THALASSO SPA TREATMENTS LATEST CELEB CRAZE AT PARAISO DE LA BONITA RESORT IN MEXICO‘S RIVIERA MAYA

Teri Hatcher, Kate Walsh and Maria Menounos Are Fans of Only Certified Thalassotherapy Spa in North America

Celebrities are flocking to the Thalasso Center Spa and Anti-Aging Center this season at Paraiso de la Bonita, the luxurious AAA Five-Diamond property, to experience unique seawater and marine therapies at its 22,700 square foot ocean-side location. Among the property’s fans, Teri Hatcher of Desperate Housewives, Kate Walsh, formerly of Grey’s Anatomy and star of new ABC show Private Practice; and Maria Menounos, Today Show and Access Hollywood correspondent, have made recent visits to the Thalasso Center Spa. When Teri Hatcher visited the spa with boyfriend Stephen Kay, she raved about the Seaweed Body Treatment. Kate Walsh started her treatment fix with the Marine Prelude and followed it up with the Under Afusion Massage and the resort’s signature Paraiso de la Bonita Massage on the pier with fiancé Alex Young. Maria Menounos made a birthday visit to the spa and celebrated with the Cold Marine Facial and the Paraiso de la Bonita Massage. Although none of these celebrities needed an anti-aging fix, the Anti-Aging Center, the newest component to the Thalasso Center, is now open offering traditional anti-aging procedures like Botox and peels as well as more invasive treatments widely accepted in Europe. To assess skin’s condition and body imbalances, both VISIA® Complexion Analysis and Bio-Meridian testing are used in order to prescribe appropriate treatments.

SPA THERAPIES POPULAR WITH THE CELEBRITY SET:
Marine Prelude: Ideal as a precursor to other treatments, the Marine Preclude is an all-over body exfoliation. Natural marine mud from the Dead Sea and mineral salts are blended together to exfoliate rough patches and to slough away dead skin cells. By activating microcirculation (the flow of blood through the venules, capillaries and arterioles), the treatment refines skin texture and invigorates the entire body. 50 minutes / $169 USD

Cold Marine Facial: Excellent for sensitive and congested skin, a cold marine mask made from marine and plant extracts has a cooling effect on the skin. This tightening mask encourages vaso-constriction, which helps eliminate toxins and stimulates cell oxygenation. This intensive treatment is ideal for broken capillaries and blotchiness since it helps reduce redness and softens fine lines. Maria Menounos opted for this facial to keep her glowing skin in tip-top shape. 50 minutes / $157 USD.

Under Afusion Massage: For an exceptionally relaxing massage, guests lay on a shower bed while warm seawater sprays the body simulating a constant rain shower. Aromatic oils are gently massaged onto the body from head to toe. This refreshing massage removes celluloid, quickens blood circulation and leaves the skin smooth. 25 minutes / $128 USD.

Seaweed Body Treatment: First the body is completely exfoliated in preparation of the seaweed treatment. After a quick rinse, micro-blasted marine algae is applied to the entire body. Like a warm cocoon, a thermal blanket is wrapped around the guest for optimal absorption of the algae’s elements. Algae contain a high content of minerals and vitamins that revitalize body tissue and get rid of retained fluids. Teri Hatcher left the Thalasso Center with silky smooth and revitalized skin after her seaweed session. 25 Minutes / $128 USD.

Paraiso de la Bonita Massage: The resort’s signature massage is a combination of Swedish and deep tissue massage with lymphatic drainage techniques. The massage stimulates circulation, reduces muscle tension and eliminates stress. Guests can choose the location for the Paraiso de la Bonita Massage, whether at the spa, on the beach, in a private suite or, do what Kate Walsh did, under a palapa on the resort’s pier. 50 Minutes / $140 USD and 80 Minutes / $169 USD.

For anti-aging evaluations, the VISIA® Complexion Analysis is used to take a digital photo of the face and to determine the skin’s condition based on six key factors: age spots, pore size, bacterial content, wrinkles, skin tone variations and UV damage. Based on the analysis, therapists can evaluate the best treatment options available. Bio-Meridian Testing is another non-invasive test that evaluates the energy meridians or channels in the body. This stress-test can tell patients the health status of each meridian and how each relates to organs, systems and functions like the stomach, nervous system and cellular metabolism. By testing 62 different acu-points on both hands and feet, the health status of organs can be determined with three results "“ balanced, weakened and stressed. Based on findings, therapists can tell a patient if specific nutritional products can balance the meridians; if patient has specific sensitivities to foods; or if spinal misalignments are interfering with good meridian energy flow.

Thalassotherapy means “ocean" and “therapy to cure" in ancient Greek. The Thalasso Center incorporates treated and heated seawater, algae, mineral muds and other marine elements with modern facilities including jet baths, afusion jet showers, an open-air seawater Jacuzzi and a seawater hydrotherapy pool. Sixteen treatment rooms provide a temple of healing and rejuvenation for the mind, body and soul. The newest addition is the Couples Spa Cabin allowing couples the luxury of side-by-side treatments in an ocean-view setting. Affording privacy post-treatment, couples can use the in-cabin Jacuzzi and adjoining sun deck with double sun lounger and order-in lunch or dinner. The Anti-Aging Center offers four additional treatment cabins. Adjacent to the Thalasso area is a complete beach-side fitness center with cardio, circuit training, free weights plus classes in Yoga and Pilates; Tai Chi; a full service beauty salon; and an in-pool aqua gym.

Created by owner, Carlos Gosselin, in homage to his wife, Elisa, Paraiso de la Bonita (Paradise of the Beautiful) lies beachfront amidst 14 acres leading into the Caribbean Sea. The property, which is well known for its dramatic architecture and striking use of color, is a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World, and features ninety ocean view suites, approximately 1,130 square feet in size, with large, private outdoor terraces (some with plunge pools); living rooms; and marble bathrooms with sunken bathtubs for two. Each of the suites is individually decorated with unusual fabrics, sculpture and antique treasures sourced by Carlos and Elisa during their travels to the Mediterranean, India, Africa, Bali, China and the Caribbean. Suites are named after geographic locations such as: Antigua, Jaipur, KwaZulu and Marbella and feature Bulgari amenities and an in-suite Tequila service.

The resort’s private catamaran ‘La Bonita’ is a 50-foot luxury catamaran available for guest hire. The air- conditioned yacht has three expansive cabins with private bathrooms; state of the art GPS equipment; plus a professional crew and is available for private day cruises, moonlight dining, cocktail parties and overnight excursions. Additionally, a new yacht will join the La Bonita fleet in May 2007.

‘La Canoa’ restaurant offers the unique ‘Cuisine de los Soles’ fine dining. Afternoon tea with home baked pastries and ‘Madeleines’ is served daily at the ‘Birds Lounge’ as a complimentary treat for guests and the resort provides a never-ending supply of gourmet ‘Iced Tea of the Day’ with a new flavor for every day of the week. The second largest reef in the world is located directly in front of the property, offering guests world-class snorkeling and scuba opportunities. Paraiso is only 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport by the property’s own fleet of air conditioned, White Lincoln Navigators with chilled towels, iced water and individual CD menu. Cancun and Playa del Carmen are 30 minutes by road in either direction.