Taruveda Spa at the Tree House Resort, Jaipur

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You’d be forgiven for conjuring up mental montages of clichéd pink-hued palaces, majestic forts and rolling sand dunes when you think of the Pink City of Jaipur. I know that, because I fell prey to those very same set of tropes, having till then been only introduced to that side of this stunning city. But the minute I set my sights on the ‘other’ Jaipur, as I saw lush trees and a cascading 40ft waterfall, took in the arresting aroma of frangipani and heard the incessant chirping of birds, I made sure to never again judge a book by its cover. Ever.

This alternative, back-to-nature Jaipur that I’m trying to wax lyrical about is what I recently encountered at the Taruveda Spa that finds itself at the secluded end of the integrated resort complex of The Tree House Resort and The Water House Resort. Situated in the lap of the scenic Syari Valley with the hills of the mighty Aravali Mountains surrounding it, the Taruveda Spa truly lives up to the moniker of an oasis where rest, relaxation and rejuvenation form a formidable trifecta you cannot, and more importantly, must not avoid…

Named after the mythical taruveda tree from which all ayurvedic healing and knowledge springs forth, the Taruveda Spa may be diminutive in size with just two treatment rooms. But what it has on offer in terms of treatments is mind-boggling and diverse. Trawling through the spa menu, I chose a set of treatments that my therapist Narendra assured me was just what my stressed-out and constantly jet-lagged body needed.

So, after a hot shower—so that my pores would open up and be more receptive to the various unguents that would be applied onto it—I started off with the 75-minute Signature Taruveda Massage [INR 3,000]. Based on codified, centuries-old ayurvedic practices, this massage uses a mixture of traditional organic herbal oils made by herbal company Omved that are slowly released into the body via long, pressurised strokes that the therapist employs. All this aided by the live birdsong from outside that was proving to be the best ever spa soundtrack!

Next on the cards was a 60-minute long Organic Facial [INR 2,200] that laid claim to instantly transforming my dry, dull skin tone to a supple and radiant one as it worked on the lymphatic system, while detoxifying the facial skin. Ever ready to see some magic, I let a jet of steam assault my face, which was then worked on with an organic cleanser, a toner, a scrub, a mask application and finally finished off with a soothing honey moisturiser. Seeing the fabulous results, it was then and there that I decided to keep indulging the metrosexual man in me whenever I get the chance.

Finishing off my afternoon of ‘male-beautification’ with a Taruveda Foot Essentials [INR 900] pedicure for 45-minutes, was what agenda number three at the spa was all about. After a soothing anti-bacterial foot soak and scrub down, my criminally neglected and calloused soles, cracked heels and ingrown toe nails were finally bestowed the intensive therapy they so very much needed. A vigorous [and rather painful!] exfoliation and medicated moisturising wrap ended the foot pampering, and with it my three-part Taruveda Spa session that I hoped would never end.

But then it had to end. How else would I have time for a tryst with Jaipur’s clichés then?

Taruveda Spa at The Tree House Resort, Jaipur Contact: www.treehouseresort.in

This was first published in the January 2014 issue of Complete Wellbeing.

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Named in honour of the sand that seems to be everywhere in Jaisalmer—Rajasthan’s ‘Golden City’ as it were—this spa is part of Suryagarh, a majestic hotel that encapsulates the regal spirit and romance symbolic of this land. The Rait Spa wing of the hotel itself is a wonderful mélange of the ancient heritage architecture style with its intricately carved jaali screens, mother-of-pearl inlaid marble, sandstone flooring and modern fittings in its five therapy rooms like steam cubicles and in-built whirlpools. The spa garden flanking the structure is an oasis of calm so imperative for post-therapy ‘blissing-out’ amidst birdsong and the gurgling of the ornamental fountains.

