The web of wellness

Spa Mantra picks some websites that will help you offer a better spa experience

Urmi Chanda-Vaz

1. The Spa Gals
www.thespagals.com
Started by a bunch of travel writers cum spa enthusiasts, The Spa Gals is a fun site. Beth Blair, Jennifer Miner and Kara Williams comprise the trio who visit spas regularly for treatments and blog about their experiences. They also review spas, compile spa news, product reviews, trends and tips for spa travel. There are separate tabs for each, and the information is crisp and classified. There is even a section for spa deals, which spa lovers will like. Since the bloggers are based in the US, the spas reviewed are mostly American and the bloggers review spas by invitation too. The blog design is vibrant without being too casual, and easy to navigate. It has its own social network pages and thus is easy to follow.  Check it out for the reviews.

2. Massage Therapy Center
www. massagetherapycenter.wordpress.com
Massage Therapy Center is a wonderful resource for masseurs, as it sheds light on a great many kinds of therapy and their respective benefits. The blog belongs to a massage training organization by the same name in California, and they write mostly about techniques, tips and tricks of massaging. The posts are regularly made and are relevant to massage professionals and general readers. They also write about wellness and matters of the soul, since the physical and spiritual realms are connected. The Wordpress blog is simple in design and writing style. The array of sub topics is vast, with blog posts on Deep Tissue Massage, Craniosacral therapy, meditation, pain and injury management, breathwork, Seifukujitsu, posture, etc. It is also easy to subscribe to, with social network and follow buttons in place.

3. My Skin Concierge
www.myskinconciergeblog.com
For a blog (and a Twitter account) as popular as My Skin Concierge, there’s very little information of its founder. Ava Roxanne, who runs this busy blog, describes herself as a ‘skincare, spa & travel go-to gal’ and believes that taking care of the skin and spa-ing are not luxuries but essentials! The blog looks rather commercial with a bunch of advertisements, promotions, and badges sprinkled all over the place, but its clever design prevents it from looking cluttered. A pretty pink theme and plenty of pictures marks it as a woman’s domain. The blog has posts on all sorts of things, but chiefly focuses on spas and beauty products. Added perks are links to deals and free stuff like spa music and recipes. This is a great site for an all-round view of the wellness industry.

4. Natural Therapy Blog
www. naturaltherapyblog.org
Because spas aim at promoting all-round wellbeing for their clients, recommending safe and natural remedies and diets are often a part of their plan. This website is an excellent place to know about natural remedies and techniques that are simple yet effective and that bring about holistic wellness. The blog is very simply laid, with one detailed blog post after another and no unnecessary frills. The information is clear and precise and of high relevance to those working the wellness sphere. The range of topics is vast as one can surmise from some blog post titles: ‘Herbal users ignoring scientific guidelines’, ‘Does mistletoe really fight cancer?’, ‘Beet Juice: Simple but effective tool against hypertension!’, ‘French clay may help cure Buruli ulcer’, ‘Fat loss diet has rules you should stick to’, and ‘Aroma therapy: Relieve your digestive disorders with Peppermint oil’ are some examples.

This article appeared in the May-June 2012 issue of Spa Mantra

Wellness for Every Season

The towering Four Seasons Hotel in Mumbai holds within itself an oasis of tranquility. Step into The Spa and watch your worries melt away

The menu of The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel in Mumbai opens with a very interesting phrase: Invest in yourself. These are precious words of wisdom for any city-dweller lost in the chaos of existence. Up on the treadmill of routine, we seldom have any rest, little time and no peace. We forget how we abuse our bodies and minds in the daily grind; we forget about our brakes. Holding the menu in your hands and reading those words remind you of what you owe yourself. Those words remind you to stop, breathe, relax and most importantly, thank your body. They remind you that a much-needed spa session is what you should get and start afresh.

Feeling welcome

The Spa is spread over two floors of the Four Seasons Hotel and occupies a generous area. Upon entering the Spa Lobby Level 3, one is greeted by welcoming faces and an ambience that is contemporary, yet Indian. Little ethnic touches, like an elegant chest here, a flower pattern there, add warmth and a welcome air to the place. The Spa lounge plays soothing chants that puts visitors in the mood to unwind and relax. A retail area features several products used in the treatments, including perfumes, and ‘Gentlemen’s Tonic’ – the well known men’s grooming line on display. Clients may buy them, or simply acquaint themselves with products that will be used in their spa treatments. The Spa Manager then hands you a questionnaire with questions about your general health and medical conditions, as a part of the consultation. Based on the answers, you are recommended a treatment and explained its merits. The comfort level of the guest is ensured before any treatments are commenced.

