In the 60s any reason was good enough for a party. The 70s gave us the fondu party. The 80s kicked off the later-the-better party, which led to raves. The late 90s gave rise to lounge parties. Currently it’s all about returning to our roots and rejuvenating ourselves.

A spa experience is the best thing to happen in the health and wellness arena, and a ‘Sparty’ is unlike any other party you will ever attend. These days, spa visitors want all the perks a spa has to offer and they want to be entertained whilst they relax. Enter Sparties…which has taken relaxation to a whole new level. The business of wellness has proven to be recession-proof and this can truly be gauged from the fact that guests are now taking their friends and family for a truly ‘social spa experience’.

No matter what the occasion—a family re-union, pre-wedding celebration, corporate meetings or just time out—spa parties can be customised to accommodate any theme or occasion. Imagine getting pampered with group pedicures, foot reflexology, neck and shoulder quick-fixes or recharging with ‘healing touch’ massages. Or simply catching up with each other in an ambience devoid of noise or clutter such as coffee shops, 5-star business lounges, run of the mill party halls, restaurants etc. What better place than a ‘spa’ ...a haven of tranquil peace and divine healing energies!

This was not always possible earlier. A few years ago ‘spa-ing’ was mostly for people who wanted peace and solitude; people who could afford to take long breaks and get themselves checked into resort hotels where spas would dish out detox routines for them.

Of course while this still happens, what has changed is the scenario along with the change in thought that ‘spa-ing’ is only for those that need to heal.

In fact, regular spa going is now one of the biggest priorities globally for most individuals across various stratas which has therefore given rise to a major growth in the day spa space. Spa patrons now want to reach the meditative calm state with their near and dear ones, using this time to bond in the best way possible. In other words they are looking to ‘Sparty’.

At Myrah we are firm believers of Integrating wellness into our guests’ lifestyles, so using the concept of ‘sparties’ is another important step in this direction. We find more and more spa visitors embracing this idea of having a social haven, knowing that being ‘social’ is often a way of also being ‘healthy’. This is now a philosophy more than a concept and is here to stay!

So, when did the spa party concept actually originate from? Looking back into time and history, it isn’t so different from the basic concept of how ancient spas were operated. Social baths have known to be a vital lifestyle as early as 500 B.C. in Greece, India and other venerated ancient global cultures. Even then, the primary focus was on health and wellness. Over the years these spa baths evolved to become entertainment hubs where people could relax, recharge and socialise. Much like the modern day ‘Sparty’.

How to organise your very own ‘Home Sparty’?

	First is the all important “Guest List”. You obviously want to invite those that are close to you and who will appreciate the concept.
	Then it is choosing the right therapists with the treatments that you want to organise in a limited time span for all your guests. Today most spas/event
	organisers also have a “Mobile Concept” wherein they can come in with the entire team and set up a spa like atmosphere in the given space. So once this is decided upon, then invitations, creams and lotions, food, beverages, and other pertinent factors that go into making it a relaxing and rejuvenating experience come into play.
	The atmosphere of the spa setting is imperative. You'll want to make sure that you and your guests will be in the perfect mood to relax, and pamper
	yourselves.
	In the room you will be using, clear any large pieces of furniture, and divide the room into areas. Try to ensure that the areas flow into one another so
	each person can move from one station to the next comfortably.
	In each area use plush cushions, pillows or even yoga mats for seats. This adds to the feeling of warmth and comfort in a way that hard chairs or stools
	lack.
	The music should be soothing, comforting and kept at a low volume so it doesn't overwhelm the space. Soft jazz or acoustic music, purely instrumental
	can provide a great atmosphere. You can even try the mood enhancing CDs that play sounds of the ocean, waterfalls or rain.
	Dim the lights and arrange aromatherapy candles around the room, for a pleasant scene that's a treat for the nose and relaxing to the eyes.
	’Indulging your taste buds’ is another crucial factor of any Sparty. The snacks you serve should fit in with the theme of the spa day. Items like pita
	bread, fresh fruit or vegetables, crudites or hummus are healthy alternatives that relax your taste buds. Nothing too heavy, or filling while you are being pampered. Consider a type of sandwich buffet for post treatment refreshments.
	Drinks should be refreshing such as mineral water, real fruit juices, even a cocktail or mixed drink with a fruity overtone will leave your guests feeling
	both healthy and refreshed inside out.
	Bottom line is, as long as we bring in the soothing spa ambience it’s possible to create an upscale spa experience in your own space.
A spa experience is the best thing to happen in the health and wellness arena, and a ‘Sparty’ is unlike any other party you will ever attend
Nisha Javeri, a well known name in Mumbai's high profile circles has been an ardent follower of wellness and has managed to change herself from an over weight teenager to a fit person today. She extensively studied and experienced spas in Asia and Europe before opening her own wellness haven, Myrah in Mumbai.

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