Salamander Resort & Spa guests and the community clients alike will thoroughly enjoy the attention and guidance of the beautiful Penny Kriel who plans for everyone who visits the spectacular facility to benefit.

The Resort's architecturally stunning Spa and Penny's wellness-inspired programs reflect Sheila Johnson's personal knowledge of international spa services, as well as the young South African's impressive professional experience.

Most recently, Penny was spa director at Washington D.C.'s Mandarin Oriental where she led spa programs for the past seven years. She has also served as the secretary of the Washington Spa Alliance Board of Directors.

"The Salamander Spa is a very special place," Penny explained. "One in which area residents and seasoned travelers alike will enjoy the very best of wellness treatments."

Originally from Mafikeng, South Africa, Kriel gained an Honors and CIDESCO Diploma in Advanced Skin Care and Cosmetology, Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Massage Therapy from the Tina Scholz Health and Skin Care Academy in Potchefstroom. She also has a Diploma in Management Development from the RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia.

After working as a therapist onboard Crystal and Princess Cruises for nine months, she began working as a head therapist and later business development manager for the Image Institute in Rosebank, South Africa, where she specialized in Guinot, Clarins and Environ treatments and products.

In 2005, she began her career at the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, in London as Spa Operations Manager.

Penny, who will oversee day-to-day operations and a staff of more than 40, believes that the combination of the spectacular facilities and farm-to-treatment table-inspired products and services will create a wellness experience unlike any other in the region.

The stunning décor is luxurious and calming with delightful gardens for outdoor treatments. The soft evergreen, pale tobacco and teal blue pallet incorporates woodsy, marble and limestone elements that blend perfectly with the Resort's Hunt country setting.

The sensational couple's suite with private terrace, whirlpool and shower is the ideal place for mutual rejuvenation, and the outdoor infinity pool with private cabanas for relaxing entertaining with friends could not be more beautiful.

There are whirlpools, a vitality pool, a spectacular steam room, sauna, men's and women's relaxation areas, heated stone recliners called Tepidariums, experiential showers and more. "We're confident our guests will enjoy this light and refreshing environment," Penny continued. "The soaring domed ceilings with fiber-optic lighting are just one area of many truly unique features that will make Salamander Spa the destination day spa of preference in our area."

Beauty services will be provided in the salon where hair, make-up, manicure and pedicure services will be offered.

A day-lit fitness center that includes an indoor pool, cardio and weight room also offers two movement studios and a sauna.

"Penny is one of the most respected spa professionals in the world," said Prem Devadas, president of Salamander Hotels & Resorts. "The treatments and packages she has developed perfectly complement the spectacular spaces we have spent so many years designing."

For more information, including a spa menu, visit www.salamanderresort.com or telephone 866-938-7370.