SPRING-SUMMER 2011I sea&iI33travelnewsPalacial pamperingThe Es Saadi Gardens and Resort in Marrakechrecently extended its hospitality to guests bywelcoming them to its new Es Saadi Palace Spa.The largest in Morocco's Red City, it offershydrotherapy, oriental and traditional Moroccanhamams, a Dior Institut that specialises in anti-ageing treatments, and a private spa suite. Thedesign of the spa takes its cue from orientalpalaces and is built over three floors around acentenary eucalyptus tree. Guests of the 24treatment rooms can gaze out over the Atlasmountains and city walls as they indulge in thefacilities, treatments or Oriental Thermae, whichoffers a detoxifying programme involvingrejuvenatingheat and cold therapies with sweetnatural herbs infusing the air. There is also a terracewith magnificent views that is ideal for outdoormassages, yoga and Pilates, or simply soak in theJacuzzi or have a smoothie at the bar. Whenhunger hits, the spa's organic restaurant, Bio duBled, satisfies with a range of nutritious dishes.www.essaadi.comA SPA WITH A VIEW Adding another bow to its string, the Four Seasons Hotel ParkLane recently opened the doors to its new spa. Located onthe rooftop of the London hotel, the spa was designed by Eric Parryand offers extraordinary views of the city. Carefully designed toreflect the surrounding landscapes of Hyde Park, the spa featuresdark and light stone with running water sculptures to mirror thepark's natural elements. Even the most stressed of guests cannotfail to forget their troubles and unwind while sitting in a saunaoverlooking the historic cityscape.www.fourseasons.com/london/spa

COWORTH PARK HOTEL AND SPA Dorchester Collection recently opened the ultimate country retreat, Coworth Park.The 70-room country house hotel and spa grandly stands among 240 acres of rollingparkland near Ascot, Berkshire, in the UK. Although it is equipped with polo fields, a Michelin-starred chef and an equestrian centre, the best feature of the property is without a doubtthe eco-luxury spa. Offering a range of organic, healing and enriching treatments, theSpa at Coworth Park has been built out of timber structures and is partially submergedinto the landscape. Furthering its eco credentials, the walls are lime hemp and the roof isadorned with a garden of fragrant herbs that are used in many of the treatments. Thenatural theme continues throughout the interior with the use of large windows bringingthe outside in. The menu includes a range of organic treatments by Dr Alkaitis, along withCarol Joy London, Kerstin Florian and Aromatherapy Associates. www.coworthpark.com34Isea&iISPRING-SUMMER 2011TBhOeR mNaEOgn IiDficYeLLnt sevenAnantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is defyingthe economic slump by planning the debut ofseven new resorts in China, the Maldives,Bali, Oman and the UAE by the end of 2011.The growth reflects a 60 per cent expansionof the group's portfolio. www.anantara.comA new Taj The Rehendi presidential suite at the TajExotica Resort & Spa in the Maldives has justemerged from an extensive refurbishment.Thanks to a US$400,000 budget, the lavishrenovation included new interiors designedby James Park Associates, along with asprawling sand-deck area. www.tajexoticamaldives.co.ukAward winning spa It was no surprise that Morocco's LaMamounia's Spa (above) in Marrakechtopped Condé Nast Traveller's Readers' SpaAwards this year. Emerging victorious at thetop of a list of 25 leading spas, La Mamouniafeatures two traditional hamams and oneprivatehamam, eight treatment rooms, a spasuite, six outdoor massage cabanas, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, an indoor ozoneswimming pool and Jacuzzi, a relaxationroom with catering service and a boutique. www.mamounia.com