“I Will Reflect” campaign aims to create local awareness, encourage prevention and raise funds for skin cancer research at Medical University of South Carolina

CHARLESTON, S.C. – May 3, 2010 – As the Lowcountry heats up, The Spa at Charleston Place and Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) are launching their third annual “I Will Reflect” campaign, a global melanoma skin care initiative during Melanoma Awareness Month. Started in 2008, the local cause program is designed to start a movement across Charleston and create widespread awareness around the dangers of melanoma, educate residents on prevention, and raise funds in support of cancer research.

“This year, we’re spreading the ‘I Will Reflect’ message further throughout Charleston with the goal of arming residents with useful information about skin cancer to help them make intelligent choices when enjoying the outdoors,” said Annette Sandford-Lopez, Spa Director at The Spa at Charleston Place. “The Spa and MUSC are collaborating to reduce the impact of melanoma skin cancer in Charleston and offering people a variety of ways to make a difference.”

The “I Will Reflect” initiative is part of a worldwide cause founded by SpaFinder, Inc. in 2007. Gaining momentum around the globe, the initiative seeks to educate the public about melanoma detection and prevention. The cause began in response to the death of one American nearly every hour due to melanoma, and because early detection significantly increases survival rates. In 2009, more than 68,000 people were diagnosed with melanoma and nearly 11,000 people died from the disease, according to SpaFinder.

“Melanoma is a serious yet preventable skin cancer, and through ‘I Will Reflect,’ we have the opportunity to significantly reduce the impact of this terrible disease throughout Charleston,” said Bruce Thiers, M.D., MUSC’s Department of Dermatology chairman. “We are honored to be involved in this cause and encourage everyone to take the ‘I Will Reflect’ pledge this summer.”

The campaign encourages residents to pledge “I Will Reflect” and join the movement to help reduce the impact of melanoma, which is the most serious, often life-threatening, form of skin cancer. This year the campaign invites Charleston residents to “reflect” through a series of events, merchandise, spa services, testimonials, tips and more, including:

•     Accessorize for a Cause: Purchase chic bracelets that change color from white to purple when exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Bracelets feature a metal faceplate engraved with the motto, “I Will Reflect,” and are available for $3 each at The Spa and MUSC Dermatology Department. Proceeds will benefit MUSC Foundation’s Department of Dermatology.

•     Education Never Felt So Good: Treat yourself to The Spa’s “I Will Reflect” facial or massage and receive a complimentary skin consultation and sun safety tips from a therapist. Patrons receive 25% off a treatment when wearing “I Will Reflect” bracelets, and The Spa will donate 10% of its proceeds to fund skin cancer research at MUSC.

•     Spread the Word and Sunscreen: Expanding the cause in 2010, The Spa and Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission have partnered to collect donated sunscreen for park employees and patrons this summer to help them avoid harmful UVA exposure. Throughout May, “I Will Reflect” participants can donate sunscreen for a variety of benefits, including 25% off their “I Will Reflect” treatment at The Spa. This “bottle of prevention” will also serve as admission to The Spa’s exclusive soiree party on May 3, 2010.

•     Fight Melanoma with Social Media: Follow the “I Will Reflect” initiative on Twitter @CharlestonPLSpa to receive tweets offering skin cancer prevention tips and advice during May. The Spa will also create a Twibbon , allowing people to place an “I Will Reflect” banner on their Twitter profile photos. Participate on Facebook by joining The Spa at Charleston Place fan page for event invitations and facts about prevention, statistics, tips and more throughout the “I Will Reflect” campaign.

•     Celebrate for Prevention: The Spa will host a “I Will Reflect” soiree cocktail party at The Spa at Charleston Place on May 3, 2010 from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Invitations will be distributed through The Spa’s Facebook page or via email to spa patrons.

For more information or to schedule an “I Will Reflect” treatment, please visit The Spa at Charleston Place website, send an email to spa@charlestonplace.com, or call 843-937-8522.

