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Showing posts with label spa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spa. Show all posts

Aug 24, 2009

Vedic Village: get well soon


Writing has been sporadic and will continue being so till next week. One, I've been caught up with too many things, including regular office work, theatre workshop, home management -- or lack of it -- and much else.
But what can one write when one of the premium spa properties in India is set ablaze by a furious mob. Yes, we are talking about Vedic Village, that amazing property tucked away 40 minutes away from central Kolkata. A resort which offers luxurious packages and therapies and is also home to many celebs and well-known personalities from different walks of life, Vedic Village had plans firmly in place for the upcoming Durga Puja. The Pujo Package for a deluxe room, for instance, is supposed to start from Rs 25,000 (two nights) and includes, besides other offers, also a spa treatment for a couple (Abhyangam or deep tissue massage/relaxing orange oil massage/vitalising back therapy and floral oil massage).
Considering the level of destruction caused due to the fire -- it didn't help that the property used a lot of thatch for its design aesthetics -- has been immense, one wonders if the packages on offer will still continue to remain for visitors.
Here's wishing the resort speedy recovery.

Aug 8, 2009

Ayurvedic products by Iraya


Inspired by Ayurveda, Iraya, a three-year-old brand unveiled its new range of products for the Indian market recently. The beauty and wellness brand from Sadatan Pure Ayurveda, Iraya reaches out with its range of “natural” beauty products. Natural is the key word here especially because the brand’s range comprises of products that believe in nature’s own healing process, bestowing complete wellness and lasting beauty from within. Needless to say, none of the products have synthetic colorant or fragrance.
Appreciated — and used — by spa professionals and wellness patrons, Iraya products are present at over 50 spas in India and overseas destinations. This includes spas like Sereno Spa at Park Hyatt, Goa, Quan Spa at JW Marriott, Mumbai, Blu Spa at Marriott Hotel Goa, Club Prana Spa at The Hyatt Regency (Mumbai and Kolkata) and The Spa at Shangri-la, New Delhi, to name a few.

Kumkumadi Balm
Prescribed in Ayurveda as a “miraculous elixir’ for the skin, this balm is a concoction of pure saffron and 10 precious Ayurvedic herbs that lighten and brighten the complexion. It evens skin tone, clears blemishes, minimizes fine lines and surface imperfections and helps improve skin texture and complexion. Excellent for dry skin.
Rs 475 (50 gms)

Orange & Green Tea Scrub
With extracts of green tea, orange, walnut shells (yes, that’s right) and almonds, this face scrub gently removes dead skin cells, improves skin texture and tones up the skin. Regular use will aid in a luminous complexion and a healthy glow. Other ingredients in the scrub include bael fruit (amazing!), aloe vera (trusted), apricots, almonds and grapefruit seed extracts. Who knows, maybe it’s delicious to taste too ;)
Rs 195 (50 gms)

After Shave Gel With Tea Tree
With extracts of tea tree, wild grass and aloe vera, this soothing gel calms irritated skin and wonderfully moisturizes while also reducing any inflammation. An excellent unisex product, it can be used as an after-shave soother to soften and heal the skin as naturally as possible.
Rs 195 (150ml)

Oatmeal Soap
A wholesome, mildly-exfoliating soap that leaves skin soft, smooth and fresh. With the calming aroma of oatmeal and the goodness of cold-pressed oils, step into the shower armed with this soap to de-stress at the end of a long day. Containing oat flakes, coconut oil, rice bran oil, vanilla, olive oil, vegetable glycerine and aqua, this could be you next pick.
Rs 115 (100gm)

Triphala Face Tonic
Iraya’s signature Triphala face tonic balances the metabolic mechanism and opens up the channels of the skin with its cleansing action. Triphala helps to enhance the skin's natural resistance to free radical damage. The nutrition that your face gets with the face tonic includes amla, sandalwood, vetiver oil, vegetable glycerine, natural “grain” alcohol besides essential oils of neroli, ylang ylang and Indian rose.
Rs 225 (150ml)

