BABOR Institut Closes – Partners with Spa at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

Palm Beach, FL (June 14, 2008) – BABOR Cosmetics America has announced plans to close the BABOR Institut, Palm Beach location, effective June 14, 2008. The luxury brand cited seasonality and other strategic issues as the reason behind the closing of the Institut, which was opened in 1997.

According to Paula Derrick, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for BABOR Cosmetics America, BABOR has entered into an alliance with Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, by which current spa clients will be welcomed to enjoy many of the same BABOR services and retail products they have come to know and love.

The BABOR Institut will continue to offer services and honor gift certificates through June 14. After that time, clients may request a refund by contacting the BABOR Corporate Office.

“After much thought and consideration we have chosen to close this chapter in BABOR’s history,” Derrick said. “Although we are saddened to say goodbye to the Institut, we are very pleased that BABOR’s highly valued clientele will continue to be able to enjoy their luxury spa services at the new Spa at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach. Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach is a fantastic property with the highest standards of hospitality, so we feel honored that they have chosen to partner with us.”

Derrick stated that in no way does this reflect the current state of business within BABOR Cosmetics America, and that they will continue to be good stewards and support the growth of BABOR’s luxury client base. Additionally, although no time-table has been set, Derrick said it was likely another Institut would be opened in the U.S. in the future.

Scheduled to open this summer, the new 11,000 square foot Spa and Salon at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach was designed by celebrated Canadian interior designer and Palm Beach resident, Brian Gluckstein. It will feature twelve treatment rooms, private men's and ladies' steam rooms and whirlpools, and a full service Salon.

The Spa will offer an extensive selection of BABOR treatments and retail products. Clients may also continue to purchase products by calling 1-800-333-4055 or visiting www.babor.com.

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Based in Aachen, Germany, with U.S. headquarters in Palm Beach, BABOR Cosmetics is the leading professionally sold and recommended skin care system in Continental Europe. It is recognized as one of the most trusted brands in the industry today. With an impressive array of more than 450 products, BABOR offers its clients and customers a variety of customized professional and retail products and treatments well suited for a wide variety of consumers.