25 Jun 2001
Gold Coast Takes Lead As Australia's Premier Spa Destination

Gold Coast Tourism Bureau

The Coast with the Most offers visitors a holiday experience that combines pampering, relaxation and lifestyle enhancement services with the beauty of the region�s 70 kilometres of uninterrupted coastline, hidden world of subtropical rainforests and leading dining and shopping facilities.

The Gold Coast has seen the addition of a host of new facilities and packages including:

* The prestigious Palazzo Versace European-style day spa, Salus Per Aquum, offers the ultimate in pampering services, personal training and holistic treatments such as iridology and acupuncture. The spa�s signature treatment is a unique blending of salt glow, bodywrap and vichy shower performed by two therapists. An innovative pregnancy program caters for mother and baby, with prices starting from AUD$325 for over four hours of indulgence and expert advice. Half-day retreats start from AUD$325 per person (valid 2001) and forth coming attractions include the launch of the Versace make-up range with demonstrations and workshops by Australia�s leading make-up artists. For more information www.salusperaquum.com

* The ultra modern day spa at Royal Pines Resort, Resort Day Spa, combines the ultimate in health and beauty treatments with exceptional golfing facilities for the holiday of a lifetime. The spa is perfect for the golfing widow or the growing number of men who are learning to appreciate the art of self-indulgence. Treatments include aromatherapy salt scrubs, mud masques, marine algae wraps and wet treatments like Vichy and affusion showers and hydrotherapy. The popular �Pamper and Play� package includes luxury accommodation, buffet breakfast, and choice of 18 holes of golf or a pampering treatment from just AUD148 per person twin share (valid to 30 September 2001). For more information www.royalpines.com.au

* A new short break package at Australia�s leading holistic health retreat Camp Eden ensures those who do not have a full week to spare can still enjoy the facility�s pampering and health facilities at a reduced rate. Three-day packages start from AUD875 per person (valid 2001) and include pampering sessions, meals, adventure and nature-based activities plus health and lifestyle advice. Camp Eden is located within the lush surrounds of Currumbin Valley and also offers an Indulgence Package for guests who would like to take maximum advantage of its beauty and healing facilities. For more information www.campeden.com.au * The new Chevron Renaissance retail precinct in Surfers Paradise features numerous independent beauty therapy centres to cater for those who like to combine a pampering experience with a touch of retail therapy. * A new state-of-the-art hair salon at Couran Cove Island Resort�s, Total Living Centre, on South Stradbroke Island uses the all-natural Aveda range and complements the centre�s half, full day and week-long spa retreats. Hair treatments start from AUD42.00 and include a 15 minute scalp massage. Five day spa programs start from AUD1820 (valid 2001) and include luxury accommodation, meals, program activities, and five pampering treatments. For more information www.couran.com

* The Body and Soul rejuvenation week at Binna Burra Mountain Lodge is held annually in May. The six-day program features Australia�s leading natural therapy practitioners and a comprehensive program of lifestyle seminars, relaxing activities like yoga and tai chi and pampering sessions in the beautiful surrounds of World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park. The six day package starts from AUD630 per person (valid 2001). For more information www.binnaburralodge.com.au

The Gold Coast is leading all other Australian destinations in offering pampering holidays with a difference, says Gold Coast Tourism Bureau marketing communications manager Margie McGregor.

�The region has a great choice of retreats and resorts which are gaining an enviable reputation for offering a variety of programs plus state-of-the-art facilities and products,� said Ms McGregor.

�Visitors can choose from intensive week-long retreat-style facilities and nature-based experiences to ultra modern day spas and smaller beauty therapy centres.

�Depending on individual needs and budgets, spa lovers can totally immerse themselves in the pampering experience by staying on site at a retreat or hotel with a day spa facility, or tap into these facilities by visiting as day guests.�

ENDS

PAMPERHOLIDAYS.2001

For more information contact Gold Coast Tourism Bureau Marketing Communications Manager Margie McGregor Phone: 617-5592 2699 Fax: 617-5570 3144 Email: margiem@gctb.com.au

More than 200 high resolution images of the Gold Coast can be downloaded free of charge from www.goldcoasttourism.com.au