After a quick scan through the rather exhaustive spa menu, over a warming cup of lemongrass and ginger infused green tea, I was ready to indulge. And in keeping with the whole royal mood of my stay at Suryagarh, I opted for a trio of treatments at the Rait Spa with a two-pronged agenda. One, I wanted to feel pampered like a maharaja of yore. Two, I wanted to re-connect with wellness, something my stressed out urban existence was sapping out of me.

For the first part of my treatment—the 120-minute Thermal Sand Body Massage and Scrub [`7,000]—my body was anointed with a heady spice scrub that my therapist told me consisted of a blend of Kerala vanilla, cardamom and mace. With this ointment coaxed into my every pore, the dead accumulated skin was slowly sloughed off with every deft stroke. The exfoliation session was then followed up with an hour-long massage that employed the use of small heated potlis [bundles] of Jaisalmer sand that, I was told, helped in relieving stiff muscles. And give relief it did, as I felt the nagging soreness in my neck ease away into oblivion and the knot in my lower back undo itself, thanks to all the thermal attention it was getting. The third part of the therapy was a henna [lawsonia inermis] and khus khus [vetiver] potli rub that was the ideal treatment for stress and exhaustion, I was informed. The bundles help by opening the pores further, so that they can release a deep medicinal heat to the muscles to relieve tension and revitalise the body, all the while focussing on the eastern theories of energy meridians. Well, I don’t know about any energy meridians, but it sure worked on me and had me feeling totally rejuvenated and ready to face the world a brand new man.

Speaking of face, the second therapy I was booked in for was the rather aptly named Rajputana Facial [`2,950]. This 60-minute therapy was a gentle journey of cleansing, exfoliation, massage and toning that began with the application of a paste made from almonds [a good source of vitamin E and proteins] and rose petals [known for their re-hydrating properties]. As my skin is on the drier side and prone to a bit of flaking, this was perfect. I could feel the tautness all over my face vanish as the almond-rose paste worked its wonders. The facial was then finished off with the application of a pomegranate toner as the ruby-jewelled fruit is well-known as an excellent astringent.

For the grand finale and curtain call for my afternoon of pampering, I had chosen to soak my body in the Bayra Bath [`4,450] for an hour. Inspired by the Ayurvedic Abhyangam, this bath had in its warm waters an added mixture of melted honey and lavender extract that was gently rubbed into my skin. Like rose petals, honey too is known for its skin re-hydrating properties, while adding a protective layer. Lavender on the other hand, I learnt, aids in balancing the skin’s natural pH balance while relieving pain and nervous tension.

But tension was the last thing on my mind after all that pampering and wellness that my body was subjected to. Bliss had taken over and my every cell was celebrating its sweet victory!

Rait Spa at Suryagarh, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Contact: www.suryagarh.com

This was first published in the September 2013 issue of Complete Wellbeing.

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I was booked in for a signature coffee therapy experience at the Oma Spa that is part of The Serai, Bandipur, which is a brand new resort that rolls over 19 acres of perfectly manicured gardens and lush meadows. This cozy resort is wedged in the heart of the 880 sq km Bandipur National Park, itself a part of Karnataka’s Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which includes the Nagarhole National Park, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mukurthi National Park.

Oma, meaning ‘life giver’ in Sanskrit, is a very unique spa based on the principles of holistic, natural, back-to-the-earth wellness and beautification. Housed a few metres away from the main resort area, the calming spa is a standalone structure made to resemble a wooden log cabin, done up in soothing earth tones with plenty of natural elements like driftwood and cane used in its interior décor.

While I was being led to my therapy room by my Manipuri masseuse Mary, she explained to me that my three part Oma Signature Therapy was to be a three-and-a-half hour long journey into the therapeutic world of caffeine. Apparently, the wonder substance operates in three ways when applied to the skin—it not only is an antioxidant and a diuretic but is also a vasoconstrictor [it narrows blood vessels] that helps in eye treatment for reducing puffiness and dark circles as well as tightening the skin around the eyes.

