Feel like a queen
Book a special Day Spa Package at Trident (that’s Hilton Towers re-branded), if you want some royal pampering. If the rains are tempting you to take a break, we recommend a retreat within city limits. Check into the hotel in the morning and after treating your eyes to a great view of the harbour/sea, head towards the recently opened Shanti-Spa. The aesthetic ambience itself relaxes you. Attention to detail pleases the eye — there is not a flower petal which is wilting. Everything is fresh, radiant yet relaxed.

The spacious treatment room spells understated luxury with tastefully selected ethnic bedspreads, built-in steam/shower areas and separate changing areas. Once you slip into the silk robe, the therapist dips your feet into an ornate bowl filled with water and rose petals. Now you’re ready for the one-hour massage session.

Select from Trident, Balinese, Thai and Aroma, each of which come with signature blended oils. The blended oil has properties that help relief muscular tension, improve and balance subtle energies for a heightened sense of well being. (I went for Balinese and as the whiff of lavender-infused Melody oil engulfed me, never for a moment I regretted my decision. Tirelessly, my very capable therapist, Tina kept on unknotting each tense muscles and the result — an utterly relaxed body and a very peaceful mind!)

This deep pressure massage uses medium-depth strokes to reach below the superficial muscle layers. After a 10- minute steam session, another round of pampering is in store — a facial using products by French company, Le Club des Createurs de Beaute.

And while your face mask is let to dry, the therapist will give you a relaxing head massage. Really a top-to-toe treat! As you step out of the shower, a cup of warm herbal tea awaits you. You could head to your room for a small snooze to truly luxuriate in the experience.

Where? Shanti Spa, Trident, Nariman Point, Mumbai.
Tel: 022-66324343
Cost: Rs. 9000 (check in time 9 am – check out 6 pm).

The French connection
If you want to relax your body in a jiffy you can consider going in for the French Massage at Jean-Claude Biguine. The beauty den has a state-of-the-art hair salon on the ground floor and offers spa treatments on the first floor. Since there are only two treatment rooms, be sure to make your appointments in advance. The treatment rooms are tranquil, squeaky clean and come with a separate shower area. You know you are in good hands as the French massage is given by a trained French therapist.

A bit about Biguine Bio products — they are 100 per cent organic with absolutely no chemicals. Hence each product comes with a shelf life of three months. Once you decide on your choice of oil (Elixir Relaxing, Botanic Drainage and Active circulation Oils), lie back and relax. The pressure on the body is soft but firm. As the therapist works on your body from the back to the feet to your hands you will find yourself drifting into sweet slumber.

Now how this one is really different? Usually after an oil massage the therapist recommends a hot shower/steam bath to wash away the toxins. Here the oil gets absorbed by the skin’s surface and the therapist suggests a shower after a while to let the oils hydrate your skin!
Where? Jean-Claude Biguine Salon & Spa, Bandra West, Mumbai
Tel: 022-65222211 Price: Rs. 2500 (50 minutes)

Fruitilicious!
Your body is first cleansed using a fresh apple body scrub followed by a leisurely steam bath. The skin is then prepared with a honey and papaya wrap, before nourishing it with moisturiser and milk cream. This experience concludes with herbal tea to cleanse your internal systems and a stress relief massage to ease out those tense and tired muscles.
Where? Espace at Radisson, MBD Noida.
Tel: 0120-4300000
Cost: Rs. 3000 (150 minutes)  

Shine like a diamond
Diamond Skin Hydration Therapy at Evolve Med Spa, involves removing the top most layer of the skin by gently exfoliating the skin with natural diamond chips and removal of dead skin. The entire exfoliating process is chemical-free. This then followed by application of a special mask enriched with vitamin C and then comes a light massage for the skin to absorb the remaining fluid. The skin appears soft, glowing and dewy with a natural healthy glow.
Where: Evolve Med Spa, Prabhadevi, Mumbai
Tel: 022-24313197
Cost: on request

For a new you
The Renewal, a Malabar body polish provides a full body exfoliation with an additional boost of nutrients and antioxidants from cardamom and fresh coconut. Your skin will feel smooth and intensely hydrated. This is then continued with an Aroma fusion massage using aroma oils. Parijat is incorporated with aromatic Himalayan floral extracts and lotus to provide a deeply relaxing and calming massage based on Swedish techniques.
Where? Goa Marriott Resort
Tel: 0832-6656033
Cost: Rs. 3000 (for 90 minutes)

Relax with stones!
Aqua Stone Therapy available at the spa at Renaissance Powai is especially designed by Spa Manager, Mahima Sharma. The therapist starts by placing warm stones on the chakras of the body to bring them to a harmonious balance. Then comes the good part — your tense muscles are massaged using the hot stones. Lie back as ‘Relaxing’ aroma therapy oil comprising lavender, ylang, ylang and almond oil is absorbed by your skin. Now, time for some more indulgence — the therapist gives you a facial using cold stones and aloe vera gel. Your skin would feel refreshed and relaxed. The facial helps in removing the tan.
Where? Renaissance Mumbai Hotel & Convention Centre
Tel: 022-66927481
Cost: Rs. 2500 (70 minutes)
Anita Khatri

 

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