The concept

The Spa likes to call itself an Indian spa, but it uses several Western treatments in tandem with Ayurvedic/Indian ones.  However, the ethos is Indian and it is reflected at several levels, like in their decor, their conduct and most importantly, the products they use. The spa extensively uses products from international brands like Lotus Wei, Sundãri, Ilā, and Forest Essentials, and Tathastu among others from India. These brands are not only Ayurvedic/Organic/Natural, but some are also known to support several NGOs. The Spa strives to support brands that support such causes. In fact, The Spa plans to eventually use all organic products for their treatments.

In keeping with their Indian approach, the spa offers complimentary Yoga programs for all spa members at the Yoga studio called Yoga Mudra. There are daily Sunrise Yoga sessions (at the rooftop) to start the day with, private and group Yoga sessions and even an Executive Yoga program, designed especially for the jet-setting professional. A meditation hall is adjacent to the Yoga studio, where clients can escape into tranquil recesses.

The interiors

As far as hotel spas go, The Spa at Four Seasons, Mumbai, is a sizeable one with almost 23,000 sq. ft., including the pool and the salon. It operates on the third and fourth levels of the hotel. Level three features the spa lounge and the men’s wet areas and relaxation lounge while the fourth level has eight treatment rooms and the women’s wet area and relaxation lounge. The interiors look warm with wooden furniture, earthy and pastel colours and plenty of natural light. In treatment rooms that require privacy, oil lamps or candles add to soft lighting.   

There are eight treatment rooms in all, all named after Yoga asanas. The Vajrasana and Nararajasana rooms are couples treatment rooms, with twin massage tables and a massive tub for two in each room. The Tadasana room or the Kerala room is where Ayurvedic treatments from Kerala like Shirodhara are given. The other five treatment rooms are single rooms. Strangely enough, the name plates of these rooms spell these names as Vajra-sana, Dhanura-sana, which looked rather odd because the proper suffix is ‘asana’, e.g. Vajra-asana… However, Sanskrit grammar apart, these treatment rooms are beautiful and very well conceptualized. It is here that therapists offer their clients treatments listed in the spa menu. Specific audio CDs with sacred chants and prayers complement the treatments, and massages strokes are often in tandem with the calming rhythm of the music. All the rooms have mood lighting, and the colour of the light changes in accordance with the treatment. Each room has its own private steam, shower chamber and locker room – something patrons really like and appreciate.  

Solus per aquas

Like all luxury spaces, there is a swimming pool alongside the spa. This rooftop pool is a private little sanctuary, with several cabanas and a small bar serving juices and drinks. There are even mini-treatments (20 minutes long) available at the poolside! From a separate spa menu called Cabana Comforts, clients can choose to have a quick head, hand or foot massage, which are named after the sun, moon and earth respectively.

However, one of our favourite spots at The Spa was the wet area, within the Changing Rooms. Besides the usual lockers and changing areas it features a wonderful expanse of the Vitality Lounge with its various ‘wet’ facilities. Guests are spoilt for choice here, with a choice of hot and cold Experience Showers, a Steam or an Ice Fountain to cool down with.   

However, the most wonderful feature of this wet area is the Vitality Pool. With its metal grill back rests and bubbling water, the pool looks absolutely inviting. Clients can soak in after a treatment, or simply step into it to wind down.

Speaking of winding down, The Spa has a dedicated Relaxation Room, where patrons can unplug, relax and even catch 40 winks post treatment!

The treatments

The Spa offers treatments divided into four main sections, namely Body Therapy, Ayurveda, The Ilā Experience and Face and Body.

 Massages of varying intensity – Ojas (intense), Tula (medium) and Mukta (soft) are offered under the Body Therapy. Other treatments include regulars like the Hot Stone Therapy and the non-so-regular ‘Apoha Mizra’. In fact, the latter is exclusive to The Spa at Four Seasons and is a unique combination of western techniques and Ayurvedic healing traditions.

The Ayurveda menu includes the highly popular Shirodhara, Pada Mardhana (intense foot massage), Uzhichil (body massage) and Shiro Mardhana (head massage).

The Ilā Experience therapies make exclusive use of Ilā products and include a Body Marine Algae Therapy, a Marine Facial, a Rainforest Rejuvenation Facial, a Ku Nye Massage (Tibetan), a Kundalini Back Massage and even a Pregnancy Scrub and Massage.  The Spa is one of the very few places that offer treatments for pregnant women. This gentle therapy employs a mild scrub, massage and music meant for the well-being of both, the mother and the baby.

