The Laja Spa, which is named after San Miguel’s river, Rio Laja, is housed in one of nine Spanish colonial mansions that make up the 32 room Casa de Sierra Nevada, with beautiful, original features such as cloistered outdoor courtyards adorned with fountains and colourful floral gardens. The three treatment rooms, that all have spectacular views of the historical town, are named after a different plant or flower found locally in San Miguel - Bougainvillea, Gardenia, and Lavender.
Signature treatments include the Detox Herbal Wrap, which uses heated sheets of pure cotton infused with local healing herbs, to draw out toxins from the skin, followed by an exfoliation of the body with local honey and salt leaving the skin free of impurities. Another is the Heroes Healing Poultice, which combines local medicinal herbs and essential oils to perform a healing massage experience.
Many of the treatments use ingredients sourced from the local area, such as the Laja Stone Experience, where stones from the Laja River are heated and used to massage the body with aromatic oils, invigorating vitality and strength throughout the body, mind and spirit.
Other treatments on offer range from facials, massages, Reiki, manicures and pedicures, and guests can relax pre and post treatments on the spa’s rooftop terrace and garden, and also in the relaxation room inside.
A healthy San Miguel inspired spa menu, made from locally grown ingredients, has been created by Chef Gonzalo Cardenas. Empowering tonics are also offered, including the CaCatus Drink, which is made from prickly pears and lime that are high in antioxidants.
Casa de Sierra Nevada will also open six additional suites in December 2008, making the total room count 38. Each new suite will have its own patio with plunge pool, and two will also have additional outdoor showers. The suites will be designed in the same colonial style as the other suites at Casa de Sierra Nevada, with hand painted Talavera tiles and wood work used from local craftsmen.
San Miguel de Allende was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in July 2008. The town was first established in the 16th century and acted as a melting pot where Spaniards, Creoles and Amerindians exchanged cultural influences.
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Notes to Editors:
One and a half blocks from the Parroquia and main city square of San Miguel de Allende, the boutique hotel of Casa de Sierra Nevada is a mixture of 16th to 18th century Spanish colonial buildings. Its 32 rooms and suites are spread amongst nine colonial mansions, including a 17th century fort, and the former residence of San Miguel de Allende’s Archbishop in the 16th century. With the hotel’s buildings situated around the town rather than in one location, the experience is akin to living in a beautiful, historic apartment, but with the fresh, new amenities and genuine Mexican hospitality provided by Casa de Sierra Nevada, making for a true cultural immersion. Founded in 1542, the town of San Miguel de Allende is a National Monument of Mexico. Sitting at 6,400 feet above sea level, the cobble-stoned streets of this colonial town are lined with palasios that today are a mixture of personal residences, galleries, restaurants and boutiques.
For more information on Casa de Sierra Nevada visit www.casadesierranevada.com
For images visit www.orient-expressimages.com
For further press information please contact:
Vicky Legg
Director of Public Relations
Orient-Express Hotels
Tel: 020 7921 4067
Fax: 020 7805 5938
Email: vicky.legg@orient-express.com
Louise Toye
PR Executive
Orient-Express Hotels
Tel: 020 7921 4069
Fax: 020 7805 5938
Email: louise.toye@orient-express.com
Web: www.orient-express.com
Language: English 
