Charleston Place Hotel

Presenting the Luxe 24 Karat Gold Facial

CHARLESTON, SC (December 7, 2007) - Throughout history, gold has been revered for its luxurious and beautifying properties. Historians have long maintained that Cleopatra slept in a gold mask every night to maintain youthful skin, and in ancient China Royals from the Ch'ing dynasty used gold massage rollers on the face as the key to youth. Supplements filled with gold are routinely taken in Asia and Europe for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In keeping with this long-standing tradition, The Spa at Charleston Place is proud to announce the debut of the Luxe 24 Karat Gold Facial, designed to be as luxurious as it is effective. This lavish treatment combines innovative Japanese technology with the rich, natural healing properties of gold to deliver glowing, radiant skin.

The treatment uses 24 Karat gold, which is the purest and finest gold available. With the latest skincare advancements of Gamma PGA, Negative Ions & Ultrasonic Nano Mist technology the power of gold have been harnessed to carry it across the skin barrier, allowing it to activate and work its benefits, creating immediate and long-lasting results. Skin will feel firmer, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles diminished, and the skin lighter and brighter. The gold remains in the skin for up to 28 days after treatment, thus fighting off damaging free radicals to prevent premature aging.

The treatment begins with a thorough skin analysis and consultation to identify the client's particular concerns and needs. A vegetable peel is then applied. Next, a moisturizer is worked into the skin through a lymph-drainage facial massage until the skin is soft and moisturized, as this will help the gold to penetrate into the skin. During the procedure the face is continuously misted by an Ultrasonic Nano Mister with Gamma PGA (Poly Glutamic acid); this is derived from Natto, a Japanese soybean-based health food whose known benefits of enhancing the skin's natural moisturizing capabilities date back 1,000 years. Gamma PGA is ten times more hydrating than Hyaluronic acid and far more elastic than collagen. The gold leaf is then gently applied to the face, and left to work before being massaged into skin. This is followed by a final therapeutic moisture treatment.

The Ultrasonic Nano Mister's water droplets are up to seven times smaller than water droplets from a traditional steamer. A synergistic effect is created when the vibrating Nano water molecules combine with the potent ionic bio-polymer Gamma PGA formula, resulting in increased penetration into the skin. In addition, the negative ions of gold unite with the positive ions in the blood to stimulate white blood corpuscles, which eradicate free radicals within the skin cells, improve energy levels, and promote overall health and well-being.

The Luxe 24 Karat Gold Facial lasts 80 minutes and costs $350.

Charleston Place, an Orient-Express Hotel, is located in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina's historic district and evokes the ambiance of a grand, 17th-century residence. With 440 luxurious guestrooms including 42 suites, the hotel offers "The Club" floor for the ultimate in bespoke services with a private personal concierge and an array of culinary offerings. The Spa at Charleston Place is a renowned sanctuary for pampering and relaxation, while Charleston Grill is consistently recognized as one of the best restaurants in the country. The hotel's Thoroughbred Club was built to evoke the ambiance of a historic Jockey Club and offers "the best tea in Charleston."

Charleston Place is located at 205 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401; Telephone: 843-722-4900 or 1-800-611-5545; website: www.charlestonplace.com. Reservations can be made at reservations@charlestonplace.com.