Orders can also be placed online at www.iraya.in
Picture courtesy: Iraya

Jul 29, 2009

Review: Swedish massage at Mystic Salon & Spa, Delhi


If the road – it’s a lane actually -- leading to Mystic Salon & Spa is a disaster, the therapy, which lasts for the next one hour, is just the divine intervention that’s needed. It’s a place that doesn’t disappoint. It’s a spa centre that ensures you a very polite staff, a gorgeous ambience and a luxurious setting in the midst of a maddening, bustling lane. It helps that the windows are close to 80 per cent — if not more — soundproof, it certainly helps that the rooms are plush, complete with a very Zen-like feel and immediately inviting. In short, it’s clean, rich without being overtly opulent and very, very inviting.
Having gone there just a few days ago, I found myself gazing at the vast menu of therapies that the spa offers. I took another 30 minutes to make up my mind; wondering if I should opt for Ayurveda, Thai massages or just stick to reflexology. The centre also offers other regular salon services, by the way.
I decided on the traditional Swedish massage, a heady therapy, which, according to one of the staff members at Mystic, was the best. Decision made, I was then led to the first floor of the spa where, after getting served a cool bottle of mineral water, I was staring at one of the most beautiful rooms of the space. A special mention about the interiors of the place: It was large and spacious with spectacular wooden flooring that broke into little pebble-stone islands. There were faux palm trees, a bamboo plant (to further add to that Zen-like tranquility), Jacuzzi area with luxurious Grohe fittings, a therapy bed on which – unfortunately — a wilted carnation greeted me.
Anyway, Maria, my therapist, got down to the business of kneeding different points which, in my case especially, are inflicted with stress knots. What she used was orange-flavoured oil, which had extracts of – what else – orange and what I suspected, even a hint of pepper. This feels warm on your body and is especially suited for those who are prone to dry skin. Actually, I was impressed that Maria, looking at my skin, could immediately tell it was dry. However, I do wish spa therapists – in different centres, and not just Mystic – specifically ask clients if they’re at all allergic to certain oils.
The massage felt blissful but my only concern was the Maria’s hands, though deft and soothing, were very soft on the massage. No, it felt right but considering the bundle of knots and draining energy filled inside the body, a good, firm massage was really what I’d needed. She slid and grasped and twisted and turned – gently, very gently – different parts of my body that one almost felt the rhythm in her hands. Working her way from head-to-toe, which is the main aim of this therapy, Maria tackled the neck, arms, shoulders, legs and feet and the soles of my feet, back with unequivocal ease. I even muttered, “Bless you” a dozen times, I think.
Smelling like one large, humungous orange, Maria, with her gentle smile, rounded off the 45-minute therapy with a head massage. “It’s complete,” she said finally while I struggled to rise from the most blissful stupor. In 45 minutes of surrendering myself for the massage, I’d journeyed into luxury and a state of calm, all at once. A quick shower and change and a steaming cup of frothy cappuccino with no one, just silence and a room where a faint fragrance of the orange essential oil filled the air, I was geared to face the madness of the outside world all over again.

45-minute Swedish massage treatment. Price: Rs 2,800

Jul 18, 2009

Ri Kynjai Resort, Shillong


For all the rot — and I put that gently — that’s going on in my personal and professional life, it was nice to smile at the thought of running away to a spa resort for, if not 30 days, at least the weekend. Working Saturdays, preoccupation at home and much more has meant very little “me” time in terms of trying out new therapies. It’s also meant little time to write on SPAlendor.
Though it isn’t likely that I’ll take a vacation anytime soon (I could opt for Westin, Sohna), I thought it’s the right time to talk about Ri Kynjai, this beautiful resort that is tucked away in the Khasi hills. The resort is 20 kms away from Shillong and when I read about it (I think it was in LivingEtc, a design and interiors magazine), I simply knew that I should pass on the information to SPAlendor readers.
Ri Kynjai, the resort’s website will tell you, translates from Khasi as “land of serene environs”. While the architecture is inspired and derived from the original Khasi thatch huts, the resort, spread over 45 acres and one that weaves three architectural styles into a harmonious whole, combines convenience and luxury together.
To get to the resort, you’ll find yourself meandering through groves of majestic pine trees, lush paddy fields, small organic tea and vegetable gardens and find accommodation in the very distinctive hybrid cottages, most of them overlooking the waters of Umiam Lake.
I was particularly fascinated with this nugget of information: Ri Kynjai has a tie-up with the Shillong Golf Course — for guests who prefer to play — which is the second oldest in Asia.
Moving on to their therapies (I’m sorry, I don’t have the prices for any of them) I love the fact that the resort engages in traditional Khasi curative massages. The two main therapies are said to have been derived from ancient massages, developed by the Khasi tribes who firmly believe that these therapies are a “gift of god”.
Khem Tynrai (traditional khasi curative massage) is elaborate and it seeks to streamline and disentangle the circulatory system of the body that may have been knotted due to mild injuries, stress and myriad of other factors. It also removes residual joints and body aches. This massage aims at natural detoxification and is followed by the traditional Khasi bath which is essentially hot water fomentation and water massage.
The therapy starts with a vigorous massage using “Umwai” or Khasi herbal oil mixed in either mustard or olive oil.
Time 60 minutes
* Masseurs here suggest that guests should engage in three sessions to experience the therapeutic benefits of the massage

