Parrot Cay Resort and Shambhala Retreat Hotel — Providenciales, Turks And Caicos Islands

Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos has established itself as the northern Caribbean's pre-eminent private island, wrapped in sweeps of sand and peaceful seas featuring the region's best spa and haute cuisine. Typical of COMO Hotels & Resorts, its owning company, Parrot Cay combines nature's 1000 unspoilt acres, including organic gardens and a mile-long powdered beach, with luxury details which are subtle, contemporary and cosseting to the extreme. It's a place to escape the world, to rediscover the softer rhythms of long days, easy nights, and the salve of peace. Accommodation, in clean whitewash with chic teak finishing, ranges from 42 airy rooms with gardens and verandas, to beach-side villas, some with private pools. The aesthetic is pared down but unerringly sleek, featuring four-posters wrapped in soft cottons that billow with the breeze. On the virgin hinterland beyond Rocky Point, find a newly-opened complex of three villas, rented together or separately. Here, the infinity pool is large enough to compete with that turquoise smudge lying at the heart of the resort, flanked by cabanas with alang-alang roofs.

But it's not just privacy which Parrot Cay affords. It attends to guests needs at a deeper level, courtesy of COMO Shambhala Retreat. Newly expanded, COMO Shambhala now hosts an even greater number of internationally-acclaimed teachers, specialising among other things in yoga and nutrition. 2005 sees the first Pilates dedicated retreat led by New York's leading Pilates expert Daniel Loigerot. Instruction takes place in an open-air pavilion overlooking the island's wetlands where tall egrets wade noiselessly through the shallows. Also come for Asian-inspired, complimentary therapies including massage, Ayurveda and sophisticated facials, delivered by professionals.

Executive Chef Anna Rossel serves casual lunche ons and dinners at the Lotus Poolside Restaurant and fine dining in the Terrace restaurant, which features Mediterranean-style cuisine with an Asian flavour. Guests can also relax in the Bar with blissful views over the infinity-edge pool and the unspoilt Caribbean. A COMO Shambhala menu is also available. COMO Shambhala cuisine focuses on energising and organic foodstuffs. This emphasis on raw ingredients (more easily digested as well as richer in living enzymes, vitamins and sea minerals) is combined with pan-Asian influences. Coupled with cuisine which is fresh, organic and remarkably varied, you will begin to understand Parrot Cay's promise: to help guests melt into a simpler state of complete, deep and satisfying relaxation.

Enchantment Resort And Mii Amo Spa — Sedona, AZ, United States

Surrounded by the majestic red rock formations of Northern Arizona's Boynton Canyon, Enchantment Resort combines luxury with rugged grandeur inspired by Native American culture. The resort's adobe casita-style accommodations offer world-class comforts amid its pristine 70-acre setting. Enchantment Resort, in Sedona, is 110 miles north of Phoenix. At the heart of Arizona's 'Red Rock Country,' the Coconino National Forest, replete with archaeological rarities and rich Southwestern history, borders the property. An altitude of 4,600 feet ensures that even the hottest Arizona weather is within the comfort zone. In this lush, beautiful canyon, hidden away from the world lies an oasis. Here, there is a confluence of nature and the spirit world that has been recognized by Native Americans for thousands of years. Nestled in the heart of a private red rock canyon, bathed in beauty, one learns to walk in harmony with nature. At Mii amo, we've endeavored to create a space where one can learn to live in harmony. We are creating a magnificent spa in one of the most sacred healing places on Earth.

The Umstead Hotel and Spa — Cary, NC, United States

The Umstead Hotel and Spa, located in the heart of Cary, North Carolina, offers a welcoming home in an environment that expresses an appreciation for the arts and embraces the wonders of nature. The luxury hotel and spa is scheduled to opened January 15, 2007 and features a casually elegant yet sophisticated design, introducing a modern style and essence. Residing on 12-acres and nestled against a beautiful 3-acre lake, steps away from walking and jogging trails as well as Umstead State Park, The Umstead preserves the heritage of North Carolina's natural beauty and offers a relaxing escape for business or pleasure. The 150-room, 6-story hotel represents the finest elements of Mother Nature with a charming artful elegance in a serene setting where attention to detail becomes tradition.

The Umstead provides a world-class haven for discerning business guests and sophisticated leisure travelers with 8,000 square-feet of meeting and event space, spacious guestrooms, a world-class dining experience, original art and sculpture and a luxurious spa. The hotel also offers the perfect destination for area residents looking for evening relaxation or a weekend escape. Just off Interstate 40 and 6 minutes from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport and 12 minutes from downtown Raleigh, The Umstead offers the conveniences of an urban location. It also exhibits a great appreciation for local and regional arts, including a collection of original artwork commissioned by Ann Goodnight.

The Umstead offers guests spacious and luxurious guest rooms with rich furnishings in a cozy atmosphere that is designed to inspire and embrace the wonders of nature. Offering the best in casual elegance and sophisticated living, the 150 oversized guest rooms average 540 square-feet and feature lavish amenities, including luxurious, well-appointed furnishings, 42" Plasma television with DVD/CD player, pillow-top beds, Rivolta Italian linens and signature bath products in all guest rooms. While rich, carmel-hued Anegre wood is used throughout the property, guest rooms are also dressed in customized, nature-inspired art and flora. Some guestrooms and luxury suites will include balconies that overlook the manicured lawns and lake, which features two serene fountains, while other guest rooms and suites will face the hotel's lush gardens. To insure guests feel at home upon arrival, tea service will be offered in-room. A dedicated, "behind the scenes," elevator will insure swift and unobtrusive delivery of guests' luggage.