And so, channelling my inner hedonist, I began my pampering session with the 90-minute Oma Signature Massage [INR 3,500]. For this therapy, Mary employed a combination of long strokes and acupressure techniques, using nourishing oils blended with aromatic coffee extracts, that for once had me in a trance with its mildly cappuccino-like fragrance. As all my tense musculature began to submit to Mary’s healing touch and I could feel the stresses of my urban existence melt away into oblivion. Time also seemed to take a vacation of its own as I slept through the last half hour of the massage only to be woken by Mary’s gentle clanking of bamboo sticks to indicate the end of part one of my therapy and the onset of part two.

This second instalment was an hour long Oma Signature Body Scrub [INR 2,200] in which my skin was polished using ground coffee beans that are grown on the resort’s estate. The brisk scrubbing, I was told, has an exfoliating effect, reducing cellulite [not that I had any!] and stimulating the lymphatic system. While I may not know much about all the above properties, one thing was sure: the exotic scrub did leave my skin glowing, with every pore exuding that warm scent of coffee I was beginning to like!

For the grand finale of my treatment, I was told to shave off my stubble as Mary prepared for my 60-minute Oma Signature Facial [INR 2,800]. Once again, the wonder bean coffee was basking in all its glory as my face was pampered and slathered with copious amounts of lotions and potions containing coffee extracts. Concentrating on my eyes, Mary made sure the puffiness was gone by the time she was done with me, while the fine lines around my mouth were bestowed with her attention as she pummelled them into submission. Assured that they would fade away after regular use of the coffee lotion, I was packed off with my own stash of cosmetics and unguents to take back home.

P.S. It’s been three months since my trip to Bandipur and my face has never looked so a-glow and nourished, thanks to all the coffee that gets slapped onto it every day… and the occasional cuppa that goes in as well!

This was first published in the June 2013 issue of  Complete Wellbeing.

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From ancient healing rituals to modern-day advancements, spas offer guests an abundance of treatments that stimulate all five senses and still the mind. However, for some people a ‘spa’ is just a fancy word for a ‘hair salon’ and a place for women to splurge on an over-priced maalish. While others believe it to be a load of mumbo-jumbo where terms like ‘wellbeing’ and ‘holistic approach’ are loosely used, with no tangible benefits. So, are spas really a place for just primping and preening, or are they much more than that?

Spas ≠ salons

The spa experience is based on ancient healing rituals infused with contemporary wellness innovations. Years of practised techniques do leave a person feeling rejuvenated and revitalised. Most massages find their roots in ancient Europe and Asia, where treatments were given to heal injuries, alleviate mental anguish, manage pain and improve blood circulation.

Our very own champi or Indian head massage is based on ayurvedic systems, expressly related to our chakras and energy flows. Champi involves kneading the points that suggest the most tension by skilfully tapping, chopping, plucking and cupping. The simple hand and foot massage is founded on the principle of reflexology that states that there are points on our palms and soles related to every organ, gland, and system in the body. The popular Swedish massage on the other hand, uses five styles of flowing strokes to massage rigid joints and improve circulation. While Thai massages combine massage with yoga-like positions, aromatherapy uses specific oils according to an individual’s need.

Every stroke in a spa has a well thought-out significance—the ergonomically designed spa bed, the peaceful décor, the soothing music, the optimum temperature—all contribute to that quintessential ‘wellness’ experience. And most significantly, spas only use trained and certified professionals to administer treatments, something you will never encounter in an ordinary salon.

Visiting a spa does help you; it’s not all indulgence

More and more people are suffering from shoulder and neck problems due to long working hours, headaches, lumbar pain or just plain frayed nerves. Reports illustrate that massage can effectively improve everyday wear-and-tear from swellings, cramps, soreness and muscle spasms by soothing the soft tissues and encouraging relaxation.

Massage also has a broad range of physiological benefits that include improved body alignment, better circulation of oxygen and nutrients, stimulation of the lymphatic system, reduction of stress hormones, increased joint mobility, flexibility and improved skin tone. Treatments also promote the elimination of toxins, flushing out metabolic waste, and therefore aiding recovery, especially during illnesses.

