Embracing mud and water comes naturally at Masseria San Domenico�s Thalasso-therapy Spa, a medical Spa where guests are relaxed, revived and rejuvenated in more ways than one. Yet this iconic Spa in Italy remains relatively unknown to the British traveller. Until now.

Guests arrive via a winding driveway embraced by wild flowers, olive groves and lemon trees, their skin sun-kissed� this can only be the Mediterranean, and with the Adriatic behind and an Italian fort ahead, this is pure, quintessential Puglia. Formerly a 17th century fort, now a five star boutique hotel, Masseria San Domenico is world-famous for its superlative service and facilities. Yet it has a well-kept secret, only revealed by its contented guests relaxing in robes and slippers by the pool.

The Thalasso-therapy spa at Masseria San Domenico, is a large spa by UK standards with 22 treatment rooms. As a �medical spa� guests are met by a doctor who designs a personalised programme that ensures guests leaves with a glow to their skin and a skip in their stride. This is a spa of two halves, the upstairs area is dedicated to Thalasso-therapy; downstairs is home to holistic therapies, traditional beauty treatments and fitness.

For those new to Thalasso, this therapy features �wet� treatments using sea water, steam and mud which are transformed into treatments including scrubs, baths, masks and massages. The key behind this Thalasso-therapy Spa is the sea water pumped from deep beneath the Masseria. Treatments combine seawater elements such as iodine, chloride, magnesium, potassium, calcium, salt, plankton and seaweed. Thanks to the process of osmosis, treatments help water retention, poor circulation, stress, allergies, skin conditions and induce complete relaxation.

If getting wet and muddy is not your thing, there are �dry� treatments available too. On the lower floor, guests are welcomed by a quiet serenity where candles glitter and aromatherapy scents linger. Guests can choose between Thai Massage, Shiatsu, Ayurvedic and hot stone massage or yoga classes, whilst signature treatments use the local olive oil made from the trees at the Hotel. And to top it all off, there are sauna and hammam rooms, a fitness centre, relaxation chamber and herbal tea room, plus a hairdresser and beautician to ensure guests are pampered from top to toe.

To inspire British travelers to discover this iconic Spa and the healing therapies of Thalasso-therapy, Masseria San Domenico offers bespoke (as well as packaged) Spa programmes. Of course, for guests looking for some R&R, the bikes, yoga and holistic treatments give even more reason to indulge a little more on the home-made, organic Apulian cuisine for which the Hotel is renowned.

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Notes to Editors: Spa packages available : o �Well Being for the Girls� package, valid from 03 November to 20 December 2009 starts at �970 per person and includes: * 3 nights accommodation (shared Double Deluxe room) * Full board with low calorie meal options * Medical check up * 6 Thalasso-therapy treatments * 3 Aqua-gym classes * 2 massages (of their choice) * 1 Olive oil signature body treatment * 1 Pressotherapy treatment * 1 Slim Concept treatment * 1 Facial (of their choice) * Access to sauna, steam room, gym, Kneipp routes and Thalasso-therapy pool * Tax & services included * Flights not included o Bespoke Thalasso-therapy packages start at �178 per person per day (up to 4 treatments per day � accommodation not included) o Rooms start from �250 B&B (based on two guests sharing) o Signature Thalasso-therapy Treatments at Masseria San Domenico include: Essential oils massage (draining, invigorating, reducing and relaxing) This is a traditional hand manipulation massage. It is beneficial for water retention, circulation, localized fat reduction. Reduces stress and anxiety. Thalgoc�ane-hydromassage This massage is carried out with several water jets focusing on different parts of the body, with the addition of essential oils. Relaxes the joints, improving their mobility. Thalatherm The body is covered with marine mud, and is exposed to steam containing active agents of essential sea oils. Helps to eliminate excess bodily fluids. Douche d�Affusion Two operators carry out a four hand massage under a shower of sea water. Releases muscular tension and enhances relaxation. Seaweed therapy The whole body is covered in seaweed which has been micro pulverized to help absorption of the essential oils used in this treatment. Revitalizing, draining, slimming or relaxing, depending on the essential oils that are used. The breathtaking Masseria San Domenico, Resort Spa-Talasso Golf features a whitewashed fifteenth-century fort surrounded by olive groves. Making full use of the landscape, the resort boasts a scenic 18-hole golf course, a free-form saltwater swimming pool, private beach and tennis courts. Inside the stone rooms and arched corridors lie a handful of dining options, a spirit and cigar bar, and 48 deluxe guest rooms and suites. San Domenico Hotels currently offer three superlative properties in Italy and the UK. Each is imbued with a distinct Italian passion designed to subtly �wow� their discerning guests. The flagship property, Masseria San Domenico in Puglia; Masseria Cimino, found nearby - a boutique agriturismo renowned for its organic cuisine, contemporary design and stunning PGA-designed golf course; and San Domenico House in London - an exclusive, private retreat in the heart of Chelsea.

For more information on Masseria San Domenico please visit www.masseriasandomenico.com For media or enquiries in the UK, including press trips, images and fact sheets please contact:

Bronwen Batey Lemongrass Marketing - A place to grow t: +44 (0)845 634 6135 f: +44 (0)845 634 6136 bronwen@lemongrassmarketing.com www.lemongrassmarketing.com

Lemongrass Marketing specialises in sales, marketing and PR representation for luxury hotels, travel brands and destinations.