LIVE the life of luxury on a honeymoon at Casa Colonial Beach and Spa in the Dominican Republic, which has recently been names as a finalist in the Conde Nast Johansen 2011 award for Most Excellent Spa Resort.

The 50-room hotel has been lauded for its Bagua Spa facility, designed by renowned architect Sarah Garcia, who was inspired by the ancient ritual of Feng Shui.

Treatment rooms include three oceanfront gazebos set over tropical ponds with waterfalls and indoor couple therapy suites with jacuzzis and terraces facing the ocean.

Therapies have been formulated using local minerals and tropical plant extracts including amber, royal jelly, honey and ocean water.

Signature treatments include:

Larimar Blue Gem Therapy: This therapy combines the healing properties of the gem with ocean water and light therapy in a state-of-the-art hydro bath.

Salt and Gem Exfoliation: A scrub using crushed amber resin and ocean salts to leave the skin soft and smooth

Just Bee Touch: A cleansing massage using smoked amber resin, royal bee jelly and warm oils.

Casa Colonial is set within tranquil landscaped gardens with a variety of suites available (some including private terraces and outdoor soaking tubs).

The hotel offers two fine dining venues, a fitness centre, private transfers to the local golf course and a rooftop infinity pool with four jacuzzi tubs.

www.casacolonialhotel.com