LA PRAIRIE TO DEBUT AT RITZ-CARLTON, GRAND CAYMAN     The $400 million Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, opening in fall 2004, will be the first and only resort in the Caribbean to feature an elegant new spa concept from La Prairie, the exclusive Swiss-based skincare and beauty company. The La Prairie Spa will feature 17 treatment rooms and a comprehensive menu of beauty, pampering and relaxing treatments. Guests will enjoy a luxurious, restorative oasis designed to de-stress, rejuvenate, and cosset themselves with age-defying science and skin care expertise. With 20,000 square feet of space it will be one of the largest full-service spas in the Caribbean. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is La Prairie’s second venture with the hotel company and only its second in North America. In 2002 it opened a spa at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, its first in the United States. La Prairie, which has earned worldwide acclaim for being at the forefront of developing luxury skincare and anti-aging products, also operates Art of Beauty spas in prestigious five-star hotels and resorts, beauty salons and perfumeries on five continents. Watch this page for more news about the resort and new spa.     MEN’S SPA IN CANADA     Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, Sergio Cocchia and their Absolute Spa team have laid claim to Canada’s first spa catering to men with the April 1 opening at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. The new spa will also offer a male-focused menu of spa treatments while still welcoming women and couples. It all of the Absolute Spa Group’s extensive treatments and products, but includes such features as offering pedicure chairs complete with video games and computers to check on sports scores, stock prices and emails. Other features are larger spa suites to accommodate men and the addition of a barber chair for a “five o’clock buster” hot towel shave. The new spa space will feature natural outdoor colors, rich marble and plenty of metal, although the new “men’s spa” is not just about a different style of décor. Lisogar-Cocchia. commented, “Not only will men receive specialized treatments and products, they won’t have to wear woman-sized robes or sandals, nor experience their spa therapies in a pink pampering palace atmosphere. They will feel at home in this spa.” The Cocchias have catered to Hollywood A-list celebrities since their first spa opened nine years ago, including an extensive list of Hollywood’s hottest men including Ben Affleck, Ethan Hawke, Robert Duvall, Freddie Prinze Jr., Ed Harris, Ted Danson, David Duchovny and Simon Cowell, just to name a few. For more information visit www.absolutespa.com.   CRUISING WITH ACUPUNCTURE     Celebrity Cruises has announced plans to expand their exclusive "Acupuncture at Sea," program from one ship to at least five because of strong guest demand. The program features between two and four doctors of Oriental Medicine who offer treatment for pain management, smoking cessation, weight loss and stress management; present lectures about acupuncture, feng shui, nutrition and healing with herbs; and diagnose and treat specific syndromes with medicinal herbal formulas. "The satisfaction rates among the guests who experienced Acupuncture at Sea onboard Infinity have been tremendous - even beyond what we normally see in regular clinical settings," said Dr. Philippe Manicom of OM Alliance, Coconut Grove, FL, acupuncturist for celebrities and Olympic and NBA athletes, and among the professionals offering the service onboard. The program debuted on the Infinity in September 2003 and will be available this year on the Millennium April 25-November 21, the Constellation April 24-October 24, the Infinity April 25-May 28 and September 26-December 31, the Summit April 30-June 2 and September 17-December 31, and the Galaxy May 7-December 31. For more information contact your travel agent or visit the Celebrity web site at www.celebrity.com.     LUXURY PACKAGES AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MIAMI     Mandarin Oriental, Miami, the city’s only AAA Five Diamond hotel and restaurant, is offering several spa special packages. Spa Detoxification: The Spa has created a series of massage treatments designed to ease away tension, help boost metabolism, and speed up the elimination of toxins in the body. This two-day package, per room, double occupancy, includes luxurious accommodation for two nights, Purifying Hydrotherapy bath/Salt and Oil Scrub, Detoxifying Algae Wrap with Oriental Scalp massage, Detoxifying Aromatherapy Massage, personal training class, and American breakfast daily. Rates start at $1575 for spring and $1425 for summer. Single occupancy rates are also available. Spa Ancient Ayurvedic Ritual: Spa enthusiasts will find tranquility and relaxation in this two-day Ayurvedic program.  