Mystic-Asia Spa Diaries

ISTA HOTEL AMRITSAR INDIA

2012-02-04T08:48:00.000-08:00

I had been very curious to try the spas at the Ista Hotels. Being part of the Ananda in the Himalayas group, I'd heard that their spas were well designed and in line with the Ananda Spa.
I began the year (2012) with a trip to Harmandir Sahib or the Golden Temple, as it is also known, in Amritsar. A real Jewel of the Punjab and the holiest shrine of the Sikhs.

So I got an opportunity to stay at the Ista Amritsar. The Manager at the hotel Subhrajit turned out to have spent his childhood in Assam so we connected immediately. Ista which means"most desirable" is a functional hotel for business travellers, so the Ananda -like spa was a pleasant surprise.

The therapists here are all trained at Ananda and their sister organisation the Ananda Spa Institute. It somehow felt familiar to be here because of the Ananda signature oils and signature "Namaskars"!! I allowed myself to sink in to a 85 minute Swedish Massage which promised to manipulate the soft tissue of my muscles against my bones, to relax me, to increase the blood circulation, remove metabolic products and generally detoxify my entire system. It was all lovely, just like it promised.

Not only my experience, but all five friends/family who were with me said their treatments were very good. I have only one suggestion, Subhrajit. I woud have loved to have heard some Gurbani music from the temples, while on the table instead of the normal Ananda chants!

ESPA AT LEELA PALACE NEW DELHI

2012-02-04T05:27:00.000-08:00

The Hottest Hotel in New Delhi.

Buzzing with people EVERY TIME I have been there!

This was my second experience with ESPA (the first being with The Peninsula in New York). My friend Ann Scott of Ann Scott Associates arranged this special invitation for me. (Thank you Ann!).

Of course, as all things special, the spa is not open to the public. But if you want to book in to the hotel even for a weekend just to experience the spa it is well worth it. I recommend the club floor and go for the ladies special with a lady butler to boot.

The spa interiors is spectacular. Designed by Jeffrey Wilkes, its designed at two levels. The stone-carved wall panels, the wooden flooring and paintings on the walls are warm and welcoming. Ambience definitely serene.

The staff are polite helpful and knowledgeable about their offerings. ESPA have extensive training programmes for their staff which shows in their work. The lower level has the the lounge, fitness studio, changing rooms, the hydro area and the spa cafe serving healthy options (I tried the Aloe Vera juice which definitely gets a thumbs up from me. I am quite fussy about my juices!).

On the upper level it has seven treatment rooms, another beautiful lounge area and a finishing studio. In ordinary language this means a manicure and pedicure centre which I believe they have plans to extend into a full fledged beauty salon.

I wanted to experience something different and unusual. I scoured through the menu and finally decided to try the ESPA version of Abhyanga. I have previously tried many, many different Abhyanga treatments in a variety of places but I chose this because I wanted to know how ESPA (a UK based company) is selling "Ayurveda-inspired" treatments in a fusion form. Were they bringing coal to Newcastle?

My therapist was a beautiful peaceful lady called Dickie. She was very attentive, caring and asked all the right questions. She even preempted some of my needs. The treatment was interesting in that it definitely started with some long abhyanga strokes. I was told the oil used was also "Ayurveda-inspired" so I wasnt very clear what it contained. The massage was very well suited to my needs as she continually asked me for feedback in order to enhance my experience. Very good overall experience, I would say a mixture of Abhyanga, Swedish and Deep Tissue.

What I didnt realise is, that all this while, my therapist was diagnosing my "dosha". After I enjoyed the steam and sauna, she handed me a card which stated that my Dosha for the day was Vata. She was spot on - I AM a Vata personality and the card described me as "quick thinking, slender physique, vibrant, enthusiastic, flexible, sensitive, talkative, low appetite, light sleeper, anxious , intelligent and active. Quite accurate I would say and who says we HAVE to get our dosha diagnosed through our pulse only!!! Fusion Ayurveda anyone??