The other massage is Khem Jah Thait and deals with the general toning of muscles and enhancing circulation with olive or pure sesame oil. The technique here is different in the sense it is a specialized pressure point massage unique to this region.
Time 60 minutes
• Room tariff (inclusive of breakfast) for a vernacular Hybrid cottage:
Rs 8,000
• Superior room: Rs 5,000

• Cost excludes government tax of 20%

Contact: Ri Kynjai Resort, Umniuh Khwan
U.C.C Road Ri Bhoi, Meghalaya
email: info@rikynjai.com; rikynjai@yahoo.co.in
mobile: + 9862056192/47471
website: rikynjai.com
Picture courtesy Ri Kynjai

Jun 3, 2009

Summer packages from Aura, Park hotel's luxury day spa's


Experts at Aura, the luxury day spa at The Park, have devised the perfect way to beat the heat. They've announced new packages to battle the season's horrific heat, dust and grime. So sweat no more and simply check out these amazing treatments available at The Park in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Visakhapatnam

Vanilla Essence
It is a gentle massage with a concoction of freshly crushed vanilla beans along with an in-house chocolate-coconut cream. Choco powder, believe experts, is rich in cocoa that helps blood circulation by increasing oxygen supply to the cells. It also helps in removing toxins apart from firming and toning up the skin. Vanilla, on the other hand, is anti-oxidant, aphrodisiac (hmmm!) and is known for its anti-depressant qualities too. What’s more, coconut Cream, rich in Lauric acid, protects one from harmful sunrays. It is known for its healing, tissue repairing and anti scarring properties. I would agree on that; in fact, eczema patients are often advised to rub good ol’ coconut oil on the affected area since it reduces itching and heals the area too.
Duration: one hour; price: Rs 2,350 (excluding taxes)

Mango Mélange
The active ingredients of mango will nurture your skin and the much needed antioxidants of yoghurt will take care of the damage caused by the harmful sun rays. Mango boasts of having a high content of antioxidants and is rich in its hydrating properties while also being rich in vitamin C that helps in relieving clogged pores. Yoghurt being a good natural sunscreen improves complexion and with its cooling and calming properties, makes the skin soft and supple and is a good anti-skin irritant.
Remember to use fresh yoghurt else your face might burst into boils. Also, while mixing yoghurt with Fullers Earth and applying on the face is a good idea, make sure not to let it dry completely especially if you are prone to having a dry complexion.
Duration: one hour, 15 minutes; price: Rs 1,750 (excluding taxes)

Photo courtesy: Aura: The Park, Kolkata

May 22, 2009

Quick announcement

Spa launch
Mumbai's launching Guy Kremer Eyecatchers and Thai Spa in Mumbai on May 25, 2009 at Skyzone, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel.
Watch this space for more updates on the brand.

May 12, 2009

Spa break at Kerala: women only

Spa vacation at Punnamada resort


I absolutely adore Sumitra Senapati. A former journalist, she chucked her job to do something more enriching, more fulfilling. Since travelling was -- and continues to be -- her passion, Sengupta started a travel club. No, not just another travel club but one created especially for women.
I first spoke to her for a story that was published in Business Standard Newspaper http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/menchildren-strictly-not-allowed/340945/ and needless to say, since then I've been getting regular updates on Women on Wanderlust http://www.wowsumitra.com/
The club has just announced its new vacation schedule (most of them have already been sold out) and I thought it was necessary to mention WOW's spa break in Kerala. Here are the details

