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Soul Vacation
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By: Sarah Burns, Issue 42 – Autumn 2010
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(Destination Spas)
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FOR PAMPERING PAR EXCELLENCE, WE’VE CHOSEN FOUR OF THE WORLD’S BEST DESTINATION SPAS. TEXT BY SARAH BURNS
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CHIVA-SOM INTERNATIONAL HEALTH RESORT, HUA HIN, THAILAND
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South of Bangkok is the Royal city of Hua Hin, originally inhabited by Thailand’s ancient kings and Royal family as the country’s first seashore destination. Outside of the old city tucked within seven acres of lush tropical gardens on the beachfront is Chiva-Som International Health Resort. Every stay at Chiva-Som is tailored to the requirements of the guest down to individually selected scent in oil burners throughout Chiva-Som suites, all of which come with private butler service, personalised bathroom amenities and a choice of bedroom linens. On arrival guests meet expert health professionals to devise a personal program of treatments and services. Consulting doctors, therapists and naturopaths work with guests to achieve greater wellbeing through more than 150 treatments and physical activities ranging from Tai Chi to aquatic therapy. Chiva-Som serves award-winning Spa cuisine: the finest meats are paired with local herbs and spices and in the Emerald Room guests can eat organic fruits and vegetables. A structured detoxification diet is available for those who wish to cleanse the body.
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CLINIQUE LA PRAIRIE, MONTREAUX, SWITZERLAND
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For a top of the line anti-ageing institute and clinical wellness facility, it doesn’t get any better than Clinique La Prairie. Located in Montreaux’s Clarens district, it lies on the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva at the base of the Alps. Within this natural setting the clinic has been leading the way in anti-ageing treatment since it was founded in 1931. With research using the embryonic cells of sheep, Clinique La Prairie coined an exclusive age prevention treatment known as Revitalization Therapy, one of many reasons guests return year after year. But the treatment isn’t inexpensive; a six-night Rejuvenation Program for two will set clients back about AUD$21,715 for full board and treatments. But paying top dollar yields quality care with more than 60 medical specialists on staff to administer therapies ranging from aesthetic surgery and dermatology to hypnosis and acupuncture. Opposite the medical center is Clinique La Prairie’s original building which has been renovated into a hotel with all the amenities of the 21st century and the grandeur of early 20th century Europe.
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CANYON RANCH, TUSCON, ARIZONA
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Once the site of a rustic cattle ranch in Tuscon, Arizona, Canyon Ranch became a health resort after homebuilder Mel Zuckerman and his wife Enid transformed the property into a modern facility inspired by the atmosphere and imagery of America’s Southwest. The Tuscon facility stands out from the two other Canyon Ranch properties in Massachusetts and Florida because of its wellness programs which include a weight loss package and a golf package. The popular Life Enhancement Program creates a positive group environment that explores spiritual practices and healthy eating habits. The year-round beauty of the desert and surrounding Santa Catalina Mountains are the backdrop for outdoor group hikes led by experienced guides.
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ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS, INDIA
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Ananda was once the royal residence of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal and is now a 24,000 square foot, world class destination spa. It specialises in traditional Indian medicine integrating contemporary Western technologies and in doing so draws from the knowledge of ancient Hindus. Specialists have created a treatment program that utilises age-old oils, wooden beds and treatment rituals. International masters in healing and therapy visit the wellness resort and share their skills and philosophies with guests. In November this year Massage Master Grant Moore will lead a healing workshop exploring various massage techniques from reflexology to soft tissue normalisation. At the end of each day, staff draw you a warm, aromatic bath and hand you a toxin eliminating cup of ginger honey lemon tea.
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