MANDARIN ORIENTAL DHARA DEVI -DHEVA SPA-CHIANG MAI THAILAND

2011-09-02T04:49:00.000-07:00

WOW!
See how beautiful the spa reception is. This place is out of this world and was far beyond any expectations. In my humble opinion, Dhara Devi should be turned into a full fledged destination spa. Modelled on the breathtaking antique Royal Palace of Mandalay, the 3.100 sq ft spa contains beautiful treatment suites, a hamaam, a watsu pool, Rissoul, Vichy Shower, hydro area and a fabulous pearl mosaic steam room.

My own villa had an outdoor jacuzzi which I thoroughly enjoyed by candlelight and the sounds of the crickets and frogs.

Beautiful Tisna, the Wellness Director here is one of the few people I know in the spa business who understands wellness and is continually looking to evolve. She offerred me the BEST. A full two hour Lanna Ceremony which started with an Energy Field Imaging analysis. Based on the results of this analysis Dr Sunita suggested their Traditional Lanna massage with concentration on my back. I was told that my yin and yang were very well balanced, and that my third eye, throat and heart chakras were clear and open. I had some congestion in my back so needed this traditional "hammering"! See my aura below!

Their most senior therapist Banchong was allocated to take care of my body. He had the most magical touch. He was sensitive to my subtle energy, his pressure was just right, his voice was soft, he just never disturbed me at the energy level. The unique feature of this Lanna Ceremony is the gentle tapping of the body with a traditional tool called the "Tok Sen" which is made from the bark of the tamarind tree. This is followed by a Thai herbal compress and herbal oil body massage and ends with a deliciously yummy head massage.

No question about it Banchong rules!!!!

HAMAAM AT KAYA KALP IN ITC HOTEL AGRA

2011-08-30T23:52:00.000-07:00

I had heard of the Kaya Kalp spa for a while and watched it receive many awards in the spa circuit but never had the chance to experience it until I was invited to address the Hotel Federation on Wellness Tourism in Agra last year. Although the conference was in the Jaypee Hotel I opted to stay at the ITC so that I could avail of the spa.

The Spa Manager, Davina, was quick to offer me the signature spa treatment but I chose instead to try their hamaam because I had never tried it before. Davina has taken a lot of personal care at the spa and the hospitality I received was great. They have their own inhouse spa training school and the quality of both my treatment and my friends treatment were very good.

When you enter the spa you cant help but say WOW! Designed by an architect from Singapore, the spa has a complete Mughal look. All the local stones, artisans, colours, have been utilised to make this stunning interiors. Whatever you will see in the Taj Mahal you will also see here!

Davina told me they were just about to open some new spa suites too so will wait to try those.........

Thanks Davina for your hospitality.

WATSU IN QUIET PONDICHERRY

2011-08-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

Ashaman giving Xavier a treatment

I love Watsu.
I first experienced it in Goa and fell in love with the treatment. I dreamt of having my own Watsu pool and doing all the various courses on Watsu, Healing Dance, Water Dance, Tantsu etc. My therapist treated me like a baby in the pool and after it was over he looked into my eyes with so much love that I resisited falling in love with him!!

Created by Harold Dull in the Harbin Hot Springs of North California in1979, it has now evolved into many dance and breathing forms in water that have many therapeutic benefits. The warm water facilitates the free movement of the spine allowing it to stretch more fluidly. The water supports the spine in such a way that it takes the weight off the vertebrae and allows the spine to move in ways that would not normally be possible. These passive stretches can help relieve any dysfunction that occurs in the organs from pressure from the spinal nerves.

In addition, the connections that the facilitator and participant make through their breath and eyes raises the vibration of the connection between the two people making this a very loving experience.
Imagine floating in your mothers womb yet at the same time looking into her eyes lovingly.......its something like that ! LOVELY! DEEPLY RELAXING!

In this picture the gorgeous Ashaman took a few of us into this lovely journey in the water.

Quiet has other excellent treatments on offer but I didnt get a chance to sample them because at that time I was still in love with Watsu. And I am loyal!

COMO SHAMBALA ESTATE-BALI

2011-08-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

In case you think this photo is taken from the net you are wrong. I took this pic and this is really how beautiful the massage rooms are in Como Shambala Estate, Bali. You can hear the tropical birds chirping and the gushing waters of the River Ayang below, while you are being massaged by gentle Indonesian girls.