Included in this offer are luxurious accommodation for two nights, Welcome Foot Ritual, Facial Cleanse, Full Body Exfoliation, choice of Ayurvedic Holistic Body Massage, Optimal Release or Balinese Synchronized Massage, choice of Scalp Massage or Shirodhara, choice of Luxury Aromatherapy Facial or Oshadi Herbal Wrap, Ayurvedic Yoga, and American breakfast daily.  Rates per room, double occupancy, start at $1450 for spring and $1325 for summer.  Single occupancy rates are also available.  For reservations, please contact the hotel directly at 1-305-913-8288, toll free 1-866-888-6780 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com.     SPA AT SALISH LODGE ANNOUNCES NEW EMINENCE TREATMENTS     The spa at Salish Lodge now offers Eminence Organic Skin Care treatments. Each month, the spa will feature a new treatment based on an Eminence skin product. In May and June, the specialty will be the Rose Hip Body Wrap. Future months will feature the Peach Body Wrap, the Sour Cherry Body Wrap, the Quince Apple Body Wrap, the Pumpkin/Orange Body Wrap, the Carrot Body Wrap, and the Seven Herb Body Wrap. All (50 minute) treatments are priced at $119. The Eminence line consists of products that are so natural that you can see the fresh fruit pulps, seeds, and smell the healing herbs. For more information about the spa and the treatments, visit www.salishlodge.com.     JEWEL OF THE SEAS     Royal Caribbean International’s new Jewel of the Seas has a full-service ShipShape Day Spa, equipped with a thermal suite, which includes heated tile loungers facing the ocean, an aromatherapy steam room, a sauna and tropical rain showers. There is also a Thailand-themed, adults-only Solarium with a retractable glass roof. In addition to Royal Caribbean's signature rock-climbing wall, the ship has a jogging track, a basketball and volleyball court, ping pong tables, a nine-hole miniature golf course and two self-leveling gyroscopic pool tables. For additional information visit www.royalcaribbean.com or contact your travel agent.     MARCO ISLAND ESCAPE PACKAGE     The Resort Sizzle Escape package at The Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa is being offered from $215 per night (with a five-night minimum stay required), from now through December 23, 2004. Guests of the newly renovated island resort will enjoy deluxe partial Gulf view room, full buffet breakfast for two each morning and a $100 food and beverage credit per stay. The new Spa at Marco Island Marriott is a 24,000 square foot state-of-the-art Balinese focusing on a balance of overall living. In addition to golf and water sports, the resort has the Tiki Tribe, an on-site program coordinated for children ages 5-12. For reservations or information call (800) 438-4373 or (239) 394-2511 and ask for rate code EATR, or visit www.marcoislandmarriott.com.     WAIKOLOA BEACH MARRIOTT SPA INTRODUCES ASIAN TREATMENTS     Located as it is between the U.S. mainland and the Orient, the spa at the award-winning Waikoloa Beach Marriott on the Big Island of Hawaii is introducing Asian influences in their treatment applications.  The Hawaiian Rainforest Salon & Spa now offers new Thai treatments that consist of deep stretching massages (think of yoga stretches) and soft tissue manipulation to release tension.  The 75-minute Thai Stretch Massage with Aromatic Herbs is $145.  The aromatic Thai herbs — lemon grass, galangal, camphor, kaffir lime leaves and ground ginger root — are warmed and applied to various pressure points to enhance the body’s chi, or energy.  Since green tea contains powerful antioxidants that are said to destroy free radicals, slow aging, boost the immune system, and have a generally beneficial effect on health, it, too, has been incorporated into facials, body masks and body scrubs.  In fact, since consumers now know that the Japanese, who drink the most green tea have some of the world’s lowest cancer rates,  green tea treatments have become the hot ticket. The 50-minute Green Tea Body Glow exfoliation treatment is $75. The resort offers a variety of packages, including the Paradise Plus package, which costs $225, double occupancy, and includes either a one-day car rental or breakfast for two. For reservations, see a travel agent, call 1-800-922-5533 or log onto www.WaikoloaBeachMarriott.com.     