A WORLDLY SELECTION OF AUTHENTIC “RITUAL” TREATMENTS AT THE SPA AT TORREY PINES
Treatments from India, Australia, France and the Orient
Headline specialty services at luxury Spa in La Jolla, California

LA JOLLA, California (February 2003) – Not yet one-year-old, the Spa at Torrey Pines has already distinguished itself as an innovator, with unique and inviting interpretations of the “spa experience.” For instance, while most spas offer clients pre-packaged treatments combining techniques from many cultures – a pinch of Swedish, a dash of Shiatsu, a sniff of Oriental aromatherapy – the Spa at Torrey Pines offers a wholly different experience. The luxurious full-service spa at the Lodge at Torrey Pines indulges its guests with authentic “rituals” incorporating ancient techniques from distinct cultures, educating them through treatments while relaxing and rejuvenating them from head to toe.

The Spa at Torrey Pines menu of rituals is as worldly as it is wise, including a French-inspired thalassotherapy treatment, an Ayurvedic treatment from ancient India, the harmonizing healing power of Oriental bodywork, and a new ritual featuring the earthly delights of Aboriginal Australia. Each ritual uses the most beneficial, healing and culturally distinct natural ingredients available, and incorporates enough treatments and techniques to provide a total spa experience.

“We offer spa experiences that literally transport our clients to other cultures, and as far from the concerns and stresses of their own day-to-day as they can get,” says Darcie DeBartelo, Director of the Spa at Torrey Pines, who created the spa’s menu of rituals and remains actively involved in expanding its offerings. “We want them to actually feel the ancient wisdom of the Orient, the centuries-old principles of Auryveda, the vigorous power of the ocean, and the earthy knowledge of the Aboriginal people. Our rituals are as much a way to teach guests the traditions of other cultures as they are to soothe.”

Currently, the Spa at Torrey Pines offers four spa rituals, each true to the traditions of a distinct culture and delivered by skilled and caring therapists:

· Ancient Oceans Ritual: This French-inspired hydrotherapy treatment begins with a vigorous exfoliating cleansing to prepare the body for the luxurious soothing to come. Next, the body is enveloped in a warm and aromatic gel of seaborne trace minerals, and then gently rubbed with essential oils such as lavender, ylang ylang, sandalwood, basil and sage. Once the skin is fully replenished, a seawater soak in the Spa’s hydrotherapy tub is the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate. The body and mind are then brought back around with a blissfully affirming and tension-taming massage. 140 minutes; $265.

· Ayoma Ritual: Five-thousand years in the making, the Indian healing system of Aruyveda is all about bringing harmony to the divergent elements of the universe in general and to the body in particular. This ritual includes an in-depth and enlightening consultation using a Dosha analysis sheet to determine the presence of imbalances within the body. An Indian footbath and a vitamin-rich alma fruit juice follow as prelude to a soothing foot and hand massage to enhance relaxation and provide Dosha balance to the vital organs. Next comes a therapeutic and aromatic oil massage along vital energy points to awaken immune response, stimulate body organs and create an overall energy balance within the body. An application of warm oil to the third eye – the window to the soul – completes the Ayoma ritual, while an après-treatment of Dosha-specific tea, crackers and Chyawanprash jam provide additional balancing. 140 minutes; $265.

· Scen Tao Ritual: From the far reaches of the Far East comes this ritual integrating centuries of Oriental wisdom on well-being and balance of energy flow to harmonize the mind and body. The ritual incorporates relaxing warm stone massage; Shiatsu and Acupressure to unlock stagnant energy; an extensive facial massage and hydrating body wrap; and a sampling of energizing and balancing Scen Tao fragrances such as green tea, ginseng and Gingko Biloba to strengthen, moisturize, relax and restore the skin. With the power of touch to reduce muscle tension, slow breathing and stimulate microcirculation within skin, this ritual delivers a newfound sense of overall well-being. 140 minutes; $265.

· Li’Tya Sacred Earth Ritual: Tapping the ancient knowledge of Aboriginal Australia, this new ritual transforms the body through many layers of rejuvenation. Start with a warm footbath, proceed to a vigorous full-body exfoliation with native Australian oils and desert salts. Then lay back and unwind in full body wrap of exotic Australian ochre mud before finishing off with a healing massage employing original Aboriginal techniques. 140 minutes; $265.

Perched on the Pacific coast of Southern California, the Spa at Torrey Pines is a splendid backdrop for such spa experiences. Nestled in the Five Diamond-rated Lodge at Torrey Pines, the 9,500-sq. ft. Spa at Torrey Pines is inspired by the design principles of the Arts & Crafts movement as depicted by the style of Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Many of the Spa’s furnishings are custom-made and imported from Scotland. A feng shui expert was retained to advise on the layout designed to reflect a residential feel. The Spa features separate women’s and men’s retreats with 14 private treatment rooms, saunas, herbal-infused steam rooms, and aromatherapy inhalation rooms. Between treatments, guests can relax and enjoy thoughtfully designed touches such as a fireplace in the co-ed lounge, a large-screen television, and comfortable chairs in the men’s lounge. The spa menu features a complete line of restorative treatments such as therapeutic, meditative and cobblestone massages, facials, body wraps, Vichy shower and hydrotherapy amongst other amenities. Many of the products used in the Spa are available for purchase so guests can continue their spa experience at home. The Spa is open to both hotel and day spa guests. For further information visit www.spatorreypines.com; For reservations call 888-826-0224, or for further information contact Steve Pelzer at (858) 777-6706, spelzer@lodgetorreypines.com or visit www.lodgetorreypines.com.

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