Situated in the more mystical part of Bali, Ubud, the wellness facilities there are fairly extensive. Several wellness therapies, spiritual pursuits, yoga retreats are on offer. Not sure of the quality until I try some of them but the massage treatment was good. I visited this place much earlier too when it was called Begawangiri and before Christine Ong took over.

Como Shambala never fails to impress me with their holistic approach to hospitality. Their cuisine is brilliant, their drinks/juices are creative and their whole philosophy is healthy. Also supported by Donna Karan and her Urban Zen team. In fact I just read her article in New York times sunday supplement last week on this property.

I guess I need to explore it more..........

CHAVUTTI THIRUMAL IN DUNE ECO VILLAGE AND PARADISE SPA-PONDICHERRY

2011-08-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

WHAAAAT? You must be joking!!

Honestly you have to lie naked on the floor and your semi naked (only a langot !!) therapist is hanging above you from a rope and massaging your body with herbal oils using his only his feet. Gliding up and down your body he meticulously reaches all corners of your body from your head right down to your toes.
I was little awkward at first but what the heck I thought- may as well enjoy it thoroughly.
So I lay there bare at his mercy and it was definitely a new experience. He poured large quantities of therapeutic ayurvedic oils all over my whole body and then slid his feet in long sweeps over my entire body. The pressure of the feet was controlled by his hanging from the rope above but he was able to reach far corners of my body. Pretty deft I would say.

Chavutti Thirumal, as this 2000 year old massage is called, means foot pressure. Its a technique originally used by the Kalari martial artists of Kerala and known for correcting postural problems as well as opening up all the meridians/nadis in the body. The massage was traditionally used before the practice of Kalaripayattu since they believe that once you become a warrior, massage is necessary to shed fatigue.

There is plenty of room for hanky panky so be careful where you have this massage!!!

I think Paradise Spa has added on to its facilites since I last visited. I believe it also has a Watsu pool now.

Be brave....go for it!!!

AYURVEDA IN SWASWARA GOKARNA

2011-08-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Dont tell anyone but I just love this blue dome!
Mini Chandran the Manager at this resort rang me out of the blue offering me to come and experience her new and improved Yoga and Ayurveda programmes.
SwaSwara is designed as a place for groups to come and enjoy Yoga and other retreats. It has Yoga shalas, indoor and outdoor, a lovely pool, meditation classes, art therapy, laughter yoga, etc. You can come here with your own yoga teacher or use their facilities. A lovely concept and gaining more ground each year. It also has a wonderful Ayurvedic centre which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Since I was not able to commit myself to a complete ayurveda programme (due to time restraints) I simply enjoyed their rejuvenation massages to help me along the way.
In Ayurveda you have to allow yourself to completely abandon yourself to the very oily massages they give you on these hard wooden tables and let the oils penetrate your body. It takes some getting used to.

The villas are very spacious and beautifully designed in local architecture. Each villa has its own outdoor area for tea/coffee etc and a little window opens out into the local farmland and the famous OM Beach (hippy hangout!!!) . I hope they will improve their drinks and cuisine to bring in more healthy options that will suit the otherwise healthy pursuits you can enjoy here!
Thank you Mini!

PANCHAKARMA IN KALARI KOVILAKOM KERALA

2011-08-21T05:43:00.000-07:00

Imagine going for a three week Ayurvedic detox in the setting of a traditional South Indian Palace in Kerala.
The Dominic Brothers have done a great job with hospitality in Kerala with their Casino Group of Hotels. Theyve covered all the important Kerala sights with a hotel in each location.

Kalari Kovilakom specialises in Ayurveda. Extremely authentic, and expensive too, but worth every penny. I have had the best Ayurvedic cooking here, where the chef designs the food for each individual client. Kalaripayattu is the martial arts predominant here and from where all other forms martial arts has derived. The therapists all practice this form of martial arts in order to increase the healing energy in their hands. How beautiful is that? I didnt stay for the recommneded 3 weeks as I was on invitation to test the waters. Dr Johar is excellent and the treatments were fantastic. I had two treatments a day and very gentle Yoga to go with it. We were not allowed to do any exercise, not even go for walks (only strolls). There is not TV, no computers, very ashram-like environment. Fabulous. Dont worry about not be able to exercise. You will lose weight anyway. They have many choices of treatment programmes- all very authentic. Its a tough programme and the ghee treatment is not everyones cup of tea but if want to get cleansed from inside then this is the way to go. Promise you will glow afterwards!!!
Felt like home... thats why Ive put the pictures of all the staff. They were so nice. On my last night they decorated my bed with rose petals with a heart and bon voyage. So sweet!