About The Spa at Charleston Place

The Spa at Charleston Place has been rated by Travel + Leisure readers as the “Top City Hotel Spa in the United States and Canada” and recently voted by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine as one of the “Top 10 Spas in the United States, Canada and Caribbean.” The Charleston Place Hotel has been selected as one of the best hotels in North America consecutively for the past nine years by Condé Nast Traveler readers. Learn more about The Spa at www.charlestonplace.com/web/ocha/spa.jsp.

About Medical University of South Carolina

Founded in 1824 in Charleston, The Medical University of South Carolina is the oldest medical school in the South. Today, MUSC continues the tradition of excellence in education, research, and patient care. MUSC educates and trains more than 3,000 students and residents, and has nearly 11,000 employees, including 1,300 faculty members. As the largest non-federal employer in Charleston, the university and its affiliates have collective annual budgets in excess of $1.3 billion. MUSC operates a 700-bed medical center, which includes a nationally recognized Children’s Hospital and a leading Institute of Psychiatry. For more information on academic information or clinical services, visit www.musc.edu or www.muschealth.com.

Authenticity and experiences are of key importance to the upscale traveler

NEW YORK (March 8, 2010) – Asian and Latin locations rose to the top of the list as up-and-coming destinations in the 2010 Virtuoso Luxe Report released today.  India, Vietnam and Cuba are the top emerging destinations in this year’s report, which provides invaluable insight into the future direction of high-end travelers.  Rounding out the top emerging-destination selections were the Galapagos Islands, China and Chile.

Based on expert feedback from its sought-after network of travel providers and advisors, the Luxe Report results reflect booking trends, new travel destinations, comparisons to travel in 2009, and above all, forecast the travel aspirations of some of the most upscale travelers in the United States.

The top three trends ranked by Virtuoso travel providers as influencing clients’ vacation choices included: seeking authentic experiences in new destinations; rest & relaxation; and spending time or reconnecting with loved ones.  Interestingly, the survey also found that private villa rental is booming, with 41 percent saying that this sector will increase in 2010 over 2009 bookings, supporting the trend towards connecting with loved ones in a private group setting.

Travelers in 2010 are booking longer vacations to more distant destinations. Of the travel professionals responding, 71 percent said clients are seeking international travel for 10+ days. Weekend getaways to domestic destinations garnered the smallest share with only 18 percent.

The primary reasons for Virtuoso clientele booking their travel through a Virtuoso agent as opposed to booking directly were cited as: expertise; the comfort level of working with their travel provider; the pre- and post-trip support they receive; and the ability of the travel provider to fully customize the trip for them.  The largest influences on consumers’ travel decisions are word of mouth, travel magazines and lifestyle magazines.

“The Luxe Report findings confirm people’s continued drive to travel – to see and experience the world firsthand,” said Virtuoso CEO Matthew D. Upchurch.  “Although favorites such as Italy and Australia appear on this year’s list of popular vacation locations, the results point to new interest in emerging destinations such as India, Vietnam and Cuba, the latter of which is revealing, given the current US restrictions.  The Luxe Report also affirms the value that high-end travelers place on working with a professional travel advisor.  In this era of on-line marginalization, experience, knowledge and personalized service still emerge as the very things travelers’ value.”

Key findings from the 2010 Virtuoso Luxe Report are outlined below:

What are the five most popular international destinations for travelers in 2010?

1. Italy
2. Mexico
3. South Africa
4. Australia
5. France

What are the top five U.S. destinations where you expect to send travelers in 2010?

1. Maui
2. Alaska
3. New York City
4. Napa Valley/Sonoma
5. Las Vegas

Which of the following do you see as “emerging destinations,” meaning those on the cusp of becoming popular, either for the first time or all over again?

1. India
2. Vietnam
3. Cuba
4. Galapagos Islands
5. China
6. Chile

What do you anticipate are the top five most popular destinations for family travel in 2010?

1. Italy
2. Mexico
3. Hawaii
4. Orlando
5. Australia & Costa Rica (tied)

Which luxury cruises saw the biggest increase in demand in 2009?

1. Mediterranean
2. Alaska
3. European River
4. Caribbean
5. Baltic Region

Which itineraries do you anticipate being popular in 2010?