Spa & Monsoon Break in God’s Own Country for 3 nights & 4 days
6th June to 9th June
Day 1: Cochin Airport/Punnamada Resort (6th June Saturday)
· Make your own travel arrangements till Cochin by train or flight
· Pick up from Cochin airport and proceed Punnamada Resorts
· Welcome drinks on arrival.
· Check in at Punnamada Resort by lunch time.
· At leisure after lunch to pamper yourself with a body massage and facial/pedicure/manicure.
· Follow it up with a swim in the pool or try out one of the indoor games available at the resort.
· Build up your appetite as you see a demonstration of some exotic specialties of Kerela.
· Cultural program of one of the best known classical dance forms, “Kathakali”.
· Dinner and Over night stay in the Punnamada Resort

Day 2: House Boat (7th June Sunday)
· After Breakfast in resort try your hand at paddle boat & canoe.
· We proceed to House Boat at 12.noon. Check into AC House Boat.
· Lunch in House Boat.
· Fishing while on House Boat.
Dinner and overnight stay in House Boat.

Day 3: House Boat /Turtle Beach Resort (8th June Monday)
· Breakfast in the House Boat. Disembark
· Thereafter proceed to Turtle beach resort on Marari beach to enjoy the monsoon sights and sounds by the sea.
· Lunch
· Today is the day to relax and just let the day go by as we sit on the patio and chat or take long walk on the beach..
· Dinner & Overnight stay at the Turtle Beach Resort.

Day 4: Turtle Beach Resort/Sightseeing/Railway Station or Airport (9th June Tuesday)
· After breakfast we checkout and proceed to Cochin for local sight seeing- Jews street, Synagogue, Dutch castle, Chinese fishing net and much more before taking flight/ train home.

INCLUSIONS:
A/c Accommodation on twin share basis.
Sightseeing and surface transfers by Ac coach Cochin to Cochin.
Meals as per itinerary
Treatment & Massage mentioned in the itinerary
House Boat Stay in AC comfort
Cultural Programme and activities mentioned in the itinerary.
All Applicable Taxes.

EXCLUSIONS:
· Laundry/Medicines/Doctor/Telephone
· Travel arrangements till Cochin and from Cochin
· Soft Drinks/Mineral water Meals/tea/coffee/drinks other than stated
· Tips & any other thing not mentioned in the itinerary.

Package details
Cost per person on twin sharing basis Rs.19, 500/
Single Occupancy Rs.7, 000/- extra.
EARLY BIRD OFFER: Pay the full amount by 15th May and get Rs 2,000 off!!!!
To reserve your place, courier Rs 7,500 and your signed WRF that is attached. Please note that all balance payments should come in by 31st May, 2009.
Please see payment options below:
· Send us an at par Cheque at the below address or
· Simply deposit the money in Axis Bank in your area .Account no. 296010200002684 (Axis Bank) or
· An online transfer with bank details given below :
AXIS BANK
Mayur Vihar, LSC, Phase 2, ND 91
Current ac no: 296010200002684.
IFS Code: UTIB 0000296
· If you want to pay in cash, this is possible in Delhi, Mumbai & Bangalore.
Sumitra Senapaty
D 703 Anandlok CGHS, Mayur Vihar, Phase 1
New Delhi 91

