Spa Sutra
Longing for a break from the frenetic festivities of the holiday season? Opt for a getaway package at one of these world class spas
CITY ESCAPE @ THE SPA, HOTEL LEELA
This journey begins as soon as you enter the magnificently plush sanctuary of your spa room, where you are first led through a pampering foot ritual even as you go through a sensory test to ascertain what blend of essential oils appeals to you the most. You can make your choice from an array of inviting options-Energising, Soothing, Detoxifying, to name a few and then you are summoned to surrender yourself to the spa bed and the therapist’s skilled hands. S/he will begin by slathering you with an Oil and Sea Salt Scrub and rubbing gently in slow circular movements to exfoliate away your rough skin, thereby setting the stage for optimal absorption of your preferred oil blend. For almost an hour thereafter, you are anointed with the delightfully scented oil you have chosen, while the masseuse works to knead, stroke and rub away aches and pains. Do not be surprised to find yourself transported to a semi trance of seamlessness at the end of this session, but wait, your escape has still not concluded. For another three quarters of an hour your skin can revel in the luxuriant, non extractive facial that is the final step towards your attainment of sublime mind and body relaxation that bestows you with a glowing countenance. We advise you to take a few minutes after, with a cup of green tea to allow you to slowly drift back to the now, just before you head for the sauna/steam and shower that your own spa room comes equipped with. If there were a way to have you imagine that you had jetted off to a luxury spa in Lausanne and back in three hours, this would be it.
`10,990
ROPANA RITUAL @ THE SPA, HOTEL FOUR SEASONS
Based on the most traditional form of treatments, the spa packages here are derived from ancient Ayurveda therapies.Marry that with the most contemporary of creature comforts, like massage beds in the Jacuzzi, experience showers that leave you awash with peppermint scented water and a special relaxation room, and what you will have is an experience to remember. The Ropana Body Ritual that is carried out in the Vajrasana room focuses on channelising the flow of energy within coupled with the healing properties of neem. It commences with an all-over body massage with neem and oil that lasts for 45 minutes, followed by an exfoliation with neem and date seed scrub to get rid of dead skin cells. To trap in the body heat generated by the earlier steps in order to maximise the pain relieving effect, you are enveloped in a blanket. The finale is a leisurelycleansing bath in a tub filled with manuka infused water and adorned with rose petals. A sauna session and shower in your personal shower cabin wraps up this getaway completely. ` 8,143**
SAMA ABHYANGA @ CLUB PRANA, HOTEL HYATT REGENCY
Among the most beautifully appointed spas you can hope to find in the city are the rooms at Club Prana. The ambient lighting enhances the surreal feel of the spa room, while the divine sounds of Vedic shlokas and incantations that fill the air lull you into a sense of well being that makes you even more receptive to the therapy that lies ahead..The Ayurvedic Abhyanga is one of the highlights here. Two therapists will work on you simultaneously, first massaging the head and feet, then the body, with Mahanarayana oil. Afterwards you can soothe your aching muscles in the retreat of the sauna room while you flip to your favourite TV channels and then relax some more under the soothing jets of water in the Jacuzzi.
` 7,527
Evening Journey @ Club Oasis,
Hotel Grand Hyatt
Nestled away, hidden almost, behind a hi-tech fitness centre that overlooks a lush pool garden is the cocooning comfort of Club Oasis. The most enticing getaway here is the Evening Journey, which takes off with a cleansing foot bath. You are then invited to choose from an array of delicious smelling scrubs-Oatmeal and Honey, Papaya, Jojoba or Indian spices, which is then lavishly used all over to reveal a soft, fresh under-layer of skin. Your skin is then treated to deft strokes that aim to extract every ounce of fatigue from your limbs, helped along by fragranced oils. A leisurely facial follows, including a brief facial massage that helps rejuvenate your facial muscles. A dip in the picturesque Jacuzzi pool is an absolute must to lend the perfect finishing touch to this indulgence. `11,582
SIGNATURE MASSAGE @ AREOPAGUS SPA, HUGHES ROAD
The city’s solitary Japanese-style spa, Areopagus boasts of fancy theme rooms such as the Fabric Room, the Shiatsu Room and the charming Green Room, with foliage covered walls. Inspiration from the land of the rising sun is evident everywhere from the lemon tea served in bamboo tea cups to the painted inscriptions on the walls. Representing the best of Areopagus is the Signature massage, which is a combination of all the other individual therapies on offer here. For nearly two hours, your therapist leads you through a series of rhythmic strokes that vary from soft to medium and hard pressure. The movements that use pressure from the fingers, palms and forearms are derived from various other massages, such as the shiatsu, the tai chi, yuki energy and energy holds. The sweet almond oil used for each therapy here is warmed before application, making for a feeling of calm. Optionally, the tai chi massage which involves an amount of stretching to loosen up the limbs offers deeper intensity without being too hard, which is ideal for overstressed muscles. `5,515 & `3,860 respectively
FINGER FACIAL @ O.P.I NAIL
BAR, KHAR
If all you have is an hour’s respite from the daily grind, then pampering your aching digits with the O.P.I Finger Facial is the thing for you. First, soak your feet in a hot, cleansing salt-infused solution to soften them before your nails and feet are thoroughly groomed. Then, a quick scrub session with a Tea Tree/Espresso/ Vanilla scrub is followed by an application of skin softener, after which your feet are encased in a warm towel for efficacious absorption. Next, your feet are covered with a layer of hot paraffin wax, which works to heal and soften extremely dry or damaged feet. Finally, a divine albeit brief foot massage takes you towards the end. A touch of nail varnish in a dazzling festive shade and you will have yourself looking at feet that would do Cleopatra proud!
`1,200
