Vida Wellness Spa Set to Open Its First U.S. Location at Pan Pacific Seattle

(Seattle, WA)  January 9, 2008  --- Opened just over a year ago, Pan Pacific Seattle has received many accolades for the property’s unique characteristics, including overwhelming guest feedback for the implementation of the hotel’s philosophy “Of course, it’s your stay.”

Similar to the amenities found only at the world’s most sophisticated properties, the world-class Pan Pacific Seattle features an innovative concept of “High-touch, High technology,” setting a new standard for excellence in the Pacific Northwest with personalized service and amenities.  Slated to open on April 25, 2008, the new Vida Wellness Spa will complement the hotel’s offerings.

Having successfully established itself as the pre-eminent luxury spa destination in both Vancouver and Whistler, Vida Wellness Spa has announced it will open its latest location in Seattle, Washington as part of the Pan Pacific Seattle hotel in Vulcan Inc.’s 2200 development. 

The new location, which will span more than 7,000 square-feet, marks the company’s fourth Wellness Spa in partnership with a five-star hotel group and its first serving clientele in the United States.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the company’s strategic expansion in the Pacific Northwest and are thrilled to be opening a new Vida Wellness Spa in affiliation with Pan Pacific Seattle. Their ethos of subtle refinement and attention to detail aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing the highest level of personalized care while embodying the principles of balance and wellness,” said Allison Hegedus, President of Vida Corporation.

“We’re delighted to welcome Vida Wellness Spas to Seattle, which will provide a wonderful new amenity attracting people from throughout Seattle and beyond,” said Ada M. Healey, Vice President of Real Estate at Vulcan.“Vida has set the standard for high-quality luxury hotel spa destinations in Canada, and we’re excited that their unique wellness philosophy and dedication to customer service excellence will be offered in the U.S. for the first time at our flagship 2200 development.”

Vida Wellness Spas blend the ancient Indian science of Ayurveda with the best in Western healing philosophies, yielding unique spa experiences that engage the senses while nurturing body and mind. In addition to continuing to offer superior traditional therapies, the Seattle location will have areas designed specifically for couples massage, Ayurvedic cleansing and infrared sauna treatments. As with all its locations, the atmosphere will be sensual yet refined, elegant yet nurturing—a true healing respite from the stresses of daily life.

Vida Wellness Spa at Pan Pacific Seattle will be located in downtown Seattle’s bustling South Lake Union neighborhood at Vulcan’s 2200 development. This unique mixed-use development also includes a Whole Foods Market, condominiums, several boutique retail stores, and restaurants with direct views of the city’s iconic Space Needle. 2200 is located just a few blocks from scenic Lake Union, Nordstrom’s flagship store and other downtown cultural hubs. The Pan Pacific Seattle is a five-star luxury hotel with a four-star AAA Diamond Rating, and was recently named one of Condé Nast Traveler’s 2007 Hot Hotels in the U.S. and Canada.

Vida Wellness Spa at Pan Pacific Seattle is open for the purchase of gift certificates, for Mother’s Day and any other special occasion, and will open for service seven days a week by April 25, 2008. 

Current Vida Wellness Spa locations include the Sutton Place Hotel in Vancouver, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Hotel & Spa and the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel. 

For reservations, please call 888-865-2630 or 206-264-VIDA (8432).

About Pan Pacific Seattle
As Seattle’s new elite, urban destination, Pan Pacific Seattle features 160 high-style Hirsch Bedner-designed guest rooms, Hypnos Royalty warranted mattresses, flat screen TVs and flexible in-room working spaces; wireless broadband connectivity available throughout the hotel; a sleek and modern library lounge offering cocktails and light snacks; full service fitness center; 5,405 square feet of Seattle’s most luxurious function space; and 24-hour private dining.  Guests will enjoy views of the Space Needle, Lake Union or the city lights.

Located at 2200 Westlake, the development is part of a 455,000-square-foot mixed-use project occupying a prime location just four blocks from Seattle’s Central Business District, within walking distance of Nordstrom’s flagship retail store and Pacific Place and minutes from scenic Lake Union. 

The project represents another prominent example of the steady northern migration of downtown Seattle’s main epicenter of thriving retail, office and residential activity.  Several new developments in the South Lake Union/Denny Triangle area are expected to accelerate this trend, and the new Seattle Streetcar also provides convenient access to nearby hubs including Westlake Center and South Lake Union Park.  2200 also includes 261 condominium homes, two signature restaurants, 39,000 square feet of retail shops, a luxury spa, a 16,000-square-foot landscaped plaza and a 47,000-square-foot Whole Foods Market®.

About Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts
Headquartered in Singapore, Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts is a leading hotel management company in the Pacific Rim region and is part of the UOL Group, one of Singapore’s largest hotel and property companies. Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts has been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler magazine as one of the 25 hotel companies demonstrating social responsibility and has won highly esteemed accolades such as World Travel Awards, Best Business Hotel in Asia, Condé Nast Gold List and Readers Choice Awards. It has a portfolio of 11 hotels and resorts throughout Asia, the Pacific and North America and offices in San Francisco, London, Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance.  For more information, visit panpacific.com

About Vida Wellness Spas
Founded in 2002, Vida Wellness Spas offer uniquely luxurious, personalized and healing spa experiences including an expansive menu of treatments based on the ancient Indian science of Ayurveda, all designed to enhance wellness, engage the senses, and nurture body and mind. With four locations currently serving clients in Vancouver, Whistler and Seattle and a strategy for successful expansion underway, Vida Wellness Spas believes in sustainable growth by cultivating wellness from the inside out. More information is available at www.vidawellness.com.

About Vulcan Real Estate
Vulcan Real Estate directs all real estate strategies for Vulcan Inc., a Paul G. Allen company.  Through strategic acquisitions and innovative development, Vulcan Real Estate creates a diversified portfolio of high-performing, quality assets. The company’s experienced, talented team of real estate professionals offers a full range of development services from site selection to build-to-suit construction.  Its real estate model is based on quality, sustainable development that builds new value across the entire community. For more information, visit www.vulcanrealestate.com.

Contact: Molly Blaisdell
(925) 631-7971 mocahill@aol.com