Spa Bargain: “SUITE OFFER” FROM PAN PACIFIC BANGKOK     Pan Pacific Bangkok is now offering a "Suite Package" through December 31, starting at $160 for a Junior Suite on weekend nights and US$170 for weekday nights. The package includes complimentary daily international breakfast buffet; a choice of either $15 credit towards laundry service per day or one-way transfer to or from airport; welcome drink and fruit basket; two 20% discount coupons for spa facilities per stay; free use of fitness facilities and sauna, international newspaper; and late check out (4:00 p.m.). Upgraded "Suite Packages" are also available for Pacific Floor guests. For reservations and additional information, call (800) 327-8585 or visit www.panpacific.com     Special Program: MANDARIN ORIENTAL AYURVEDA PROGRAM     Miami’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel will present a three-day Ayurveda spa program from October 8th through October 10th. The "Ayurvedic Wellness Retreat" will concentrate on the East Indian healing traditions of Ayurveda, providing guests an opportunity to learn about individual Ayurvedic doshas (body constitutions), nutrition and diet, detoxification programs, meditation exercises, Ayurvedic cooking and lifestyle therapies. A series of workshops will provide practical, hands-on suggestions and tools for guests to maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit. "We are especially pleased to be able to share this unique experience with our guests," said Osa Mallo, spa director. "Guests will embark on a journey of health and wellness and discover the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda while enjoying a relaxing and luxurious weekend." The workshops will be led by Len Blank, a pioneer in bringing awareness of Ayurveda to western culture. Blank has practiced Ayurveda for more than 25 years and published 14 books on the subject. He is co-founder of the Ayurvedic Institute in Sante Fe, New Mexico. The retreat begins on Friday evening with a welcome session focusing on the principles, meaning and origin of Ayurveda.  Throughout the weekend, guests can experience a cultural blend of spa treatments at the award-winning Spa at Mandarin Oriental, enjoy morning Ayurveda Yoga classes, and relax in the accommodation at Miami's only AAA Five Diamond hotel and restaurant. Guests will also have an opportunity to participate in an interactive Ayurvedic Cooking Class taught by Julia Mader, a licensed massage therapist and Ayurvedic nutritionist. This special class combines the culinary principles of Ayurveda with cooking demonstrations and an appetizing lunch. The "Ayurvedic Wellness Retreat" includes: a two-night stay (guaranteed early check-in and late check-out); American breakfast daily and select spa treatments, including a choice of: Thai Massage or Shiatsu and Ayurvedic Holistic Body Treatment or Life Dance plus a Totally Blissful Back Face and Scalp treatment; morning Ayurvedic Yoga classes on the resort's new private beach, private Dosha consultations, Ayurvedic cooking class; and a series of Ayurvedic Seminars including “How to Incorporate Ayurveda in your Daily Life” and “What is Ayurveda?” Rates for the package (including tax and spa gratuity) for one person start at $1,699 in a superior room; for two people in a superior, the rate is $2,599. For more information or reservations, contact the hotel at (305) 913-8383 or (866) 888-6780.   Special Program: ITALIAN-INSPIRED TREATMENTS AT CALIFORNIA GRAND HOTEL     If a visit to Tuscany is not on the horizon, you can still experience the secrets of Tuscan healing and rejuvenation in southern California. Kelly’s Spa at the historic Mission Inn in downtown Riverside is a fusion between the indigenous Spanish mission architecture of the hotel and the serene, sophisticated spaces of a luxurious European spa. When entering, spa guests are invited to wrap themselves in luxurious cotton robes, retreat from the stresses of the world, and begin a journey of healing and rejuvenation. The men's and women’s retreats feature tumbled limestone in the bathing areas and a eucalyptus-infused steam room with Venetian glass tiles. While resting in the tranquility room before a treatment, guests can choose from a selection of four fresh fruit juices to calm, refresh, energize and detoxify. Kelly's Spa is the creation of Kelly Roberts who, together with her husband Duane, owns the Mission Inn.  "The Mission Inn is a special place with an incredible amount of history and beauty," said Roberts. "Just as the Inn's original owner, Frank Miller, traveled the world bringing back beautiful treasures to the hotel, I have gathered the best spa treatments used throughout Italy and the world and brought them to this spa." The 6,000-square-foot spa is inspired by the villas of Tuscany, with archways and domed and barrel-vaulted ceilings. Warm-toned woods are used throughout; the walls have hand-painted frescoes, the floors marble mosaic and the soft lighting by custom Venetian chandeliers. In addition to the six treatment rooms, with three featuring an outdoor terra cotta tiled patio, and nail salon, there are two private villas that can be used for couples, groups of friends, or for those wishing privacy. Guests can choose from an extensive treatment menu of Italian therapies including the Il Signore’s Facial created especially for men, traditional Swedish and Shiatsu massage, and specialty facials. Aromatherapy massage, Hot Stone and Reflexology are also offered, along with a range of body treatments using ingredients to soothe and soften the skin. Treatments feature Epicuren, Yon-Ka and Sircuit facial and body therapy products. The hotel, which is situated on an entire city block of the quaint Mission Inn District of Riverside, California, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a State of California Historic Landmark. For more information or reservations call (800) 843-7755 or visit www.missioninn.com.     Special Program: KINGSBRAE ARMS’ NEW "GIRLFRIENDS GETAWAY" PACKAGE     For girlfriends who want to do more than lunch, the Kingsbrae Arms provides an opportunity for pampering and spending quality time together. A Relais & Châteaux getaway in the seaside resort of St. Andrews-by-the-Sea in New Brunswick, the 107-year-old inn features accommodations with distinctive period furnishings, king- and queen-sized beds, gas log fireplaces, individually controlled heat and air conditioning, and private marble bathrooms. All suites have balconies with spectacular seaside views. For those who can't escape the "real world" entirely, suites also have voice mailboxes, data ports, and cable television. Three-night package rates range from $1,775 to $3,225 per person, based on single occupancy, and type of accommodation. The package includes three nights' lodging, full country breakfasts, Garden café or gourmet picnic lunches, table d'hôte dinners paired with fine wines; unlimited champagne and open bar, VIP Kingsbrae Garden passes, tea, snacks, and gratuities, a soothing massage for each person (reflexology, shiatsu, Jin Shin Doe, and more), consultations with Chef Randy A key for customized diets (spa cuisine, chocolate decadence, and more); Kingsbrae Arms Shopping Spree ($50 gift certificate towards purchase of one-of-a-kind hand-blocked silk garments and custom-designed fleece articles, Bulgari bath products, and more). A 15% Canadian Tax is added to package rates; however this room tax is eligible for refund to all visitors to Canada. For more information or reservations, contact the hotel at 1-506-529-1897 or at www.kingsbrae.com.     Spa Bargain: NEW SPA GETAWAYS FOR THE SINGLE TRAVELER     Single travelers who want a spa getaway without paying a single supplement should know that Ceiba del Mar Spa Resort on the Riviera Maya has waived those pesky fees, resulting in savings of 25% on the 4- to 8-day all-inclusive packages. Ceiba del Mar features 126 deluxe accommodations-all with sea views and private balconies-situated in eight buildings, each with its own 24-hour concierge and with rooftop jacuzzis. The signature Mayan-inspired treatments at the resort include the Mayan Goddess Scrub, where the body is scrubbed and moisturized with a mixture of sea salts, chaya (medicinal sacred plant), achiote (anti-inflammatory plant), beeswax and honey and the Top'nikté Massage, where the body is wrapped in a top'nikté (cocoon), a cotton cloth soaked in an herbal infusion to allow the body to get rid of toxins as it absorbs the healing herbs. Before each Signature Treatment a purifying ritual is performed. Copal, a sacred tree resin, is burned and used to harmonize body, mind and spirit. The 4-day “Relax” Spa Getaway, priced at $999 (originally $1339) includes a deluxe oceanview room with private balcony; Continental “Plus” breakfast delivered to the room’s butler’s pantry lock-box or full breakfast in restaurant; daily dinner in hotel restaurants; daily spa pass (includes use of sauna, steam, Jacuzzi, and Swiss shower); complimentary Signature Spa Services (Body Scrub, Top Nik'Té Massage, Re-Hydrating Massage, Manicure); personal spa gift; daily fitness program (Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Beach Power Walks, Aquafit and more); complimentary bicycle, kayaks, and snorkel equipment; and airport transfers. The 6-day getaway is priced at $1419 (originally $1849) and the 8-day package is $2235 (originally $2856). Package prices are good until December. To make reservations or for more information, call (877) 545-6221 or visit www.ceibadelmar.com.     Spa Bargain: MYSTIC MARRIOTT HOTEL & SPA OFFERS FAMILY ESCAPE PACKAGE     Through November 1st, the AAA Four Diamond Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa offers a bargain package starting at $259 per night for a family of four. It includes accommodations and admission to Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium. The hotel's Elizabeth Arden Red Door spa for parents, an indoor pool for the kids and the area's numerous attractions add up to a great family getaway. "The response to this package has been overwhelming," said Bill Munro, general manager. "Unlike other hotels, which require a minimum two-night stay, the Mystic Marriott offers the convenience of choosing just one, or as many nights as you like." The Red Door Spa (www.reddoorsalons.com) offers a copious menu of spa and salon services, including half-day packages (facial, massage, and manicure) starting at $210. The Mystic Marriott was recently named an "Editor's Choice" by the prestigious Yankee Magazine 2004 Travel Guide to New England. For more information, call (860) 446-2600 or visit www.mysticmarriott.com. .     Special Program: NEW TREATMENTS AT THE SPA AT WIT'S END     Wit's End Guest Ranch, Resort & Spa, founded in 1859 in the Colorado Rockies, announces three new signature treatments - the “As Above, So Below”, “Breathe Deep the Sweet Air” and “The Four Directions - Facial Massage”. Guests who choose “As Above, So Below” will relax by starting with an herbal infused foot wrap while heated aromatherapy pillows are applied to the neck and hands. A soothing face patch designed specifically to de-stress, calm, smooth and revitalize the skin is then applied. After exfoliating the feet with Wit's End own foot scrub the therapist does a custom reflexology treatment, designed to ones specific needs. It is then followed by a specialized mudpack and heated booties designed to penetrate deep in the skin and increase circulation and remove impurities. Next is the hot/cold stone facial with emphasis on the reflex points on the face, neck and scalp. River rocks, marine rock and semi-precious stones are then incorporated.  Hot towels are then applied to the face to help penetrate the oils deep into the skin, which help further the deep state of relaxation. An Osec red mud and herbal facial pack is applied to the face, which is then removed by hot towels, and a specialized facial moisturizer is massaged in to complete the treatment. The "As Above, So Below" treatment runs 100 minutes for $185. The “Breathe Deep the Sweet Air” is designed to help the guests at the ranch, who travel from lower altitudes, adjust to the thin air of Vallecito Lake. The spa treatment starts off with a Bindi Herbal Body Balancing wrap. Rare blends of high potency Ayurvedic herbs are applied to the body, which are allowed to air dry. A dry brush is then used to slough the herbs off, which detoxifies and improves blood circulation. Balancing oil is applied to the skin, the special oil blend is designed to calm and soothe the nervous system while nourishing muscle tissue.  To complete the treatment a cocoon style body wrap is applied while a face and scalp massage is performed. The treatment costs $165 for 100 minutes. “The Four Directions” facial massage incorporates elements from Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Marine-based extracts along with indigenous essential oils are gently massaged to the face with hot and cold stones, which stimulate reflex points that encourage the face and body to re-establish their natural balance. A red mud mask from Korea is applied, herb infused to help enhance deep circulation and toxin elimination, yet calms and hydrates. This massage will leave guests hydrated, nourished and feeling rejuvenated; it is an 85-minute treatment for $110. For more information, call (800) 236-9483 or visit www.witsendranch.com.     