Kudos to you George and Jose! May you bring healing to many many people!

Me in the steam box getting those oils absorbed!! Cute no?

NATUROPATHY AYURVEDA IN SOUKYA BANGALORE

2011-08-21T04:46:00.000-07:00

I first met Dr Mathai during the Mind & Life conference initiated by HH the Dalai Lama in Delhi. As we got chatting he invited me to come and experience his creation in Bangalore.

Dr Mathai has a grand dream and every step he takes is towards this dream. He doesnt want the place to be referred to as a spa and quite rightly so. The focus of Soukya is on healing and most people who go there do so for some kind of healing.

Since I had no particular ailment to correct, I abandoned myself totally to the oily proces of their fantastic ayurvedic treatments. I first had the shirodhara allowing the hot oil to pour slowly down my tresses knowing that I could wash it off with the homemade Channe-ke-daal shampoo. Soon after I was given the Choornasweedam for joint pains weight loss and relaxation. For this, two gentle therapists stabbed my body with hot herbal packs that felt really good.

Most of all I enjoyed a treatment specifically for my feet called the Arkapatra Swedam. This involved wrapping my feet in two herbal packs that had been dipped in very hot medicinal oil while the therapists gently massaged the soles of my feet. Every five minutes the packs were dipped into the boiling oil to maintain the temperature. As everyone knows, according to reflexology, in massaging the feet every organ in the body also gets massaged. I slipped into my cocoon feeling very loved and cared for by the tenderness with which my feet were being nurtured. A very loving experience indeed.

The centre is sprawled across acres of greenery and all medicinal herbs are home grown. Soukya prices are luxury but the hospitality facilities are not.

VINOTHRAPIE AT THE PLAZA NEW YORK

2011-08-20T21:08:00.000-07:00

I had been in New York for a week already and the snow wouldnt stop falling on my face. I had great opportunity to escape into some of the most luxurious spas in the city and get my body kneaded and rolled. This time I said to myself let me try something for my face. I am lucky to be born with a healthy complexion and skin but I know the snow and cold would take its toll.

The concept of Vinotherapy was created by Mathilde Cathiard Thomas and her husband Bertrand Thomas. The couple learned about the powerful impact of grapeseeds, skins and stems from a professor at the Pharmacy Faculty of Bordeaux and then launched a line of beauty products made from grape by-products called Caudalie. Caudalie products have now become very well known in and outside of France for being full of antioxidants and preventing cutaneous ageing

I had a Japanese therapist who treated my face like a precious jewel. It was one of the best facials I have had in my life. The process involved a gentle buffing scrub containing grapeseed oil rich in omega 6 and vitamin E. This was combined with jojoba microbeads stimulating cellular regeneration. After the steam, a gentle foaming cleanser containing grape extract, sage and camomile was applied for a radiant complexion. This was followed by the extraction of blackheads, a misty spray of organic grapewater, a toning lotion to reinforce the skins immune defences, the Beauty Elixir serum to tighten the pores and finally the Premier Cru with benefits that include antioxidant protection, lifting effect, radiant skin and increase in cell life span!!

Really that was quite a facial. Overall the therapists touch was so beautiful that it helped my whole body to relax.

Highly recommended.

Oh Yes I forgot to mention that after the therapy I was taken to the elegant wine lounge to sample some of the wine made from the same grapes as the products!

