A multi-million-dollar enhancement debuts with a gala celebration on September 20, 2008: Loma del Mar�s Thalasso Spa and Wellness Center, the largest and most complete on the North American Continent, was designed in collaboration with one of Europe�s oldest and most prestigious wellness spas, creating a concept engineered specifically for Loma del Mar and the outdoor advantages of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo�s perennially sunny tropical climate. Unique on all the Mexican Pacific, this new thalasso facility and its wellness programs are created and supervised by a eminent European medical spa director of endocrinology and nutrition.

A highlight of the Wellness Center is its 68-foot outdoor thalasso (therapeutic salt-water) swimming pool-spa (spa is the Latin acronym for Sanus per Aquam meaning �health through water�). Recreational and therapy elements integrated within the 1508 sq-ft surface area of this pool include four sophisticated hydro-air massage chairs, four hydro massage beds, �volcanic� hydro massage systems for feet and legs, overhead water spouts for neck, shoulder and back therapy, and even a controlled water current for aerobic �swimming in place� or continuous lap swimming with no need to make turns.

Set amid the newly landscaped gardens, two retro claw-foot bathtubs are in fact jacuzzis. A separate spa center building houses massage and treatment rooms, sauna, steam, and a soothing flotation chamber providing relaxing and therapeutic benefits comparable to those enjoyed in the Dead Sea since the era of Cleopatra.

In addition to the thalasso pool, a separate 100-foot-long infinity-edge freeform swimming pool features two overhead fluvial duckbill spouts and two jet spouts for neck and shoulder hydro massage. At one end of the pool, a jovial swim-up bar has submerged barstools enveloped by soft jets of little bubbles.

Chalk-white curvilinear architecture with red-tile roofs, inspired by both Mexican Pacific design and Andalusian whitewashed villages, graced the �chic retreat� cover photo of Continental Airlines in-flight magazine (December 2007 issue).

Spacious one- and two-bedroom suites have living and dining areas, verandas, custom contemporary furnishings, and an array of luxury amenities.

From the wide terraces of their suites, guests enjoy views of the golf course, tropical forest, and the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains beyond, as well as the morning sounds of songbirds and spectacular sunrises. Tree-shaded paths meander through the resort�s five-acre property. At night the grounds are illuminated with torches, a thousand tiny lights, and by the changing colors glowing in the swimming pools.

Ideal for couples and honeymooners are three one-bedroom penthouses, or the one-bedroom presidential suite with a private outdoor minipool adjacent to the terrace.

Especially appealing for families: �two-plus� bedroom suites have one bedroom with a king-size bed, another bedroom with two full beds, plus a small bedroom with two single beds, as well as two full baths, a large living room and dining area. Just up the hill, next to a scenic rip line for adventurous guests, is a supervised kid�s playground with games and activities. Babysitters are available.
|

Appropriately, Loma del Mar offers three distinct niche-market Getaway Packages: Romance, Family and Golf: www.lomadelmar.com/packages.htm.

For small meetings, the vast living rooms of the suites feature a wall-mounted 42-inch plasma TV screen to which a laptop can be connected (VGA cable provided) for presentations, internet projections (the entire resort has complimentary wifi), sales and think-tank usage, as well as international video conferencing capabilities. Next to the screen is a full home-entertainment multi-speaker audio-DVD system. Special seating can accommodate up to 20 persons for video-monitor viewing, and approximately 40 with customized setup.

The loveliest section of Ixtapa�s main beach, the south end of soft-sand Playa del Palmar, is a pleasant four-minute walk from the hotel along the edge of the golf course. Here, a special beach lounging area is exclusively for Loma del Mar guests, and is also ideal for romantic sunset weddings.

The poolside palapa-topped Luna de Shiva Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is known for both its innovative continental cuisine and high Mexican gastronomy � with fresh, natural ingredients locally harvested from the earth and from the sea including local catch-of-the-day seafood, tree-ripened tropical fruits, perfect vegetables, as well as choice beef and poultry. Just up the hill (via �chauffeured� golf cart) atop a 215-foot cliff overlooking Ixtapa�s coastline, the romantic Restaurant La Pampa specializes in Argentine-style beef specialties and is open for dinner.

Room service is superb, whether breakfast, lunch or candlelight dinner.

Spectacular banquets and fiestas can be set up in the gardens or poolside, and staff wedding planners organize weddings on the grounds or on the beach.

Water skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing are available, and there is world-class surfing and bodysurfing up the coast (a staffer is also a surfing champion and instructor). The concierge arranges sportfishing, scuba diving, horseback riding, romantic sunset cruises, and visits to the charming bayside Mexican town of Zihuatanejo, just 4 miles down the coast.

Rates for 2008 range from $485/night Luxury Suite (Summer 6/1�10/31) to $763/night Presidential Suite (Winter 12/17�03/31), single or double occupancy, plus government tax and service.

Loma del Mar is one of Mexico�s newest members of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Sales and marketing for Loma del Mar (www.lomadelmar.com) are under the auspices of Miami-based VDS Marketing; 848 Brickell Avenue; Miami FL 33131; tel (305) 377-1375, fax (305) 377-4461. Contact director Michael Cojocea at mike@vdsmarketing.com (VDS Marketing previously owned and marketed the former Villa del Sol resort in neighboring Zihuatanejo.)

Executive Director of Loma del Mar is Jose E. Montilla III, C.H.A.

For reservations and information, contact Esperanza Rios, sales manager, at the resort: toll-free from USA: (866) 496-1082, or +52 (755) 555-0460; fax +52 (755) 55-0461.

Media Relations Contact:
Frank �Pancho� Shiell
Shiell Communications
(212) 242-2204
|