Want a spa experience but only know of five-star hotels? In the first part of this weekly series, DNA gives you a low-down on some of the spas in South Mumbai that promise to offer a rejuvenating experience, while not being housed in hotels
Rudra Spa and Salon, Kemps Corner
A calm envelopes you the moment you step in. For a place that’s bang in the middle of a busy crossroad at Kemps Corner, it’s surprising that it is so quiet. Meditative chants surround the muted, wooden interiors, in keeping with the spa’s theme based on ancient Himalayan and Shaivite traditions. After a hard day’s work, a back massage with aromatic oils seems the perfect luxurious treat and that’s exactly what we tried. The therapist’s hands did work some magic but the reverie was broken too soon. The foot reflexology however was simply the most rejuvenating. The muscle knots were quickly relieved as you let the healing touch reawaken your senses. If you’re too sensitive to steam, we’d suggest you make a quick exit from the steam room for a relaxing hot shower.
What provides holistic experience at a spa is the also the courteousness of the staff. And that you will find aplenty here. A tour of the suites, each done up differently, gives you an idea of Rudra’s fascination with the power of ancient healing. If you want to indulge in some luxurious treatments with your beloved, book the couple suite in advance. From Himalayan remedies to Ayurvedic, Oriental and Swedish massages — the packages are chosen carefully to treat your soul lavishly. Who says rustic is not swanky?
Jean Claude Biguine Spa and Salon, Colaba
Bright white walls with dim lighting and light music playing in the backdrop form the setting as you enter the spa room for a treatment. A perfect setting to loosen up as you gear up for the treatment. They use hi-end organic products imported from Paris for treatments like bio oxygenating facial and bio body massage. The attention to detail and hygiene standards are praiseworthy. Treatments are usually carried out by international skin experts who advise them based on skin analysis. It’s refreshing as skin treatments here are as relaxing as massages with soothing head, neck, and shoulder when the face pack is applied. This is followed by a hand massage using organic creams. The hand work by the therapist is blissful to say the least. Once the treatment is done, the therapist informs us about the process and the benefit of each step for the skin or the body. For those who suffer from under eye dark circles, they have a treatment exclusively for eyes which can be done along with the facial you choose. The products are light and help the skin breathe. You will feel clean and hydrated, not sticky and dry. They also have facials and body treatment packages that can be combined to make your experience even more refreshing and relaxed. Their hair rituals are high in demand too. Seems like it can well be a one-stop shop for your top to toe healing!
Tahaa Spa, Napean Sea Road
They say good things come in small packages. Don’t let the tiny three room establishment fool you by its size. The walls of the treatment rooms, each with a built-in sauna and shower room, are painted pristine white. That helps you break free of the claustrophobic feeling. Tahaa is however equipped with some of the best therapists in town. And with some of the most unique treatments such as Therapeutic Deep Tissue Work and Detox Therapy, technique is given the highest importance, even as you are transported to a mini Thailand right here in Mumbai.
Clarins Skin Spa, Kemps Corner
It is a small but a quaint skin spa. Not that it doesn’t offer massages but because it’s a skin spa, please do not expect a typical Thai pressure point rubbing. They offer quite a handful of treatments like facials and body massages. Done by using organic products, these treatments work on various requirements of the skin from ageing to acne from firming to whitening and so on. But facials are a safer bet as Clarins is well known world over for their beauty products.
Richfeel Spa, Mahalaxmi
This spa promises to detoxify you thoroughly. Claiming to be a spa with a difference, it offers special therapeutic treatments performed by trained physiotherapists. A 5,000-year old science manifests itself as relaxation reflex that promises to stimulate every nerve-ending on the soles of your feet. Apart from relaxalogy massage, the spa also offers an aroma-relax massage that uses light oils for an overall stress relieving experience.
If you’re heading there at the end of a working week day, you could go for the Dry Back Massage in the Tranquility Area using D Knotting Technique. The 20-minute Foot Reflexology (Lemon Wash + Relaxation Technique + Caterpillar Walk Technique) sounds equally interesting.
Nirvana Spa at Moksh, Breach Candy
Being a part of the holistic centre, the spa has a whole lot of relaxing and toning massages. It has a varied range of Thai and reflexology therapies. The ambience and the fragrance of aroma oils in the air act as instant soothing agents. Body toning massages are highly recommended. However, book for a prior appointment to ensure your trip to the spa is not in vain.
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