WELLNESS

Wellness from Within

Merging ancient Eastern healing techniques with modern beauty treatments, DII WELLNESS MED SPA finds the perfect balance between mind, body and spirit, as reena hallberg discovers

walking through the reception of Dii Wellness Med Spa is a multisensory experience; the smell of organic products, futuristic all-black walls contrasted by silver furnishing and floor-to-ceiling crystal DNA double helix strands, all of which prompts intrigue and anticipation.

As I step into the foyer, I am asked to close my eyes. A few seconds later, when I open them, I am standing in a pitch-dark corridor, lined with black glossy mirrors and illuminated by hundreds of overhanging glowing crystal droplets. If not for my therapist leading me, I would have probably lost my way in what seemed like an illusion of spatial infinity.

Once my eyes are accustomed to the darkness, I am led to the treatment room, which is thankfully a little more lit. The spacious suite is comprised of two heated beds, two deep-soak stone tubs and an herbal steam room. I am delighted to find that the calming colour-changing crystal droplets continue to be a part of the interiors. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but are also a lighting therapy that promotes physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing.

Since its inception in 2001, Divana has become a name synonymous with wellbeing. The original boutique spa on Sukhumvit Soi 25 set the precedent by offering authentic Thai spa treatments using organic products. Some 17 years on, Divana has branched out to include

four day spas, one wellness centre and two clinics – each with its own identity and range of treatments.

Dii, which is short for Divana, integration and innovation, is the brand’s flagship medical spa at the upscale Central Embassy. The spa prides itself on its signature treatments that blend Eastern therapeutic practices with modern aesthetic treatment. I am embarking on the Ayurveda Black Marine, a 240-minute programme that promises rejuvenation from top to toe.

My session begins with an Ashiyu bath – Ashiyu which quite literally means foot bath, is an ancient Japanese practice where feet are soaked in hot spring water. Here, my therapist uses hot water with sea salt, fresh kafir lime and rose petals for an equally relaxing experience.

Next, I delve into traditional Chinese healing with black jade therapy. For the massage, my skilled therapist uses precious jade stones to massage aromatic sandalwood and mint oil onto my body using a range of different strokes. The stones are first steamed and tested in her palm for heat, and then applied to strategic areas. Legend has it that the jewel contains unique healing properties that help protect individuals from negative energy. When used for medicinal purposes, the stone detoxifies the body, eases muscle tension and promotes healthy skin. I can’t personally vouch for the spiritual energy, but I can guarantee the physical restoration the hot stones had on my stiff neck.

Right after this, we begin with the juventide collagen warm compress treatment. Yah, my therapist, begins by applying generous amounts of collagen gel on my body in a masklike consistency, following that with a warm milk compress. While my body absorbs the benefits of moisture and elasticity of collagen, a weightless nasal cannula tube is placed near my nose and I am given an oxygen boost. The Airnergy therapy helps improve circulation, relaxes the nervous system and increases stamina.

After a 15-minute system boost, my tresses are treated to Shirodhara. This centuries-old ayurvedic ritual involves warm oil trickling onto my forehead from an overhanging silver pot, running through the length of my hair. The continuous flow of oil on my forehead is deeply relaxing and induces me into a short nap. Yah then applies a red marine algae mask to further condition my hair. The slimy substance is rich in properties that are known to thicken and boost hair growth. All the gooey goodness of the hair and body mask is absorbed further into my skin through a 15-minute herbal steam.

After a shower, I get started on an invigorating facial. It starts with cleansing, followed by a marine enzyme scrub. Next, Yah uses warm black jade to massage my face and follows this with ice cold aquamarine stone face lift. I have to admit, the sudden contact with cold stone startled me, but my therapist did everything she could too ease me into this alien sensation. For the final step, a thick layer of placenta rejuvenation mask is applied to my face.

Later, as I sipped on freshly squeezed orange juice and enjoyed a bite of puff pastry – courtesy of Divana’s Signature Café – I could immediately feel the difference. My face felt firmer and visibly brighter, my skin was supple and nourished, and my hair felt full and moisturised. From soul to sole, I emerged feeling fresh and restored – and also very ready for bed.