Italy's award-winning Leading Spas member Masseria San Domenico, in Puglia, has introduced the country's first fat-busting 'Thermogenisis Hydrobike' therapy, reaffirming its position at the forefront of the contemporary wellness scene. The pioneering new treatment draws on groundbreaking research by scientists at Maastricht University and Tenshi College in Japan, which proved that exposure to temperatures below 'normothermia' (i.e. normal body temperature) triggers a physiological reaction that stimulates the body's natural fat-burning processes.

The exclusive new treatment has been developed as a completely natural way to harness the body's existing mechanism for converting stored fat into heat. Immersed in a specially designed thermogenisis bath, the recipient pedals on a submerged hydrobike as the temperature is gradually lowered from 18 to 16 degrees over a 20 minute period. The body begins to regulate its internal temperature by burning fat deposits, while the sensation of cold is further alleviated by the constant pedaling - which also burns more calories. The Thermogenesis Hydrobike treatment can be booked as part of Masseria San Domenico's daily thalassotherapy package, including four thalasso treatments for €165, or separately for €70 per 40-minute session.

The human body contains two different types of adipose tissue: white adipose tissue, where excess fat is accumulated; and brown adipose tissue, regarded as 'good' fat because it plays a vital role in regulating the body's internal temperature.  Scientific  studies published in Obesity Journal and the New England Journal of Medicine have shown that when the body is exposed to mild cold, the brown adipose tissue acts as an 'internal heater', burning excess fat to maintain the body's internal temperature.

Masseria San Domenico is home to the only thalassotherapy spa in Southern Italy, offering a wide range of world-class treatments and therapies that harness the properties of the mineral rich seawater and seaweed found in the nearby Adriatic Sea. Alongside this, Masseria San Domenico also promotes the Mediterranean Diet as a fundamental part of its wellbeing philosophy, in consultation with expert nutritionist and Secretary of the Foundation for Mediterranean Diet NPO (non-profit organisation), Dr Agostino Grassi. The Mediterranean Diet - in which olive oil is the only type of fat consumed  - has been shown to increase life expectancies by as much as 15 years for women, and 8 years for men. This food philosophy even enjoys UNESCO-protected status as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage, which its benefits have been proven by recent studies by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Accommodation at Masseria San Domenico starts from €300 per room per night, including breakfast, excluding VAT. For further information please visit www.masseriasandomenico.com.

- Ends -

Notes to editors:

Owned and run by the Melpignano family, San Domenico Hotels comprises four exceptional properties in Italy and the UK, each embodying idiosyncratic Italian flair and offering stylish hospitality and refined service: The 46-room Masseria San Domenico, the 15-room Masseria Cimino and the 4-room San Domenico a Mare, plus luxury resort Borgo Egnazia, in Puglia; and the 18-suite San Domenico House in London. The group also owns and operates championship golf course San Domenico Golf in Puglia. See www.sandomenicohotels.com. 

For more information or to discuss feature ideas and press trips please contact:

Olivia Walter or Nat Frogley

Bacall Associates, 63 Catherine Place, SW1E 6DY

Tel: +44 (0) 8704 288 401 Fax: +44 (0) 8704 288 402               

Email: olivia@bacall.net or nat@bacall.net