The Umstead's world-class restaurant will introduce an innovative culinary theater experience and feature Modern American cuisine with a Southern flair. With a highly-skilled culinary team and gracious, personalized service in an intimate 90-seat dining atmosphere, guests will enjoy the energy of an "open kitchen," curved ceilings, spectacular lighting, customized art and sculpture from legendary artists. Guests can also enjoy the 40-seat al fresco terrace dining complete with cozy fireplaces as well as beautiful panoramic vistas over the lake. A carefully selected wine cellar, special event wine dinners, afternoon tea service and live music will also be featured.

Offering an inspirational and sophisticated setting for power breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Umstead's restaurant provides a meeting destination designed to impress, combining elegance in a comfortable atmosphere with impeccable service.

Adjacent to the hotel, the luxurious two-story, 14,000 square-foot spa facility features 10 treatment rooms, a "meditation" courtyard, sauna, steam room, whirlpools, casual lounges and terraces. The spa is filled with natural light and provide an ambience of refined relaxation and pampering with customized treatments and scents inspired by the native flowers of the region. Convenience services will also be offered for business travelers "on the run."

Lausanne Palace And Spa — Lausanne, Switzerland

Located In The Heart Of The Olympic Capital, Commanding A Magnificent View Over The Lake Geneva And The Alps, This Charming Property Is Only A Stone's Throw From The Most Elegant Shopping Streets And The Picturesque Old City. The Entire Property Has Been Renovated Over The Past Years, Thus Creating A Unique Atmosphere, Combining Luxury And Refinement, Wellbeing And Savoir-vivre. Its Status As Home Of The International Olympic Committee Makes It One Of Lausanne's Historic Features. The Lausanne Palace And Spa - An Unforgettable Experience.

The Setai — Miami Beach, FL, United States

Bearing the unmistakable imprint of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha, The Setai is an intimate oceanfront resort in the heart of South Beach. Set amid tropical gardens and sparkling pools at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, The Setai introduces the Asian traditions of simplicity and elegance to South Beach. With 75 impeccably detailed guestrooms and 50 suites, an intimate private spa, three pools and remarkable restaurants and bars. It is located on Collins Ave at 20th street near Miami Beach's thriving cultural district, as well as the nightlife, fine dining, shopping and other South Beach attractions.

The Grove — Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

The Grove Is London's Cosmopolitan Country Estate Which Opened In September 2003. Just 35 Minutes From London, a Magnificent 18th-Century House Set In 300 Acres Of Hertfordshire Parkland And Open Countryside. The Grove Offers Exciting Contemporary Design, professional, Thoughtful Service, magnificent Sporting And Leisure Facilities And An Atmosphere That Is Informal And Relaxed. Gorgeous Interiors, described As Groovy Grand, the Overall Feel Is Sumptuous And Relaxed, comfortable And Fun. One Of The Most Exciting Features Of The Grove Is The Stunning 18 Hole Championship Golf Course Designed By Highly Acclaimed Designer Kyle Philips. Sequoia, The Spa, health And Fitness center offers A World Class Facility With 12 Large Specially Designed Treatment Rooms And a VIP Double Room. Treatments And Services That Harness The Best Aromatherapy, Hydrotherapy, thalassotherapy And Phytotherapy. Every Treatment Is A Total Caring Experience And The Ultimate In Luxury Offered By The ESPA Ayurvedic Philosophy.

Canyon Ranch Lenox - Lenox, MA, United States

More than just a fabulous vacation, Canyon Ranch is an experience. This is the place where it all comes together and, in one amazing moment, you realize how great you can feel when you're living healthy.

Since 1979, Canyon Ranch has set the standard for health resorts all over the world.

Award winning Canyon Ranch set among the wooded hills of Lenox, Massachusetts, offers the ultimate healthy vacation. At the last turn of the century the Berkshires was a haven for aristocrats. Today we'll treat you like one. Among the aesthetic touches and thoughtful amenities Canyon Ranch is dedicated to making your stay a constant pleasure.

The guest rooms are gracious and the amenities are many. Climate-controlled, glass-enclosed walkways connect everything at Canyon Ranch, so you can move from one building to the next in perfect comfort year-round. In good weather, take the outdoor pathways to enjoy the wonderful gardens and fountains.

A century ago the Berkshires was a haven for aristocrats. Today we'll treat you like one. Canyon Ranch in Lenox marries historic New England charm with modern luxuries. In the stylish 126-room Inn, you'll have your private retreat for comfort and relaxation. There you'll find the aesthetic touches and thoughtful amenities that make your stay a constant pleasure, including the most comfortable beds, your choice of down or non-down pillows, fluffy terrycloth robes, a great assortment of Canyon Ranch's exclusive bath products and much more.

Learn the secrets of low-fuss, high-taste cooking. Each day at Lunch & Learn a Canyon Ranch chef will show you how to cook healthy, easy-to-make meals at home. While enjoying the lunch of the day, you'll watch the chef prepare menu items in the Demonstration Kitchen, and you'll learn to convert your own recipes with low-fat substitutes. Try Hands-On Cooking for a fun, unforgettable learning experience.

Surrounded by the beauty of the Berkshire Mountains, you'll have plenty to inspire you in every season. Start with a morning walk, then select from more than 40 fitness classes throughout the day. Choose from favorite seasonal activities such as tennis, hiking or biking, kayaking, snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing.