Abu Dhabi, UAE, 27 June, 2007; Emirates Palace announced the grand opening of its exclusive Anantara Spa today, the only branch of the renowned holistic spa and wellness brand in the UAE.  With the addition of the spa, the luxury resort has now become one of the regions finest destinations for leisure, relaxation and wellbeing.

"With the opening of the Anantara Spa, guests can look forward to an extraordinary wellness experience that combines the great therapeutic traditions of the world. The Anantara Spa brand offers a holistic approach to wellness with noticeably unique culturally-adaptive treatments, and we're happy we are able to offer this unique spa experience to our guests at Emirates Palace," said Noel Massoud, General Manager of Emirates Palace.  

Operated by Bangkok-based MSpa International, an award-winning operator of resort and city hotel spas in Asia, Middle East and Africa, the Anantara Spa at Emirates Palace features an exotic blend of Morrocan-inspired interiors, domes and graceful archways interlaced with delicate Thai-style furnishings and spa fittings.

Radiant with diffused light flowing in through the softly tinted windows, the spa exudes a calm and peaceful ambience, echoed by water fountains in and around the reception area that reflect the spirit of Anantara, "water without borders".

Mr Steven Conquy, Chief Operating Officer of MSpa International explains the concept, "The word Anantara means "the flow water without borders" and evokes the freedom, movement and harmony that are the spirit of the Anantara Experience. Each Anantara Spa draws its strength from the rich cultural traditions, historic heritage and natural beauty of its destination. As such, every experience is a unique voyage of discovery and inspiration that is distinctly Anantara".

The seven treatment rooms are comprised of three double spa suites complete with Jacuzzi tub, steam shower and grooming area; two double spa rooms with attached shower and grooming area, one double Traditional Thai Massage room and one Vichy Shower room with heated marble for all water based treatments.

At the very heart of the spa is a traditional Morrocan Hammam which accommodates up to four people.  The Hammam area includes two Jacuzzis, two steam rooms, heated marble, ice cave and two private changing rooms.  Hammam guests can also take advantage of an exclusive relaxation room and private dining area.

Treatments range from an impressive selection of international massage therapies, facials and skincare treatments to indulgent half day Spa Signature Journeys with inspirational names such as Gateway to Arabia and Path to the Pearl of the Orient. Products used in all treatments are ripe with natural ingredients and include the Anantara range, containing unique Thai healing ingredients; Elemis, botanical based skincare; Charme d'Orient, French Morrocan products and C-Products from the Dead Sea in Jordan.

Anantara Spa's are found in some of the world's most luxurious hotels and resorts, now Guests and visitors to Emirates Palace can enjoy the superior pampering and ultimate wellbeing experience for the first time in the UAE.

www.emiratespalace.com / www.kempinski.com

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Editors Note:
Built as an iconic landmark showcasing Arabian culture and hospitality at its finest, Emirates Palace has created an enviable niche in the luxury resort industry, welcoming holiday makers from all over the world and giving them a truly memorable leisure experience by providing luxurious facilities and amenities in comfortable surroundings and superior and personalized service.  

Situated on a 1.3 km stretch of private beach and surrounded by hectares of manicured lawns, Emirates Palace comprises 394 luxury rooms and suites and a variety of fine dining options. The resort's leisure facilities include two intricately landscaped swimming pools, a spa, tennis courts, and two state of the art fitness centres. Emirates Palace houses the most luxurious and technologically advanced meeting facilities in the region which include an auditorium with 1,100 seats, a main ballroom that can accommodate up to 2500 guests, over 40 meeting rooms, a Media Centre and a Business Centre.

Emirates Palace, since its inception, has quickly established an enviable reputation in the industry, winning many prestigious industry awards including -- Best Conference/Convention Center, Best 5-Star Leisure Hotel, Best 5-Star Business/Corporate Hotel - at the MENA Travel Awards 2007, considered the most prestigious and highly coveted industry recognition programme in the region.

About Kempinski
In 2007, Kempinski Hotels is celebrating 110 years of history, exclusivity and distinctive luxury. During this time, Kempinski hotels have hosted international celebrities, witnessed meetings between the world's leaders and been a part of creating history around the globe. Experience Kempinski's unique heritage at one of the group's prestigious properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia.

About Global Hotel Alliance
Global Hotel Alliance currently comprises 7 luxury brands encompassing 153 upscale and luxury hotels with over 46,000 rooms in 39 different countries. Each brand is a key player in their main region of operation: Kempinski in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Omni in North America, Pan Pacific in the Pacific Rim, The Leela Group in India, Dusit in Thailand, Landis in Taiwan and China, and Marco Polo in China and Hong Kong.  GHA will continue to grow to include selected hotel brands in those regions not currently covered by the alliance.

To book or for further information visit www.kempinski.com/press · www.globalhotelalliance.com

For more information please contact:  
Kempinski Hotels
Fatima Al Romaithi
E-mail: Fatima.AlRomaithi@kempinski.com;
Tel. +971 50 8181052

Stefanie Branke
TRACCS Public Relations
E-mail: stefanie.branke@traccs.net  
Tel: +971 4 367 25 30

© Press Release 2007