SPA AT THE AMAN HOTEL NEW DELHI

2011-08-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

My friend Penny from Singapore invited me to the Aman spa in New Delhi after a tiring day of shopping. She was staying at the Aman so was able to make the invitation ( it has since opened to the public through membership).
The spa occupies almost half of the basement of the hotel which is huge! The entrance to the spa is absolutely beautiful with a full length pool beckoning you for a dip. Each treatment room has its own lounge area, shower and steam area etc. Most of you know that I love Aman hospitality and find it very hard to fault them on anything, but I do also know that they really need to pay more attention to their spas. Its simply not enough to have a beautiful environment. The quality of staff, therapists and products all need to be sourced carefully. The ambience of the spa comes from the way the clients are treated and not from architectural and interior beauty.
I had an average kind of deep tissue massage, the therapist was not mindful of my foot problem, as was disclosed in the questionnaire given to me before the treatment. I dont think anyone really looked at the questionnaire. It was just a formality. I had asked for a steam after my massage but when I went to the attached steam room I found the the water had leaked all the way through to my changing room and I had to manoeuvre my way through the puddles. I wanted to get out of there fast.
My friend Penny chose to use the Hamam which was nice except they used the same rough soap on her hair instead of shampoo leaving her hair rough and dry. There is so much awareness now of the products women are using for different parts of their body that its worth checking out and giving the best, especially at the Aman.
Having said that, I believe they now have a new Spa Manager so I am sure things have improved.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL SIGNATURE THERAPY - NEW YORK

2011-08-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

Bamboo stone and gold leaf sets the tone for this unforgettable Manhattan spa experience. I was curious to see how "oriental" this spa would be having visited several oriental spas and also knowing of the hotels strong presence in the Far East. It felt inappropriate for me to enter the building through a very crowded street in the centre of New York, but once inside the Eastern hospitality did not disappoint me!

I lazily sipped through some tea until the therapist came to collect me. She was a gentle soul who explained that the Mandarins Signature therapy focuses on the rebalance of the individual using traditional Chinese medicinal philosophies. She gave me a questionnaire to fill and from the reading she was going to tell me which of my five elements were out of balance. Now I think my awareness of my body consciousness is pretty good and am quite quick to understand the movement of my "doshas" so it was interesting for me to see how she woud diagnose my imbalance and whether it would match my own understanding of myself at that moment in time. It didnt. She thought I was imbalanced in my water element and I felt I was imbalanced in my air element (from too much travelling!!) Not that this matters too much because the 2 hour time ritual was amazing.
After a foot bath and a sensory test came a powerful oriental meridian massage with custom-blended therapeutic aromatherapy oils. Not only that, I even got a nutritional and exercise guidance to take home.
This was the first Spa, of its kind, I found to bring in the elements of "healing" in a more structured and obvious way into a holistic spa treatment.
Bravo!
We need more of this kind of seriousness in the spa industry.
Oh Yes! I forgot to tell you that I LOVED the gold mosaic steam room . See below.....
Thank you Tammy!!

PENINSULA SPA CEREMONIES-PENINSULA HOTEL NEW YORK

2011-08-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

The Peninsula Spa by ESPA is known as the "rooftop oasis" of New York. They recommend coming in 60 mins before the treatment in order to enjoy the spa space and thermal area. I was of course rushing my way there through New York traffic and telling myself to be mindfully present to the privilege of being invited to one of the best spas in the US.

I was greeted by the charming Tricia Rosentreter, the Regional Director of Communications of the hotel group, and was shown around the fabulous"oasis" with their lavish thermal area and a glass roofed pool. Surrounded by gold mosaic and stunning views of the New York City sky line I knew this was going to be special.

ESPA is a thirty year old English company that created a highly respected name for itself in the world of spas for their unquely designed spa treatments as well as their special spa products The treatments combine Asian, Western and Ayurvedic philosophies and I chose to have a Peninsula Spa Ceremony. It was two hour long treatment which included
- a tea ceremony
- a foot ritual using restorative oils, ginger and mineral salts
- a dry body brush made of Mexican cactus palnt
- full body exfoliation with a polish of apricot seed kernals and spearmint
- a facial cleanse
- deep tissue experience involving a therapeutic neuromuscular massage to release the joints and relieve tired and aching muscles.

Not sure how my three hours passed (one at the hydro area and two in the ceremony) but I certainly came out feeling refreshed and ready to face the 16 hour journey back home to India.

Go with someone you love and enjoy the Peninsula Private Spa Suite which has a luxurious steam shower and a double whirlpool bath........This is luxury at its best.......of course you also have to have three hours in the day to just lounge and indulge to truly enjoy what the spa offers. Its would be a shame to just rush in, do your massage and then rush out. Just RELAX!

