At Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos, you can finally get away from it all.

Once here, most guests  don’t only choose to turn off their Blackberry; they feel compelled, for this sparkling private island in the northern Caribbean deserves full attention – the mile-long beach, the private villas opening on to the powdery sand, the healthful cuisine, the diving, Yoga and the award-winning spa, COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay. That’s why, for 2010, Parrot Cay has launched two new couple-friendly packages to make it a year worth remembering. The ‘Babymoon’ package is designed for expecting parents to have their ‘honeymoon’ before the new arrival. It is a three-night hit of instant relaxation, and includes an indulgent 75-minute Pre-Natal massage as well as an hour-long private Yoga session and COMO Shambhala Massage. Prices start at $3,070 per couple, based on two sharing.

Parrot Cay’s ‘Romantic Runaway’ offer is for those who may be free of the kids for a long weekend, or for those who just want to steal some meaningful downtime in an entirely private corner of the northern Caribbean. The appeal of this perfect three-night  break lies in Parrot Cay’s ability to deliver a maximum experience in a short amount of time – and at a competitive price, with rates starting at $2,864 for two people, all meals included. With a couple’s massage also featured, as well as a Champagne breakfast, it’s ideal for couples seeking some good value respite under a warm Turks and Caicos sun.

Both packages include accommodation for three nights in a Garden View Room (other accommodation types are available, at an extra cost), breakfast, lunch  and dinner daily, return airport transfers on scheduled commercial flights only, a fruit bowl replenished daily, and complimentary group Yoga and Pilates classes and non-motorised watersports.

Once here, resort staff can organise numerous other excursions for couples, including some for those who like to get out and about. They include snorkelling expeditions to outlying islets, kayaking trips, diving, fishing expeditions and castaway picnics on deserted spits of sand. At Parrot Cay, guests can even dine in a private tiki hut on the beach – all available on request.

For more information email res@parrotcay.como.bz or visit the resort’s new website at www.parrotcay.como.bz

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Parrot Cay and COMO Shambhala Retreat

PO BOX 164 Providenciales

Turks and Caicos Islands

British West Indies

Tel +1 649 946 7788

Fax +1 649 946 7789

Email parrotcay@comoshambhala.bz

Website parrotcay.como.bz

FOR ANY PRESS AND MEDIA QUERY:

Crystal Seah, Director Marketing Communications

COMO Hotels and Resorts

Tel +65 6304 1488

Email crystal.seah@como.bz

Chris Orlikowski, Marketing Executive

COMO Hotels and Resorts

Tel +44 (0)20 7447 1049

Email chris.orlikowski@como.bz

EDITOR’S NOTE

Understanding COMO Hotels and Resorts: COMO Hotels and Resorts’ first property opened in 1991 – the Halkin in London’s Belgravia. The winning combination of smooth and accurate service, healthy Michelin-starred food and contemporary, understated style has since led to the creation of further properties, each different from the other while respecting COMO’s core commitments – to indulge every guest’s sense of respite, be it on a private island or a city hotel in the world’s most dynamic capitals. Currently the COMO portfolio consists of two properties in London: the Halkin an Metropolitan, London. The resort product launched in 1998 with Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos. In 2002, Cocoa Island in the Maldives was born, followed in 2003 by the Metropolitan, Bangkok. In early 2004, COMO Hotels and Resorts assumed management of Begawan Giri Estate in Bali. That same year saw the opening of Uma Paro, Bhutan, and Uma Ubud, Bali. In 2005, Begawan Giri was relaunched with substantial new facilities as a top-end residential wellness retreat called COMO Shambhala Estate.

Understanding COMO Shambhala: COMO Shambhala is a health concept that has been developed in line with Shambhala’s meaning (Sanskrit for ‘peace’) manifested as centres of wellbeing at all COMO Hotels and Resorts. These include COMO’s city hotels spas, known as COMO Shambhala Urban Escapes, as well as COMO Shambhala Retreats at the company’s private islands and Uma resorts. It is a consultative rather than prescriptive approach which allows consultants to respond to guests on a one-by-one, day-by-day basis. Treatments range from Yoga to shiatsu to Ayurvedic detox programmes. They distil the best of ancient Asian traditions and, where appropriate, older techniques are combined with Western advances. Bodywork is also an essential element of the COMO Shambhala experience. At all properties, Yoga facilities are available. Guests can partake in week-long programs led by the world’s best teachers. In addition, COMO Shambhala maintains on-going relationships with key health professionals, and in 2006, created a Board of Advisors made up of experts in holistic health to help direct the company’s evolution; members include Dr Robert Thurman, Rodney Yee and Donna Karan. COMO Shambhala cuisine, available at select properties, focuses on energising and organic foodstuffs. An emphasis on raw ingredients is combined with pan-Asian influences, with menus overseen by the company’s Executive Chef, Amanda Gale. COMO Shambhala also produces a range of skin and bodycare products, COMO Shambhala At Home, made from all-natural ingredients. COMO Shambhala Active Living is the company’s resort and activewear line, launched in 2007.

Uma Paro in Bhutan continues to secure its reputation as one of the most unique Yoga locations in the world. With dedicated Yoga facilities, in addition to a full-service holistic spa and healthful, sophisticated cuisine, this is a wellness opportunity that stands apart from the crowd.

From 9th to 15th January 2010 Uma Paro will be welcoming Judy Krupp, a well known Sydney-based teacher whose likeable humour and nurturing style has inspired and made devotees of many, from beginners to the experienced. This will be the third time she has worked at Uma Paro, drawn by the mountains and clarity of the air to lead what looks like what will be another sell-out COMO Shambhala Yoga Retreat.

Judy has over 20 years experience as a teacher and is founder of The Yoga Room based on Sydney’s North Shore. Her teaching reflects her original training in the Iyengar system and work as a myotherapy body therapist to help strengthen habit-prone bodies and increase flexibility. This is excellent for people who are new to Yoga.
In addition, Judy helps focus the mind for meditation. She does this both through her artful teaching, and also by asking each guest to make the most of the privileged environment which is Uma Paro. Bhutan offers a memorable opportunity to escape the daily grind, high up in the mountains where few ever tread.

All Retreat guests are therefore invited to explore the countryside and culture more deeply, with an English-speaking Uma Paro guide provided for this purpose. The program includes walks through local scenery, to monasteries and valleys. There will be a visit to Bhutan’s oldest temple from the 8th century Kyichu Lhakhang with lunch at Traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, a pilgrimage to Bhutan’s most sacred site known as Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) and a picnic at Rinpung Dzong, Paro’s majestic government and monastic centre.

Throughout their stay guests are free to enjoy Uma Paro’s menus of healthful, locally sourced cuisine. Retreat guests can also make the most of Uma Paro’s holistic COMO Shambhala Retreat where they can experience a Traditional Hot Stone Bath followed by a COMO Shambhala massage. Others will enjoy making the most of Uma Paros’ extensive Ayurvedic treatments.

Prices start at $3,227, which includes 21 hours of Yoga and meditation instruction between 9th and 14th January 2010, accommodation, return airport transfers, three cultural excursions, daily breakfast, lunch and two dinners (beverages not included) as well as government tax, visa fees and 10% service charge.

Please note Uma Paro can provide extensive travel assistance, including advice on visas and Drukair flights into Bhutan.

COMO Shambhala, a lifestyle brand and healthy living concept encompassing world class spas, treatments, services, products and cuisine, has added three more blends to its range of Balms to complete the collection.

These essential 10ml combinations come in a handy rollerball bottle; to use, rub the oil into your temples or wrists and feel your mood improve almost instantly.

CALM Balm is the grounding blend, and is the perfect on-spot solution to clear the mind and ground the spirit. It can help relieve anxiety, nervousness and stress with powerfully relaxing lavender and geranium round off the blend.

COMFORT Balm is the COMO Shambhala warming blend of lavender, nutmeg and cedarwood. It is designed to nurture, relax and reassure. Nutmeg oil is warm, spicy and stimulating while cedarwood is beneficial for helping with nerves.

HARMONY Balm makes a perfect stocking filler gift for a partner with its sensual, aphrodisiac properties of sandalwood and ylang ylang. Ylang ylang is an essential oil with an exotically sweet and slightly spicy floral scent. Pure Indian sandalwood helps to awaken sensual energy while lime promotes sensitivity, serenity and unity.

COMO Shambhala’s other balms are PURIFY, INVIGORATE and SHELTER. All use high-grade essential oils and don’t feature colouring, petrochemicals, parabens. These new balms are available at £5 each. COMO Shambhala Balms will be available to purchase in January 2010 from our mail order service mailorder@comoshambhala.bz.

For more information about COMO Shambhala At Home range, including high resolution images, press samples and prices:

Florence Roghe

Tel: +44 (0)20 7368 8089

Fax: +44 (0)20 7368 8081

Email: florence.roghe@comoshambhala.bz

Jasveet Jagdev

Tel: +44 (0)20 7368 8090

Fax: +44(0)20 7368 8081

Email: jasveet.jagdev@comoshambhala.bz

Website: www.comoshambhala.bz/shop

Indulge in the luxury of space. Relax in the heart of Belgravia or Mayfair. Experience service of the most meaningful kind.

Stay in true style at the Halkin or Metropolitan London with the new fantastic suite rates available.
The Halkin – Studio Suite from £390 per night
The Metropolitan London – Park Studio from £299 per night

For travellers wanting to get away from it all over Christmas and New Year, COMO Shambhala Estate represents the apogee of pure escapism. A unique residential health retreat located in the hills of inland Bali, this is the perfect choice for families and couples looking to regroup, regenerate and recover. Enjoying unique villa accommodation, guests not only enjoy exceptional food and active adventures from hiking to biking, but a purposeful spa experience in the journey towards a richer life. And for a high season holiday, the prices have never looked better .

For information on the COMO Shambhala Estate, click here.

Throughout the holiday season, Uma Ubud has a fun-loving air, this fresh, contemporary Balinese resort defined by its joyful, buzzy vibe. This has much to do with its location on the fringe of the inland artists’ town of Ubud. And then there’s the ‘Uma’ philosophy, which encourages guests to get out among the people, landscape and culture on compelling excursions ranging from shopping trips to guided hikes up sleeping volcanoes. Over Christmas and New Year, Uma Ubud is offering a series of excellent deals for guests—all of them an invitation to connect with the holiday spirit in this unique part of the world.

For information on the events at Uma Ubud, click here.

At Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos, families aren’t relegated to specific pools or parts of the property; nor are children confined to kids’ clubs. Here, whatever the age, little people are considered part of Parrot Cay’s spirit. In keeping with this approach, the resort has therefore launched new family-friendly deals for the summer, as well as a range of tailormade activities.

Until 8th September 2009, children 12 years and under eat for free from Parrot Cay’s children’s menu. In addition, we’re making it all the more affordable by offering seven nights for the price of five. This offer, entitled ‘Extend that Summer Feeling’, is valid until 20th December 2009 (certain black-out periods apply) on all room categories, including private residences. The offer is inclusive of breakfast as well as return airport transfers (for commercially scheduled flights only).

Once here, and children of every age will find vast amounts to do. For each family, the resort provides tailormade activities – at an hour that suits the guest. This is set up on the first day after a consultation with Peter Capezza, Parrot Cay’s Guest Services Manager, who will help advise on a bespoke schedule of activities. These might range from shell painting to tie-dying T-shirts, to making necklaces from fossilised shark teeth. We can organise pirate scavenger hunts as well as sailing adventures around the island of Parrot Cay or even further afield. This allows children to make friends with other kids – and have a holiday they will remember – as well as allowing parents time to recoup with an hour or two of Yoga, a treatment at COMO Shambhala Retreat, or a late dinner while the children are hanging out watching a film with a babysitter. Our staff are all experienced, nurturing and used to dealing with every age group.

We have also now developed a programme of activities that includes children and parents, from excursions to islets for snorkelling as well as castaway picnics. Parents can spend some time in the spa while their kids are making kites with our staff, and afterwards, the whole family can fly it on the beach while we prepare a beachside barbecue.

Our villas themselves keep getting better and better for family groups – a trend that’s gaining momentum even in the economic downturn. The resort has built a number of two and three-bed villas on the beach – at Parrot Cay, with its mile-long swatch of beach, everyone can find their privacy – as well as larger private residences for family gatherings of up to 18 to 25 people.

For more information about travelling with families to Parrot Cay, please email res@parrotcay.como.bz.
The resort’s new website is parrotcay.como.bz.

From 8th to 14th November 2009, COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay will be hosting a five-day, six-night restorative Pilates Retreat. This will be led by Parrot Cay’s popular and highly experienced resident Pilates specialist, Lynda Lippin, with the Retreat open to all, including beginners.

The Retreat’s theme will be ‘Strength Without Struggle.’ It has been planned in response to a growing demand from guests who have had the opportunity to work with Lynda over the past year and a half. Lynda, who is widely respected for her nurturing style, has been practicing and teaching Pilates for over 20 years. She owned and operated awardwinning Pilates studios in the US and trains Pilates teachers for the Pilates PhysicalMind Institute®. She is also an accomplished fitness trainer, certified by the American Council of Exercise®.

Lynda will individually assess each participant in the first days of the Retreat in order to understand specific areas of pain, tension, weakness, or disease in the body. Daily group sessions will be a blend of lecture, discussion and Pilates exercise focused on the major issues within the group. Subjects will include Pilates history, basic structural anatomy, common injuries and tension patterns, posture, and exercise lessons.

Throughout the Retreat Week Lynda will also recommend specific COMO Shambhala treatments that will benefit each guest, whether it is a calming COMO Shambhala Massage or Reiki session.  Guests can dine from a choice of Parrot Cay’s menus, including the healthy and delicious COMO Shambhala Cuisine—all designed to complement the rounded physical, mental and spiritual experience.

The Pilates Method helps to improve muscle control, endurance and correct posture while enhancing positive body awareness and body confidence. The technique, which improves and changes the body’s alignment habits, has a flexibility that works for practitioners of all standards. Pilates is now growing in popularity with men as well as women.  Physiotherapists are also now recommending Pilates, if it is correctly taught, as one of the safest forms of exercise available.  Pilates can assist the super-fit, help people suffering from pain, restricted joint mobility or even people who are post surgery. It is also ideal for women seeking to get their bodies back after childbirth.

COMO Shambhala believes Pilates should be taught in a way that fully understands each guest’s particular needs. Combined with our holistic approach to eating, exercising and treatments, the client can then experience the alleviation of both physical and emotional stress – a synergistic approach to heal and balance. The relaxing environment of Parrot Cay – a peaceful, private island – ensures this focus is maintained.

Prices for ‘Strength Without Struggle’ start at $6,026 per person (single occupancy) and $9,014 (double occupancy) including tax and service charge for six nights accommodation in a Garden Room, full American breakfast daily, lunch and dinner, round-trip airport transfers, 16 hours of group Pilates and one private evaluation session.

For further information, or to make bookings, please email susan.allison@parrotcay.como.bz.

Uma  Paro  has  developed  this  unique  adventure  for  photographers  of  all  levels  and  interests  in  association with  Philip Bowen, a 16 year Bhutan veteran, accomplished photographer and COMO Activity Director who will accompany the group on  their  adventures  in  the  Kingdom.  Our  time  is  divided  between  two  properties  in  the  distinctly  different  Paro  and Punakha Valleys  and  is a  combination  of  location  shoots and  serendipitous meetings or  “happy accidents” with  friendly locals along the way. Offering authentic insights into the magical Land of the Thunder Dragon and the chance to benefit from  Philip’s  deep  knowledge  of  the  Kingdom,  this  is  a  dream  trip  for  image-makers  offering  a  once  in  a  lifetime opportunity to document a unique way of life beyond the sky and the clouds.

For a full itinerary please click here

COMO Shambhala Estate near Ubud, Bali, continues to attract leading international names in the Yoga world, the Estate’s awardwinning reputation based not only the calibre of facilities but also the specialists who recognise in this jungle location a unique opportunity to find peace and wellness.

From 10th to 16th December 2009, the Estate will be welcoming Sarah Powers, a premier, California-based teacher known for her ‘Insight Yoga’ approach. This will be the first time she has worked with COMO Shambhala.

Sarah, who has taught Yoga since 1987, interweaves the insights and practices of Yoga and Buddhism, her style blending both a Yin sequence of long held poses to enhance the meridian and organ systems, combined with a flow or Yang practice, influenced by Viniyoga, Ashtanga, and Iyengar teachings.

Sarah also focuses on preparing the mind for effective meditation. By taking time away from our busy schedules to commit our attention to our inner development, she believes all of us have the capacity to refresh the way we live our lives. She draws from her studies in Transpersonal Psychology, as well as her training in the Vipassana, Tantric and Dzogchen practices of Buddhism.

This December Retreat will begin with silent sitting practice each morning and two Yoga sessions per day. The Yin style encourages suppleness in the body’s core while invigorating chi (prana) to flow throughout the joints, balancing the organ and meridian systems. A Yang (flow-style) asana practice follows, geared toward strengthening the core while creating ease and grace in movement.

Sarah will also be engaging with students over healthful meals, which are designed to complement the Yoga practice. She has much to share, for Sarah is co-founder of Metta Journeys, a service oriented organisations that offers Yoga retreats internationally to help women and children in developing countries.  She is also author of the upcoming book Insight Yoga: Integrating Yin/Yang Yoga and Buddhist Meditation.

Other benefits of being a guest at COMO Shambhala Estate include the unique opportunity to explore a wide range of complementary treatments, from massage to Ayurveda, in a quiet and peaceful riverside location. Guests can choose from different types of accommodation including villas with pools and those with private treatment rooms.  Throughout, the emphasis is on privacy, peace, nutritious cuisine and meaningful results with a personal assistant assigned to each guest to help maximise the wellness opportunities.

Prices start at $3,515, which includes five days of Yoga instruction, accommodation, return airport transfers, daily breakfast and brunch and two dinners.

Guests staying outside of the Estate may wish to consider booking their accommodation at COMO’s sister property on Bali, known as Uma Ubud, which is located a 10-minute drive from The Estate.  Prices for a six-night stay including all transfers, breakfast and lunch daily and two dinners costs $3135 per person (single occupancy).  For other non-residents, the classes cost from $1210 (daily Yoga classes only) or $1452 (daily Yoga classes and brunch) per person.

Uma Paro in Bhutan continues to secure its reputation as one of the most unique Yoga locations in the world. With dedicated Yoga facilities, in addition to a full-service holistic spa and healthful, sophisticated cuisine, this is a wellness opportunity that stands apart from the crowd.

From 12th to 18th July 2009, Uma Paro will be welcoming Judy Krupp, a well known Sydney-based teacher whose likeable humour and nurturing style has inspired and made devotees of many, from beginners to the experienced. This will be the third time she has worked at Uma Paro, drawn by the mountains and clarity of the air to lead what looks like what will be another sell-out COMO Shambhala Yoga Retreat.

Judy has over 20 years experience as a teacher and is founder of The Yoga Room based on Sydney’s North Shore. Her teaching reflects her original training in the Iyengar system and work as a myotherapy body therapist to help strengthen habit-prone bodies and increase flexibility. This is excellent for people who are new to Yoga.

In addition, Judy helps focus the mind for meditation. She does this both through her artful teaching, and also by asking each guest to make the most of the privileged environment which is Uma Paro. Bhutan offers a memorable opportunity to escape the daily grind, high up in the mountains where few ever tread.

All Retreat guests are therefore invited to explore the countryside and culture more deeply, with an English-speaking Uma Paro guide provided for this purpose. The program includes walks through local scenery, to monasteries and valleys. There will be a visit to Bhutan’s oldest temple from the 8th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a pilgrimage to Bhutan’s most sacred site known as Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest), a lunch at a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and a picnic at a ruined fortress at the end of Paro Valley with clear-day views of Bhutan’s highest mountain, Mt Jomolhari (7,314 m).

Throughout their stay guests are free to enjoy Uma Paro’s menus of healthful, locally sourced cuisine. Retreat guests can also make the most of Uma Paro’s holistic COMO Shambhala Retreat where they can experience a Traditional Hot Stone Bath followed by a COMO Shambhala massage. Others will enjoy making the most of Uma Paros’ extensive Ayurvedic treatments.

Prices start at $4,092, which includes 21 hours of Yoga and meditation instruction between 12th and 18th July 2009, accommodation, return airport transfers, four cultural excursions, a Hot Stone Bath and massage (90 minutes), daily breakfast, lunch and two dinners (beverages not included).

Please note Uma Paro can provide extensive travel assistance, including advice on visas and Drukair flights into Bhutan.