May 2, 2009

Hair spa review: Aman, New Delhi

"Who'll style my hair?" Rod quipped while giving me a hair spa treatment



What is hair spa, I thought aloud, looking at Rod Anker, who was busy studying my scalp at Kim Robinson, the brand new salon that opened its doors recently at New Delhi’s Aman. While I relished my cappuccino with cookies, sinking comfortably into the plush chair, surrendering my scalp and mane in the able hands of Rod, I found myself struggling to keep awake thanks to the soothing music that played in the background and Rod’s firm yet comforting head massage. But Rod began: “Hair spa is all about studying your scalp, knowing which treatment to give for a lustrous, shiny mane and really, doing justice to your hair that should be well maintained.”
I suppose, he would know better. As creative director of Kim Robinson at the deliciously serene Aman, the world class hospitality chain that opened its magnificent gates to the junta (audience) just a month ago, Rod is working overtime to ensure that everyone who walks into Kim Robinson walk out feeling confident, feeling wonderful.
So, what was the best part or the one defining moment about my spa treatment? It would be unfair to pin it down to just one, for the joys of being treated at Kim Robinson are aplenty. Number one: No one will tell you, “Madam, your hair, very bad. And miss, what is this thinning of hair? You should put oil in the head madam, see how bad you look. You should use our volume enhancing cream madam, only with that can your hair look better, or else, tsk tsk tsk.” I hate this about salons and the manner in which people cluck their tongues in disgust after carelessly holding a clump of my hair and feeling sorry for my existence. So it’s surprising when Rod looks at my hair (even taking pictures of my scalp from a complicated looking gadget) and pronounces, “So, your hair’s very clean. Nice.” He’s convincing too, immediately giving my hair a good rub and then proceeding to cut my hair.
“Wait! You won’t spray my hair with water?” No, exclaimed Rod stunned at the suggestion. At Kim Robinson they use what’s called a dry technique. Instead of wetting hair and then snipping it away, the promoters believe that hair should be treated in as natural a way as possible. It means hard work for the hairstylist but Rod says it’s worth it. A regular haircut at any other salon would mean the hairstylist spraying jets of water all over the name, helping it to concentrate in one area which makes it easier for them to snip it away. After that is a quick blow dry, a yummy hairstyle which draws everyone’s attention. But what happens the next morning? Don’t you invariably sulk looking at your hair which is back to its usual look with no volume, no bounce and absolutely no convincing haircut.
Surprisingly, that’s where Kim Robinson haircut with its dry technique works. After snipping away with his scissors, Rod gently rubs and massages orange essential oil by parting my hair in different sections and soon after, I’m ushered into a room where his assistant Akram diligently gives my hair a smart wash. This is done after he’s parted my hair in sections and applied a cooling hair mask that’s then treated to a “micro mist” steam. This is clearly the best part of the treatment and I find myself snoozing for 20 minutes before Akram wakes me up by lathering my hair in shampoo. I feel like I’m floating on clouds what with the steam mist rising gently over my face. Akram proceeds to apply a quick conditioner followed by scented linseed oil which is mild but gives my hair a soft, feathery touch.
I look into the mirror with dreamy eyes [still sleepy, you see] and by now, Rod’s done a swell job of setting my hair. “It’ll stay like this,” he reassures while I walk out of the experience, glad that Rod touched my hair and created magic. But that’s what a creator does, no?

Spa Notes
· The overall experience of a hair spa treatment at Kim Robinson, Aman, New Delhi, is wonderful. I just wish they’d give at least five-10 minutes of a power nap to clients who, after such a great experience, have to walk out to the usual stress of the city.
The cost of a hair spa treatment: Rs 9,700 ($194) + taxes
Contact Rod on (91) 11 43633475 at Aman, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
PSSSST!!!
  • Overheard that Ms Shobhana Bhartiya, chairperson and editorial director of the Hindustan Times group, walks into Kim Robinson twice a week with her shampoo, conditioner and hair spray for hair wash and blow dry.
  • Actor Karishma Kapoor and her cousin Riddhima Kapoor Sahni are ditching their previous haunt Salon de Ravissant for Aman

Apr 22, 2009

FICCI E&Y 2009 report on the Indian wellness industry


The Great Indian Tourism story isn’t exciting in 2009. The economic slowdown, the terror attacks have hit the tourism industry big time and that’s a reason why Incredible!ndia www.incredibleindia.org, as part of its new initiative has announced special tie-ups and packages with wellness centres.Interestingly, the Indian tourism ministry is in the process of finalizing a scheme wherein a tourist visiting India for medical treatments will be offered additional treatments free of cost. Of course, the logistics will still need to be worked out but the tourism ministry is set to offer a healing touch. How? For instance, a person coming for a bypass surgery from abroad will be offered a complementary skin treatment package or an Ayurvedic therapy, for that matter. Since November 2008 (immediately after the terror attacks in Mumbai) the tourism — particularly the hospitality — sector is grappling with negative numbers of tourists. No wonder, the sector is now banking on medical tourism while also offering valuable add-ons. While the ministry is already in advance discussions with major hospitals like Apollo, Moolchand, Fortis and Wockhardt to offer patients complementary treatments, a clearer picture should come out soon. “Roping spa centre operators into the scheme for tourism India is a very conscious decision,” confirms a spokesperson.