NAPA VALLEY'S SPA AT SILVERADO OFFERS POPULAR GIRL GETAWAY YEAR ROUND     The Napa Valley Spa at Silverado has extended its popular “Spa Girl.” Package, which will now be offered year-round. For each night booked, guests receive luxurious one-bedroom accommodations, a 50-minute spa treatment, breakfast and use of spa facilities and tennis courts. Upon arrival, guests also receive a $10 gift certificate for use in the spa shop, VIP tour and wine-tasting at the William Hill Winery and a welcome gift packaged in a Spa Girl canvas tote.  All taxes and gratuities are included. During peak season, through November 20, the package is priced at $249 per person per night based on double occupancy in a one-bedroom suite or triple occupancy in a two-bedroom suite. The Spa at Silverado is part of the diverse offerings of the Silverado Resort in Napa Valley. Facilities include 16 specially designed private treatment rooms and a full range of massage, body and skin care treatments; a full-service beauty salon offering hair and nail care; fitness studios offering personal training, exercise classes, weight-training and cardiovascular equipment. The Spa Girl package can be reserved by calling 1-800-532-0500; visit www.silveradoresort.com.     CARNIVAL LOW CARB     Carnival Cruise Lines will begin rolling out specially designated low carb dining selections on dinner menus this week with a gradual fleetwide implementation over the next month. "Whether consumers are following Atkins, South Beach, the Zone, or simply subscribing to the low carb philosophy, we want to make it as easy and convenient as possible to enjoy the pleasures of the Carnival dining experience," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. Dinner menus in the ships' main dining rooms will list the number of carbohydrate grams per dish beneath each low carb selection. A reduced carbohydrate bread selection will be available each evening on request, as well. The new selections were introduced on menus aboard the Carnival Victory in April with implementation throughout the balance of the company's 20-ship fleet expected to occur during the following month. Click on www.carnival.com for more information.     OUTSTANDING SPA OFFERS THREE-DAY PACKAGE     Named the 2003 Most Outstanding Spa in the North America and the Caribbean by Conde Nast Johansens, the ShaNah Spa and Wellness Center at Bishop’s Lodge Resort and Spa in Santa Fe is offering a three-day package that includes accommodations for two, two 60-minute spa treatments per room per day, breakfast each morning, daily resort fee, gratuities and tax. The package price starts at $1530. Bishop's Lodge is planning to debut a Sweat Lodge and is constructing a Teepee for outdoor massage treatments.  Their treatments use an interesting variety of ingredients. For example, the Wild Plum and Parsley Eye Treatment treats tired, puffy eyes and dark circles. The Paprika and AHA Fruit Pulp Facial firms and rejuvenates skin, thanks to the stimulating paprika and the ultra-renewing alpha-hydroxy acids. For more information, visit www.shanahspa.com.     SPOIL MOM IN STYLE AT HACIENDA XCANTUN     Even thoroughly modern, multi-tasking moms need tender loving care. Who better than an appreciative daughter to give a mother the gift of time -- to rebalance the body and emotions, while relaxing in the comfort of the beautiful Hacienda Xcanatun (ssh-kana-toon) & Spa, one of the Yucatan’s finest boutique hotels carved out of an 18th century sisal plantation. The four-day/three-night weekend of pampering and rejuvenation costs $1250 for two. Accommodations are in one of the hacienda’s 18 luxury period suites. Each guest may select two massages from a list of Maya holistic or wellness procedures. Xcanatun’s signature treatment, The Maya Honey & Flower Massage, uses nutrient-laden organic honey to regenerate and to moisturize the skin. At the end, flowers are placed on the body to bring the soul into balance. None of the treatments cost more than $55 per hour. A Maya specialist, trained by her shaman grandfather, mixes her own oils and creams from natural products. Essential for re-balancing the body and spirit are honey for purification, flowers to cleanse the spirit, herbs to filter negative energy, and incense for tranquility. The Aura Cleansing and Chakra Alignment relieves stress and tension by unblocking energy centers surrounding the body. Exfoliation and skin rejuvenation result from the Maya Clay treatment, by reestablishing positive energy. New vitality and