The Face and Body package includes three Gotu kola variants – Firming Body Envelopment, a body polish and a firming facial. There are two other facial variants too called the Sundari Facial and the Neem Healing Facial. But the most popular treatment that belongs to this category is the Roopana Body Ritual. This treatment is often preferred by couples, and involves a neem-based treatment.

The Spa prides itself for its simple menu that offers clients clear choices. Assistant Spa Manager, Kamal Rana says, “We have kept our menu simple, so as to not confound our clients. The choices are straightforward, without being restrictive.”

The highlights

One of the distinguishing things about The Spa is that all their therapists are CIDESCO & CIBTAC certified. Even if freshers are hired, they are trained in house and are tested for their skills regularly. Of the eight therapists (7 women, 1 man), four are trained in Reiki and use their skills to complement the regular treatments.   

The Spa frequently introduces special programs and promotions, whereby special client categories are catered for. These include, for instance, discounts for senior citizens, ‘Spa and Dine’ packages for couples and even an innovative one named ‘Eat, pray, spa’.

Another notable thing about The Spa is the intelligent business strategy they have employed in terms of membership and accessibility. The spa is open to not only in house guests and spa members, but also walk-in patrons. In fact, 68% of their footfalls comprise such walk-in patrons. They also have a decent number of members at present. Lastly, the spa has a dedicated gym and a Rosano Ferretti salon. 


With big endevours and small, The Spa strives to make a client’s experience memorable and makes you want to ‘Invest in yourself’ time and again. 

Factfile

Opened in: 2008

Area: Over 23,680 sq. ft. (over levels 3 and 4)

Location: Worli, Mumbai

Spa manager: Anjna Poonia

Spa timings: 6am to 10.30pm on all days

Appointments: Pre-fixed, beginning at 9am every day

Gym timings: 6am to 10pm (flexible on request)

Pool timings: 7am to 7pm

Number of therapists: 8 (1 male, 7 female)

Products used: Sundãri, Ilā, Forest Essentials, Tathastu

Certification: CIDESCO & CIBTAC certified therapists

Specialities: Pregnancy massage, couple treatments

Most popular treatment: Roopana Ritual

Client profile: Mostly middle aged males

Website: http://www.fourseasons.com/spa/

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(This article appeared in the Jan-Feb 2012 issue of Spa Mantra - a B2B magazine for the spa and wellness industry. The article can also be read here.)

The luxury ticket to Phuket

This  stunning island may be small, but it is big on the choices is offers spa connoisseurs

Think Phuket, and you can’t help but think of beautiful beaches, tropical sunsets, luxurious spas, and a ton of fun! It is not for nothing that Phuket commands these wonderful images to one’s mind. Over the years, this sunny little island from Thailand has built up the best hotels, spas and other luxury destinations. A favourite among not just Asians but travellers from across the globe, Phuket offers so much that one is spoilt for choice. We take a look at the 10 best spas from among the hundreds that dot the city.

1. Banyan Tree Spa

Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts is one of the most luxurious chains and respected names in the hospitality industry. Each of their facilities is truly world-class, no less their spas. The Bamboo Tree Spa in Phuket that opened in 1994, was the first luxury oriental spa in Asia and pioneered the concept of a tropical garden spa. It was among the first to offer beauty and health packages with holistic approaches – a tradition that has since been adopted by spas across the world. Presently, they offer packages that go by evocative names like Tranquility Hydromist (for men), Tropical Rainmist, Harmony Banyan and Royal Banyan among others. 

For the highest standards it adheres to, the Banyan Tree at Phuket has been a winner of several accolades. Among these are being ranked number two in the Top 10 Asia Resorts category at the Condé Nast Traveler 20th Annual Readers' Choice Awards. The resort was also ranked number eight in the Top 100 Resorts of the world.

Where

Banyan Tree Spa Phuket

33 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road,

Cherngtalay, AmphurTalang

Phuket, 83110

Thailand

Ph: +66 76 324 374

Email: spa-phuket@banyantree.com

2. Golden Tulip Ayurvedic Spa

The spa at the Golden Tulip Mangosteen Resort and Spa is the only one in Phuket to operate entirely on Ayurvedic principles. It has a certified Ayurvedic doctor, who offers a detailed consultation and analysis to patrons before beginning the treatment. The ‘Dosha’ of the patron is determined before prescribing the most appropriate treatment or therapy. It combines Yoga techniques with Ayurvedic treatments for complete rejuvenation.

