DIVYA BRINGS LIGHT TO THE KERALA COAST
-New spa opens at The Leela Kovalam Beach Resort

Mumbai, August 2006…. The latest byword in luxury and relaxation is Divya, the new spa and Ayurveda centre at the five-star Leela Kovalam Beach Resort in Kerala. The new spa utilises the healing and rejuvenating qualities of the ancient Indian medicine and practices.

Luxury and exclusivity have always gone hand in hand at The Leela Kovalam Beach Resort, and this ethos has been carried over into the stunning new eight room retreat. The new spa boasts of fifteen highly trained therapists and has a dedicated Ayurvedic doctor on hand to dispense advice and create tailored Ayurvedic programmes for each guest.

Divya, which means divine light, is an intimate spa, decorated in a contemporary Indian style to reflect its surroundings. Relaxation and wellness are the top priorities in this atmospheric and luxurious hide away. Whether you are looking to complement your holiday with a rejuvenating treatment or wanting to align body and mind with a longer therapy, the spa has something for everyone.

The Ayurvedic programmes offered at Divya range from one to 28 days. Guests spending a short time at The Leela Kovalam Beach Resort can indulge in:

" The Ayurvedic de-stress programme - One-day package including two body massage treatments followed by a traditional head massage
" Ayurvedic detox and de-stress programme - Two-day package including three body massage treatments and one traditional head massage
" Ayurveda refreshment programme - Three-day package including four body massage treatments and one traditional head massage

For those wishing to prolong their relaxation or relief from an ailment, the five to 28 day programmes are split in two categories, with category one focussing on wellness and preventative treatments and category two focussing on therapeutic and curative programmes. Each programme is available for five, seven , 14 , 21 and 28 days.

Within category one, guests can choose from the following programmes:

" Relaxation and rejuvenation
" Purification and detoxification
" Spine and neck care
" Stress and strain relief
" Skin and beauty care
" Body slimming
" Aphrodisiac therapy

Whilst category two covers the following treatment programmes:

" Diabetes and hypertension
" Allergic disorders
" Arthritis
" Post pregnancy and gynaecological
" Other ailments

All Ayurvedic treatment programmes at The Leela Kovalam Beach Resort are strictly personalised following an in-depth consultation with the Divya spa's resident doctor. All the treatment programme prices are inclusive of one-to-one consultations with the Ayurvedic doctor, herbal medicines for the duration of the treatment and a daily 75 minute therapeutic Ayurvedic Massage. In addition, special dietary options to contribute to the success of the programmes are also available.

Running alongside the spa treatment packages, guests can complement their therapies with yoga and meditation taught on an individual, group or three, seven and 14 day course basis.

The spa also boasts three signature treatments, which guests can enjoy individually or in the spa's couples treatment room. These massages are based on the ancient Kalari massages of Kerala and include the:

" Vishram relaxation massage
" Sukhakara energising massage
" Sammardana Indian deep tissue massage

All treatments can be pre-booked at the spa before travel or on arrival at the property. For the longer treatment packages, guests should contact the hotel to book prior to arrival.

Issued by :
Mithu Basu
Group Head Corporate Communications
The Leela Palaces~Hotels~Resorts
Sahar, Mumbai 400 059
Tel: +91 (22) 66911052
Fax: +91 (22) 66911455
Cell: +91 9820414732
mithu.basu@theleela.com