Built by Azerbaijan billionaire Telman Ismailov as an opulent palace for elite travellers, the stunning property is leading the way with its combined holistic and medical based spa treatments and is soon set to unveil a brand new Jack Nicklaus golf course.

Hailing a return to the opulent, golden age of the Ottoman Empire, the property is the vision of Telman Ismailov, chairman of Russia’s biggest property developers AST, who fell in love with the region.

Surrounded by the dramatic Taurus Mountain range, the 546 room-property, which includes two Royal Suites with private pools, was designed with Turkish heritage in mind.

Each guestroom at this family friendly property is tastefully decorated and comes with all the mod coms you would expect from a high end hotel, not to mention an optional 24 hour butler service.

The architecture reflects distinctive landmarks of Istanbul – including ‘The Dolmabahce Palace’ and the ‘Da Vinci Bridge’.

Some of the innovative and quirky features at the glittering property include gondolas that sail guests around an enormous swimming pool (the largest in Europe), an underwater fish restaurant with aquariums for walls and a dramatic amphitheatre which seats up to 900 guests and attracts performances from international stars such as the Enbe Band as well as spectacular laser shows.

Internationally acclaimed chefs have created over ten restaurants including French, Japanese, Russian, Thai and traditional Turkish. Guests can dine a la carte under a replica of Istanbul’s famed Maiden’s Tower.

There are also 14 bars and cafes as well as a two-story jungle themed nightclub.

Spa holidays

One of the highlights of this spectacular property is the award winning 7500 sq metre spa and wellness centre that provides all the necessities for serious relaxation.

As one of the largest spas in Europe, it is set apart by the fact that treatments available are both holistic and medical in their orientation.

On being named World’s Leading Spa Hotel and World’s Leading Luxury Resort at the World Travel Awards, Cumhur Ozen, General Manager, Mardan Palace, explained:

“This is the second time in a row that we have been named World’s Leading Spa Hotel. We opened in 2009 and are leading with our spa all around the world. It is a unique spa as it is the first time medical treatment and normal treatments are available under one roof.”

Most recently, the Mardan spa introduced the Oberon Dienal diagnostic scanning system.

The Oberon system, which is performed by a trained doctor, assesses fluctuating wave characteristics of body tissue, individual cells and chromosomes.

The client is scanned by the Oberon using a pair of headphones which emit a range of frequencies of magnetic fields. The results of the Oberon scan are then compared to the resonant frequencies of all normal organs and common disease tissues in various stages of progression.

At the end of the scanning process, which is entirely painless, recommendation such as diet, herbal therapy, acupuncture, ozone therapy and / or massage are made for the client.

Features include a vitamin and champagne bath, an oriental steam bath, snow caves, a hamman and a thalasso pool. Internationally inspired treatments include hot stone therapy, Thai, Balinese, Shiatsu massages and Hydrotherapy.

There are over 30 treatment rooms with all the latest hi-tech equipment.

Other treatments at the Mardan spa include acupuncture, which is administered by a specialist doctor. Recommended for pain treatment and stress management, treatments last approximately 30 minutes.

The Ozone Sauna is a detox method which ensures the neutralisation of the toxins accumulated under the skin. Blood circulation is accelerated under the skin and between the muscles with ozone sauna, thus a rapid muscle relaxation ensures.

Meanwhile there is also a chiropractor on hand to help guests with conditions such as spinal-cervical disc herniation, spinal orthosis and muscle spasm. Colon Hydrotherapy is an alternative therapy used to maintain and restore optimum health by dislodging toxic substances taken from the intestinal walls.

This treatment is recommended for individuals with allergies or weakened immune systems and functional intestinal diseases.

The Beauty Centre at the Mardan Palace combines luxury pampering and cutting-edge, results-focused, facial skin care and body treatments. Brand partners include Comfort Zone, Thali’sens, Carita, Algotherm and Dr. Murad.

A staff of professional estheticians is on hand to advise guests on the treatments best suited to their individual needs, accompanied by innovative products to take home and continue treatment.