The other great attraction of the Golden Tulip spa is its locale. It is situated on a secluded hillside and offers a panoramic view of four bays around it. In this unique setting are offered their signature treatments like Chakra Balancing, Dosha Purifying, Atma Healing, and Mangosteen Ayur Journey.  Other long-term health treatments also available here include Kaya Shodhna (detoxification program) and Rasayanam (rejuvenation) which take up to four weeks. 

These Ayurvedic treatments, combined with the stunning locale truly make the Golden Tulip Spa one of the best spas in Phuket.

Where

The Golden Tulip Mangosteen Resort

99/4 Moo 7, Soi Mangosteen, Rawai
Phuket, 83130
Thailand

Tel: +66 76 289 399

Email: spa@goldentulipmangosteen.com

3. Anantara Spa

Reviewers have often noted the attention to detail that has gone into the making of the Anantara Phuket Villas that is steps away from the Andaman Sea. Designed by the renowned Bill Bensley, a balance between the beauty of the surroundings and the beauty of the architecture is maintained throughout the property, especially the spa. The spa has five luxurious treatment suites, two suites with private terrazzo soaking tubs, a dedicated Ayurvedic suite, a couples’ treatment room and a traditional Thai sala for yoga and massages. In its serene environ, clients can choose to have any of the traditional Thai or Ayurvedic treatments.

The spa offers the signature Pearl of Andaman Treatment, which refreshes the body and mind with a floral foot ritual, followed by a traditional Chinese Herbal Back massage, shower, a Pearl Facial and finally a refreshment ritual. Other treatments include a Thai Herbal Compress Massage, the Journey of Siam, and the Lullaby Sleep Therapy among others.

Where

888 Moo 3 ,Tumbon Mai Khao,

Amphur Thalang, Phuket 83110

Thailand

Tel: +66 (0) 7633 6100

Email: phuket@anantara.com    

4. The Spa, Paresa Resorts

Look up Paresa Resorts on the Internet, and you will see only wonderful reviews about this beautiful resort on the Kamala Beach in Phuket. Little wonder that it was the winner of the Traveler’s Choice Award in 2011. The resort, with its idyllic location, provides the perfect setting for the exotic treatments it offers at the Paresa Resort Spa also known as the Kamala Phuket Spa. Treatments are inspired by ancient Thai healing rituals, and the spa, features 5 double treatments suites with baths and steam showers, and private balconies overlooking the Andaman Sea, where patrons can lounge and relax.

The spa specializes in detox and offers a variety of programs, starting from three days to 28 days. Several therapies are employed during the detoxification process, including the Ambrosia Therapy, Elixir Therapy, Meditation Therapy, Movement Therapy, Music Therapy, Scent Therapy and Treatment Therapy. These treatments coupled with their famed hospitality promises to make a visit to the Paresa Resort a great experience.

Where

49 Moo 6, Layi-Nakalay Road

Kamala , Phuket 83150

Thailand

Tel: +66 76 302000

Email: rsvn@paresaresorts.com or info@paresaresorts.com

5. Trisara

For those who like their beaches and their quiet, the Trisara Resort in Phuket is the perfect place to escape to. Located on the comparatively undeveloped north-western coastline of the island, the sea-facing resort with big walled-in gardens is tailor-made for people seeking privacy.  The spa within the resort is spread over 16,000 sq. feet with six private treatment suites, a treatment room for two persons, and the usual steam, shower and changing rooms.

The highlight of the spa is the Royal Trisara – a massage involving three masseurs simultaneously. The products used for their treatments are 100% organic and they work in partnership with expert herbalists who offer Purification and Revitalisation programs. Additionally, guests can avail of the yoga and meditation facilities.

Where

60/1 Moo 6,

Srisoonthorn Road,

Cherngtalay, Thalang,

Phuket 83110 Thailand

Tel: +66 76 310100

Email: reservations@trisara.com 

6. Palm Spa, Twinpalms

Twinpalms is one of the most popular traveler hangouts in Phuket with its restaurants, nightclub, beachclub and especially The Palm Spa. The world-class spa, like the rest of the resort, is known for its chic, modern and minimalist interiors and an array of treatments. From detoxifying body wraps to a Swedish Massage to a traditional Thai Massage, the treatments are all top of the line and are done using the best in spa products.

