Anantara Seminyak launches South Sea Pearl treatment with a twist

Inspired by the mysterious glamour of the unique South Sea Pearl, a luxe and exclusive two and a half hour body ritual has been launched at the dazzling new Anantara Spa, bringing new heights to the kingdom of spas on the island of Bali.

The launch of the ultra indulgent and lavish South Sea Pearl Mystic spa experience includes a therapeutic signature pearl massage, facial and a choice of desirable South Sea Pearls that are stunningly priced up to USD$5000 plus tax and service charge.

Making for one of the world’s most decadent spa treatment experiences, spa guests are presented with a premium range of individually crafted South Sea Pearls and jewelry to choose from to complement their exclusive treatment.  

The pearl treatment which features the use of essential oils bound with elements of the world’s finest natural South Sea Pearl Powders, is delivered at the resorts’ Anantara Spa which has been perfectly positioned to take advantage of spectacular skyline mountain vistas and adjacent ocean horizons from floor to ceiling glass windows.

“The South Sea Pearl Mystic treatment is a high-level concept and experience we introduced to parallel our stunning oceanfront location and cutting edge resort features. This treatment is an experience unlike anything else and one we especially designed to engage our globally discerning and trend savvy guests.  Where else can you walk into a spa for a treatment and walk out with a precious gem draped around your décolletage?” said resort General Manager, Ivan Casadevall.

“The South Sea Pearl Mystic experience is priced according to the size, luster and hierarchy of gem chosen to accompany the treatment which can range anywhere from USD$200++ up to USD$5000++” he adds.

The deluxe treatment includes a pampering foot soak followed by a therapeutic 90 minute Rooftop Signature massage using precious natural pearl powders renowned for their rejuvenating and healing properties. Delicately blended with freshly scooped essence of vanilla pods and essential oils it presents for a most extraordinary aromatic experience. A 75 minute customized Fruit Facial Ritual using a combination of fresh tropical fruits to deep cleanse, exfoliate and detoxify completes the session at the newly opened spa.

The Anantara Spa was created to give an illusion of being suspended mid-air with four stylishly appointed air-conditioned private spa suites, spa reception and adjacent all glass fitness and weights room with outdoor deck that all offer indulgent 180 degree skyline views.

The timber and glass motif paneled spa suites also feature mood enhancing dimmer lights, contemporary Zen inspired furnishings such as volcanic stone foot baths, plush carpets over stained mocha timber floors, floor to ceiling windows with brilliant island views and a private indoor rain shower with adjacent washstand and footstools.

A double treatment room of exacting design caters for romantic couple treatments and features the addition of an oversized bathtub abundantly filled with aromatic fresh flower petals for every treatment.  

Guests are further indulged at the Anantara Spa with a choice of IPod music piped throughout state of the art Bose sound-docks, extra long and wide massage tables, rich burgundy and bronze trimmed bathrobes, raffia-woven slippers, plush towels and signature spa amenities.

The Anantara Spa opens 10.00am-9.00pm daily and offers a menu of body and beauty treatments for men and women including reflexology, manicure and pedicures, facials and body conditioning scrubs. For more information and reservation please contact Anantara Spa Seminyak Bali at +361 737 773 or Email: bali@anantara.com or please visit www.bali.anantara.com  

++ Prevailing government tax and service charges apply.

About South Sea Pearls  

The South Sea pearls of Indonesia are renowned for being amongst the rarest and largest in the world and can fetch anywhere up to USD $75,000 for a single strand.  

Luster and size are generally considered the two main factors to look for and depend on the fineness and evenness of the layers. The deeper the glow the more perfect the shape and surface, the more valuable.  

If you can see a reflection of your face clearly by gazing into the pearl, that’s a high quality luster.  

Size has to do with the age of the oyster that created the pearl (the more mature oysters produce larger pearls) and the location in which the pearl was cultured.

The best cultured pearls are those that come from an oyster that dies after the pearl is removed. Oysters that do not die after the pearl has been extracted produce what are referred to as “Biwa” pearls. Generally but not always, Biwa pearls fetch a lower price.

The South Sea pearls of Indonesia, Myanmar and Australia are rarer and larger, with diameters of 10 to 20mm, so cost more even though they tend to be less lustrous. A 16 inch strand of white South Sea pearls can retail for $40,000 to $50,000.

The world record for the highest price paid for a cultured pearl necklace was $2.3 million at Sotheby’s in 1992. The 17-inch strand had 23 pearls with diameters ranging from 16 to 20mm, and a bead-shaped platinum clasp of 60 round diamonds.

The origins of a natural or cultured pearl are from the sea and only one pearl is ever produced by an oyster in it’s’ lifetime.

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For hundreds of years throughout Thailand, people would leave a jar of water outside their house to provide refreshment and extend a welcome to the passing traveller. Anantara is taken from an ancient Sanskrit word that means ‘without end’, symbolising the sharing of water and heartfelt hospitality is at the core of the Anantara experience.

Anantara resorts and spas are currently located in the seaside town of Hua Hin and on Koh Samui, both in the Gulf of Thailand, and in the Golden Triangle in the country’s north. In the world-renowned destination of the Maldives, the neighbouring Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli are a 30 minute boat ride from the capital Male. The newest member of the Anantara family, Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, opened in 2008 in the most fashionable district of Bali – the Island of the Gods. October 2008 will see the launch of Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa, situated in the serenity of Mai Khao Beach and just 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport. www.anantara.com  
 
Anantara is a member of Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel groups. GHA partner hotels are renowned for reflecting and respecting local traditions and culture through their products and services. www.globalhotelalliance.com