CAVIAR MASSAGE AT LA PRAIRIE -RITZ CARLTON HOTEL NEW YORK

2011-08-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

La Prairie Spa at the Ritz Carlton was my first taste of New York city's luxury spas. As I walked in to the hotel from the snowy streets of New York in February I felt the warmth and cosiness of this hotel and its spa. The spa is quite small and designed to meet the demands of discerning travellers. Located in Central Park South it is associated with La Prairie.

I chose to have the Caviar massage because it sounded very exotic and was wondering what it would be like to have little balls of black eggs floating on my body. (What a "dehaat"!!!). But it was nothing like that. I entered the spa and found all the clients elegantly sipping champagne seated in very comfortable sofas. Oooops, I thought, I dont really associate alcohol with healing but then of course most people associate alcohol with relaxation so why not? I refused my glass of champagne and went straight for the massage.

Well the La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream turned out be a soft, moist gentle cream (no black balls at all!) and the therapist was fantastic. She rolled up her sleeves and got down to action, put the right amount of pressure on all the right points, her touch was just right for my body. She combined deep tissue massage with Swedish for some respite! The cream is renowned for wrinkles and sagging skin, retaining moisture and stimulating collagen production.

The massage bed (I can't call it a table, it was too comfortable) was heated to the right temperature and the whole environment was plush, welcoming and warm. Definitely luxury!

I refused my glass of champagne again on my way out!

DIOR INSTITUT -PARIS

2011-08-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

OMG!!!!! If you ever want to experience luxury in a spa come here.

Situated in the historic Plaza Athenee, in Ave Montaigne, the steps leading down to the Institut start the journey in making you feel ethereal. Soft whispers of "Dior Institut" accompany the steps and you honestly feel you are going into another world. The white of the white and the pink of the pink is just so refreshingly pure, clean and inviting.
The lady at the counter couldnt understand me too well and showed me into the treatment room with great confidence. On the other hand was not sure what treatment I was going to get!!
I was with Xavier and we chose to get the double room so we could enjoy it together. The linen was all white and gray the colours of the House and the comfortable beds were heated with perfect lumbar support. Each room had an iconic Christian Dior Medallion Chair, a dimmer switch to maintain a specific light for each moment of the treatment and a starry ceiling making you believe you were under some fairy tale sky, all white and pink and gray. Very girlie, I would say.
The treatment I got was very substantial. I recognised it as a deep tissue body massage and was happy they hit the spot with it. The beds were unbelievably comfortable and at the end I felt like I had come out of a deep sleep (which was not the case). We showered with all the lovely Dior products, slapped on all the Dior creams, got a bag full of sample products and left feeling very pampered indeed.

Pure and simple luxury. Will always cherish this experience!

MUMBAI WAVE- THE OBEROI HOTEL MUMBAI

2011-08-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

I have to say here that Christine has done a great job with the Oberoi spas. Even after they moved away from the Banyan Tree group the spa menus, the therapists, the ambience has been maintained in a style and comfort fit to give it a "luxury" label.

I was invited to try out their new treatment called "Mumbai Wave". Husnavah, the spa manager, was a gentle soul that offerred to read my angel cards. She told me everything I wanted to hear which was great and then I was led into my treatment room by a beautiful girl from the North East. They all love it when I tell them I am also from the North East. They immediately relax and think they are massaging their sister. So I get special treatment see??

The Mumbai Wave is a 2 hour spa ritual that uses smooth lava shells (NOTE: NOT LAVA STONES) which are heated from the inside by combining natural ingredients of minerals, sea kelp, algae and salt water. The shells seamlessly glide over your body and creates a synergy of warmth and calm, soothing the muscles and realigning energy flow. The ritual concludes with a luxurious thermal healing water facial, incorporating thermal mud and healing water along with a gentle facial massage. Unique massage techniques along with healing ingredients tone the skin, leaving you with a radiant youthful glow.

It was lovely. No glitches, no harsh movements, no chatting, nice music, relaxing, soothing, and flowing........just what a spa should be........!!

