Azul Beach Hotel By Karisma in Riviera Maya Unveils Luxurious New Vassa Spa at Gourmet Inclusive Property

FEATURES DEDICATED "PERFECTLY PINK" SPA SUITE FOR KIDS AND TEENS, REVITALIZING HYDROTHERAPY LOUNGE AND PRIVATE BRIDAL SUITE 
MIAMI (June 20, 2012) - Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma, Mexico's premier Gourmet Inclusive boutique property located on the beach of Bahia Petempich in Riviera Maya, announces the opening of Vassa Spa. The luxurious 8,000 square-foot spa retreat includes seven multi-functional spa suites and treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy lounge, sensory relaxation lounge, whirlpool, cold plunge, herbal steam, experience showers, dry sauna, chromotherapy shower, water and juice bar, spa boutique, gymnasium, full-service beauty salon, master suite with hydro-massage tubs, VIP couple's suite with Jacuzzi, private bridal suite, and dedicated "Perfectly Pink" spa suite for kids and teens. Using indigenous regional ingredients and incorporating Gourmet Inclusive elements, Vassa Spa's world-class therapies make the chic destination an oasis of wellness and relaxation.

"We're excited to reveal this spectacular spa which was designed to further enhance the guest experience at Azul Beach Hotel and comes on the heels of a full-scale $21 million property renovation," said Mandy Chomat, vice president of sales and marketing for Premier Worldwide Marketing, the exclusive worldwide representatives for Azul Hotels by Karisma.

Featuring contemporary zen décor, a muted color palette, and recessed lighting, Vassa Spa is a serene haven of wellbeing. Upon entering the spa, guests will be welcomed with a refreshing elixir of chaya water with lemon and honey. An extensive spa menu will include massage, facials, body treatments, and beauty offerings including hair styling, nails, waxing, make-up application, and more. The exclusive facial treatment collection will feature the prestigious Natura Bisse line of luxury skin care products.

"Vassa Spa is an extension of our Gourmet Inclusive philosophy. Engaging all of the senses, the spa experience extends into the culinary realm with a refreshing spa menu which includes regional fresh fruit waters such as cucumber with lemon, orange and apple, lemon and mint, honey lemon chaya water, and chlorophyll and jamaica water," commented Chomat. Guests can also enjoy special herbal iced teas, fruit brochettes, and special kids items such as chocolate-covered strawberries and other healthy treats.

Signature Treatments - Vassa Spa is pleased to introduce a collection of new signature treatment including the Gardenia and Aloe Vera Body Renewal, which brings a softness to dry, aging, and sun damaged skin. The full-body treatment begins with an exfoliating gardenia cream to refine and polish the skin. A hydrating mask of skin cleansing aloe vera and renewing yogurt is followed by a second mask of gardenia, which is known for its emollient and conditioning properties. Guests are then invited to submerge themselves in an extraordinary blend of aromatic essential oils that will soothe and calm the mind and body. A light application of hydrating coconut butter completes the experience, leaving the body velvety smooth, radiant and deeply moisturized. 
Specialized Treatment Rooms & Spa Suites - All seven multi-functional spa suites and treatment rooms are spacious, elegant and luxurious, offering unique options from deep tissue to hydro massage. In addition to a Spa Master Suite and VIP Spa Couples Suite, Vassa Spa features a private Bridal Suite to offer personal pampering for the bride-to-be and bridal party. An integrated health center will feature top-of-the-line equipment in a chic, contemporary environment where guests are encouraged to spend time and meet their fitness goals. 
"Perfectly Pink" Children's Spa Suite - For the first time, Azul Hotels by Karisma introduces children's spa treatments at Vassa Spa. Teens, tweens and tikes aged 5 and up are invited to relax, unwind and get pampered from head to toe in their own dedicated Perfectly Pink spa suite. Glamour girls will enjoy manicures and pedicures in the polish of their choice. Teen facials are tailored to adolescent complexion needs and provide lessons on the importance good skin care habits and at-home recommendations. Young divas-in-training can also enjoy age-appropriate makeup application and hair styling lessons. The signature "Pink Dreams" treatment will include a manicure, pedicure, and massage with bubble gum glitter body cream. To complement the rosy décor and add to the fun experience, Perfectly Pink spa professionals will wear cheerful pink outfits and costume wigs. 
"Azul Beach Hotel is a favorite destination of guests with families and we're thrilled to offer for the very first time a variety of treatments tailored to kids and teens in their own dedicated spa suite," commented Chomat.

Rates at Azul Beach Hotel begin at $193 per person, per night including the Gourmet Inclusive experience with full concierge and 24-hour room service (including taxes and service fees). Children under 13 stay free with 3 night stay. Maximum two children. Additional child stays for $75. Discount based on double occupancy when sharing rooms with parents. Hotel reservations can be booked through a GI Vacation Consultant, or by calling 1-866-527-4762, or by visiting www.karismahotels.com.

ABOUT EL DORADO SPA RESORTS & HOTELS AND AZUL HOTELS BY KARISMA 
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma are a premier hotel collection operating properties throughout the Riviera Maya, Mexico, where guests savor a Gourmet Inclusive experience that fosters togetherness. Karisma's growing portfolio is comprised of El Dorado Royale, A Spa Resort by Karisma; El Dorado Casitas Royale by Karisma; El Dorado Seaside Suites by Karisma; and El Dorado Maroma, A Beachfront Resort, by Karisma; Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma; Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma; Azul Sensatori Hotel by Karisma; and Azul Villa Carola by Karisma. Properties have been honored with the industry's top accolades including, Conde Nast Traveler's "Top 100 Hotels in the World," Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold List," Forbes' "Top 10 Most Romantic Hotels," Travel Weekly's "Readers Choice Awards," TUI Travel PLC's "Hotel of the Year," "Gold Medal," and "Green Medal", TripAdvisor® Traveler's Choice "Best Hotels for Romance," and AAA's "Four Diamond Award." Karisma has received worldwide recognition for its creative approach to hospitality management and product innovations including resorts with swim-up suites, Infinity balcony pools, beach butlers and cash-free transactions. Premier Worldwide Marketing is the exclusive worldwide sales and marketing representative for Karisma Hotels & Resorts. For reservations, please call 1-866-527-4762 or visit http://www.karismahotels.com.

Media contacts: Jenn Wade, Courtney Finley, Brittany Pass, Danielle Mayer, or Alexandra McClure at Glodow Nead Communications, 415.394.6500, [email protected]