Westin Hotels & Resorts Debuts Custom In-Room Spa Experience

The specially designed in-room spa bed, the Heavenly Spa by Westin Nova, was inspired by the iconic all-white ten layer Westin Heavenly Bed. Designed to provide the ultimate in-room spa experience, the luxurious all-white spa bed is 31 inches wide - larger than typical portable massage tables - and is outfitted with heated AeroCel padding topped by plush double fleecing and the Westin signature Heavenly Bed linens. A fully padded face cradle completes the feeling of full-body comfort. Just below the face rest, Westin installed a small shelf, designed to hold a bowl of flowers and soothing aromatherapy oil. The Heavenly Spa by Westin Nova is adjustable and includes a special trolley for easy handling and was designed by the Westin spa team in partnership with leading manufacturer Oakworks.

The Westin in-room spa experience is customized from start to finish--beginning with booking, when a staff member collects information about the guest's history and preferences. Approximately 40 minutes before the massage appointment, Westin staff delivers a spa basket holding water, a flower, a CD containing customized relaxation music, a healthful treat such as dark chocolate and a letter explaining what to expect from the treatment along with tips for ultimate relaxation and enjoyment. The basket also contains a selection of plant-based aromatherapy oils and room sprays, allowing the guest to choose a scent for the treatment.

"We designed our new in-room spa experience to appeal to the growing segment of travelers who expect uncompromised luxury, but may prefer the comfort and privacy of their room over a communal spa," said Sue Brush, senior vice president of Westin Hotels & Resorts. "This program is also ideal for business travelers, who often have a small window of time for relaxation and pampering."

"Historically, hotels offering in-room massage have used equipment and methods that were designed for function, not comfort," added Jeremy McCarthy, director of spa development, operations and marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. "The new Westin initiative brings the spa experience to the guest room by incorporating all five senses--the bowl of flowers, for example, helps guests focus and unwind in an organic way."

Westin's in-room spa experience is currently available at 64 properties and continues to be rolled out worldwide. The Heavenly Spa by Westin Nova and custom in-room spa services join a host of initiatives aimed at personal renewal recently introduced by the company. The Westin Renewal Council, a panel of six lifestyle experts--including trainer to the stars David Kirsch and renowned psychologist Dr. Dale V. Atkins--dispense lifestyle advice via a newly launched website, www.findrenewal.com. Additionally, Westin properties across the globe host Unwind evening rituals--mini lessons, tastings and art installments that help guests connect with each other and the culture of their surroundings.

Westin Hotels & Resorts, with 150 hotels and resorts in more than 31 countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT). Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 890 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood(R) Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), W(R), Westin(R), Le Meridien(R), Sheraton(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, Aloft(SM), and Element(SM). Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit .

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