Sofitel expands spa concept in Auckland

Sofitel has expanded its So Spa by Sofitel concept with the opening of a new-look day spa at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour.

The concept was first launched at the Sofitel London St. James and Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port in July 2009, and it has been rolled out across a number of sites throughout Asia.

These include the Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich, Sofitel Zhongshan Golf Resort Nanjing, Sofitel Macau Ponte 16, Sofitel Mumbai BKC, Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra and the Sofitel So Bangkok.

The new spa is designed to help guests relax and rejuvenate by providing a combination of treatments that touch on ancient wellness traditions from around the world as well as the skills of modern French cosmetology.

The therapies at So Spa in Auckland are categorised in a similar way to a restaurant menu, allowing guests to customise their experience by selecting from a range of different 'starters', 'mains', 'specials' and 'desserts.'

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour So Spa Manager Nadia McCracken said the spa understands each guest is unique, stating "inspired by the best health and beauty traditions around the world, So Spa's personalisation concept has been developed to meet each guests' individual needs so they can fully immerse themselves in an ultimate wellness experience.

"It is the perfect answer for guests seeking a refreshing spa experience unlike any other."

The spa at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour offers modern spa techniques using beaty products from skincare lines such as THÉMAÉ, along with traditional New Zealand inspired remedies.

These include a healing Manuka honey facial with New Zealand Manuka honey, a traditional greenstone massage using greenstone and the Maori inspired Ataahua beautiful body treatment.

So Spa by Sofitel's own range of therapy products and treatments for guests - the So Exhilarating Body Massage and So Rejuvenating Facial - are also available at the Auckland spa.

The new spa has six treatment rooms including a dedicated beauty suite, and the massage tables offer a version of the Sofitel MyBed, the patented bed featured in all Sofitel Luxury Hotels.

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour General Manager Wouter De Graaf said luxury experiences are highly sought after by guests, regardless of they are travelling for business, leisure or a combination of the two.

De Graaf explained "to really attract discerning today's traveller, a hotel must be able to provide an exquisite experience that goes beyond just exceptional service.

"Our guests are becoming increasingly wellness-minded which is why we've welcomed So Spa as a key pillar of our Sofitel experience, one that guests will look forward to being part of whenever they stay with us."

For more information go to www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-8577-sofitel-auckland-viaduct-harbour/index.shtml

20th October 2010 - KEEPING FIT AND ACTIVE ON THE HIGH SEAS

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