Now, more than ever, where daily exercise is a regular part of our health-conscious routines, a massage is highly recommended. Habitually taken, it renews tired muscles and also keeps healthy ones in peak form, preventing injuries. Massage also boosts immunity and nurses a variety of disorders from premenstrual syndrome, high blood pressure, arthritis to stress, anxiety and sleep disturbances.

Spas don’t just promote new-age spacey nonsense

Mental wellness is not necessarily found only in yoga and meditation, but in massage therapy as well. Massage treatments not only offer great physical benefits, but also promote a mental and spiritual awakening. There are many ayurvedic treatments that aim at restoring the mind-body balance and their emphasis is on oneness with the universe. Massage rituals also work on the natural automatic response to rub or clutch an affected area. It is this ‘human touch’ that practitioners employ as a powerful tool to heal and promote wellness.

Shiatsu has been proven to promote a general feeling of wellbeing through the shifting of Chi or energy points on a person’s body. Watsu, a combination of water therapy and Shiatsu, where the Watsuer tenderly moves a person through warm water in fluid movements, brings about a deep state of relaxation with dramatic changes in the autonomic nervous system. Many come out of a Watsu session saying that it was one of the most powerful experiences of their life. Some even express a delving into a subconscious level of peace and a lightening of emotional baggage after a tranquil massage.

One of the instantaneous benefits of any massage, be it a facial, head or body massage, is a feeling of immense serenity and calm. This occurs because massage aids the release of endorphins [the happy chemical] that induces a sensation of wellbeing by reducing stress, anxiety and depression.

Spas are not only for the rich and they aren’t a waste of money

Don’t go by a spa’s pricey menu and assume that spas are only for the moneyed and pretentious. Now, more than ever, spas have become accessible and affordable. Besides, most good spas give you some extras for the price tag such as a jacuzzi, steam and sauna, making it a great value-for-money proposition. Some hotel spas even give you access to their gym and pool facilities.

It’s upto you to make the most of your spa experience. Check your worries and your phone at the door and enjoy the ‘me time’, spending the day as languidly as you wish.

In addition to the herbal teas and exotic fresh fruits [a spa will doubtlessly pamper you with these after a treatment], find out if there is a café or restaurant attached to the spa, should you decide to make an afternoon of it. Spread yourself out for at least half-an-hour after you’ve finished your treatment, reading in the lounge or enjoying the gentle music in your spa room before re-entering the real world.

Most spas provide you with fluffy robes, slippers and even access to a rain or massage shower [should you have the energy to take one] stocked with every amenity possible.

Spas aren’t a “girly thing”

Men make up for more than 30 per cent spa goers and that figure is progressively mounting. Massages are the most popular treatment among men, trailed by a steam bath and sauna. Men are speedily uncovering the amazing benefits of spa treatments that not only make them look and feel terrific, but also help them switch off completely from the hustle and bustle of their work life.

An astounding amount of men have become comfortable with the idea of going to a spa for a facial, manicure and even a professional shave.

Spas throughout the country have begun catering to their ever-increasing male clientele with a plethora of treatments like sports massages, neck and shoulder massages, men’s manicures and pedicures, waxing treatments, body scrubs to exfoliate rough and dry skin and special gentlemen’s facials to treat acne or rough and dry skin.

Whether men are interested in a body treatment, deep-cleansing skin treatments, wraps or hand and foot services, they will discover numerous spa rituals tailor-made exclusively for them [you can ask for a male masseuse if you wish]. A healing spa experience isn’t just beneficial to women, as the majority of men will swiftly find out after their first visit.

This was first published in the February 2012 issue of Complete Wellbeing.

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• Massages
• Body rituals
• Facials

Spa massages

The massage category includes traditional Swedish, Balinese, deep tissue, as well as more off-beat therapies, like the novel rope massage, geo thermal therapy, lava shell massage and Thai foot reflexology.

