Get Jungelized MARUBA RESORT JUNGLE SPA AN INTERNATIONAL RESORT & SPA WITH AN ETHNO TWIST

MARUBA RESORT JUNGLE SPA, AN INTERNATIONAL RESORT & SPA WITH AN ETHNO TWIST

The Only Designer Boutique Hotel Spa in Belize

Belize (MMD Newswire) February 13, 2009 -- Perched at the edge of the jungle in virtually undiscovered Belize and only a two-hour direct flight from Miami, Dallas, Charlotte and Houston, and a forty-five minute boat ride from sandy beaches and the turquoise sea, hides an oasis of charm and grace - Maruba Resort Jungle Spa. This desirable destination was chosen by American Airlines Premium Class Passengers' magazine as one of the top ten international Spas in the world.

The resort and the spa were conceived and created in the 1980's by two American sisters of Trinidadian/Austrian decent - designer Franziska Nicholson and physician Dr. Veronika Nicholson. The world traveled and free spirited sisters harmoniously blended the various Mayan, Creole, and African designs side by side with the jungle setting. This unusual result is a relaxing, artistically natural environment with a vibrant flair. It is a successful combination of modern amenities, fine cuisine, a vibrant bar, hip music and a diverse spa.

The treatment rooms which have a very exotic tribal charm, are set amidst the richness and splendor of exotic birds and fauna. Maruba accommodates no more than thirty-five guests at a time, to ensure privacy and exclusive individual care. It blends fitness, beauty, and nutrition with relaxation and nature in an informal setting.

The Spa treatments have a holistic approach to cleanse and rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul using a combination of alternative therapies, modern health and beauty treatments. Special Mud Treatments with Maruba's own natural Mood Muds, along with the peaceful surroundings and the friendly professional Spa therapists are all part of the rejuvenation "program".

Guests who enjoy the more "worldly" activities don't have to miss out on the fun. A gourmet menu featuring "Nouveau Jungle" cuisine is served in the open air rainforest restaurant, "Rumba in the Jungle", Maruba's lively Rum Bar, offers a choice of 17 different blends of rum. Maruba distills its own rums on the premises, of which the most famous are the Viper and Stinger Rum, the rums were the wild creation of the fun loving Nicholson sisters. For the less adventurous who would still like to experience something exotic, there's a wide selection of milder rums like the Hibiscus, Banana, Pineapple or Jungle Spice rum.

Maruba organizes hiking, jogging, bicycling, and boating tours. Horse fans will love riding through the rainforest with its incredible fauna, surrounded by the sounds of birds, and the deep mating call of the howler monkeys.

Only a forty-five minute unforgettable boat ride away in Maruba's own speedboat, through a jungle river filled with orchids and bromeliads, is the second largest barrier reef in the world (after Australia). A paradise for divers and snorkelers.

Daydreaming in a hammock under a palm tree on a sandy beach, only interrupted with an occasional dip in the turquoise blue water - the "dolce vita" is just another alternative. The scenery in this tour as well as that at Maruba Resort provides the perfect background for photographs for honeymooners and wedding couples who decide on Maruba for their final "yes".

For the eclectic traveler, who is interested in the beauty of the ancient Mayan temples and relics, Maruba organizes guided cultural day tours, which include a jungle picnic - an adventure of a different kind. Take the day tour to the Temple of Altun Ha, where the largest carved Jade head was discovered or visit Lamanai, the temple of the "submerged crocodile."

Maruba is strategically well positioned for one to enjoy a lively resort and spa vacation, as well as an adventurous vacation that includes a number of different sporting activities and cultural explorations. Although most of the guests who visit Maruba are couples, families, groups of friends, but outgoing singles will also feel comfortable. Franziska Nicholson and brother, Merickston Nicholson are there to make sure that no guest misses out on the fun, or would have to dine alone, unless requested.

Maruba is undoubtedly the perfect getaway and energy recharger for creative minds, and anybody who is looking for jungle fun as well as peaceful pampering for body, mind and soul.

(SPA AND TREATMENTS - detailed)

The quiet drumbeats echo in the background of the jungle birds' song as one enters the large candlelit room. A warm breeze blows through the wall-to-wall windows, that are delicately dressed with fine silks. In the center is the massage table, which appears as an altar draped with patterned linens - an environment for total relaxation, to enjoy a massage of essential oils from the jungle and experience what time has forgotten.

Physician Dr. Veronika Nicholson, M.D., one of the Maruba owners, whose specialties include internal medicine, infectious diseases and pediatrics, believes in the use of natural herbs, fresh from the surrounding jungle environment and the local Belizean jungle muds (Mood Mud) for maximum revitalization and rejuvenation of body and spirit. The spa offers all natural treatments derived from ancient techniques which incorporate Maruba's own natural Maruba Therapy products. This line includes Mood mud masks for face, body and hair, honey moisturizers, assorted body scrubs, soaps, oils and therapy bath teas. They are used for full body treatments, which include massages, tropical wraps, seaweed, body wraps, facial treatments, mud baths, aromatherapy and the mineral baths in the Japanese tub. For those who do not have time in their busy schedule, the spa offers Botox treatments, by a U.S. licensed physician. Appointments in advance are required.

The treatments are a combination of alternative therapies - Ayurvedic and Bush medicine with modern health and beauty care, with special emphasis on Mud Treatments using Maruba's natural Mood Muds. The ingredients of the muds are known for their strong influence on the well being of body, mind and soul.

There are six different Mood Muds to choose from:
DAJI (red) - for normal skin
- arouses strength, health, protection, sex, passion, and courage

-BENIN (yellow) - Anti-Cellulite and moisturizing
- encourages confidence, wisdom, attraction, divination and mental powers

KULA (black) - skin disorders, arthritis, eczema
- stimulates healing, absorbing and destroying negativity

MAFASA (orange) - exfoliates
- inspires truth, purification, protection and peace

UMBA (gray) - all skin types
- enlightens the future and the free spirited

ZlTRA (pink) - anti-aging
- encourage self-improvement, eloquence and intelligence.

Maruba Mood muds not only detoxify and exfoliate dead skin cells, but restore minerals, firm and smooth the skin. They add to overall general well being. Maruba provides a wildly delicious atmosphere that sings with nature and melts of curative powers whose scientific basis is extracted from the remote jungle.

Treatments range from US$ 50 to US$ 120. A variety of packages are available, starting at US$ 185 (1 day adventure escape includes a choice of 2 spa treatments and a lunch) to a 5 night package including accommodation, 10 treatments, breakfast, lunch, dinner, adventure tour to a Mayan ruin, horse back rides and safaris for US$ 4500.

(ARCHITECTURE and DESIGN - detailed)

Stone lined paths cut through vegetation so thick that it's easy to get lost on the 2,000 acres of land, of which Maruba is set on. Coconut palms line a maze of stone paths accented with bromeliads and the sweet scent of hibiscus, accompanied by jungle noises from green parrots, crickets and the distant howler monkey.

Maruba Resort Jungle Spa is a luxurious ethno boutique resort, an eclectic mix of ancient Mayan, vibrant Creole and traditional African elements, combined with modern convenience such as electricity, air conditioners, DVD/CD players, in-room showers, bathrooms, Jacuzzis and swimming pools. A great part of this destinations spas charm, comes from its neo primitive style. Decorated with an eclectic flair for tribal chic, the thatched roof, stucco walled bungalows are uniquely designed to evoke certain themes, and every detail including the ornate mosaic floors are hand crafted. All construction materials, as well as the furniture and art pieces are all designed and produced on site from natural raw material found in the rain forest.

Maruba, which was featured on the TV hit Temptation Island has an artistically elegant, yet contemporary atmosphere. The rooms are adorned with palms, plants, and fresh hibiscus flowers. This very different elegant ethno art mix blends seamlessly into the jungle setting, thanks to the outstanding creativity and style feel of Franziska Nicholson. With the solid background of her design education in Vienna, Austria, and the artistic freedom of a real creative spirit, she realizes her ideas, independently of common trends.

Maruba offers different accommodations, from the jungle villa with its own private Jacuzzi amidst a tropical garden, and the jungle tree house which has a Jacuzzi with an impressive view of the surrounding flora and fauna, to the honeymoon suite/chapel with golden stained glass mosaics. Apart from the Japanese mineral bath, there are two overgrown swimming pools, one with a waterfall and the other with a fountain, which blend seamlessly into the jungle garden. Maruba Resort Jungle Spa is the best example for a successful mix of ancient, modern and free style design, creating a relaxing, easy going atmosphere in a truly unusual natural surrounding.

HOW TO GET THERE, HOTEL AMENITIES AND RATEs

Maruba Resort Jungle Spa is the closest Jungle resort to Belize International Airport, (30 miles), a 45-minute drive, or about a one-hour boat ride from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

There are daily flights to Belize City from Houston and Miami, (approx. 2 hours) for rates around US$ 450 round trip, as well as from South America via El Salvador and from Europe, via Miami or Houston, rates depending on season.

The room rates start from US$ 200 standard, single/room only, other
examples are:
Junior suite US$ 270, single or double occupancy/room only,
Chapel Honeymoon suite at US$ 525, single or double occupancy/room only,
Opium villa suite for US$ 700 single or double occupancy/room only. Different packages available

For more information and reservations contact:
U.S. office at
P.O. Box 300703,
Houston TX 77230
Tel. +713-799-2031
Fax +713-795-8573
Email: maruba@flash.net,
www.maruba-spa.com

Belize:
40 1/2 Mile, Old Northern Highway,
Maskall Village, Belize,
Central America,

###