatments and information on the inspirational, indigenous Destination Spa locations, please visit www.spasofDHR.com.  The Destination Spa collection web site also provides a variety of packages including spa treatments and accommodations. 

Destination Hotels & Resorts is the seventh largest independent hospitality management company in the country with more than 30 luxury and upscale hotels, resorts and conference centers. To protect and preserve the unique communities in which the company operates, Destination launched Destination Earth, an environmental sustainability program in 2008. New for 2009 is the 582-room Terranea Resort situated on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in southern California. The 102-acre ocean front resort will feature a 25,000-square-foot destination spa, three swimming pools, three restaurants and a Todd Eckenrode-designed par three golf course. In addition to Terranea in the greater Los Angeles area, Destination operates properties in key metropolitan areas and resort markets including Washington, D.C., Denver, San Diego, Santa Fe, Aspen, Palm Springs, Houston and Lake Tahoe. Destination is a subsidiary of Los Angeles-based investment, development and management firm Lowe Enterprises.  For more information on the properties in the Destination Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.destinationhotels.com.

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For high resolution, downloadable pictures of properties in the Destination Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.leonardo.com.

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