The Sawgrass Marriott Resort in America will be opening a 20,000sq ft (1,858sq m) spa in January 2005.

Situated on the Atlantic Coast, between Jacksonville and St Augustine, the Sawgrass Resort spa will be surrounded by lagoons, twisted palms and giant magnolias.

Featuring 19 treatment rooms – including a couples massage suite – a colour therapy treatment tub and two body rooms complete with Vichy showers – treatments will range from body wraps and skin therapies to specialised sports massages.

There will also be an outdoor terrace surrounding a heated lap pool, landscaped with indigenous plants and flowers.

Spa cuisine and juices will be available at Soothies with a separate Tea House offering a range of massages under the natural shade of giant oaks.

Health and fitness equipment will be provided by Cybex and includes private televisions and CD players, intended to personalise each guest’s workout experience.

Daily classes will be offered in a separate exercise studio including golf fitness, yoga and pilates.

Tanya Lee has been appointed as spa director, bringing with her 23 years of hospitality experience. She will be responsible for overall operations, creative direction and management of the spa alongside staff development.

Commenting on Lee’s appointment, general manager of the resort Debi Bishop said: “From Hawaii to Florida, Tanya has opened some of the most acclaimed spas in the country. With her expertise, Tanya is focusing on exceptional guest service and training the new staff to exceed guests’ expectations, touching mind, body and soul.”

The Sawgrass Marriott Resort is the official home of The Players Championship, offering 99 holes of golf plus other attractions including 26 miles of beaches and swimming pools surrounded by waterfalls. Details: www.thespaatsawgrass.com