Men’s skin care for all skin types and conditions is also offered with professional beauty therapist on hand to analyse the skin condition and determine which treatment is most appropriate.

The Mardan Fitness Centre offers personal instruction and guidance from a fitness expert who will recommend a wellness programme and offer solutions for detox, stress and burnout, fitness and weight control.

Also available at the Mardan Palace is an exhilarating selection of water sports, including yachts available to be charterd, tennis courts, bowling alleys, basketball, volleyball and squash.

A Jack Nicklaus 18 – hole golf course is set to open over the next few months for golfing enthusiasts, meanwhile there is talk of a marina being developed next to the property.

Antalya is one of the tourism success stories of the millenium, attracting nine million tourists every year.

The region is also forging a reputation as a hub for meetings, with its congress centre able to accommodate more than 50,000 delegates.

In recent years, the international airport has expanded its facilities and this combined with the jewel that is the Mardan Palace, means the future looks bright for this popular destination.

Source: Breaking travel news

Visitors can now book Fernie spa getaways with rooms and treatments at 901 Fernie through Fernie Central Reservations.

“Parastone Developments is proud to introduce some grandeur back into Fernie’s downtown,” says Simon Howse, general manager of Parastone Developments, “901 Fernie is very unique. It’s iconic schoolhouse luxury suites combined with a spa and wellness centre like Spa 901 will help attract more tourists to Fernie.”

Howse adds, “We had a great team and a lots of support. The project was a huge economic stimulus for the community and we believe it will continue to serve as a catalyst for more investment in downtown and Fernie as a whole.”

901 Fernie was built by Parastone Developments. Parastone completed construction of the 44-suite mountain resort and residences in 2010 following a successful sale of all but 5 suites. Home owners have the option of placing their suite into the vacation rental program operated by Fernie Central Reservations.

At the turn of the century the schoolhouse was a beautiful, majestic, brick building that was then covered with white/yellow stucco that deteriorated and became an eyesore. The LeBlond Partnership, architects of 901 Fernie, worked with Parastone to transformed the iconic building into luxury condominiums complete with spa and wellness centre.

Spa 901 was designed by the LeBlond Partnership as well. Previously LeBlond did the Solace Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs. The spa and wellness centre is owned and operated by Shelly MacGregor, president of Apex Massage Therapy, who operates two wellness facilities and SpaGoes, a mobile spa in Calgary.

Highlights of Spa 901 include: Two infrared saunas, five treatment rooms, a couples fireplace treatment room, co-ed and women-only fireplace relaxation lounges, outdoor hot pool, and men and women’s change rooms. Spa 901 offers unique and traditional therapies and treatments including a variety of styles of therapeutic massage, aesthetician services and private bath treatments.

“The work that Parastone Developments has put into the restoration will amaze people,” says Shelly MacGregor, owner of Spa 901, “The beautiful brick walls and high ceilings create a truly unique spa experience that offers surprising value. We are excited to be a part of this iconic building and the community.”

Spa 901 is now open and taking bookings. Access is through the main schoolhouse doors on 2nd Avenue, in Fernie, B.C. Booking can be made online.

Take advantage of the following one-for-one deals and specially designed packages for couples, families and groups. In addition to their own unique benefits, each package also includes complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the resort, access to all main swimming pools, extra weekend activities and personalised service from your own host. 

One-for-One Opening Special
Escape to the naked Stables Private Reserve in October or November and you can double your pleasure. Stay for one night and get an extra night absolutely free during its first two months. With this offer, prices starts from RMB 2,600 per room for two nights, plus 15 percent service charge and including Western breakfast.

Weekday Package
If you only have one night to spare, you can take advantage of the Weekday Package at naked Stables Private Reserve that includes 30 percent off accommodation, plus complimentary Western breakfast, lunch at the Clubhouse Bar & Bistro and a gourmet dinner at Kikaboni, the Afro-Chinese signature restaurant. Priced at RMB 1,331 per person per night (minimum two people), plus 15 percent service charge.

