(RANCHO MIRAGE, CA) -- Spa Las Palmas, located at Marriott's Rancho Las Palmas Resort, in collaboration with Kerstin Florian International, debuts the latest treatment designed to heal and protect the sacred connection between body and soul called Samí Zen (pronounced saw may). Spa Las Palmas is currently the only location in California where consumers can experience the Kerstin Florian Samí Zen, which blends the ancient traditions of Sweden's native northern people, the Samí or Samer, with aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, touch and sound therapy to promote a tranquility and balance of body and soul.

"Our outstanding technicians at Spa Las Palmas were trilled to learn about this new technique," explains Spa Director Dawn Ferraro. "Kerstin Florian taps into her Swedish background to develop this unique treatment that combines so many different elements known to create balance."
The two-hour experience begins with an introduction of Nordic Midnight Sun Music (resembles Celtic and Indian traditional sounds) to open energy pathways in the body. Next, a gentle exfoliation is followed by an herbal hydrotherapy bath. After the bath, the body is massaged in concert to traditional Samí music with Artic Birch Body Oil (indigenous to the north of Sweden) applied by rose porphyry stones. Rose porphyry is a stone almost as hard as a diamond, naturally rose in color and embedded with very fine powerful crystals for healing. Each healing stone reflects an energy, purpose, clearing and releasing property. Samí Zen uses all feng shui elements of earth, water, fire and air.

Kerstin Florian International (KFI) develops and manufactures a progressive range of European facial, body, bath and sun products and treatments for the spa industry based on natural resources including thermal mineral water, mud, algae, herbal extracts and essential oils. The company is based in Irvine, California and was founded in 1978 by Swedish-born Kerstin Florian, a spa expert with more than 40 years of experience in the industry. The company produces over 100 professional and retail products and over 30 treatments, encompassing exclusive facial, body and bath treatments as well as spa manicures and pedicures. The company sources throughout the world to obtain the highest quality ingredients available. KFI is an International company with distribution offices in Europe, Canada, and Asia.

Steeped in rich tradition and history, the doors to Rancho Las Palmas opened in February of 1979. Many famous celebrities made Rancho Las Palmas their personal get-away and it was the first resort in the desert to remain open year-round. Bob Hope, Cary Grant, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans were on hand for the opening festivities. Mr. Hope was a special guest of honor who hit the first golf ball on the then new course. On over 250 acres of tranquil lakes and gardens, Marriott's Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa features 450 casitas and suites elegantly appointed with modern conveniences and a flair for the old world. This luxury resort distinctively blends the sophistication of the famed Palm Springs area and charm of early-California. For reservations or more information, contact the resort at 760-568-2727 or visit www.rancholaspalmas.com.