That wellness is high on the radar of Indian tourism is evident from the success that the Indian wellness services market has witnessed. According to the latest study by FICCI and Ernst & Young, the wellness industry — currently estimated at Rs 110 billion — will continue to remain buoyant and has the potential to sustain at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 30-35 per cent for the next five years. The FICCI-E&Y report, Wellness: Exploring the Untapped Potential, has classified the wellness industry into seven core segments within different products and services such as allopathy, alternative therapies, beauty, counselling, fitness/slimming, nutrition and rejuvenation. Of these, rejuvenation services such as spas, alternative therapies, ayurveda treatments and beauty services are expected to show growth rates as high as 30 per cent. At the same time, fitness comprising gyms and slimming centers are expected to grow by more than 25 per cent. Nutrition products, including dietary supplements, health food and drinks have shown a growth rate of 8-10 per cent, whereas allopathy as a segment was not classified due to its traditional linkage to healthcare. According to the report, the increasing level of activity is arising from the entry of several providers such as organised Indian and international players; expansion by existing companies to new product categories and regions; strategic alliances across the value chain, interest by private equity investors and also players in allied industries like hotels and real estate entering the wellness segments. The report also points to a trend of players moving towards offering a ‘one-stop-solution’ for all wellness-based needs by adding more products and services across various segments in wellness. In terms of payback and gestation periods, products such as health foods and drinks, dietary supplements and alternative medicines require greater investments, normally exceeding Rs 25 crore or more, says the report, with paybacks ranging from 3-6 years. At the same time, services such as ayurveda treatment, alternative treatment centers, salons etc require much lower investment and also have lower paybacks of upto three years.
* Picture courtesy: Aura

Apr 18, 2009

Summer packages at Soukya, Bangalore








The Indian tourism ministry, on its website http://visitindia2009.incredibleindia.org/ has begun advertising a lovely spa centre from Bangalore. Called SOUKYA Indian Holistic Health Centre, http://www.soukya.com/ it has announced its 2009 wellness packages for tourists.
A Basic Ayurvedic Rejuvenation programme for 21 days, complete with accommodation, food (vegetarian cuisine which also includes fresh, organic herbal drinks), daily consultations and dietary advice, treatments, yoga programmes implemented twice every day, along with complimentary use of recreational and swimming pool facilities, costs Rs 15,812 per day.
Other programmes at the Soukya centre include Shareera (Body) treatment that concentrates on weight loss using Naturopathic hydrotherapy, Yoga and Diet Simple Ayurvedic package. (Rs.19,057 per day for a 14-day treatment) There’s also SUNDAR (Beauty) treatment that spread over 15 days this treatment offers over 66 different therapies that include natural Ayurvedic products which are anti-ageing. Additionally, guests are also given mud and herbal packs. (Rs 19,942 per day).
The most expensive treatment is Shakthi (power) treatment that’s designed to rejuvenate and soothe and calm the nerves through specially designed Ayurvedic revitalising treatments besides mud packs, reflexology and even acupressure. This is ideal for corporates and foreign tourists who obviously don’t have much time on their hands. Spread over just seven days (the minimum time you have to spend at Soukya, the programme offers as many as 42 treatments for a price of Rs 27,022 per day.




Actually, for those of you planning to travel to south India, where a plethora of spa treatments are available anyway (*beware of touts and unclean places that pass off as spa centres) it would be a good idea to make Bangalore your base, try out Soukya treatments and then proceed to different destinations. Better still, round off your India holiday with a trip to Soukya and the luxurious treatments that it offers.




*Soukya package rates (excluding taxes) valid from April 1, 2009 till September 30, 2009.
* Meals served are primarily vegetarian. Low fat, low salt and very little spice.
* No smoking and alcohol allowed on the property
* Select treatments cannot be done on women when they have their menstural cycle
* Cash, cheques, debit and credit cards (Visa, Master and American Express) accepted

