Need an invigorating and rejuvenating massage to combat the summer or relieve stress? Abhilasha Ojha selects some signature treatments
EXOTIC POMEGRANATE
The treatment uses a pomegranate sugar scrub for an exfoliation ritual. This is followed by a luxuriating bath infusion with extracts of pomegranate. This done, you will be treated to a body massage (with essential aroma blends) in which therapists use fast and long strokes for better blood circulation. The massage also uses a combination of natural fruits, including pomegranate and lime, mixed with organic brown sugar, for gentle exfoliation.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: Rs 7,000 (plus taxes)
Where: ITC Maurya, Kaya Kalp, Taj Ganj, Agra
Tel: 0562-4021700
MOGHUL ROYAL
The treatment begins with a relaxing lavender-geranium bath ritual. This is followed by a deep tissue massage using special ginger-lime oil, Then you’re wrapped in a Himalayan clay body mask to ensure that the oil seeps into the pores well, and the body cools down. While this is on, the therapist gives you a relaxing head massage with rosemary oil. A private area is cordoned for you to experience a eucalyptus steam bath to wash away the clay body mask. This is followed by a hair cleansing ritual and a bath to complete the therapy.
Duration: 4 hours
Price: Rs 13,000 (plus taxes)
Where: The Spa at Aman, The Aman, New Delhi
Tel: 011-4363 3333
ESSENCE OF LEELA
This signature treatment works on the principles of the seven chakras or ‘energy centres’ in the body, which harmonise body and mind. The treatment, it is believed, aims at revitalizing the chakras. After a body exfoliation, the therapist places ‘emergised’ stones at various points on hands and feet and on other ‘chakra points’. This is followed by an invigorating massage using essential oils and hot stones to tackle the knots in the body. Along with the body massage, a head massage is also given. This full body treatment ends with gentle stretching to help release the stiffness and tension around the neck and shoulder area.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: 7,500 (plus taxes)
Where: Leela Kempinski, Mumbai
Tel: 022-6000 2233
ROYAL TREASURES
One of Udaivilas’ signature treatments, the Royal Treasure therapy starts with a traditional sandalwood-turmeric scrub. This scrub polishes the skin and leaves it smooth, and is followed by a tomato body wrap, followed by a body massage, and finally a fragrant milk and rose bath.
Duration: 3 hours
Price: Rs 7,500 (plus taxes)
Where: Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Tel: 0294-2433300
SUMMER SPLASH
One of the summer offerings from Quan Spa, the Summer Splash therapy begins with a relaxing foot soak of Himalayan bath salts, tangerine and rose. This is followed by an exfoliation after which therapists moisturize and massage your feet. Next, a Vichy shower treatment readies the body for exfoliation with a gentle algae-salt scrub. After a full body massage, the spa treatment is rounded off with the Vichy rain shower.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: Rs 3,500 (plus taxes)
Where: Quan Spa, JW Marriott, Mumbai
Tel: 022-66933000
JIVANIYA
A signature treatment from Jiva Spa, Jivaniya aims at pampering the body by removing muscular tension and improving blood circulation. This treatment includes an exfoliating herbal scrub, a heat-stimulating wrap of exotic spices and herbs, created exclusively for Taj hotels, followed by a revitalising body massage
Duration: 2 hours
Price: Rs 4,000 (plus taxes)
Where: Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Tel: 0294-2428800
SOOTHING PUDINA, KHUSKHUS
The treatment uses a unique blend of mint and khus-khus essential oils. Mint, enriched with menthol, rehydrates the skin while also tightening and relieving it from tiredness. Khus-khus has a cooling effect. The therapy involves a full body massage with these blended oils and tackles knots and tiredness in the muscles.
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: Rs 2,250 (plus taxes)
Where: Aura, The Park, New Delhi
Tel: 011-23743000
SLENDERISING SPIRULINA WRAP
This treatment helps to nourish, stimulate and revitalize the face and body. The body is dry brushed and later wrapped in a Spirulina masque for 20 minutes. While the body soaks essential elements from Spirulina, rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and enzymes, the therapist gives a relaxing scalp massage. Later, an application of lavender-based aroma oil is massaged into the skin. A re-mineralizing face crème rounds off the treatment.
Duration: 50 minutes
Price: Rs 2,250 (plus taxes)
Where: Zen Serena Spa, The Metropolitan Hotel, New Delhi
Tel : 011-42500200
ROPANA BODY RITUAL
The Ropana treatment blends the therapeutic and aromatic benefits of neem, date seed, green tea and orange. The 10-step process incorporates foot therapy, a full-body exfoliation, Abhyanga massage, to stimulate the body's marma points, a body mask, a cleansing bath and a hydration treatment.
Duration: 120 minutes
Price: Rs 6,500 (plus taxes)
Where: Four Seasons, Mumbai
Tel: 022-24818000
ANANDA SPICE
A popular treatment, Ananda Spice starts with a gentle scrubbing, massaging and cleansing of the feet. This is followed by a hydro therapy routine after which essential oils of rose and sandalwood are massaged into the body. The treatment also uses pure cardamom, ginger and black pepper essential oils. The massage is rounded off by a private steam bath.
Duration: 45 minutes
Price: Rs 2,200 (plus taxes)
Where: Ananda In The Himalayas, Rishikesh
Tel: 01378-227500
