In Mumbai, spas think out of the box

For a city with rising stress levels, spas are coming up with exotic ways to keep you relaxed

For the jaded you, here's a quick, soothing escape from workaday living — a spa treatment. The need for people in Mumbai to get their de-stress fix without having to lift a finger, is taking them to the newest spas in town. This need is driving spas to be added to clubs, hotels, fitness centres and beauty salons.

A spa is a beauty and health centre that offers water as the basic ingredient and source of energy to relax your body and calm your senses. What people expect first in a spa is its ambience. A combination of relaxing aromas and light music play an important role in soothing the senses. The therapists are specially trained to ensure the highest standards of non-intrusive personalised service.

And that is exactly why Seema Thakkar heads to the Club Oasis at Grand Hyatt. "My corporate world job involves extensive travel and the best way to relax is by going to a spa. It is value for money, and de-stresses me completely. I look for the right ambience and an able therapist." 

Visiting a spa is not a luxury that women think they earn. Metrosexual men, too, want to pamper themselves. Nikhil Mansata, a businessman, visits a spa once a month. "An aromatherapy massage is irresistible. It gets rid of fatigue, relaxes my mind and body, and is money well-spent."

Probably a reason why the aromatherapy candle indulgence at Club Oasis, Grand Hyatt, is one of the most sought after. Says Nilesh Kantak, the spa's manager: "We are the first to offer this in Mumbai. The essential oil candles are from New York and the oils as well as the wick are 100 per cent natural. It is made with the hydrating wine grape seed oil along with avocado, apricot, jojoba and vitamin E oils. These oils melt four degrees celcius above body temperature, thus allowing it to flow onto your body. This is followed by a luxurious massage. The indulgence is available in sensuous aromas- Lavender, Oriental Spices, Gin and Tonic, Wild Mandarin and Rose." This 1 hour 15 minute temptation could be yours for Rs5,000 plus taxes. Even at this price, the therapist is fully booked throughout the week.

Holistic healing is the essence of the crystal therapy offered at the 'Wellness Centre' at ITC Grand Central. At Rs3,200 plus taxes, it helps loosen muscular tension and stimulates blood circulation. Try their full body oil massage, follow it up with their crystal therapy and find out why it's such an energy-booster.

Says Karna Chikhle, health club supervisor of the Espirit, Le Meridien: "Ours is an exotic three-hour full-body treatment. It includes an hour of body massage using Swedish strokes, a facial, head massage, body polish and reflexology." For those with specific back or neck problems, they have a deeper back and shoulder massage. This is called the Pranaswastika Experience and sets you back by Rs13,000. Cough up some more in lieu of taxes.

At Antara, The Club, Andheri (W), wild honey is the USP of treatment. Says Zuala, spa manager, Antara: "Honey absorbs impurities from the skin making it an ideal cleansing agent. Its natural anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties help protect the skin. It is a combination of a wild honey scrub for exfoliation, along with a wild honey wrap and a massage. The entire treatment spans over 2 hours and costs Rs3200 plus taxes."

You might have to part with a tidy sum for all that indulgence, but it usually includes some add-ons, such as a drink, robes, sandals and more. The benefits, too, are not just skin deep. So when you are having those I-want-to-escape moments, step out for a spa job.