Weekend Packages
Unique Weekend Packages are tailored for families, couples or groups of friends. Spread across 60 acres with plentiful activities, naked Stables Private Reserve lets you be as active, social or private as you desire. Weekend stays kick-off every Friday night with a social African Welcome Barbecue and Bonfire at the poolside Clubhouse, with entertainment, music, great food and company.

• Family
Arrive at naked Stables Private Reserve and join in the African Welcome Barbecue on the Big Lawn, with entertainment and child supervision. Spend quality time with your family as you enjoy fun activities, including kite-flying, hiking, tea picking and art jamming. You and your partner can also catch a movie while your child is entertained at the Little Shoots Kids Club. The Family Package for Two Adults + One Child is priced at RMB 2,250 per person (minimum two people and maximum one child under 12 years), plus 15 percent service charge. The Family Package for Two Adults + Two (or more) Children is priced at RMB 2,000 per person (two nights; minimum four people), plus 15 percent service charge.

• Romance (Earth Hut)
Seclusion is sexy. Spend a romantic weekend with your loved one in an Earth Hut in the middle of the pine forest sipping champagne on your private balcony. The bathtub will be filled upon arrival and your host is on hand to provide room service and serve breakfast in bed. Share special moments during a pampering couple’s massage, a picnic in the bamboo forest and a romantic dinner at Kikaboni, the Afro-Chinese signature restaurant. Priced at RMB 2,100 per person (two nights; minimum two people), plus 15 percent service charge.

• Friends (Tree-Top Villa)
Spend social time with your friends in a two-, three- or four-bedroom Tree-Top Villa. Cook up your own dinner and enjoy cocktails while watching the sunset from your private balcony. Whether you wish to get active on a mountain bike ride or just want to chat by the pool or your private Jacuzzi, this package guarantees myriad memorable experiences. RMB 2,150 per person (two nights; minimum four people), plus 15 percent service charge.

naked Stables Private Reserve is set on 60 pristine acres in its own private valley surrounded by a reservoir, bamboo and tea plantations, and small farming villages. It has been built with the aim of becoming the first resort in Asia to achieve the highly coveted LEED Platinum sustainability certification.

The ‘sustainable luxury’ resort features 121 beautifully appointed rooms in free-standing Tree-Top Villas and Earth Huts, plus Afro-Asian restaurant Kikaboni (meaning ‘organic’ in Swahili) and Clubhouse Bar & Bistro. The resort also features a 750 sqm naked Leaf Spa & Wellness Centre; three outdoor swimming pools; a Tea Pavilion, Bamboo Museum and Pottery Studio; Little Shoots Kids Club; and a fully equipped Equestrian Centre with operational stables for 20 horses. An 800 sqm Conference Centre, Indaba (an African word meaning ‘gathering of the chiefs’), offers seven multi-functional meeting rooms.

Source: ITCM

On the French island of Corsica, the rocky isle that was the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte  a certain untamed spirit still reigns.  Corsica is now a combination of wild nature and European jet-setters who often make a stop at their favorite hotel spa in Corsica on their way to the nearby Rivieras of France and Italy.

For the perfect combo of picturesque scenery and spa pampering, a stay in the hotel spa in Corsica Le Pinarello will conquer the sybarite’s heart. The hotel now boasts 14 rooms and 10 suites, each with its own terrace looking out on turquoise seas. The wellness center and spa offers steam rooms, massage and sumptuous body treatments for men and women centered around natural essential oil-based products by the French luxury spa leader Anne Sémonin. In October, a menu of spa cuisine is offered to clients participating in the Cap Minceur program, healthy organic food that slims without sacrifice.

This four-star hotel in Porto Vecchio offers guests an exclusive private beachfront location that enhances the spa atmosphere of this well-being hotel.  In addition to the chef-prepared spa cuisine, the gourmet restaurant adjacent to this hotel spa in Corsica and the site of its demi-pension meals, specializes in fresh local seafood.