Body rituals

The broad category of body treatments includes services like body scrubs or polishes, wraps and specific massages or treatments like the Dr Fish. These treatments can be availed for specific concerns using different products for moisturising, relaxing, brightening and healing.

Spa facials

Facials given in the spa are more elaborate, compared to those in beauty salons. They are also brand targeted.

Massages

Massage techniques are relaxing and have miraculous effects. A massage works on the age-old method of using energy meridians to stimulate the body’s inner power of balance and healing by applying pressure using the fingers, palms, elbows, knees or feet.

If you are looking for a complete body massage to relax yourself, go for a high pressure one such as a rope massage. A high pressure massage uses sweeping movement over the muscles and the ligaments of the body. It’s an excellent treatment for those involved in sports and physical activity and also for people suffering from back problems.

To relieve stress and boost immunity  go for a low-pressure massage such as the Swedish massage, which helps relax, stimulate and detoxify the body.

Few ingredients and massage types aimed at anti-ageing:

Citrus and green tea with Shiatsu

The Shiatsu massage involves stimulating the acupressure points of the body. It detoxifies the body, releases tightness and alleviates tension. It’s a perfect treatment to restore a better body mind balance and recover vitality. Citrus and green tea refresh your skin and help delay ageing.

Cardamom and cocoa with stone therapy

A well-moisturised body doesn’t age fast. Go for cardamom and cocoa body serum or oil as it helps increase your skin’s moisture levels. Stone therapy helps calms nerves, destresses you, thus helping you sleep better.

Body wraps

Body wraps offer relaxation, cleansing and detoxification that enhances the skins texture and vitality. The entire body is moisturised and smoothened, making you feel fitter, healthier and more relaxed. Different spas offer different types of body wraps using various ingredients some of them natural such as algae and others man-made such as chocolate. Most of the ingredients are packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that improve the skin’s texture, lending it a glow.

Before booking yourself for some spa indulgence, research various spas and the treatments they offer. This takes little work, and there is no perfect method to do this. Discuss the treatment in detail with the spa manager. Also discuss if you suffer from a medical condition such as hypertension, in which case you should be avoiding treatments that raise the heart rate such as a sauna, steam bath, or very warm wraps.

If you are still unsure of the treatment to take, simply go for the most basic, gentle massage they have to offer such as the Swedish massage. Keep trying out different treatments from each category. Slowly, you’ll start to get the hang of it and be able to decide on the types of treatment you most enjoy. Then making a choice will be easy.

Facial treatments

Few are spared of skin problems, thanks to pollution, changing weather and erratic eating habits. Spas offer various treatments to rejuvenate your face.

Cleansing is the first step and important in a facial. Insist on cleansing products that have a pH value between 5 and 5.5 as it corresponds to the skin’s natural pH. Using such products will ensure that that skin’s natural pH balance is not disturbed during application and that the skin’s natural acidic mantle that protects remains intact. The cleanser should contain no alcohol so that it doesn’t disturb the skin’s natural moisturizing factor [NMF].

Another ingredient that plays an important role in a spa facial is a serum. Serums or fluids are concentrated formulas for very specific conditions, such as hypersensitivity and dryness, anti ageing and lifting effect. They penetrate faster into the skin than creams. Most of the high-end luxury brand spas always work with different serums or fluid range to get perfect result. Those above 40 years of age can use lifting, collagen booster and direct beauty fluids.

Spas offer basic to specific facials such as lightening facials, age-defying facials, clarifying facials to name a few. Get your skin type diagnosed by the therapist before deciding which treatment is best for you.

If the pressure is not right for you, you can request your therapist to increase or reduce it.

Arrive for your appointment on time. Keep your cell phone on silent mode and always speak in soft tones to avoid disturbing the decorum of the spa.

Always shower/ shave before a body or facial treatment.

Follow the post-therapy instructions given. You may be asked to drink adequate fluids, not wash of the oils immediately after the treatment or take your time getting up after the therapy.

