The Sky Lodge

Intimate, Japanese-inspired spa pampers its guests amid the majestic Wasatch Mountains

(PARK CITY, Utah; January 2009)"The Sky Lodge, Park Citys premier boutique hotel, is all about pampering its guests, whether in the 33 luxurious guest suites or in its dining room. Amatsu continues The Sky Lodges dedication to world-class services and amenities with the regions most decadent spa, nestled in the majestic mountains that surround this world-class destination.

The name of the spa"amatsu means heavenly in Japanese"applies not only to the Sky Lodges enviable location amid the mountain peaks soaring above Park City, but also to the extensive menu of blissful treatments administered by attentive, pampering staff, each of which is highlighted by a soak in an ofuro tub, a traditional part of the spa experience in Japan. Whether for a simple facial or entire afternoon of indulgence, a visit to Amatsu makes any guest feel as if she or he has ascended to a place far beyond the earths daily concerns.

Designed by acclaimed hospitality industry specialist Nola Chase of Chase Associates, whose stylish imprint is found throughout The Sky Lodge, Amatsu is located on the first floor. While it is just steps away from the bustling pedestrian activity of Park Citys Old Town district, upon entering, guests feel far away from their everyday lives. Amatsus design reflects soothing Japanese sensibilities, and Chase utilizes materials such as polished bamboo and rice paper throughout, coupled with colorful yet soothing pieces of Japanese-inspired art.

Upon entering the exclusive 6,500-square-foot spa, guests find themselves in the inviting reception area, where they are greeted by Amatsus warm staff and led back to the entrance to the changing rooms, by which a prominent wood-carved Buddha stands guard. Inside the changing rooms, guests retrieve kimono-style robes from bamboo lockers before taking advantage of the facilitys steam rooms, saunas, and the ofuro tubs, which are an integral part of the Amatsu experience. The tubs"three for women and three for men"are available to guests either before or after a treatment, and each is adjacent to a private cubicle that is equipped with a small wooden stool, wooden bucket, and a wooden scrub brush. After exfoliating and cleansing the body with the brush and a Red Flower scent of their choice, guests rinse in the shower before enjoying a soak in one of these unique tubs, which creates a mesmerizing experience. The spa also features a shower room for guests, as well as a VIP treatment room that features twin ofuro tubs for couples or those who desire a bit more privacy.

If a guest is not beginning the spa experience with an ofuro soak, she or he may choose to meditate in the communal Tea Room, which is accessed from the changing areas and provides a tranquil environment in which to relax before or after a treatment. There are just six treatment rooms, as Amatsu is designed to serve only a few guests at any given time, thereby ensuring highly personalized service"and all are situated around a serene Zen garden feature filled with sand and boulders. Unique among the treatment rooms is one reserved especially for wet treatments, which features a specially designed table carved from Australian teak wood.

Amatsu is open to the entire Park City community, as well as those staying at the hotel, and its menu of treatments"all administered by gracious, experienced professionals who understand The Sky Lodges mission of providing guests with a unique, truly memorable experience"is vast. In addition, the entire spa may be reserved for private parties up to 14 people, as well as for special occasions, such as bridal parties.

The signature body treatments at Amatsu are multi-step rituals that nourish the skin, with organic natural substances of Red Flower products. Among those offered is the Red Flower: Nature treatment, which cleanses the body with organic milk and exfoliates with berries rich in antioxidants. The lymphatic system is then stimulated with a mushroom and phyto nutrient wrap, and the treatment closes with an application of berry extracts and cypress and birch oils ($155). The Red Flower: Japan treatment applies floral oils and fruit essences, purifies with yuzu, mimosa, and sea algae before scrubbing with gingergrass. The skin is then polished with rice bran and hydrated with a mist of rose, camellia, and plum before closing with an application of kinmoxel wild lime silk oil ($155).

Body Nourishment Rituals, meanwhile, incorporate an array of diverse global ingredients such as Moroccan rose (rich in vitamin C, pulls out the skins impurities); Indian jasmine (inhibits bacteria and helps calm, tone, and smooth skin); French lavender (an antiseptic that stimulates blood flow and calms nerves); and Japanese peony (stimulates lymphatic flow), among others. Each ingredient carries with it specific curative properties for the skin, and can be mixed and matched to a guests specifications ($110).

An alternative to the body treatments is a deeply restorative Warming Wrap, the ingredients of which are chosen by the spa-goer depending on his or her needs. Among the healing agents utilized in a wrap is Jasmine Rose Rhassoul Clay from the Atlas Mountains of eastern Morocco, which offers potent detoxification benefits and gentle astringent, stimulating and purifying effects. Guests may also select Moor Mud, which nourishes and rejuvenates tissues and reduces inflammation, or seaweed, for its slimming, soothing, and hydrating properties ($110).

Massage therapies at Amatsu are performed with oil mixtures that the guest selects in a personal consultation before the treatment. The signature Amatsu Massage ($50/$95/$135), combines elongated hand movements with Swedish massage techniques; the Bamboo Massage ($165)"which is not offered anywhere else in the state"involves deep pressure applied with warm bamboo sticks. In addition to bodywork, Amatsu offers Skincare Rituals, which begin with consultations and skin analysis to determine which ingredients are best suited to the guest. Among the offerings are the Amatsu Ultimate Facial ($165); the Sea-C Spa that reduces lines and wrinkles with vitamin C-rich marine and vegetal ingredients and is ideal for those living in urban environments ($135); and Gentlemens Skin Conditioning Treatment that tones and repairs skin irritated by sun and wind exposure, as well as shaving ($95). Additional specialized beauty services at Amatsu include manicure and pedicure; chemical peels; eye contouring; lash or brow tinting; makeup application; and waxing services (prices vary).

Expert staff will also come to any Sky Lodge room for personalized massage or to lead in-room yoga session. Guests who want to indulge in a more active visit can partake of the fitness center, which boasts state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment, and The Sky Lodges indoor lap pool. Both are accessible directly from the spa.

The Sky Lodge, the inaugural property of CloudNine Resorts, is revolutionizing the hospitality industry with its proprietary ResortClub program, a vacation resort living formula conceived by Managing Director Bill Shoaf. Following The Sky Lodge, the company will debut additional luxury boutique hotels, each representing a way of life, succeeded by CloudNine Resorts around the world. Amatsu is located at The Sky Lodge in Park City, at 201 Heber Avenue. It is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Reservations, which are essential, can be made by calling 435.658.9411.

CONTACT:
John Egelhoff
jegelhoff@theskylodge.com