THAT HEALING FEELING BROKERS A SENSIBILITY WHICH OUTLASTS SHEER INDULGENCE. CHUMKI BHARADWAJ LISTS SOME SPA PACKAGES THAT HELP MAINTAIN A FINE BALANCE.
You’ve got to admit there’s something almost karmic about surrendering one’s limbs over to a massage therapist. Imagine the luxury of a diamond massage administered by 1.5 carats of diamonds or the allure of a mother of pearl body treatment that uses hand-crushed queen conch shell mixed with aromatherapeutic oils to create a gentle scrub; or the more exotic Brazilian Tepezcohuite (pronounced Te-pez-co-whee-tay: skin tree) massage traditionally used by the Mayans to stop bleeding, prevent infection, and treat lesions. Clearly, indulgence comes seeped in many forms of matter. Spice plates out a menu of some that are more au courant. The Chedi Oriental Ritual (150 mins) is reminiscent of the United Nations on a spa bed, for it combines western spa techniques, eastern philosophy and spa rituals and healing traditions of exotic Bali, India and Tibet. The treatment begins with an aromatherapy foot polish to refresh your feet, followed by Thai-style foot reflexology to stimulate the reflex points. Next, surrender to the signature Chedi Jade Massage as two therapists work in unison, using a variety of massage techniques such as Shiatsu, Balinese, Hawaiian and Lomi Lomi to dissolve deep muscle tension and soothe the weary spirit, using a mixture of palmarosa and lemon oil.
Once the tension has been kneaded and the toxins flushed, it’s time to prepare for the Himalayan crystal body polish. This treatment is ideal for cellulite, stress and any and every skin-related malady. Choose from wild-grown argain oil with juniper berry, organic rose geranium for energising and damascena rose otto with jasmine and organic rosehip seed oil for detoxifying. Round off the trip to herbal haven with an exotic bathing ritual. The oriental bathing ceremony uses a mixture of maychang and white infused
Himalayan bath salts and oil to help you attain nirvana, if it’s eluded you thus far.
Break out of the vault; it’s time to play Fort Knox with this gold body treatment (75 mins). The anti-inflammatory properties of this luxurious mineral heal the micro-damage inflicted upon the body to revitalise the skin. Begin with an invigorating exfoliation with golden sugar (gold particles, cane sugar and ylang-ylang) that eliminates dead skin cells and refines the texture of the skin. Follow it up with a massage using a fragrant mix of oils, enriched with dazzling gold particles to lend radiance. Of course, in this case, all that glitters is gold and the result thereof.
Green as a hue finally gets its due at the Mandarin Oriental spa with Warmth & Wellness: a new green and sustainable spa package. This 80-minute holistic treatment developed with Amala, a premium, eco-conscious skincare line, begins with a body polish using crushed olive stone to exfoliate, and a gentle fine-grain sea salt to re-mineralise the skin. Post the polish, a detoxifying warm body mask of white clay is applied to draw out impurities, while the therapist balances the energy chakras to enhance cleansing of both mind and body. The treatment concludes with a 40-minute massage using a combination of velvety body butter, nourishing organic Mediterranean myrtle, fig and olive oil.
Go native with the Kurumbaa Kaashi Coconut Rub (90 mins) a unique island treatment that refreshes the skin using the humble coconut. The husk of the coconut is used as the ideal tool for skin brushing—a 10-minute process where the wiry texture of the husk removes dead cells. This is followed by a 20-minute full body exfoliation using freshly grated coconut containing high levels of vitamin E which is said to prevent ageing caused by free radicals. After the scrub comes the soothing wrap of honey and papaya. End with a generous slather of coconut oil for that ethereal glow.