Spa rated nation’s best

Montage Spa & Resort in Laguna Beach has achieved an unprecedented

honor -- the facility has been granted the first-ever five-star

rating by the Mobil Travel Guide.

Mobil sent undercover inspectors to spas around the country, and

determined that the Spa Montage is “the country’s number one spa.”

“In our second year of rating hotel and resort spas, we are

extremely pleased to honor the first Mobil Five-Star winner, Spa

Montage,” said Kenneth P. Cohen, Vice President, Public Affairs,

Exxon Mobil Corporation. “We are also delighted to highlight the

additional 68 spas achieving 2005 star ratings.”

On its website, Mobil describes the Montage as “a stunning

facility that takes advantage of its superior beachfront setting. An

indoor-outdoor structure and floor-to-ceiling windows framing

160-degree views alleviate any guilt you may feel for opting to leave

the outdoors behind for a day at the spa.

“The spa’s holistic, get-back-to-nature approach is evident in its

design, as well as in the products it uses. Custom- mixed lotions and

oils blend natural ingredients, including eucalyptus, lavender,

orange blossoms, and citrus.”

Montage Spa director Barbara Schultz said she is delighted with

the recognition.

“The past two years, our staff of over 100 spa attendants,

therapists and estheticians have worked hard to provide a customized

spa experience for each individual guest, and this honor reflects

their success. We are truly grateful to Mobil for recognizing our

efforts,” Schultz said.

In rating the spas, Mobil used similar criteria that it uses in

rating lodgings and restaurants.

Inspectors traveled to properties across the country, conducting

visits without the properties’ knowledge, and evaluating 450

different attributes, according to Mobil. For more information, visit

www.mobiltravelguide.com.