New Spa/Spa Bargain: INTRODUCTORY 20% OFF AT WORLD’S FIRST LUXURY HEALTH RESORT AND SPA FOR GAY AND LESBIAN TRAVELERS     When it opens in November, Coyote Moon Health Resort and Spa claims the title of the world's first all-inclusive gay-owned and operated health resort and luxury spa serving gay and lesbian travelers and their friends. Originally an 1850s stagecoach stop, later expanded into a dude ranch catering to Hollywood's stars of the 30s and 40s, Coyote Moon's Southwest-style architecture has been fully preserved. Original adobe and lava-stone masonry distinguishes the resort's buildings, further enhanced by the backdrop of the mountains and surrounding Arizona landscape filled with saguaro cacti. The authentic Arizona theme is carried throughout each guest suite. Eco-friendly by example and design, the resort's philosophy aims to preserve its stunning location. Coyote Moon offers a welcoming environment for the gay community to enjoy a high-end spa vacation. It is a destination to reconnect, revitalize and be pampered through relaxation, fitness, nutrition, holistic medicine and nature. Nestled in Arizona's Tucson Mountains, this 30-acre resort's onsite facilities include spa, weight room, yoga/Pilates studio, creative arts studio/demo kitchen, a restaurant, pool, jacuzzi, tennis court and horse ranch. These are complemented by the surrounding outdoor adventure opportunities (hiking, biking) in the Tucson area, and day trips to town attractions in town. Joe Studer, owner and visionary of Coyote Moon Health Resort and Spa, left his long-term career in healthcare to follow a dream. "I wanted to create an environment that promotes the harmony of mind, body and spirit. Coyote Moon offers a transforming 'whole-body' experience that will renew and invigorate your life," he said. The “Coyote Moon Experience” will be unique for each guest, tailored from the resort's extensive range of activities and services. Some will choose to participate in a lecture on anti-aging strategies or spiritual healing; others may indulge in a mineral mud wrap or the natural healing properties of a hot stone massage, ride horseback or hike through the Tucson Mountains, find inner peace through a yoga class or just relax by the pool. Periodic "focus weeks" will cater to male, female and gay family clientele with customized programs. Coyote Moon also qualifies for the "TAG-Approved" designation (www.tagapproved.com), indicating adherence to gay-friendly policies and practices out and ensuring a genuinely favorable and welcoming experience for guests. Seven-day packages start at $2,601 per person, double occupancy; included are six spa treatments, all meals, fitness classes, creative arts classes, lectures, outdoor excursions and private airport transfers from Tucson International Airport. Four-day packages are also available. A 20% grand opening special discount applies on all reservations for November and December 2004. The on-site day spa welcomes visitors not staying at the resort. For more information and reservations, call 1-877-784-7430 or visit www.coyotemoonresort.com.     New Spa: NEW SEA SPA AT LOEWS CORONADO BAY RESORT     Loews Coronado Bay Resort has appointed David A. Devan as director of the resort's new 10,000-square-foot Sea Spa, according to Kathleen Cochran, general manager. A spa industry expert, Devan brings more than 17 years of first-class spa experience at some of the world's finest hotels, cruise ships and resorts. In his new role, Devan will oversee the day-to-day operations of Sea Spa, including spa procedures, Resort Club memberships and programs, Spray Salon, fitness and recreation. "David has a wealth of experience creating world-class spas from the ground up with an eye for creating impeccable guest perception," said Cochran. "We're committed to providing the treatments, classes and services our guests want. I'm confident we'll accomplish this with David's cutting-edge ideas and stringent standards." Sea Spa is a soothing Zen-like retreat featuring 15 indoor and outdoor treatment areas: a tranquil spa patio with San Diego's newest Watsu pool, teen and pre-teen services, an innovative body salon with state-of-the-art pedicure and manicure stations, a full-service retail area, "colorful" spa cuisine, luxurious locker room facilities and a cutting-edge center and exercise studio. Sea Spa complements the resort's existing amenities, which include three tennis courts, an 80-slip marina, water activities, bike rentals, three restaurants, two lounges, three pools, two Jacuzzis, 440 luxurious guest rooms and panoramic views of the San Diego-Coronado Bay. For more information or reservations, call (619) 424-4000 or (800)23-LOEWS or visit www.loewshotels.com.     