Well done Christine, I celebrate you!

ASIAN ROOTS- DELHI

2011-08-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

For the longest time ever Asian Roots has come out tops as a day spa in Delhi.
Its where all the society ladies go. There is a beauty salon that adds to its favour. Prices are higher than other stand alone beauty parlours but when a place is good for hanging out then its good for hanging out. And people dont mind paying that much more. After all its cheaper than the hotels, where most of the time you cant use the spas if you are not staying there.
Asian Roots is now going the route of cosmetic dermatology, hair transplants and other beauty and age enhancing facilities so it moves away from what a spa really means. That is "healing with water".
My experience there was good but nothing to write home about. There was no WOW factor. All good, all safe, all taken care of....... No healing but lots of beauty..........
Its "womens only" policy is a bit limiting. Ive heard men complain that they too want a day spa of this quality. Are you listening ???

HAARN-DELHI

2011-08-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

EEEEKS dont go there!!!!!

They rubbed my back with tiger balm because in my questionnaire I mentioned a spondylosis problem in the shoulder blades and all through my aromatherapy massage which was meant to be relaxing, my back back burnt with discomfort......... The store next door is nice though and the food at the cafe....well...........

2011-08-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

THE FARM- PHILIPPINES

How green is my valley!

Now the Farm is special!

When I heard Naresh's story and how he ended up buying the place from the original owner, I was touched by his sincere revelation of the changes that he experienced from living an unaware life to a one of conscious living . It was such a moving story.

I had heard of the Farm for many years during my stay in HK and Singapore but never had the opportunity to visit. So when Naresh invited me I took my son there to celebrate my birthday. Michael and Jennifer were fairly new managers of the place at that time and very very enthusiastic of the philosophy of The Farm.

Despite my resolve not to, I ended up under the hammer and succumbed to those delightful Philippino ladies who convinced me that a good thorough cleansing of my insides would definitely benefit my physical health. So my son Zorawar and I looked at each other and gave that fatal nod. We went on cleansing juices, vegan organic food, colema, colon therapy, suppositories for refreshing the good bacteria, kidney cleansing, mud baths, massages, tia chi, pilates, etc. It was FAB!!!

As Louise Hays says how can you ever clean a pot without making it murkier first???

The only area I felt they could strengthen was the area of emotional support. Cleansing at such a deep level can cause cathartic experiences for guests and we should have a good support system to nurture those vulnerable moments. Even a good meditation programme would be appropriate. Its quite harsh on the body if you are not used to invasive cleansing.

We spent five days there enjoying their fresh vegetable juices and the haute cuisine designed to make you lose weight.

On our way out of the Philippines we watched the crowds tucking into croissants and coffee and felt quite disgusted! We actually lost weight in five days and felt cleansed and purified from the insides.

Highly recommended......... let me know if you want to visit and we can get a group together.......

Yes thats me in a herbal bath with a banana leaf to cover me!!

ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS-Rishikesh

2011-08-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

What can one say about Ananda that hasnt already been said.

It is the pioneer of destination spas in India. The Indian flavour enhanced by free Yoga, Meditation and Vedanta ( from Swami Parthasarthy's Vedanta Academy) classes is definitely the order of the day. I was first invited by Ashok to hold a retreat there and have been there several times since then. Held many retreats, set up their visiting Masters format, sent many guests and even accompanied several groups. Their spa is very well designed and includes western therapies as well as Ayurveda, and has won several awards.

I have also had several treatments there and have enjoyed hanging out in the spa lobby just listening to the sacred chant for health, the Maha Mrityunjay. Inside the spa building the hydro area offers a reflexology walk, a jacuzzi, a plunge pool, sauna and steam. All can be used free of cost if you are a resident of the hotel. The treatments are well designed and with Ananda's new Spa Institute for training spa staff, Im sure they will continue to be pioneers of new treatments and techniques. I am not sure about all the new age workshops they are now offering (perhaps to be in line with other international destination spas) when we have so much spiritual heritage in our own country. Even a simple but authentic meditation programme could be more appropriate in India. Meditation needs to come out on its own and not just be an ancillary to Yoga. We in India need to spearhead that.

