SPAAAAH... Oasis at the Ocean in Panama City Beach, Fla.
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (May 30, 2007) – Spa lovers discover an oceanfront oasis for mind, body and spirit at one of “America’s Most Beautiful Beaches” -- Panama City Beach, Fla. This summer, the destination beckons with spectacular new and refurbished spas overlooking the soothing, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Spas are quickly gaining popularity. Two million Americans visited them in 2006, according to a survey by the International Spa Association. There are nearly 14,000 facilities in the U.S. today, up approximately 16% from 2004, the survey shows.
Panama City Beach answers the call for rest and rejuvenation with luxurious, new spas at premier hotels and resorts. Travelers can relax and rejuvenate, while taking in glorious views of white-sand beaches edged with gently lapping Gulf waters.
Now Open: Serenity at Bay Point
Marriott Bay Point Resort unveils The Serenity at Bay Point, a 12,025 square-foot spa, salon and fitness center, now open. The Serenity offers the latest techniques in rejuvenating spa therapy from 11 treatment rooms, two salon stations, five manicure and
five pedicure stations, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. While taking in calming views of the Grand Lagoon, guests indulge in Swedish deep-tissue and Vichy water massages, oxygenating facials and aromatherapy, as well as custom manicures and pedicures.
Bay Point Marriott is situated on a 1,100-acre wildlife sanctuary approximately 15 minutes from the Panama City Airport. This premier Gulf Coast resort houses 356 guest rooms, including 78 one and two-bedroom golf villas. Bay Point Marriott offers a Kid’s Club, two 18-hole PGA Championship golf courses, jogging and biking trails, on-property boat slips, restaurants, event space, and recreational activities. For more information on The Serenity at Bay Point, call toll-free at 800-644-2650 or visit www.marriottbaypoint.com.
Now Open: The Spa at Majestic Beach Resort
Indulge in natural treatments at The Spa at Majestic Beach Resort. Specialties include the hydrating Paraffin Body Treatment, heated Basalt Stone Massage and the Ocean Breeze Body Glow exfoliation treatment using ancient sea salts. For the ultimate pampering experience, The Spa offers the two-hour Sea Escape. The treatment begins with a detoxifying wrap of natural sea algae, clay and sea salts, followed by a full body massage. Spa guests receive all-day access to the Majestic’s state-of-the-art fitness center, with spacious sauna and steam room. There, guests can get a complete workout with enough modern equipment to rival any stand-alone fitness club or gym.
The Majestic Beach Resort offers upscale accommodations in two beachfront towers; two dining choices, H2O Grill and Majestic Market; Visions Martini Bar; a large pool, and access to 650 feet of private beach. To experience The Spa at Majestic Beach Resort, call toll-free at 866-494-3364 or visit www.majesticbeachresort.com.
Now Open: The Spa at the Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort
The Spa at the Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort offers a full range of specialized services for mind and body with its luxurious Spa and Fitness Center. The Spa features exotic treatments designed to refresh and rejuvenate, including the Herbal Essence Body Cocoon, Parisian Body-Polish, and the invigorating Sea Salt Body Glow exfoliation. Soothe tense muscles with a Hot Stone or Traditional Swedish massage, or learn at-home massage techniques during a private Massage for Partners lesson. The Spa also specializes in facial treatments to restore youthful-looking skin, as well as, pulse point therapy for hands and feet.
For bodies in motion, The Club’s Fitness Center offers a variety of classes in its spacious aerobic studio. Tone muscles with high-energy cardio workouts, modern yoga and pilates. Water aerobics classes take place in the Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort’s Lagoon Pool. Also available: personal trainers for one-on-one fitness instruction.
Spanning 110 acres, the beachfront Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort houses 525 full-service one, two and three-bedroom suites. Visitors have access to a half-mile of private beach and 12 pools, including the 11,000 square-foot Lagoon Pool with waterfalls. Additional amenities include: a nine-hole executive golf course, spa and fitness center, as well as Hombre Golf Club's 27 holes of championship golf. The resort also offers a Starbucks Coffee® shop and The Shoppes at Edgewater, with an ice cream parlor, Mediterranean deli, surf shop and Internet café. Call toll-free 800-874-8686 or visit www.edgewaterbeachresort.com.
Indulgences Soon-To-Come
Growth in Panama City Beach continues, with more spas in the works.