The Palm Spa specialises in some super-long treatments, called the ‘Dream Packages’ that can take up to four hours. Take for instance the ‘Dawn till Dusk’ package that includes a steam, Jacuzzi, polish, wrap, massage and facial and takes four hours. If that sounds too long for you, similar packages with lesser durations are available too, like the ‘Daydreamer’s Duluxe (3 hours)’, ‘Siam Traditions (3 hours)’, ‘Surin Essentials (2 hours)’ and ‘Bid Stress Farewell (2 hours)’ among others.

Where

106/46 Moo 3,

Surin Beach Road,

Cherng Talay,

Phuket 83110, Thailand

 Tel: +66 (0) 7631 6500

Email: book@twinpalms-phuket.com

7. Tew Son Spa, Katathani Beach Resort

The spa at the Katathani Phuket Beach Resort gets its unique name from the swaying Casuarina or Tew Son (in Thai) trees that line the property. The spa even has a special Casuarina Leaf Enzyme Wrap as one of its treatments on the Spa Menu!

Located in the secluded Kata Noi Bay, the Katathani resort has won awards by Thailand Tourism many times over. Far from the madding crowd, the Tew Son spa makes for a wonderful place to unwind and relax. The spa uses the best products to administer age-old Thai massages and treatments. Notable among them are the ‘Secrets of Siam’ couple’s treatment and the 4-hour-long Katathani Paradise package. Other routines include an Aromatic Herbal Steam, facials, a roof-top Jacuzzi, foot and body massages and manicures and pedicures.

Where

14 Kata Noi Road,

Karon, Muang,

Phuket 83100 Thailand

Tel: +66 (0) 7633 0124 to 6

+66 (0) 7628 4096 to 100

Email: reservation@katathani.com

8. Spa Royale, Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

If a royal treatment is what you want from your spa in Phuket, the place to go to is Mom Tri’s Spa Royale at the famous Mom Tri’s Villa Royale Boutique Hotel. Created by renowned artist and architect, Mom Tri (also a descendant of the Thai royal family), the multiple award-winning hotel and its spa offer traditional and luxurious treatments to its clients.

Among the treatments offer at the Spa Royale are steam baths, facials, body and foot massages, body scrubs and wraps, and aromatherapy massages. Notable among them are the Tamarind with White Mud and Yoghurt body treatment and the Royale Treatment's Siam Bouquet body mask and gentle scrub that uses a centuries-old recipe with a blend of nine flowers used by ladies of the court in the royal palace.

Where

12 Kata Noi Road,

Kata Noi Beach,

Phuket, 83100 Thailand

Tel: +66 76 333 568

E-mail: info@villaroyalephuket.com

9. Aman Spa, Amanpuri

The Aman properties are all known names in the wellness industry, but the Aman Spa at Amanpuri, Phuket holds a special place. It was the first full service spa among them and has been a firm favourite among regulars.

The Aman Spa features six huge Thai-style pavilions that have been tastefully done up with wood and glass interiors. Expert therapists offer personalized assessments to clients and recommend tailor-made treatments. Treatments are given only with the best quality handpicked oils and creams made from organically-grown plants. The most noteworthy treatments include the essential body cleansing scrub with Himalayan crystal salts, the Envelope Me wrap that uses red or white Argiletz clay, the Zone facial that involves reflexology and their Swedish-sports fusion massage program. Yoga and meditation are complimentary.

Where

Pansea Beach, Phuket 83000
Thailand

Tel: +66 76 324 333

Email: amanpuri@amanresorts.com

10. Phang Nga Resort and Spa, Aleenta Phuket

Here is a spa within a resort with a green heart. The Phang Nga Resort and Spa at Aleenta has won many accolades, notably Thailand’s Best Small Green Resort. The Natai Beach on which it is located, has been awarded 5 stars for cleanliness of beach and water quality, which speaks volumes about the standards the resort maintains.

Apart from cleanliness, what is unique about the resort is the spa here, called the IV Spa. It is so called because it offers four signature treatments inspired by the four elements viz. the sun, moon, earth and sea. Called the Sun Experience, Moon Experience Sea Experience and Earth Experience respectively, each is a combination of treatments like facials, wraps, scrubs and massages. It also offers something called the Traditional Experience with time-tested Thai techniques and even a special Couples Experience.

Where

33 Mu 5, Khokkloy

Thakuathung,

Phang Nga 77220,

Thailand

Ph: +66 2-514-8112

Email: grm.aph@aleenta.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(This article appeared in the Jan-Feb 2012 issue of Spa Mantra - a B2B magazine for the spa and wellness industry. The article can also be read here.)