Spa Programs in the News

SPA TRIPS BY BUTTERFIELD & ROBINSON
B&R launches first "Spa Walk" in Capri & Ischia

Toronto, Canada - In response to a growing interest among its loyal traveller base in spa treatments and wellness experiences, the upscale active travel experts at Butterfield & Robinson introduce the first in a series of dedicated Spa Trips. Traditional biking and walking is now combined with yoga, lighter fare menus, and treatments at Europe's finest spa hotels. This fall, B&R launches the Capri & Ischia Spa Walk.

Though Butterfield & Robinson trips have increasingly featured hotels with on-site spas, Capri & Ischia Spa Walk is the first to dedicate time to spa concepts. Spa treatments, yoga, stretching, talks with health & nutrition experts and other wellness activities are intertwined as part of the itinerary. Both trip hotels feature world-class spa facilities, and some treatments are included in the trip's cost. Daily biking and hiking distances have been shortened to accommodate these additional activities, though longer options and route extensions are available.

According to Georgia Yuill, Spa Program Director, the islands of Capri & Ischia were chosen for both their great walking and their renowned spa hotels. It is the second trip offered by Butterfield & Robinson in the region. "Our Amalfi Coast Walk has been enormously popular. It's a beautiful area where it's easy to get away from the crowds, into the wild and onto stunning walking trails." B&R's 5-day Capri & Ischia Walk, though set in the same general area as the first two days of the Amalfi Coast Walk, is a distinct itinerary, featuring equally impressive but different hotels and walking routes. "People who have done our Amalfi Walk will love it," adds Yuill.

Capri & Ischia Walk Itinerary
After a rendezvous in Naples, a one-hour private boat transports travellers to the Island of Ischia and the trip's first walk. The route culminates in the charming town of Sant'Angleo, were travellers enjoy lunch before moving on to their home for the first two nights, the fabulous Il Moresco hotel. A five-star property located just outside town, Il Moresco is home to a full-treatment spa that utilizes the natural thermal springs for which the island is known. Daily walks reveal the island's incredible natural beauty and historic towns, while event highlights include an early morning yoga session and breakfast on the top of Mount Epomeo, and a private tour and sunset cocktails at Castello Aragonese.

The exclusive isle of Capri sets the scene for the trip's second and final leg, with travellers arriving by private boat in the morning. At the Capri Palace Hotel & Spa, views of the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Naples abound. The first evening features apéritifs in the private gardens at nearby Villa San Michele, while the final night is celebrated in style with a hike to the top of Mt. Solaro, followed by a catered dinner under the stars. Naturally, a Michelin-starred chef prepares the feast, local musicians ensure ambience, and travellers return home via chairlifts. Daily activities include mountain-top stretching, a visit to the Blue Grotto, an evening walk around Capri town, a wine tasting of regional vintages, and a half-day excursion to secluded coves aboard the hotel's private yacht.

Because the itineraries incorporate more flexible time for treatments and the like, B&R Spa Trips are perfect for couples who have different interests and fitness levels. They provide the ultimate in "slowing down to see the world", and yet make a multitude of options available for more mileage-oriented travellers. Most days feature planned hikes that are intended as half-day activities, with afternoons free for à la carte spa treatments and wellness experiences, reading and other "downtime", or additional walks offered by B&R.

What's Included
One treatment at each hotel is included in the cost of the trip. At the Hotel Il Moresco in Ischia, a Thermal Mud Bath, followed by thermal water rinse and rejuvenating massage, is included. At the Capri Palace Hotel & spa, travellers choose among a variety of one-hour massages, including "relaxing", "Californian" and "reflexology". Each meal features a light option, with emphasis on regional specialties - though both holistic and hedonistic tastes will be indulged!

Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 Ischia
Mezzatorre Resort and Spa, Ischia
Leading Small Hotels of the World
Privately chartered boat to the volcanic island of Ischia • Walk to the enchanting gardens of the late composer, Sir William Walton, for an al fresco lunch • Walk through pine forests to the Mezzatorre Resort and Spa • Take a dip in the saltwater pool or indulge in a treatment before dinner • Learn about the curative powers of Ischia’s celebrated thermal waters and mud baths • Salute the rising sun at a yoga class on the summit of Mt. Epomeo • Wander through Forio, favourite getaway of American writers Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote • Reward yourself with a luxurious spa experience • Exclusive evening tour and sunset cocktails at one of Italy’s most ancient and peculiar castles, the Castello Aragonese

Day 1 - a 4 km walk to the hotel
Day 2 - a 2 km ascent of Mt. Epomeo; yoga

Days 3, 4 & 5 Capri
The Capri Palace, Capri
Sail by private water taxi to legendary Capri • Walk between the coast and cliffs at Anacapri • Take advantage of your included massage at the illustrious Capri Palace spa • Enjoy sunset cocktails overlooking the Med at Villa San Michele • Stroll amidst the island’s lemon groves, vineyards and lush gardens • Greet the day with morning yoga • Visit the legendary Blue Grotto • Tour one of Capri’s greatest imperial villas • Indulge in one the Capri Palace’s spa treatments: body peel, reflexology, or thalassotherapy • Banquet under the stars on top of Mount Solera, courtesy of a Michelin-starred chef

The Biking
Day 3 - a 6 km walk, plus a 4 km optional afternoon walk
Day 4 - a 2 km ascent to yoga, 2 km descent; 4 km afternoon walk
Day 5 - morning walking tour; optional 4 km hike

Day 6 Arrivederci to the Islands
Private boat trip to Naples • Make connections home or continue your adventures in Europe

Other Trips Featuring Spas
In addition to the Capri & Ischia Walk, B&R features a number of trips on its 2004 roster that incorporate spa options. Though not intended as dedicated spa and wellness experiences, these trips generally include one spa on their itinerary, which means travellers may complement their B&R trip with massages and other treatments at such facilities as the renowned Vinotherapie Spa at Les Sources de Caudalie in Martillac. Trips with spa options include Bordeaux Bike, Provence Walk, Puglia Bike, Mallorca Walk, Italian Lakes Walk, Cinque Terre Walk, and Ireland Bike.

Capri & Ischia Walk 2004
Trip Length: 5 Days / 5 Nights
Activity Level: Moderate to Challenging
Price: US $4595($850 single supp.)
2004 Departures: Sep 26 and Oct 15

www.butterfield.com