From the cleansing rites and spiritual bathing practised by cultures around the world, to the Greek and Roman bath-houses of ancient times - where hydro therapy began - the therapeutic value of �taking the waters� has long been recognised. But now the healing benefits of pure waters have been combined with a splash of ancient rainforest magic and a sprinkle of star-studded comforts�

Set in lush tropical gardens, the new Healing Waters Spa at Silky Oaks Lodge has been inspired by ancient wisdoms that celebrated water as a renewing and life-giving force.

Drawing on the spirit of the Daintree - the oldest living rainforest on earth � the spa will offer a range of signature treatments based on a tradition of healing that is centuries old.

The creation of the Healing Waters Spa is one of the building projects central to the refurbishment of Silky Oaks Lodge � the third of P&O Australian Resorts� signature spas to be added to the Australia�s Natural Treasures portfolio.

�The Healing Waters Spa takes its name from the local indigenous language referring to the healing qualities of the Mossman River. The Spa - and its treatments � will draw from the lush tropical environment and the spirit of the ancient rainforest, offering guests another opportunity to relax in beautiful surroundings,� explained James Baillie, Managing Director, P&O Australian Resorts.

The surrounding landscape and rainforest played a vital role in the complex spiritual life of the Aboriginals of the Mossman Gorge region. The local indigenous peoples - the Ku Ku Yalanji - were known to gather medicinal plants from the area and bath in the river they called �the healing waters�. The landscape itself was revered, with the spiritually-charged energies of the rainforest held in the highest regard.

Designed with renewel, vitality and wellbeing in mind, the Healing Waters Spa will be located in an area that resonates with ancient ceremonies and whispers of sacred healings.

Welcomed by serene ponds and a lush greenery, the health-seeker will be encouraged to journey tranquil garden paths to the Healing Waters Spa and its promise of rest and rejuvenation.

The timber Treehouse, which is the spa building, reflects a tropical influence and will sit peacefully amongst the dense rainforest foliage. Recognisably Queensland in style, nature is ever present within the pavilion which will be open to the calming effects of the oxygen-rich rainforest air and the soothing sound of running river waters.

Inside, treatment rooms have been designed to exude calmness. A tranquil tone is created with the use of stone, water and wood and a colour palate of gentle moss greens. Design elements focus on a use of textured natural fabrics and, in key sites selected to protect privacy, glass panels invite the rainforest in adding to the serene and spiritual ambience of the Healing Waters Spa.

The treatments themselves have evolved from the landscape. The Mossman River�s mineral-rich waters and the flower and plant essences of the living rainforest are distilled into therapies designed to heal the mind, body and spirit.

The signature treatments of the Healing Waters Spa use natural products and draw on the knowledge of the indigenous peoples to nurture and heal.

Nourishing organic products are used in a variety of indigenous-inspired treatments described as �Gayba� ��make the body feel good�. With such alluring names as Maluway �reflection spirit�, Jirrbi �promised time� and kebi Yirri �little face�, massages, hand and feet treatments, facials and other therapies harness the healing powers of the rainforest provide deep cleansing and total relaxation.

Nutritious muds are used to detoxify and heal. Sweet or spicy scented essential oils, native berries, herbs and other native natural ingredients are used in body polishing therapies designed to leave skin enriched and glowing and the body renewed.

Blue cypress and a selection of native essential oils are used in massage to promote well being and mountain pepper is one of many natural ingredients used in signature pampering treatments created for the feet.

Native mint and wild peach form the basis of hair treatments, lillypilly or cinnamon myrtle are used to cleanse, wattle seed and lemon myrtle to exfoliate and wild lime or wild rosella berries to hydrate.

A Healing Waters concept spa operates until mid July 2001 when the holistic healing of the Healing Waters Spa transfers into its custom-designed Treehouse which will offer steam massage and water therapies along with the pampering and therapeutic nature-based treatments currently available.

5-Day Healing Waters Spa packages with full spa treatment programs �for him� and �for her� will be available. Packages start from AUS$2800 per couple and are valid until 31 March 2002.

Healing Waters Spa packages include: � 4 nights private Treehouse accommodation at Silky Oaks Lodge. � Tropical breakfast daily � 2 a la carte dinners for two at the Tree House Restaurant. � Complete Healing Waters Spa treatment program for two people, including a two-course gourmet Spa Cuisine luncheon. � Return private chauffeured car transfer from Cairns Airport to Silky Oaks Lodge.

For further information on Silky Oaks Lodge and the Healing Waters Spa, contact P&O Australian Resorts on 1800 73 76 78 (freecall Australia only) or 61 2 9277 5050.

See www.poresorts.com or email resorts.reservations@poresorts.com for further information

P&O Australian Resorts offer premium nature based holiday experiences in some of Australia�s most spectacular locations. Each property within the Australia�s Natural Treasures portfolio is a unique window to one of Australia�s World Heritage Listed areas and offers a range of quality soft adventure experiences in an individual, relaxed and professional style. P&O Australian Resorts include: Bedarra Island; Brampton Island; Cradle Mountain Lodge; Dunk Island; Heron Island; Lizard Island and Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Waters Spa

Media Contacts: (not for publication) Julia Gauci P&O Australian Resorts Phone: +61 2 9364 8350 Fax: +61 2 9364 8937 Email: julia.gauci@poresorts.com

United Kingdom & Europe Susie Barry McCluskey & Associates Phone: (020) 7371 8900 Fax: (020) 7371 8116 Email: susie@mccluskey.co.uk

United States of America Timothy Fox Fox Global Communications Phone: (949) 851 3144 Fax: (949) 851 2239 Email: foxglobal@earthlink.net