Thread: Costa brings a new dimension to cruising with one of the largest spas at sea

Samsara Spa Concept on Costa Serena and Costa Concordia Offers Ultimate Wellness Getaway for Travelers

Innovative and revolutionary, the Costa Serena and Costa Concordia offer a new style of cruising with the luxurious Samsara Spa, one of the largest spas at sea. Extending over two decks and boasting panoramic views of the ocean, the 23,000 square-foot haven of relaxation and rejuvenation on both ships offer travelers the ultimate wellness experience at sea.

Elements of the spa’s invigorating treatments and stunning design are inspired by the meaning of “Samsara,” which is associated with the path to spiritual enlightenment, bliss and balancing of life energies. A full menu of treatments based on Ayurvedic principles, a state-of-the-art fitness center, exclusive spa accommodations and a specialty restaurant are just some of the spa’s innovative features.

For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the Samsara Spa ambience, 87 cabins and 12 suites aboard the Costa Serena and 55 cabins and 12 suites aboard the Costa Concordia provide a veritable extension of the experience at all times with direct access to the spa via elevator and stairs. Guests who reserve these accommodations will have access to exclusive privileges including flat screen televisions, a special set of Elemis bath accessories and a “Welcome Ritual,” all included in the cruise price. The “Welcome Ritual” features unlimited access to the spa and Thalassotherapy pool, two complimentary fitness classes, a personalized wellness consultation with a spa expert, two treatments, two sun-lamp sessions in the solarium and an invitation to a special spa tea ceremony. In addition, guests who reserve exclusive Samsara Spa accommodations will have access to the wellness cuisine in the Ristorante Samsara. This specialty restaurant features spa-friendly cuisine in private surroundings.

The Samsara Spa features numerous treatments inspired by aromatic herbs, essential oils, exotic plants and Ayurvedic essences. Ayurvedic-inspired treatments include the Shiordara Body Glow, a sea salt exfoliation combined with an essential oil compress; and the Shiorbhyanga Massage, which includes a combined relaxation technique using aromatic frangipani essence and reflexology.

All spa guests will have access to Thalassotherapy baths, a rock sauna (a hotter version of classic saunas) and a Turkish bath (either traditional or scented with gently fragrant rosemary, eucalyptus and lavender). Before all treatments, spa guests may begin their path to rejuvenation in the Tepidarium, a warm thermal bath. Couples who wish to indulge in the spa experience together may do so in one of two special couples’ treatment rooms. An expansive fitness center and wide variety of wellness classes complete the spa’s facilities.

Costa’s newest flagship, the Costa Serena joined the Italian cruise line’s fleet in May 2007, while the Costa Concordia, her sister ship, joined the fleet in July 2006. At 114,000 tons with a double occupancy of 3,000, both are the largest cruise ships in Costa’s growing fleet and the largest ships ever built for an Italian company. Additional features on the ships include a Grand Prix driving simulator and two pools with retractable magrodomes.

Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s number one cruise line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2007 over 1.1 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The Company’s 12 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Five more vessels have been commissioned and will enter service by 2012. Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 1996), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All Costa’s ships have been awarded RINA’s voluntary “Green Star” notation based on the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is also an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil.