Chef Alain Ducasse Opens 'Gourmet' Spa St L'Andana

Luxury Spa Combines Pampering and Pannacotta

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. October 14, 2008

CATIGLIONE DELLA PESCAIA, Italy, July 11, 2006. Renowned restaurateur and hotelier Alain Ducasse has recently opened a lavish new spa at L'Andana, his 33-room luxury inn in the Maremma region of Tuscany. Formerly the Duke of Tuscany's hunting lodge, L'Andana is a representation of the soul of 19th century Italy. Mr. Ducasse wished for L'Andana to illustrate the charm and tranquillity of the Maremma region and bring guests into the heart of European hospitality. The grand hotel lies on the 1,240 acre Tenuta La Badiola estate which specializes in the making and cultivating of wine, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, and fresh herbs. Acres of olive groves and vineyards surround the hotel, which creates an inviting atmosphere and country feel to the classic inn. Most of the 33 finely decorated suites include a fireplace and all have stunning views of the countryside and herb garden. The 120-seat restaurant "Trattoria Toscana" offers guests authentic Tuscan dishes revealing in the creative spirit of Alain Ducasse and for further culinary indulgence, guests have the option to take part in seasonal cooking classes by Chef Christophe Martin using ingredients cultivated on the property. The spa will serve to complete L'Andana's overall objective as place dedicated to "pleasing the senses."

Mr. Ducasse's vision was to create a spa which linked treatments and gourmet menu items together with natural ingredients from the Maremma region. "When thinking about the idea of a gourmet spa at Andana, I wanted to bring an extra dimension in the overall L'Andana experience which is all about pleasing the senses," said Mr. Ducasse, "Being pampered, feeling relaxed and at the same time being offered some very gourmet food: that's true bliss. As a chef, I have always been attentive to healthy and top quality food. It was also very important for me to always keep in mind the idea of the region where L'Andana is situated. All spa menu items had to be closely linked with L'Andana and the Maremma in Tuscany." European group E'SPA will run the approximately 675 square meter (6,000 square foot) spa that will infuse natural ingredients and elements from the region into the spa menu and treatment options. The spa, which has four treatment rooms - two Beauty Express Suites, one Couples Suite, and one VIP Single Suite - occupies a prime location on the property and opens directly onto the estate gardens. The spa also includes a fitness area, sauna, hammam, vitality pool, and internal pool.

L'Andana's spa features soothing finger foods and desserts designed to complement the indulgent spa treatments. Pastry Chef Galileo Reposo with Groupe Alain Ducasse's Pastry chef Nicholas Berger has sourced many of the ingredients for these refreshing plates from L'Andana's 500 hectares property which includes an herb garden boasting of tarragon, marjoram, rosemary and lavender thyme and can be found in dishes such as the "Thin Lavender Tart," suggested to complement the "Holistic Face, Back & Scalp Massage with Hot Stones." And while according to Mr. Ducasse in Europe, "healthy does not necessarily mean diet," L'Andana's Light Sweet and Bitter Chocolate Mousse, suggested to complement the "Life Saving Back Massage," is made from whipped egg whites, milk and chocolate, with no cream or butter and the Pannacotta Soya Milk & Seasonal Fruits which complements the "Intensive Facial Treatment" is made with soy milk rather than whole milk or cream. These indulgences at the end of the treatments serve to comfort the guest and give them a sweet finish to their luxurious experience at the spa.

Additionally the property contains a tennis court, a practice golf course and nearby horseback riding facilities. A 9-hole golf course will open later this year and an 18-hole course is scheduled for 2007. For reservations call 011.39.0564.944.800 or visit www.andanahotel.com.