It’s a Med World
In high summer, there is nowhere quite as magical or glamorous as the Mediterranean, from the clear azure of the sea, the sassy little towns along the coast of Italy, France and Spain, and the gem-like islands from Sardinia to Ibiza. Not to mention the playboys, oligarchs, supermodels and movie mavens threading their riches through the harbours and ports. And then, of course, there are the spas, where we can all go to luxuriate for even more pampering. Jo Foley highlights the Star Spas.
ARABELLA SPA, St Regis Mardavall, Palma, Majorca
A true grande dame among luxury providers and a mere stone’s throw from the harbour, the hotel is home to a really serious spa – the Arabella. Cool and spacious, with 14 treatment rooms, the spa offers a mix of Eastern and Western therapies from Swedish to shiatsu massage, as well as a choice of ayurveda and a smattering of Traditional Chinese, such as tuina. However, its real joy, refl ecting its closeness to the sea, is in its life-enhancing thalassotherapy menu – a wide range of hydrotherapy baths, scrubs and massages alongside marine extract wraps and facials.
More info:
www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis
Currently the largest spa in Europe, it also offers an indoor and outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, salt grotto and ice grotto. And, when all you want to do is lie down, there are enticing waterbeds on which to relax. Those looking for a little extra can head for the state-of-the-art fi tness centre, where a host of equipment and activities are available. The St Regis is also ideal for a family outing as there is a terrifi c Kids Club, plus tennis and golf for those who do not want to spa. On the other hand, for those who DO wish to be pampered, the range of one-day packages takes in both body and beauty treatments as well as one offering an introduction to TCM from approx £130. Otherwise, just head for the thalassotherapy treatments and indulge in a warm underwater massage.
METROPOLE HOTEL, Monte Carlo
Everything you would want in a hotel in Monte Carlo is provided here in this classic gem, hidden away in the Carre d’Or district, but just minutes from all the glitz and glamour that has made Monte Carlo one of the most desirable places to visit and live (should you have the money). It is elegant in a very contemporary style, yet comfortable and welcoming, and has one of the best restaurants in the area, Joel Rebouchon’s Yoshi, which was awarded a Michelin star earlier this year. However, for something a little lighter you could head for the restaurant by the pool, which offers a selection of healthy-eating light meals and snacks, as well as delicious fruit and vegetable cocktails. And then there is the Spa. Devised and managed
More info:
www.metropole.com
by Espa, it offers all the elements Espa is world renowned for – signature therapies, two and three- hour rituals, thalassotherapy, aromatherapy, ayurvedic
specials and a host of specialist facials, wraps and massages. If you really want to spoil yourself, you could hire one of the two VIP suites and spend a day there being pampered. Otherwise, opt for either the four-handed Purva Karma massage or any treatment by their very special therapist, Patricio.
44 WORLD OF CRUISING I Summer 2010
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92