Special Program: SERENITY IN MOTION AT IKAL DEL MAR RESORT & SPA     Through beauty and yoga, peace is achieved at Ikal del Mar Resort & Spa in Mexico. The resort, located in the white sands of Playa del Carmen and nestled in a tropical forest, is offering guests two seven-day yoga retreats with yoga instructor James Burkharft, founder of SomaYoga Center in San Francisco, California. The retreats will introduce guests to the healing possibilities of Hatha Yoga, a yoga that prepares the body for the spiritual path via physical and breathing exercises. They include: seven nights in a luxury villa with private pool; a personalized yoga consultation to evaluate individual experience, areas of restriction, injury assessment and goals for the week; two yoga classes per day; a morning yoga class progressing from yoga basics to beginning power yoga to mixed level power yoga; an afternoon yoga class including hip opening, shoulder opening, partner stretching and or/partner massage, relaxation, meditation and Taoist breathing exercise; daily breakfast for two; private round-trip transfers. Ikal del Mar, which means Poetry of the Sea, is a wonderful example of Mayan chic. All 30 villas were built with mahogany and stone and come with a private pool and palapa roofs. Luxurious touches include a tropical butler, 500-thread count Egyptian linens, and gourmet "Mex-iterranean" cuisine. The resort faces seven miles of white sand beach and is near ancient cities and ruins. The Ikal del Mar Yoga Retreats are priced at $5,115.00 per villa, based on two people sharing a villa and are offered October 16-23rd and December 5-12th. For more information, call (888) 230-7330 or visit www.ikaldelmar.com.     New Spa: AUTHENTIC RUSSIAN SPA BATH COMES TO SEATTLE     Bring on the balalaikas! “Banya” means baths in Russian, and when Banya 5 opened to the public in the South Lake Union neighborhood September 15th, Seattleites were initiated into their first authentic Russian bath and steam room. Inspired by the handful of Russian baths in the United States, Banya 5 is an urban spa and health facility offering a unique blend of Old World wellness rituals and treatments. These include Turkish steam and Russian radiant moist heat, exhilarating pool plunges, salt scrubs and massage. All this is offered in a sophisticated new venue featuring such traditional materials as brick, honed concrete floors and cedar benches paired with more modern touches of Italian glass mosaic tiles, Cascade granite details, hand-troweled plaster, hot rolled steel columns and solid plank mahogany lath. The objective, say owners, is a mix of style, tradition and technology that will promote wellness, vitality and rejuvenation of the soul. "It has more in common with the traditional baths you see in Japan or Bali where whole families bathe for cultural and therapeutic reasons," says developer and major investor John Goodfellow, who also likens the experience more to the medicinal sweat baths of folk medicine than to European luxury spas. The 3600 square foot structure will house the Russian Room, featuring 190-degree radiant, moist heat from the parilka for 20-plus patrons; the Turkish Room, featuring 117-degree steam heat for 12 to 15 guests; a requisite cold-plunge pool; a tepid salt-water pool; and a jetted hot-water pool. Additional services include salt scrubs, platza and a variety of banya-related products, including bottled waters and banya attire. Massage, along with a café, will be added at a later date. In keeping with banya traditions elsewhere, Wednesdays have been set aside exclusively for women, while Thursdays are men only. Friday through Sunday is coed, with Sunday hours of 10 am to 4 pm set aside for families. Banya 5 is also available on Mondays and Tuesdays for private or corporate events, family or group reunions. Single visits will cost $25; a five-visit punch-card is $100; children under 16 pay $12.50 on Sundays, when accompanied by their families. Access to the Russian Room, the Turkish Room, three plunge pools, showers, locker room, lockbox and towels are included in the fee. Robe rental, salt scrubs and massage are extra. For more information call (206) 262-1234 or visit www.banya5.com.     