Apr 13, 2009

Green tea spa treatments






I was speaking to a friend about spalendor.blogspot.com and she was kind enough to tell me about this very unique spa in the heart of Kurseong. Nestled in the midst of tea gardens in north East India, it’s a wellness resort which specializes in — what else — tea massages besides other therapies. My friend, who has experienced a green tea facial here (60 minutes, Rs 400) swears by it, claims that the perfect ambience and the trained therapists with their amazing skill make a trip to this resort a truly memorable one. Called the Cochrane Place, the resort offers yoga and pranayama sessions, Ayurvedic treatments, in addition to what they call, Himalayan Spa.
Cochrane Place is on the outskirts of the main town and is essentially a restored British colonial home. One of the best things about engaging in spa sessions here is the fact that you’re gently teased by the aroma of Darjeeling tea, gardens of which surround the entire property. Not surprising then that many guests opt for tea spa treatments here. While the green tea facial is there, there’s also an ayurvedic “leaf-bag massage” especially created to relieve body aches and pains (Rs 750 for 45 minutes; Rs 800 for 60 minutes).
Do give their website http://www.imperialchai.com/ a look to find out other details. While at it, I also suggest you take a look at one of the tickers which advertise an interesting site called calcuttawalks.com. Cochrane Place has just announced some of its new packages and maybe you’d like to give this place a try this summer.

Incidentally, Delhi's Galaxy Hotel (pitched as India's first lifestyle hotel complete with five-star services, spa and shopping centre) does a unique body wrap with green tea extracts that are mixed with multani mitti (Fullers earth) and sandalwood powder which makes the skin feel younger and lighter. Green tea is said to have anti-oxidant properties which detoxify the skin. This treatment is available for Rs 950 and lasts for a luxuriating 45 minutes.
Happy spa holidaying, then.

* picture courtesy: Cochrane Place

Apr 9, 2009

HARNN comes to India












HARNN, an Asian inspired Brand, uses natural botanical extracts and combined with knowledge derived from the traditional herbal medicines, the company creates exotic products that help restore and maintain the natural balance for the mind and body, while also fighting the harsh urban environment and pollutants.
The brand has been very well received in 63 locations spread over 20 countries including Japan, Australia, Canada, France, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Singapore, Taiwan and Finland, to name a few, and will now launch in India at a spacious flagship store at the DLF MGF Mall in Saket, New Delhi, on April, 17, 2009.
The design is inspired by a "traditional Chinese medicine cabinet" and the boutique resembles a traditional Chinese drug store. Divided into three main areas, the flagship store will have a HARNN Retail boutique that will offer a full range of HARNN’s skincare and aromatherapy collections including jasmine, lavender floral, Oriental herbs, Water lily and special home spa collections too. Also on the offer will be collections like essence of the East and the Himalaya magnolia collection.
The second area is the HARNN Heritage Spa that will offer luxurious, traditional Thai treatments especially administered by trained Thai therapists.
Also in the flagship store will be HARNN Heritage Café, run by the well-known chef Ritu Dalmia that will serve fresh, healthy and zestful dishes with a delicate, harmonious blend of contrasting flavors and hints of the Orient.
* According to PR notes that I’ve received, HARNN claims to utilize “rice bran oil” as its core ingredient, which is extracted from a unique strain of rice – Oryza Sativa which contains three natural vitamin-Es, in the form of Tocopherol, Toctrienol and Oryzanol that claim to provide natural moisturisers, anti-oxidants and sun protection to the bodies.In addition, HARNN has also managed to secure patents for the HARNN soap formulation (with rice bran oil) as well as the unique HARNN Soap design, which makes the brand the only company in the world to offer these unique natural products.


* Picture courtesy: HARNN

Apr 4, 2009

New summer packages from Aura, The Park, INDIA


Luxury spas across the country have started announcing their summer packages. The Park’s Aura spa, for instance, has announced three new packages for 2009. The luxury day spa located in the hotel’s properties across New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakapatnam will have packages that promise to pamper the skin and re-energise it for the harsh summer months that lie ahead. It is recommended that these therapies be taken at least twice a month, once every 15 days for its effect to last long. We haven’t tried any of these therapies so far
but will do so shortly.

