NEW YORK (June 27, 2005) – Absolute Asia, the leading provider of private luxury travel to Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific, has conducted a comprehensive study of worldwide spa offerings, and has compiled a list of the Top 10 “Absolute Must Try” spa experiences for sophisticated travelers. Absolute Asia is confident that the list represents the most deluxe, innovative, and exciting spa experiences available today.

1. ISLAND MASSAGE (Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji) Retreats in the purest form, guests are whisked away from the luxurious resort to their own private island. Amidst complete paradise and seclusion, a soothing full-body massage blends a variety of bodywork styles with the healing spirit of the Fijian culture to release tension and rejuvenate the body.

2. AQUUM SPA (Huvafen Fushi, Maldives) The world’s first underwater spa, Aquum Spa, was designed with the simple concept that water is the equilibrium and the elixir of life – restorative, calming and balancing. The underwater treatment rooms are a surreal experience, surrounded by sea life and hues of blue.

3. BUSH SPA (Royal Malewane, South Africa) A surreal encounter for nature-enthusiasts, the outdoor Malewane Bush Spa is completely surrounded by lush South African wildlife and scenery. Spacious and tranquil, the spa is ideal for couple’s treatments that pamper and awaken the senses.

4. HERBAL HOT STONE TREATMENT (Uma Paro, Bhutan) Uma Paro spa, nestled into a scenic corner of Bhutan's pristine landscape, offers this traditional Bhutanese treatment. While the guest soaks, hot stones are broken into a bath basin to release healing properties of therapeutic minerals.

5. MUGHAL MYSTIQUE TREATMENT (Oberoi Rajvilas, India) Oberoi Rajvilas, located in a restored Rajasthani mansion, overlooks exotic gardens, a tranquil backdrop for this treatment. Pampering begins with cleansing exfoliation and continues for two and a half hours with massage, aromatherapy, private yoga session and calming flower bath.

6. DEAD SEA THERAPY (Gora Kadan, Japan) Using water, salt and mud from the mineral filled Dead Sea, the Gora Kaden spa treatment replenishes vital minerals while it soothes and moisturizes the skin’s surface. This invigorating treatment is concluded with a plunge in the natural hot springs located within the premises of the indulgent Japanese ryokan.

7. PAILLASSON PURE INDULGENCE (Oberoi Mauritius, Mauritius) Oberoi Mauritius draws on coconut oil, used for centuries as a vital source of health and well-being. The indigenous coconut treatment involves a coconut husk full-body scrub, a healing coconut peel that leaves skin soft and silky and a natural coconut oil massage.

8. ELEMIS SPA (Four Seasons Chiang Mai, Thailand) Designed in the ancient “Lanna” style of northern Thai temples, Elemis Spa is situated in a palatial three-story villa. Treatments are performed using ancient Thai ingredients that stimulate and nourish the skin and muscles. Settings for the services include private herbal aromatherapy steam rooms; individual deep-soaking tubs on open-air terraces and double tropical rain shower massage beds. Read about Julie Register's experience at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai

9. YACHT MASSAGE (Bora Bora Cruises, Tahiti) Onboard a cruising yacht, the vessel intensifies a true inter-lagoon experience in the French Polynesia islands. These yachts were specially designed to cruise the shallow waters of the lagoons and are able to drop anchor right on the shore. Luxurious treatments happen on the outside deck of the ship, overlooking crystal blue waters and echoed with the sounds of the ocean.

10. LOCAL REFLEXOLOGY (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) A true bargain priced at $5.00, local therapists in Saigon offer the treatment that promotes good health in a relaxing setting. Reflexology was developed from the belief that applying pressure to specific points on the feet and hands can affect organs and body systems. Absolute Asia private guides are experts at knowing best spots in Saigon to get the treatments.

President and owner Ken Fish is pleased to note the increasing number of clients requesting spa treatments as part of their luxury trips. “People are starting to understand that it’s important to give yourself some time to relax on a vacation. A vacation should be enjoyable, and spa treatments are a perfect way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.”

Luxury properties are now expected to have decadent spas as a matter of course, and innovative and unusual new approaches to pampering are announced every day. Absolute Asia travel specialists make a point of staying on top of spa trends, and are knowledgeable about the treatments and facilities in the destinations they serve.

Absolute Asia specializes in privately guided luxury tours, and can integrate any of the “Absolute Must Try” spa experiences into a customized itinerary.

Since 1989, Absolute Asia has been the leading provider of deluxe, custom-designed travel to destinations throughout Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific. Absolute Asia and its divisions have been members of Virtuoso since 2002. To learn more about Absolute Asia’s custom-designed itineraries, visit www.absoluteasia.com or call (800) 736-8187.