With all this to enjoy during your stay in your well-being hotel in South Corsica, you may not want to venture outside the wellness center and spa. This would be a pity, as you’d miss playing golf on the links at the nearby Sperone championship course, riding through the rugged Corsican countryside at the Villata Ranch, enjoying the crystal ocean aboard your own rental sailboat or exploring beneath it in one of the top scuba destinations in France. The Pinarello offers its sea kayaks free to its sporty guests. You also shouldn’t miss wandering the pristine beaches of Pinarello Bay and the winding streets of  Porto Vecchio town where you can shop for local crafts. When you’re done exploring, relax the bar at your Porto Vecchio hotel and enjoy views of the beach.

Get a hotel reservation in South Corsicaand and take your holidays in Porto Vecchio, established in the 16th century. As the Italian name meaning “Old Port” suggests, Porto Vecchio is steeped in history and mixed cultural influences. Nestled between the sea–with miles of world-famous beaches– and the mountains, this proud city on a hill of pink granite offers visitors the ideal destination for their hotel stay in South Corsica. And now this rugged landscape is a place to treat yourself with kid gloves.

Hotel rooms in South Corsica are going at more attractive rates now that summer vacationers are headed home,  and with the extra spa element, there’s never been a better time to book a hotel spa in Corsica .  Live like the jet-setters at your own well-being hotel in Porto Vecchio, and get back to nature and your own center on France’s most original and natural island.

The Hotel Le Pinarello is a four-star hotel in Porto Vecchio offering 14 standard rooms, 10 suites and 8 “relaxation” suites, a wellness spa, a gourmet restaurant, bar and on-site water sports.

Source: Web in France Magazine

The Badrutt’s Palace, a sleek new 26-ft Blu26, can be chartered with a skipper or without, to sail Lake St Moritz. New for summer 2010 Badrutt’s Palace Hotel has created a three-night Sail and Spa offering, combining the sailing experience with a spa treatment at the brand new Palace Wellness luxury spa.

Sailing on the 1.6 km long and 0.6 km wide Lake St. Moritz throws in the additional challenge of the Maloja, a thermal wind that blows across the Engadine around midday, adding excitement to any sailing excursion. At 6,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by towering peaks, sailing in St. Moritz is an exhilarating pursuit.

After adventures on the lake, guests can head to Palace Wellness, the new luxury spa and wellness centre, for a 50-minute full body massage, and time to relax in the Wet Zone’s saunas, mist rooms and steam rooms, or dip in the pool with a view. Dinners (two are included) can be taken in cosy Chesa Veglia or one of the Palace’s many fine restaurants. Tickets are included for all mountain railways and public transport in St Moritz and the surrounding area, adding plenty of opportunity for sightseeing and alpine adventures.

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel’s new vessel adds sailing to the activities that the Palace offers to its guests. In a resort town known for its outdoor adventures and gorgeous scenery, experiencing the Engadine from the waters of St. Moritz Lake shows off the Swiss Alps from a fresh perspective.

Source: Luxury Travel Magazine

Amber SPA’s philosophy is based on the belief that all of us are born with a reserve of health which gets dissipated throughout our lives as a result of our unhealthy lifestyles. This reserve needs to be replenished regularly to reverse the effects of ill-health as we head into old age. The spa’s team of experts has therefore developed a comprehensive programme to assist guests on their journey to improved health and optimum balance.

The six-week Balans Programme, based on detox and regeneration, is tailored to an individual’s needs and features three steps:

• Diagnostics – a thorough analysis of functional conditions using bio-chemical testing (a blood test to determine how foods influence the body’s metabolism), physical and emotional diagnostics

• Renewal – one-on-one consultation with a doctor to understand test results and preparation of personalised diet, fitness and treatments plans

• Maintenance – a programme is designed to help guests maintain a healthy lifestyle on return home. In addition, they get access to a personal wellness manager at least for a year following their stay

During the stay, guests engage in a continuous dialogue with the spa’s specialists in general, sports and holistic medicine, whose knowledge stems from their different backgrounds as well as first-hand experiences of the Balans Programme.

Guests can also experience a wide range of treatments from Eastern and Western cultures, as well as traditional techniques that use the power of the famous Latvian Amber stone, as well as local herbs, mud and birch juice. Additionally, they can join Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Callanetics, Aqua aerobics, and dance classes, and enjoy spa facilities, such as authentic Russian baths, a personal training studio and a large indoor swimming pool available in the Balans international wellness centre. Tennis, golf, horse riding, and cycling can be organised on request.

The benefits of the Balans Programme are further enhanced by the surrounding environment which is important for achieving the body and mind balance. Amber SPA is located only 20 minutes from Riga in Jurmala, the largest resort city in the Baltic States. Surrounded by a beautiful pine forest, this picturesque area is renowned for its mild climate, 30kms of white sandy beaches, fresh sea air, curative mud and mineral waters.

The hotel’s 21 suites, ranging from 14 to 70 sqm in size, are designed to maximise guests’ relaxation through design elements such as warm colours, organic shapes and the use of locally sourced amber. My Life Restaurant serves a selection of traditional but nutritionally balanced home-made dishes. The chef will assist in creating an individual menu for each personally.

Optimisation of an individual’s food intake and physical fitness combined with relaxation in a beautiful natural environment leads to a healthier life and a better balance. In addition, Balans international wellness centre puts strong emphasis on helping guests expand their understanding of health through education (various seminars by health experts are regularly arranged) thus allowing them to enjoy the benefits of their stay long after they return home.

Prices start from €50 per night for a standard double suite. Day Spa Programmes are available in addition to a 3 Day Detox and the Balans Programme.

Special offer: Prices for 5 day Balans programme start from €1,000 per person (approximately £900 per person) and include consultations and wellness diagnostics; talks with health experts; all accommodation; all meals; spa treatments listed in itinerary; use of wellness club facilities; personal training sessions; airport transfers. Flights not included.

Source: Cosmetic NewsPortal.Com

Brides and grooms can sit back, relax and enjoy the experience when they plan a Dream Wedding Ceremony at Jolly Beach Resort & Spa – nothing could be easier. The resort’s wedding planner oversees all the details from organizing the necessary paperwork to decorating the location. And because there is no residency requirement to be married in Antigua, and with just one working day required to process documents, there is no delay to celebrate nuptials.

Couples have the choice of two Wedding Gazebos for their ceremony, one just steps from the beach, the other overlooking the resort’s Fantasy Pool and the Caribbean Sea. The Dream Wedding Ceremony includes legal fees, marriage license and original marriage certificate, as well as the services of a Civil Marriage Officer and witnesses if needed. The bride is accessorized with a seasonal bridal bouquet, the groom a boutonniere. To toast their special day, one bottle of sparkling wine and a one-tier wedding cake with topper are served following the ceremony. Newlyweds also receive a $40.00 certificate towards a relaxing Couples Massage at the resort’s Palms Wellness Centre and a $50.00 voucher for an exhilarating Wadadli Cats cruise.

Wedding extras from a horse and carriage to a steel band can be arranged at additional cost. And for weddings booked now through October 31, 2009, for ceremonies at any future date, couples will receive a 20% discount on video and photography services.

All-inclusive rates start at US$267.00 per room, per night, double occupancy for a Standard Room for bookings made by November 30 for travel by December 20, 2009; and US$318.00 for a Superior Room, to qualify for the free wedding. Rates include accommodations, all government taxes and service charges, all meals, snacks and afternoon tea, house brand beverages, non-motorized watersports, activities, Jolly Kidz and Teenz Clubs, Think Jolly FamilyProgram, gym and entertainment.

For more information about planning an all-inclusive Dream Wedding Ceremony at Jolly Beach Resort & Spa visit the website or call toll free at 1-866-905-6559.