Opening This Summer: Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort
Enjoy cool ocean breezes and panoramic Gulf views at Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort’s SeaWatch Spa, opening late this summer, 2007. The oceanfront spa overlooks sparkling Gulf waters and will feature floor-to-ceiling, sliding glass walls. Guests will take in the views during rejuvenating facials, deep tissue massages, manicures and pedicures.
The SunSpree’s spa is part of the SunSpree’s new SeaWatch Conference and Entertainment Center. The three-story complex also will house the SeaWatch Martini Bar and more than 4,000 square feet of meeting space equipped with high-quality Polycom technology providing video and teleconferencing capabilities. During breaks, meeting attendees will be able to relax and refresh with treatments at the spa.
All rooms at the gulf-front Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort feature two queen-size beds, a full-sized fridge, microwave and private balcony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The resort boasts two restaurants, a fitness center featuring a steam room and sauna, indoor game room, on-site shopping and private beach walkway. Guests can take a dip in the Polynesian-style pool with cascading waterfalls or relax in the hot tub. Little ones stay busy with the Splash Around Kids’ Club and the new Lil’ Squirts Aqualand water play area. The SunSpree also offers seasonal, live entertainment by the pool deck and a nightly torch-lighting ceremony. Sneak a peek at all the SunSpree offers with the resort’s webcams at www.hipcbeach.com/bch_cams.htm or call toll-free 800-633-0266 for more information.
Opening This Summer: Shores of Panama
More pampering awaits when the Shores of Panama opens later this summer, 2007, with stylish spa and fitness center, complete with a private sauna and steam room.
The luxurious Shores of Panama will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom accommodations with full kitchens and contemporary designer décor. As its most spectacular feature, the resort will have an 18,000 square-foot, free-form pool overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The complimentary Sterling Club at Bay Point will provide guests with exclusive access to championship golf, dining, tennis and more at Bay Point Marriott Resort. Among the Shores of Panama’s other amenities: a family game room and on-site bar and grill. To learn more, call toll-free 866-5RESORT or visit www.SterlingResorts.com.
Future Summers: Emerald Beach Resort and Spa
Future summers will see the opening of a 10,000 square-foot spa and fitness center at the Emerald Beach Resort and Spa.
This winter, the $250 million resort and residential community opened the first of what will eventually be four beachfront towers. Each tower will house 260 oversized guest suites. Emerald Beach will offer several specialty dining venues, including the upscale Garden Market with butler’s pantry offering a wine and cheese section and the stylish SkyBar in the resort’s sky bridge. Here, guests will be able to relax and enjoy spectacular Gulf sunsets. Other amenities will include a grand lagoon pool featuring “dive-in” movies, a rooftop pool, lazy river, 27 holes of championship golf at Hombre Golf Club, “Kids’ Krew” activities programs and VIP check-in and valet service. More than 60,000 square feet of first-class meeting space will provide an ideal setting for innovative events, corporate meetings and conventions. For more information on Emerald Beach Resort and Spa, call toll-free 800- 528-6174 or visit www.emeraldbeachresort.com.
In the Works: Carillon Beach Resort & Spa
Currently under construction, Carillon Beach Resort and Spa is a new luxury resort opening this summer, 2007, that showcases the beauty of the Emerald Coast. The property’s 7,500 square-foot, state-of-the art spa and fitness center is slated to open in 2008.
The Inn at the Resort houses 67 well appointed one-bedroom suites as well as three multi-level two- and three-bedroom suites. The property also includes 25 one-, two- and three-bedroom condominium suites with spectacular views of Lake Carillon and the Gulf of Mexico. This luxurious resort is steps away from 3,900 feet of stunning white-sand beachfront accessed by seven beach walkovers, four swimming pools, tennis courts, a playground, restaurants and shops. For more information on Carillon Beach Resort & Spa, call toll free 866-668-7803 or visit www.CarillonBeachResort.com.
About Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach boasts 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering the clear, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. The Northwest Florida destination was cited as one of America’s Most Beautiful Beaches by Condé Nast Traveler, 2006. Additional recognition as a top beach destination comes from The Travel Channel, USA Today, Southern Living, Dr. Beach and the Clean Beaches Council. Family attractions, championship golf courses, sporting events, delectable dining, predictably sunny weather and a vast number of recreational activities draw visitors to this seaside destination annually. For more information, call 1-800-PCBEACH (850-233-5070) or visit http://www.thebeachloversbeach.com.
Sharlet Brennan or Christie Gregovich
YPB&R, 407-875-1115
sharlet.brennan@ypbr.com
christie.gregovich@ypbr.com