1. Alaska
2. Mediterranean
3. European River
4. Caribbean
5. Greek Isles

Rank your clients’ motivation in choosing a vacation:

1. Seeking authentic experiences in new destinations
2. Rest & Relaxation
3. Spending time or reconnecting with loved ones
4. Discovering new experiences in previously visited (or more familiar) destinations
5. Personal enrichment (e.g. voluntourism, cultural experience, learning, etc.)
6. Seeking adventure

Rank the most important determining factors for your clients’ when choosing a vacation:

1. The right destination
2. Value for money paid
3. The right activity (activities)
4. Price

For socially and environmentally conscious travelers, which aspects of their travel are they most concerned about?

1. Accommodations
2. Activities or excursions
3. Means of transportation
4. Giving back to local communities through monetary donations
5. Giving back to local communities through voluntourism

Advisors from Virtuoso travel agencies were invited to take the survey in November and December 2009.  Results were tabulated from more than 250 responses from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Latin America.  The sampling represents 10,000 of the Virtuoso network’s 1.3 million-name database of affluent clients.

About Virtuoso

Virtuoso^® is the industry’s leading luxury travel network.  This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 300 agencies with more than 6,000 elite travel specialists in 22 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as over 1,000 of the world’s best travel providers and premier destinations.  The network’s member agencies generate over $5.1 billion annually in travel sales, making the group the most powerful in the luxury travel segment.  Their relationships with the finest travel companies provide the network’s affluent clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access.  Virtuoso is the exclusive network of travel services and benefits provided by MasterCard^® for participating World Elite MasterCard^® programs. For more information, please visit www.virtuoso.com.

Ideas of contemporary Palm Springs are those of a glorious desert oasis, with entertainment, great shopping, brand-name resorts, colorful desert flora and fauna, fountains and lakes almost everywhere, all with perfect views of the pink and purple San Jacinto mountains. However, in all of this modern glamour, remains one small, Moroccan-inspired pensione named Korakia, now also called an Experiential Resort.

The original Korakia, first named Del Marroc, was built in 1924 and comprises two historic villas. Scottish painter Gordon Coutts built the original Moroccan villa and screen star J. Carroll Nash owned the Mediterranean Villa. Both gentlemen passed away , one in the late 30’s, and the others in the early ‘70s, and the property fell into a kind of slow entropic disrepair. However, both villas were brought back to life, beginning in 1989 by leading California architectural preservationist, Doug Smith. Restoration and further renovation was completed by the newest owners, Makar Properties, in 2007. All of the renovation, restoration, and preservation has been aimed at maintenance of the original artist/artisan spirit of Korakia – a place where the original owners’ friends — artists, writers, and film people gathered to enjoy life, and eventually discuss the latest in books, movies and painting. But Korakia’s existence suggests more than a historic backstory to guests who visit here: it is a living reminder of the magic of the desert, defining the unique sense of sanctuary, peace, and wellness this environment naturally provides.

Today, the 28 guest rooms — bungalows, guest houses, suites, and studios, all housed in the two historic villas, rest on 1.5 acres of citrus trees, bougainvillea, hibiscus, Madagascar jasmine, olive and Date palm. Fresh grapefruit lemons and oranges can be picked from the trees. There are two heated pools on the property, and in each room and suite there are no telephones, TVs or clocks. Each room is decorated differently, many with original wood burning fireplaces, gauzy white muslin drapes and white-washed walls, both reflecting and refracting the bright desert morning light. In each room, are antiques, paintings and furniture of the period, but all with a certain non-angled softness of Morocco and the Mediterranean — so that the sense of being there is never far away.
Korakia provides substantial homemade breakfasts and lunches, but no dinners. Dinners from various restaurants close by can be ordered in and eaten around the original firepits, all lighted in the cool Mojave desert evenings As regards the sense of wellness at this Experiential Resort, there are two heated pools, complimentary weekend Yoga, an indoor-outdoor Spa lodge, and a full massage treatment menu.

www.korakia.com
1-760-864-6411