If you have reservations about being treated by a therapist of the opposite gender make them known to the spa manager so that she assigns you a therapist of your gender.

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We booked ourselves into an executive suite at the Radisson resort for our stay. I was pleasantly surprised to see that though this resort had the usual frills that Five Star resorts offer; there was something very earthy about it.

Although contemporary in its décor, the resort maintains the natural flora that originally inhabited this place. An exquisitely designed meditation room based on the five elements was a beautiful surprise. But for us, the magnet was Mandara, the spa.

Mandara, a chain of spas originally from Bali, has found a humble abode in the Radisson Alibaug. This is the largest branch in Asia, spanning 20,000 sq ft. Not surprisingly, where we expected spa rooms, we found opulent, indulgent and sprawling spa suites. Well, we weren’t complaining.

The spa menu didn’t look any less indulgent, and after some debate, we zeroed in on a treatment named the Mandara Sunset. Consisting of an aromatic salt scrub, a Balinese massage and a Thai herbal facial, it seemed like the perfect way to unwind.

Considering the time of the year and the climate, the spa manager recommended that we swap the aromatic scrub with the Tamarind body blast. The idea didn’t excite me much, but I relented under her insistence.

Our treatment suite was a traditionally designed couple room—two massage tables, a master bed for after-treatment relaxation, a vanity area, a shower cubicle and a changing room. The gentle lighting and soft music set the tone of the relaxing ritual, even as we stretched out on the massage table like royalty.

Our treatment began with a scrub with paste made of tamarind pulp, yoghurt, ground rice and honey. The citric and tartaric acids in tamarind are meant to smoothen and brighten the skin, while the yoghurt and honey add moisture and nourishment.

Ground rice works as a natural exfoliating agent to remove dead skin cells. The therapists scrubbed this mixture generously on my skin in soft gentle strokes. The paste was allowed to remain on the skin for about 10 minutes after which, we were guided to the shower to rinse it off.

It had been just 30 minutes since the tamarind pulp had touched my skin and my skin already felt much smoother and softer. I was glad I gave this a try and had the spa manager to thank for it. It was time for the massage itself.

Having experienced only Swedish massages before, I was looking forward to a Balinese one. Balinese massages use skin rolling and stretching, along with palm and thumb pressure techniques. At Mandara, they use special oils imported from Thailand.

These oils are non-greasy and have a mild fragrance. You can choose from lavender, Ylang Ylang or grapefruit. If you prefer a deep tissue massage, this massage may not be your thing. But you could ask the therapist to tweak the pressure to suit your threshold.

It worked perfect for me, although I felt it ended sooner than I expected. Then again, I’m not sure if it actually did or it was just me being greedy for more.

The facial consisted of six steps starting with cleansing, followed by toning. Then came a revival mask, a detox mask, a massage and a moisturiser. For each step, the therapist used a herbal product, [imported from Thailand, of course] specifically meant for the treatment. For the next 20 minutes, she worked her hands lightly, her touch almost feather-like.

Once the treatment was over, we were advised not to shower for a couple of hours to allow the oils used, to be absorbed by our skin as they were known to be beneficial. As we left the spa, feeling refreshed and relaxed, we were already making plans of our next visit.

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The little fish have been gaining popularity around the world for their ability to gobble up dead skin cells. But the fish are more like combfishes—they only devour dead skin, leaving the healthy skin to grow, and in the process carrying out a thorough exfoliation of the feet.

Fish ate my feet

Tall claims, I thought to myself. Nevertheless I went ahead to the Bamboo Tree Spa for what was to be my first experience of getting eaten up by another living organism! To my pleasant surprise, my encounter with these little scavengers left me asking for more.

No sooner had I put my feet in the tank than I found them surrounded by about a hundred tiny fish. For about a minute or two, it felt funny but soon I began to enjoy the feeling. I was fascinated at seeing my feet being a snack for the fish. So mild is the gnawing of the fish that it feels like a gentle caress.