My favourite place in the resort is the small discreet room where Maa Anandamayi (a born mystic form Bengal) used to come and stay as the guest of the King of Tehri Garhwal. Its a simple room, with the saints bed still in tact and open to the public. Not many know about this. Next time you go there do offer a lamp and some incense and remember me!!

O HOTEL SPA WATERBED-PUNE

2011-08-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

BEST WATERBED!

The Spa at the O Hotel was recommended to me as one of the best spas in Pune. I'm always scouring the spa menus to try something new. So here I chose the water bed. It was different to the floating tanks (which I truly dislike) thank goodness. In fact the water bed was so so so comfortable I just didnt want to get off it. It even had a water filled blanket to keep you warm and cosy. I was told that I could fall off to sleep if I wanted, which I did . While I was afloat this bed the gentle hands of the therapist massaged my head and it was Oh! So! Good! The spa is supported by Pevonia (I think). It was not much to look at as it a functional business hotel but the waterbed is highly recommended.

Aura Spa The Park New Delhi- Healing Hot Gems Massage

2011-08-15T05:07:00.000-07:00

Gemstones not merely hot stones!

Why I am emphasising this, is that I went in to the Aura Spa thinking I was getting a hot stone massage but was pleasantly surprised to find, instead, large gem stones heated on a pad that were going to impact my body. The heated gemstone therapy uses several precious stones such as Jasper for self preservation, Aventurine to induce relaxation, Cornelian to enhance courage, Jade to create calm and balance. The Japanese ANMA technique they follow for the massage is a recently popularised way of using shiatsu combined with the stretching and pulling of the affected areas of muscle tension to encourage proper flow of blood and lymph flow.
The spa is small but very compact and I found it perfectly run by their spa director, Megha Dinesh. This is the only spa that also offered to blow dry my hair after the massage! Nice no?
Thank you Priya, I'm sure you were behind this invite!!

Andean Sauna at Unu Spa in Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

2011-08-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

Me! (Just joking!)

When the dashing Manager, Marc Yeterian, at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel offered me an indigenous Andean sauna and took to me a small thatched dome I thought he was joking. It looked like any other thatched hut found in the villages of Rajasthan. But, no, this dome had a healthy purpose to it. Inside the dome the ceiling and walls were lined fully with eucalyptus leaves and in the centre of the dome lay a bed of hot Andean rocks. Beautifully set with a group of candles burning on one side, a pot of water on the other and a low wooden bench to sit on I was handed a bundle of Eucalyptus leaves to to feed the fire. Soon the steam was consumed by the eucalyptus leaves filling the room with a fresh natural aroma and of course the medicinal properties associated with this plant. I sat absorbing this and clearing my lungs for 40 mins before I jumped into the outdoor jacuzzi of their Unu Spa to watch the unfamiliar star patterns of the Southern sky. Oh what a life!

Me! (Not joking!)

Imperial Hotel Spa, Delhi - Diamond Dust MagnetTherapy

2011-03-23T02:51:00.001-07:00

REAL DIAMOND ALL OVER MY BODY!!!!

Gobind Akoi is my neighbour downstairs. I bumped into him the other day with his beautiful girlfriend Fleur and we talked about my wellness travel writing. Immediately he asked me if I had experienced the newly opened Imperial Hotel spa, meant only for hotel guests. Next day I got a call from Aparupa (I love the name!) his Head Marketing and, of course, I accepted. I'd heard it was the first spa that didnt follow a Thai model but an Indian one instead. Good, I thought, Ive seen enough Buddhas and enough orchids in dark spaces which stink of aroma therapy oil. Lets try something different. The Spa Director Tara Herron showed me around the very spacious spa, elegantly done with Arabic influences and sufi poetry flowing from the walls. The menu was beautifully designed and Tara very kindly offered me a delicious diamond dust body therapy which magnetically detoxifies the skin with a luminous diamond dust mud application followed by a unique penetrating massage. It was very soothing and the massage was well balanced in pressure and technique. AND YES ITS REAL DIAMOND!
The treatments all had interesting names such as Back Raga, Citrus Drench and Casanova Facial (yes you guessed right, its for men!)
Tara's smart, the wedding package called " Brides Journey" is a great idea and sure to do well!