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La Samanna Introduces Couples to the Fine Art of Massage

Spa de Deux Introduces Guests to New World of Sybaritic Delight

The benefits of massage are well-documented: improved circulation, strengthened immune systems, tension release and pure pleasure.

And for couples, it s doubly beneficial to be able to provide loving, therapeutic massage for your significant other.

But for those guests who don t know where to start or when a knead becomes torture or a flex turns ticklish -- La Samanna has the answer: Spa De Deux is a new condensed course in which trained massage therapists teach couples how to administer massage on one another.

Courses are conducted in private, at the resort s famed Elyseé Spa, or in the privacy of our indoor-outdoor garden treatment rooms. Instruction includes a fun, interactive introduction to the major muscle groups, a look at how massage works in the nervous, lymphatic and muscle systems of the body, and a primer on some of the special techniques used in Swedish and Thai massage.

After the introductory session, couples are free to practice their craft on their own.  Armed with complimentary kits of custom-designed aromatherapy oils, sugar scrubs concocted with special Island-inspired botanicals, take-home spa robes and a massage manual (think of it as Cliff s Notes for sybarites).  Spa therapists will offer guests three levels of progressive massage training that start with an overview of muscular structure and sensitivity and energy focus points, moving forward to  hand placement, creating ambiance with lighting, temperature, and aromatherapy right through to the advance level which includes deep tissue massage. 

Individual sessions 1 ½ hour sessions are priced at $230 or guests can enroll for three progressive sessions for the price of $600.  Prices are per couple, plus tax and gratuity.  Custom packages can be built that include accommodation, Spa De Deux classes and other activities by calling the hotels reservation line at 1-800-854-2252.

In addition to the couples massage course, guests are welcome to experience all that Elyseé has to offer: three indoor/outdoor treatment rooms that provide the utmost in privacy and liberty as guests are awash in warm tropical breezes and the song of sugar birds.  European-trained professionals offer a wide range of stress-relievers such as massage techniques, body treatments, cryotherapy, Swedish or deep tissue massages, Shiatsu, reflexology, body scrubs and moisturizing sessions as well as cryogenic and hot seaweed wraps and facials, to cite several options.  Also offered are manicures, pedicures, waxing, face/eye care and hair styling.

During the day, guests of La Samanna enjoy complimentary hotel amenities, including use of Sunfish sailboats, kayaks, water skiing equipment and snorkeling gear, and can participate in tennis clinics, aerobics classes or Pilates.  Water taxis are available to shuttle guests to the resort s 13 nearby beaches and islands.  Those who do not want to leave the comfort of La Samanna's pool or beach can enjoy a savory lunch or refreshing beverage, courtesy of The Poolside Grill and its staff.

Overlooking Baie Longue, a crescent-shaped, pristine white sand beach, La Samanna is St. Martin's most luxurious resort.  The only hotel in the area, the resort offers a pristine private island feel yet is a short drive to the exclusive shops of Marigot and the gourmet restaurants of Grand Case.  The resort is legendary for its extensive wine cellar and cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Louaisil, who flies provisions in from France daily.  With 81 suites, located on 55 acres of breathtaking beachfront, La Samanna evokes a French spirit with a Caribbean soul and has been recognized as one of the of the Top 10 best places to go on a honeymoon in the world, by the New York Times; and as the Most Romantic Destination by Bride magazine.   Additional information is available at www.lasamanna.orient-express.com, or call 1-800-854-2252.

Edited by Dave Shultz

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