strength result from the Ancient Maya Stones Massage as warm, aromatic oils are worked into the skin and stones from a sacred Maya site are placed on the body's specific energy points. Seaweed and salt wraps, cleansings, facials and other types of massages are available. Private yoga classes are held in the garden, and there are two, freshwater, swimming pools. The head-to-toe makeovers end with a deep facial cleansing and either a manicure or a pedicure. The package also includes a bottle of wine from the Hacienda’s vast wine cellar, an in-suite welcome fruit basket, a gift of rich, creamy chocolates, and roundtrip Merida airport transfers. For more information, visit www.xcanatun.com.     NEW BALANCE SPA AT HOTEL ICON     Early this year, the spectacular hotel ICON—representing a $35 million historic renovation of a landmark bank building--made its debut in downtown Houston. Design and décor are evocative of the grand hotels of the turn of the century, but on a more intimate scale. Located in the hotel’s lower lobby level is the new Balance spa, which has a dedicated check-in desk, boutique, relaxation areas, separate men’s and women’s locker rooms, plus four private treatment suites. Each elegantly appointed space is geared to specific functions, including men’s grooming, massage (individual, couple and maternity), waxing, facials, manicure/pedicure and makeup application. Hotel guests and locals can indulge in a comprehensive range of a la carte and packaged services that utilize premium Cellex-C, Valmont and Uptown Day Spa private label products.  A selection of in-room services, plus men’s haircut and women’s blow dry are available by appointment. For clients with limited schedules or those looking to extend their spa day, there is the option of ordering meals from BANK (a signature Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant), for spa dining, and in the case of a pedicure, could be enjoyed during the treatment itself. For hotel guests dedicated to leading a healthy lifestyle at home and away, a 24/7 fitness facility, located adjacent to the spa, offers 17 pieces of Cybex and Nautilus equipment – most outfitted with personal entertainment systems – and free weights For more information on the Hotel ICON, call 1-713-224-4266 or visit www.hotelicon.com.     AVALON REEF CLUB ANNOUNCES SPA-TACULAR PRODUCTS     Avalon Reef Club, located on the tranquil island of Isla Mujeres, Mexico, announces world-class spa products and enhanced treatments by Spa Marine from Germaine de Capuccini. Germaine de Capuccini products combine marine elements, vitamins and plant extracts to help damaged skin regenerate without the use of harsh chemicals. Signature treatments offered at Avalon Reef Club include: Anti-stress, detoxifying massage; circulatory, firming, and mineralizing fragrance hydro-massage; marine dust body wrap, and psycho-sensitive massage using Ayurveda, Shiatsu, Reflexology, and lymph-draining techniques. Established in 1963, Germaine de Capuccini can be found in 60 countries worldwide. Among the spa products: body marine clay sea crystals, seaweed marine bath and firming body gel. For more information or to make reservations for the spa services at Avalon Reef Club, please call 1-800-261-5014 or visit www.avalonvacations.com.     SPA LUXURY COMES TO CAPE COD     Cape Cod has many natural attractions—and now it has a luxurious spa at the AAA Four Diamond Crown Pointe Historic Inn in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Located in America’s oldest artists’ colony, the Shui Spa offers a two-day package that allows guests to relax and pamper themselves while also enjoying all that historical and cultural “P-town” has to offer. The getaway begins with a personal welcome by the Inn’s attentive staff, fresh cut flowers, hand-dipped chocolate strawberries, and a welcome gift. The spacious accommodations feature luxurious bedding, a fireplace, and a two-person whirlpool tub. Each morning, guests will be served a gourmet hot breakfast in bed; every evening, homemade treats will be left bedside at turndown. During their stays, guests will be treated to a “revive” package at the Shue (Shuay) Spa: two sixty-minute massages, two facials and two manicures, to complete the pampering. The Spa features a mineral soaking tub, a relaxation lounge, sauna, and steam room. The package, which is valid through May of 2005 (except June 15th -Sept. 10th and published Provincetown and national holidays) is priced at $1,000 exclusive of taxes. For more information, call 1-508-487-6767 or visit www.crownepointe.com.