Santa Fe, NM (August 22, 2005) Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but at Nidah Spa turquoise runs a close second. The spa at Eldorado Hotel & Spa has added some bling bling to its roster of treatments with the first-ever Turquoise Gem Stone Therapy. Priced at $125 for a 50- minute treatment, the bejeweled massage offers a sense of calm and relaxation with the use of turquoise, an excellent healing stone honored by Native Americans for its versatility.

A twist on the popular Hot Stone Massage, the Nidah Spa’s Turquoise Gem Stone Therapy draws on the culture, traditions and ingredients found in the New Mexico region. Using the cooling effects of the popular Native American stone known as a source of protection and a bestower of power, the one-of-a-kind gemstone treatment uses light, rhythmic and sequential massage movements to bring the nervous system into a state of bliss and begins with warm desert sage oil drizzled from scalp to feet followed by a massage with warm black stones.

Once the body is in a complete state of serenity, cool turquoise stones are strategically placed throughout four of the body’s chakras or energy points – throat, stomach, forehead and heart-- offering a variety healing properties such as improving communication (throat), a feeling of inner peace (heart) and calming emotions (stomach).

The new Nidah Spa is a 4,300 square foot posh spa encompassing seven treatment rooms. Originating from the Native American word for “your life,” the Nidah Spa brings guests through the journey of life by embracing the philosophy of the Native American Medicine Wheel. Signature treatments are themed after the Sacred Directions – North: restorative; East: renewal; South: vitality; West: purification and Golden Center: balance.

Begin your spa journey at Nidah Spa. For information visit www.eldoradohotel.com/spa or call 505-995-4535. For hotel information and reservations visit www.eldoradohotel.com or call 800-955-4455.

Santa Fe’s premiere four-diamond luxury hotel, the Eldorado Hotel & Spa is located next to the historic Santa Fe Plaza. All 219 lavish guestrooms boast terry-cloth bathrobes; a hairdryer; an iron and an ironing board; a workstation with task light, a cordless phone with voicemail and high-speed internet access; two overstuffed easy chairs paired with a reading lamp and tables; a remote control color television with in-room movies; a refrigerated mini-honor bar, and maid and nightly turndown services. Deluxe rooms, in addition to offering more space, encompass a wood-burning kiva fireplace, shared terrace and European inspired butler service. Junior and one-bedroom suites are also available as well as a 2,000 square foot Presidential Suite. For dining, the Eldorado Hotel & Spa’s Old House is New Mexico’s original four-diamond restaurant. The famed eatery, under the direction of Chef Martin Rios, serves up contemporary global cuisine with a regional flare. The Eldorado Court & Lounge offers a casual and comfortable environment for breakfast and lunch and is a perfect spot for evening drinks and entertainment. The hotel also features 20,000 square feet of meeting and function space, including Santa Fe’s largest ballroom, a rooftop pool and whirlpool, and a business center. The newly opened 4,300 square foot posh Nidah Spa features seven treatment rooms and offers a bevy of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments. Ranked second on Cónde Nast Traveler’s 2004 Readers’ Choice Awards Top 10 U.S. Cities and ranked third on Travel + Leisure’s 2005 World’s Best Cities in U.S., Santa Fe is known for its superb restaurants, southwestern shops and chic art galleries, which generate approximately $200 million in art sold yearly, making it the second largest art seller in North America.