New Spa: ROMANCE IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS: CARIBBEAN'S NEWEST SPA OPENS IN JANUARY     With a prime location on a magnificent Caribbean beach, 72 spacious suites and a $2-million infinity pool, The Palms already draws discriminating vacationers. Now the resort adds  a spa that is a destination in itself. Designed by Angel Stewart, of Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Golden Door and Ritz-Carlton (Rancho Mirage) fame, the spa is spread over an acre and features an outdoor meditation area and eight freestanding hand-cut coral stone cabanas. The individual stand-alone treatment cabanas are surrounded by peaceful, trickling ponds and gently illuminated by torchlight. Guests may reserve a spa suite to indulge in a custom treatment, relax in a private plunge pool, or enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner. The bounty of the Turks and Caicos Islands - native herbs, fruits and the beautiful waters surrounding the island - inspire the treatments. For example, the signature "Mother of Pearl" exfoliation relies on pulverized native queen conch shells to gently exfoliate and purify. A yoga, Pilates and tai chi studio is situated in the spa's center, overlooking a 150-foot water garden and majestic date palms. Water-based therapies, full service salon, traditional men's barbershop, fitness center and elegant retail boutique complete the offerings. For the ultimate in relaxation and privacy, treatments may also be taken in a guest’s residences or on their private terraces. For more information contact The Palms at (866) 877-PALM (7256).     Spa Renovation: EXTREME MAKEOVER FOR A CALIFORNIA CLASSIC     Known for its accommodations, cuisine, healing thermal mineral waters and luxurious spa treatments, in addition to its well-known golf, The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa recently completed a $62 million multiphase restoration. The renovation included a redesign of the resort's 97 historic rooms, with new drapery, fine European linens and original artwork reflecting the early European influences on California’s wine country. The spa-like bathrooms feature stone vanities and incorporate a combination of marble and tile detail, decorative mirrors and soft lighting. The resort now offers high-speed Internet access in each room and wireless Internet access in both the lobby and outdoor pool areas. In addition, the renovated entry court and lobby now feature comfortable sofas and overstuffed chairs arranged in intimate settings.     New Treatment: FAIRMONT SERENITY BATHS     While National Bubble Bath Day is January 8 (yes, that really is a calendar holiday), The Fairmont Chicago offers an in-room, luxury spa service: The Fairmont Serenity Bath. In addition to traditional baths (chamomile, mint or milk) The Fairmont Chicago introduces its dessert-of-the-month baths, custom-drawn by The Fairmont Chicago’s Bath Sommelier. Guests can indulge in a cookies-and-cream bath, complete with chocolate scented bubble bath, vanilla scented candles and served with a glass of ice-cold milk and warm, fresh-baked cookies. Throughout the holiday season, guests can immerse themselves in an eggnog, pumpkin pie, gingerbread or peppermint stick bath, each complemented with scented candles, soaps, cookies and cakes to turn an average bath into a holiday soak. Available from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., all Serenity Baths are priced at $50, plus gratuity. At The Fairmont Royal York the Bath Sommelier eases away the pains of travel with a menu of traditional aromatherapy baths for guests.   The "Thyme Travel" bath treatment includes peppermint, lavender, and lemon oils, revitalizing geranium and rosemary blend, soya bean massage oil and a blending bottle, as well as instructions and tips to help survive jet lag, headaches and other common travel ills. The Bath Sommelier at The Fairmont Royal York is available 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. through room service.