Summer Cooler: It’s a complete skin cooling ritual from head to toe and one that allows you to pamper yourself for one hour, 15 minutes. While the especially designed body wrap (which also includes a special coconut cream) aims at hydrating your skin and healing it from any damage caused due to the harsh sun rays, there’s a cucumber mask for the face that tones and reduces fine lines and keeps the face fresh. But what’s absolutely fascinating is the special hair mask made with yoghurt, Indian gooseberry, lemon and hibiscus flower extracts that promises to fight dandruff and hair fall while leaving it soft and silky.
Duration: 1 hour and 15 min
Price: Rs 2,100 (excluding taxes)

Oriental Escape: For those of you who are uncomfortable stripping down to the underwear for spa treatments, Aura’s Oriental Escape is — without requiring you to shed your clothes — a treatment inspired from traditional Japanese, Chinese and Thai techniques to stretch, energize and remove energy blockages. According to therapists, combinations of stretches help in blood circulation and promise to restore the flow of energy in the body.
Duration: 1 hour
Price: Rs 2,200 (excluding taxes)

Soothing Acacia : Those with extremely sensitive skin need to be extra cautious of the use of aroma oils. In other words, only after the doctor’s advice should people with extremely sensitive skin opt for spa treatments (especially those treatments that involve aroma oil blends). Acacia flower, commonly known as “Babool” has anti-inflammatory properties that are usually considered good for sensitive skins and in this facial extracts of Acacia are used to soothe the skin, especially one which is afflicted with a sun tan.
Duration: 1 hour
Price: 2,500 (excluding taxes)
picture courtesy: Aura, The Park

Apr 2, 2009

Happy Feet, Select CityWalk, New Delhi


“Where do I submerge my feet?” I asked reluctantly, shifting uncomfortably on a wooden bench that looked like it had been hammered near the area where a faux mini pool was created. The therapist was adept at his work, cleaning my very, very dirty feet patiently with cotton and spray water (it may have also been an astringent, but I’m not too sure). He looked at me, gave a short grunt and pointed to the pool in which — I kid you not — 800-odd fish were floating. “Eight hundred, are you sure?” I asked, while the therapist smiled nodding in acknowledgment.
I dipped my feet and within a second of doing that, I was attacked. Actually, my dead skin, explained the therapist, was getting attacked.
So, I’d heard of friends who had experienced the fish spa pedicure treatment at Happy Feet, a humble spa outlet located right behind Barista in New Delhi’s Select City Walk, admitting that it was a ticklish sensation to have fish crawl and nibble non-stop at your feet. They’re crazy, I thought of my these friends, just when I dipped my feet and took them out twice from the pool — layered with soft, lovely pebbles, by the way. Why? Because they (my friends) can’t tell the difference between getting assaulted and feeling tickled or “kissed,” as one person suggested. Simply put, the first three-four minutes of the treatment were miserable especially as I kept expecting little fish to come snapping with their tiny teeth at my sickly, unkempt, corn-infested feet.
Did it get better? To be honest, yes it did. After my feet had become fodder for the Garra Rufa ‘doctor’ fish, as my therapist mentioned and after I’d surrendered myself to the feeling of getting gnawed at by these “especially imported from Turkey” fish, I liked the fact that it was a treatment in the open area of an otherwise overcrowded mall. That it was located behind the main mall area (in a small area of one of the mall’s many extended balconies actually) meant that it was further away from the crowds. This meant, feeling the gentle evening breeze on the face, getting tantalized with the whispering aromas of freshly buttered corn-in-a-cup while also listening to some fantastic music, notes of which added a nice rhythm to the spa experience. In fact, it’s a treatment you should indulge in with a friend, a companion with whom you can chat and catch up for 20 minutes while experiencing the fish spa treatment. (Note: It should ideally be done for an hour, according to experts). I went with my husband who kept wondering if the fish were fed anything else other than human dead skin. He also wondered aloud, much to my embarrassment, if the fish suspiciously resembled Indian tadpoles.
The only glitch: it’s not a very personalized experience. Which means, you’ll have little army of kids laughing away, pointing at your feet, while the water creatures hog — and burp, perhaps? — at your soles. It also means getting inadvertently clicked in photographs where a husband wants to lovingly capture his wife’s bushy, hairy legs while she gets her treatment. But what makes up for it is the last part: a pleasant massage with foot cream by the therapist. “You can come back every day and get it done,” he advices, clearly unhappy with my feet, which have been marked with eczema spots.
At Rs 390 for a 20-minute treatment, I think I’ll go back once again.

Spa-thwak
· Uncomfortable seating with no back rest
· Cash only, no credit cards accepted
· Not very personalized in that people tend to gawk at you
· The place should have aroma candles. The fish sometimes tend to give away a very faint stench
Spa-aha!
· Affordable
· Hospitable staff
· A unique experience