But mildness doesn’t translate into ineffectiveness. On the contrary, it’s the most effective exfoliation treatment of its kind—that’s because these fish don’t have teeth. They use their lips to suck away dead skin, which also promotes blood circulation. When sucking the feet, the fish release an enzyme that heals wounds and stimulates regeneration of skin.

It’s not just the feet that feel nice with Dr Fish. The whole body feels relaxed—perhaps because the nibbling of the fish stimulates acupuncture points to relax your body and releases your fatigue. The tickling sensation makes you laugh, releasing stress. The act of merely watching the fish nibble at your fish is a stress buster.

Hygiene factor

Before I allowed my feet to be attacked by the cute little skin-hungry fish, I did some due diligence on hygiene. I learned from the attendant how the tank is kept germ-free by replacing water every evening. More importantly, I was informed that two ultraviolet sterilisers work in the tank round-the-clock to keep the water pathogen-free.

Feeling brand new

After my session was over, I was amazed at the clean job the tiny doctors had carried out. My feet seemed to have been dry-cleaned—they looked spotless, almost sterile; the surface too felt smoother than ever!

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What men want

Men, though are not as concerned as women in the notion of ‘alone-time’; appear to respond more to treatments that are physically beneficial, active and luxurious.

“Men seem to like the pedicures, Thai Yoga Massages, reflexology, deep tissue massages and aromatherapy, mostly taking treatments after a workout to relax sore muscles,” says Deanne Panday, founder and director of Play Health and Fitness.

She reveals that male clients are on the upswing, since spas are no longer considered a girly thing. Clients to her spa include Bollywood macho men like John Abraham, Dino Morea and Kunal Kapoor.

Just for men

Spas have promptly understood how to establish a gender-neutral ambience, where both men and women feel at ease. In fact, some spas have services and packages that are designed specifically for the male body and skin-like hand and foot treatments [which are used to treat dry, rough and cracked skin], sports massages, body wraps, facials, and body hair removal.

The manly spa menu

The treatments for men include:

• Facials: This is a good treatment for men who are first time spa goers. It doesn’t involve disrobing and is calming. Generally men are astounded by how dramatically effective facials can be, as men tend to use fewer products on a day-to-day basis.
• Deep tissue massages or sports massages: These massages work on the connective tissue—deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia. It uses the same movements and techniques as a Swedish massage, but employs more pressure. Sportsmen have frequent deep tissue massages and so this concept often attracts men who have the odd muscular niggle or even more acute muscular tension.
• Saunas and steams: Saunas and steam are specially built rooms that use heat—a sauna uses dry heat, while a steam room incorporates high humidity and warmth—to cure, relax and release toxins. Men like these rooms as they are once again linked with sports and muscular pain relief. A few minutes in the steam or sauna before a massage helps warm-up muscles and open pores, therefore making a massage more effective.
• Hydro massage: This water-based treatment is both active and relaxing. Solid jets of water massage the entire body as you lie in a tub. Some hydro massages can be quite rigorous, greatly relaxing the muscles.
• Back scrub: This indulgent treatment begins with a thorough cleansing of the back under aromatic steam. It includes a massage with a scrub suited to your skin type and a refining mask. It’s great to remove dead skin for a smooth glowing back.
• Peppermint sports pedicure: The conventional pedicure is adapted to the needs of the man on the go. A refreshing exfoliation with peppermint sea salt helps soften the feet, while detailed nail grooming is followed by a soothing calf and foot massage.
• Chest, stomach and back wax: A quick yet affordable method of taking off unwanted hair.

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The VIP Suite Couple Massage

The VIP couple massage suite at True Spa is tastefully done up, complete with scented candles, dim lighting and a twinkling starry roof—I couldn’t wait for the treatment to begin. The first step was to soak in a twin bathtub filled with a milk-like liquid and thousands of rose petals floating on it. Since I had only seen such indulgence in movies, being there made me feel like a diva. The moment we stepped into the bath, we were like two kids who had just received their favourite candy—we grinned from ear to ear for a full 20 minutes. It was fantasy, joy and sensuality, all rolled in one.

