With an extensive menu that conjures the possibility of floating away from the everyday world into a state of dreamy peacefulness, the Waldheim Alpine Spa whispers in soothing tones that deep relaxation is one of the many therapeutic benefits to be enjoyed by surrendering to the sensory journey that awaits once you�re inside Cradle Mountain Lodge�s new spa complex.

Opening 21 June, The Waldheim Alpine Spa was created as part of P&O Australian Resorts� latest round of improvements to the property it has owned and marketed internationally for almost 20 years.

The $1.5M project which includes the creation of a spa, introduces a new premium grade of accommodation to be known as the King Billy Spa Suite and extends to some minor refurbishment of the main Lodge, is the first phase of developments that will see a reduction in the number of guest accommodations and allow the Lodge to be repositioned as a more premium boutique property.

�The concept for the Waldheim Alpine Spa was to create a spa facility that would bring Gustav and Kate Weindorfer�s original concept of a �forest home� and its classic �where there is no time and nothing matters� into a new age�, explains Mark Campbell, Managing Director, P&O Australian Resorts.

Reflecting the pristine beauty of the Tasmanian wilderness, the spa building - designed by P&O�s project team Pike Withers and built by local company Matthews Constructions - features extensive floor to ceiling glass opening to dramatic views of the Pencil Pine River and the Cradle Mountain Valley. Local stone, slate and recycled timber is used throughout the Spa with oversized open fires, set in feature walls of river rock, one of the many designer features.

The Waldheim Alpine Spa offers six therapy rooms, including two double treatment rooms, as well as a dedicated therapeutic area known as �The Sanctuary�. This area includes a steam room, sauna, large hot-tub and cool plunge pool, as well as a relaxation lounge. (Entry to The Sanctuary is included with any treatment at the Spa and casual access is available for $20 per person).

The original Waldheim was built by the now-famous pioneering couple whose passion for this exceptional wilderness area began the heritage movement which eventually resulted in the creation of the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park.

Kate and Gustav�s �Waldheim� became the first guest house in the Cradle Mountain area and allowed others to experience the spectacular beauty of the region. It is the same astounding visions of craggy mountains and towering trees carved by the passing of thousands of years, the mirror-like lakes and the pristine rivers rushing through moss-covered stones that has provided the inspiration for Cradle Mountain Lodge�s Waldheim Alpine Spa. �One of the many truly amazing stories surrounding Gustav and Kate�s early days in the Cradle Valley is that of the Waldheim bath-house�, explained Campbell. �The original Waldheim was built in a location chosen for its access to water and in the Autumn of 1920 a separate bath-house, complete with a 6ft long and very deep tin bathtub, was completed.

It is said that Gustav was so determined to have a bath-house at Waldheim that he carried the tub on his back for more than one and a half kilometers, letting fly with a string of descriptive curses every time he stumbled on the stony track that led from where the wagon tracks stopped - at the junction known as �the Gossip Tree� - to Waldheim. Then as now, the pristine waters of the Tasmanian wilderness were central to Waldheim�, Campbell concluded. An extensive menu of signature treatments has been developed for the Waldheim Alpine Spa, many using Tasmanian alpine ingredients and showcasing locally-sourced natural therapy products. In working together with local suppliers, the Spa will offer seasonal menus that reflect the splendour of Cradle Mountain and Tasmania in both Winter and Summer.

P&O Australian Resorts� newly appointed Director of Spas Vanessa Main, in conjunction with Sodashi, has orchestrated the development of the Waldheim Alpine Spa and the creation of its signature treatments.

Sodashi, a premium all Australian 100% natural skin and body care product range known for its healing and relaxation properties, takes its name from an ancient Sanskrit word meaning �wholeness, purity and radiance�. These concepts are the pillars of Sodashi and form the foundation of the Waldheim Alpine Spa, its exclusive treatments developed to embrace both therapeutic benefits and to provide a sensory journey.

The Waldheim Alpine Spa and its exclusive signature treatments will allow a new generation of guests to enjoy the restorative powers of the Tasmanian wilderness. Treatment examples include:

Alpine Awakening - 90 Mins: $120 Float away from your every day world into a state of dreamy peacefulness. This treatment begins with a gentle Jojoba body polish - exfoliating and cleansing the whole body � and includes the soothing application of a full body Clay Mask. Cocooned in a warming body wrap, a scalp massage carries you to a deeper level of relaxation. Completing the treatment, a warm rain shower drawing from the mineral-rich waters of the Pencil Pine River is followed by a nourishing application of the Cradle Mountain signature body oil.

Cradle Mountain Cleanse - 90 Mins: $120 A deep cleansing treatment that begins with a warm oil body massage using herbal extracts that stimulate the circulation and follows with an enlivening salt exfoliation therapy. Mineral and sea salts blended with pure aroma oils of Grapefruit, Lime and Lemongrass are applied in a brisk exfoliation technique that assists with the elimination of toxins. We then invite you to enjoy the Vichy Rain Shower � a gently directed warm body spray that adds therapeutic value to your treatment. Later, experience a deluxe facial indulgence incorporating soothing warm aromatherapy compresses of Lavender and Rosewood and the gentle application of aromatic moisturisers that will leave your face and body glowing for days.

Cradle Mountain Lodge accommodation packages:

2-night Taste of Tasmania Package Available Friday and Saturday nights throughout July, August and September these short-break packages are designed to allow visitors to sample a little of Tasmania's food and wine delights and enjoy in spectacular mountain scenery, a few walks, some special cosy-up by the fireside time and a spa treatment or two...

Weekend Taste of Tasmania packages start from $495 per person twin share and include: Pencil Pine Cabin accommodation; Tasmanian Tastings basket and a bottle of boutique local wine; Dinner in the Highland Restaurant on both nights - including Tasmanian wine Full mountain buffet breakfast daily.

A guided National Park walk, with morning tea; lunch and Chefs� cooking demonstrations and a hosted wine and cheese tasting is also included.

2 night Holiday Plus packages start from $199 per person twin share including Pencil Pine Cabin accommodation, full breakfast and some Lodge activities. Spa Cabin accommodation $260 per person twin share, Spa Suites $330. Extra nights available. Rates valid 31 March 2004. For more information contact P&O Australian Resorts on 1800 73 76 78, email reservations@poresorts.com or see www.cradlemountainlodge.com

Media Contact: Julia Gauci, P&O Australian Resorts 02 9364 8350 or julia.gauci@poresorts.com

A selection of hi-res images (300dpi) and artist�s impressions are available on the media section of the www.poresorts.com website.

Images can be provided on disc if required.