An Epic Journey To Space Concludes With An Earthly Welcome At The Inn And Spa At Loretto

Online, March 10, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Imagine. The final countdown reaches 'one' and Virgin Galactic's commercial spacecraft thrusts everyday astronauts past the earth's outer limits at more than three times the speed of sound. Once in space, astronauts experience total weightlessness as they float to the cabin's window to capture an epic view of Earth framed by space's vast blackness. This journey of a lifetime will soon become a reality for nearly 400 everyday people that will descend upon New Mexico's Spaceport America to be part of space travel's next milestone. Once the mission is complete, the Inn and Spa at Loretto, a Virtuoso AAA Four Diamond hotel, has created a signature Welcome Back to Earth package for returning astronauts seeking an unparalleled experience grounded by gravity. The signature package, which can only be booked by a Virtuoso accredited space agent, includes overnight suite accommodations, a restorative Native Reflections spa treatment, and a chocolate space shuttle and moonwalk cocktail turndown. Welcome Back to Earth starts at $555 and is available now through December 2012.

An architectural recreation of the Taos Pueblo, the Inn and Spa at Loretto's iconic design, decor, and ambiance offers Virgin Galactic astronauts a continued travel experience on Earth. Located at the end of The Santa Fe Trail near the Plaza and adjacent to The Loretto Chapel, the Inn features 129 guest rooms and five suites elegantly appointed in symbolic hues of deep terracotta red, Navajo gold, black and white. In the kitchen, Executive Chef Matt Ostrander prepares a medley of locally sourced, organic and healthy dishes to accompany award-winning wines and desserts for patrons dining in Luminaria, the Inn's signature restaurant and its guest lounge, The Living Room. During warmer months, guests can enjoy the experience of dining al fresco in Luminaria's charming outdoor patio. For guests that seek a restorative and relaxing touch, The Spa at Loretto features a myriad of holistic, restorative and relaxing body treatments, massages, facials and services that incorporate the healing traditions of Native American spiritual healers.

"Given New Mexico's long history with space, it is only fitting that the state take part in helping write the next chapter in space travel," said Stefan Huber, general manager at the Inn and Spa at Loretto. "Virgin Galactic has made amazing strides to commercialize space travel and we are excited to see how it will shape and influence the future of the travel industry. We are privileged to be in the right state, at the right time."

Welcome Back to Earth Package Details
The Welcome Back to Earth package is available now through December 2012 and can be booked by Virtuoso accredited space agents. Please reference promotion code PEARTH when calling 866-401-7974 to make a reservation. The package is based on availability and does not include tax and gratuity.

The Welcome Back to Earth package, which starts at $555, is based on single occupancy and includes the following:
-Overnight suite accommodations
-A 110-minute Native Reflections signature spa treatment at The Spa at Loretto
-A chocolate space shuttle and moonwalk cocktail turndown

A Journey of a Lifetime
Virgin Galactic has been making it possible for aspiring astronauts to pay a deposit to reserve a place on SpaceShipTwo since 2005 and several hundred people from around the globe have now booked their place in space. In doing so, not only have they become pioneers in a new and important industry but have become insiders in one of the most amazing and inspiring projects anywhere in the world.

The journey starts from the moment a deposit is paid with membership to perhaps the world's most exclusive club with privileged access to all aspects of the project as it progresses. From Astronaut Forums with Sir Richard Branson on his Caribbean island home or his South African game reserve to opportunities to tour Scaled Composites, upon making such arrangements and relevant authorization, to see for real the new vehicles under development. All future astronauts of course have VIP invitations to media events to mark major milestones. The cost to be a Virgin Galactic astronaut is $200,000.

To learn more about Virgin Galactic space travel, please visit www.virgingalactic.com. To learn more about Virtuoso, please visit www.virtuoso.com. To learn more about the Inn and Spa at Loretto, please visit www.innatloretto.com or call 800-727-5531.