The next step was the actual massage, for which we were moved to the massage couch. [Trust me…you just don’t want to get out of that bathtub yet!]. The individual massage couches are close to each other, letting you gaze into your partner’s eyes, while relaxing in the hands of professional therapists who take their job very seriously. Our therapists used a dense aroma oil to skilfully work up every single muscle group in a certain sequence. I was already beginning to think that I should be doing this more often, when the hour-long massaged concluded. I came from out of my reverie feeling thoroughly relaxed in body and mind.

And I couldn’t imagine what new sensations showering in a glass shower cubicle would evoke. Then I found out. If the bathtub routine ignites the romantic feelings, and the massage therapy augments them, the showering step simply nails it down. The evening, I knew, will be savoured for a long, long time. No brownie points for guessing that I just didn’t want the treatment to end.

Professional touch

However good the spa and its facilities, without good therapists, everything is vain. Thankfully, our therapists were professional masseuses. Throughout the actual massage, they kept checking if we were comfortable and if the pressure they were applying was adequate. Moreover, not only did they know how to massage the right way, but they were also trained in etiquette. Each time they left the suite, we were gently informed how long they would be gone and what would happen next as part of the treatment.

The missing link

In the otherwise perfect setting, I was a tad disappointed that they had missed one important element—music. We would expect that a spa room, especially a couple suite, would have some soft, music playing in the background to complete the decadent experience.

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Among the spas that I have had the opportunity to visit, Quan Spa stands out by far as the most exquisite. From the moment I entered the spa till the time I left, I felt as if I was transported onto another planet.

Part of the reason for feeling this way was the ambience—the elegant decor, the calming illumination, the beautiful walkway to the treatment suite—in fact, everything that led up to the actual treatment.

Feeling like a Crown prince

Although I went alone, I was escorted to the majestic couples massage room, which raised my expectations manifold. The rooms of the Quan Spa are based on a unique theme of the seven chakras of the body.

Each room is designed to vibrate to the energy of the chakra it represents, complete with the colour of the spectrum of the respective chakra.

And the couples room, emitting a soft and soothing violet colour, represents—you guessed it—the Crown chakra.

Four steps to feeling like royalty

I took the Indoceane Spa Ritual, a four-step treatment to relieve the stress of urban life. It starts with the body scrub that is like a warm-up to the massage.

The Mediterranean Step: This step cleanses off the deep-rooted impurities that our regular cleansing routine cannot. While the skin gets cleaner, the mind gets relaxed. How I wish we could also scrub off other problems that cling to our life this way!

The Egyptian Step: The next step is the milk bath—I was left all alone in the bath tub filled with a milky liquid. In a short while, the therapist appeared with a cup of hot exotic tea, which I savoured while immersed in bath milk. After about half an hour or so, I felt I was ready for the next step—the Indian oil massage.

The Indian Step: By now I could sense that my therapist was professionally trained and knew exactly the movements, and the pressure needed for releasing the dormant aches and stresses from the muscles. This is a step I wanted to last much longer. Alas, it came to an end after about 35 – 40 minutes. But the disappointment is temporary, because soon you are treated to a heavenly body wrap.

The Chinese Step: At first, the step seems nothing spectacular—the therapist applies a certain moisturising cream all over your body. But slowly, the magic begins. While the cream nourishes your body and makes it feel soft and silky, its delicate fragrance of milky sandalwood delightfully comforts your senses. The treatment is over and you are left feeling deeply relaxed.

The therapist gently informs that you are not supposed to take a shower after this treatment. At first you wonder why. But you know the answer when, even several hours after the treatment, you smell like royalty.

The Quan Spa does make the visit worth every rupee.

Ratings

• Treatment: *****
• Ambience: *****
• Therapist: *****
• Price: ****

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