THE Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, Jordan has announced the opening of an Anantara Spa at the property on May 1.

It is set to become the leading and largest spa in the Middle East. More than 10,000 sq m in size, it will boast 20 treatment rooms, a large studio where guests can practice and be taught the art of yoga, Tai Chi, meditation and pilates. Also available for guests will be  outdoor therapy lounges, 28 spa suites, Hammam pools, outdoor and indoor jacuzzis, a steam room, Ayurveda, Asian therapies and local salt and mud treatments.
The spa will also house Watsu pools - Watsu (a combination of the words water and shiatsu) is a very soothing type of massage that takes place in waist deep water. The Anantara Spa is currently offering a variety of treatments in the Ishtar Royal Villa Spa which provides five treatments rooms, all with stunning views across Dead Sea.
The Dead Sea is the perfect environment for the hotel’s Anantara Spa, which has been designed to create a realm of calm, tranquility and serenity, intertwined with nature. Ozone rich air, mineral loaded sea water and mud will enhance the luxurious treatments of Anantara, which will bring together century old therapies such as Ayurveda and other innovative treatments, all performed by highly trained (Far Eastern) therapists.
This will be one of the most comprehensive spas in the world, according to the group. Anantara elixirs and oils use the finest and freshest indigenous ingredients; all are nutrient-rich and luxuriously aromatic. Using traditional beauty essences such as sandalwood, ylang-ylang, patchouli, mandarin, lavender, lemongrass, ginger, cinnamon, bergamot and natural ingredients such as Thai coffee beans, natural volcanic pumice, sweet woods, powdered spices, yoghurt, carrots and cucumbers, the treatments are designed to deliver radiance, relaxation and a sense of complete well being.
Lead in opening rates, at the new Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea will be £56 ($110) per person, per night on a B&B basis (based on two adults sharing a double room). This price also includes complimentary mini bar and WIFI. Rates are subject to 10 per cent service charge and 10 per cent tax.

Kempinski’s Aqaba resort opens soon
Kempinski is set to manage a luxurious resort on the Jordan side of the Red Sea. Due to open mid-2008, the Kempinski Hotel Sawsana is being developed by the United Saudi Jordanian Hotels & Tourism Company, who also own the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea.
The resort will feature 216 rooms, suites and cabanas set throughout the grounds.
Various international and regional dining options are available, including a club lounge and large deck with panoramic views over the Red Sea, as well as an exclusive nightclub.
There is also a wellness centre and spa, and a shopping arcade housing exclusive boutiques. The Kempinski Hotel Sawsana will also have a ballroom capable of seating up to 400 guests. Meeting rooms and a fully equipped business centre are also offered.