NEW RESORT RAFFLES PRASLIN SEYCHELLES UNVEILS SPA «PEARL» OF THE SEYCHELLES

PRESS RELEASE
For more information, please contact:
Jennifer Delord
Email: jennifer.delord@raffles.com

(Praslin, January 2011) — Raffles Hotels & Resorts’ new ultra-luxury resort in the Seychelles will open in February the ‘pearl’ of Indian Ocean spas on tranquil Praslin Island — uniquely conceptualised around the jewel-of-the-sea.

The sublime new spa at Raffles Praslin (www.raffles.com/praslin) adopts the pearl theme to symbolise the wellness philosophy of transformation, just as the precious gemstone transforms from a grain of sand in a pearl oyster.

Elegant, iridescent mother-of pearl shell decor is featured throughout, the spa — an expression of the philosophy of transformation as well as the Seychelles’ reputation for producing exquisite pearls.

Its signature treatment, ‘Pure Pearl’, uses crushed pearls as its exfoliating agent for a luxurious transformation experience. Therapeutic grade pearl powder is blended with soothing tropical essences of organic ylang and bergamot to exfoliate the skin.

As Spa Director Nik Pappas explains, «The pearl, a gift from the sea, has a rarity and magic that allows it to calm the spirit, open the heart chakra, stabilize emotions and rejuvenate the skin to a lustrous smooth appearance.»

Raffles Spa at Praslin is in one of the most exclusive settings in the Seychelles, close to a natural treasure, the Vallee de Mai UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spanning 1,243 square metres (13,379 square feet), it is distinguished as the largest spa in the archipelago and features an unrivalled range of spa treatments, including facials, massages, soothing body therapies, manicure, pedicure, hair care, bridal services and even ‘treatments under the stars’.

Raffles Spa features 13 spa treatment pavilions close to the water, including two luxurious spa suites, a first in the Seychelles, fitted with steam showers, Japanese soaking tubs, and observation decks to enjoy stunning vistas in absolute privacy.

Also featured is a Spa Garden, for magical walks through lush greenery and natural rock formations, with oversized sculptures presenting the many faces of Raffles Spa transformation: from laughter and contemplation, to quiet and inspiration.

Olivier Heuchenne, General Manager of Raffles Praslin Seychelles commented, «Raffles Spa embraces the philosophy of transformation where every moment is part of an enriching journey that takes guests through an all encompassing renewal and rejuvenation of body and mind, and at the core of our spa philosophy here in the Seychelles is the pearl as the unique lustre of every pearl begins as a grain of sand.»

Another symbol of transformation at Raffles Spa is the lotus blossom. Inspired by the evolution of the lotus blossom from bud to bloom, treatments extend to a ‘Lotus Journey’ harmonizing experience for all the senses that begins with a magical Lotus Ceremony and includes moisturising facial and body treatment complemented by ‘Mystic Lotus Massage’, exotic body peeling and the intriguing ‘Carresse Lotus Massage’, giving the skin a relaxed and velvety-soft look.

An indulgent ‘Champagne and Caviar’ treatment for couples meanwhile begins with a 90-minute full-body massage followed by a Caviar Luxe Luminescence Facial. To complete the experience, guests relax in the spa suite’s Japanese-style soaking tub with a glass of champagne and 50 grams of Beluga Caviar.

An ‘Exotic Nature’ sensory facial is based on pineapple enzyme peel and ‘Eternal Beauty of Lotus’ facial is inspired by the transformation of the lotus flower as it emerges from underwater.

‘Mother to Be Massage’ is a blissful experience for both Mum and unborn baby that uses gentle, slow and rhythmic lymphatic massage techniques to promote deep well-being and peace for both.

At a destination popular for weddings, an all inclusive ‘Bridal Package’ takes care of hair, makeup, manicure and pedicure for that all important day.

A boutique at Raffles Spa meanwhile features a range of designer fashion, luxury cosmetics and jewelery to complement island-living at its best — from pampering lotions, balms and moisturizers to designer swimwear and fashion by leadings brands such as RYGY, Mr. Rose and Bellusso, haute perfume by the master perfumers of Puredistance and fine jewellery from Alexis Bittar, Maria Rudman and Nialaya.

Raffles Praslin Seychelles is a scenic 30-minute drive from Praslin Airport and features 86 villas with private plunge pools and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. One and two-bedroom villa suite options are complemented by signature round-the-clock Raffles Butler service.

Exquisite dining options includes Curieuse Restaurant serving fresh seafood and grilled prime cuts; Restaurant Losean featuring Mediterranean favourites, regional cuisine and traditional island Creole cuisine, and Losean Deli creating hampers for picnics. Rooftop lounge Takamaka Terrace serves a comprehensive selection of premium cognacs, whiskies, wine, classic cocktails and signature Raffles cocktails.

Added Mr. Heuchenne: «Raffles Praslin is an oasis of calm and comfort for travellers and families seeking residential charm in a pristine location. Through our unique style of personalised service delivered from the heart, we hope to create an unforgettable and enchanting experience for our residents each time they visit Raffles in the Seychelles.»

ABOUT RAFFLES HOTELS & RESORTS

Raffles Hotels & Resorts epitomises enchanting experiences, embodying global sophistication and residential charm, imbued with heartfelt service «like a gentle breeze». At Raffles, guests arrive as residents, leave as friends and return as family.

Raffles’ relentless pursuit of service excellence has earned its hotels and resorts a legion of international accolades such as Travel & Leisure World’s Best Awards. Its flagship Raffles Hotel Singapore was voted Best Hotel in Asia for four consecutive years by readers of Ultratravel magazine by The Daily Telegraph while Raffles Beijing Hotel received top score among all hotels in Beijing in Conde Nast 2011 Gold List. In addition, Raffles Hotels & Resorts is consistently ranked among the world’s top hotel brands in the annual Conde Nast Traveler Business Travel Awards.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts is owned by FRHI Holdings Ltd, a leading global hotel company with 98 hotels and resorts worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissotel brands. The company also manages Fairmont and Raffles branded residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties. For more information, please visit www.raffles.com