Monday, September 12, 2011

Finding Bliss : the spas in Mumbai suburbs

Finding Bliss

Giving you a low-down on some of the spas in Mumbai suburbs (further sub-divided into two parts) — which are not located within five-star hotels — that promise to offer a divine holistic experience.



n Myrah Spa, Juhu
Have you ever wanted to be a princess for a day? If you thought those stories your grandma told you about the luxe lives those princesses lived were just products of her imagination, you were wrong. In the heart of Mumbai, in a spacious, quaint building, those stories come true. At Myrah, the decor reeks of royalty, what with crystals chandeliers, antique objet d'art, silk cushions adorning plush settees and scented aroma filling up the air. Here, Victorian opulence is balanced well with understated colours.
You'll be spoilt for choice — from diverse cultures including massage therapies, body polishes and wraps, suites with private plunge pool for couples, they have it all. Aromatherapy, Shiatsu, Swedish massage, sports massage, mineral scrubs, anti-ageing facials, Arabic Rassoul body rituals et al… Myrah specialises in their own massage techniques. After a zesty welcome drink, you are escorted to your treatment room, where you get a foot bath in a bowl of warm water with rose petals and orchids. They recommend the Royal Aura Signature Massage that synchronises some of the best of massage strokes from around the world. We're informed it's a complete head-to-toe experience. What we didn't expect is the stretching that followed first. The limbs and joints felt unhinged. A welcome change from the regular massages, this comes as a pleasant surprise. Soon after, copious amounts of 'energise' oil, which comprise grapefruit, peppermint and citrus, is slathered well and the therapist's caring hands begin to work on muscle knots, with attention to areas in your body that you never knew, existed. Hot pouches down your spine are a definite treat for the senses. Prepare to doze off, as the pressure soothes every frayed nerve on the back and shoulders and relief begins to run through every vein. The therapist shifts her attention to the neck and head before ending with a finishing touch — a bit more stretching. Does it feel good? Hell yeah! True that the power of touch can leave you feeling blissful. And if royal treatment makes you feel like this, we're gonna be greedy very soon again.

n Mudd Day Spa, Bandstand
This day spa, besides providing the usual massages and therapies, has a host of other things on offer. With a boutique, where besides buying clothes you can even earn yourself minimum one therapy. It can also play host to spa parties. They have various packages like Lunch Express, Celebration package, Post Holiday's package and more, to choose from.

n Sabai Spa, Bandra
If you do not wish to be confused with too many services and know that foot massage in the traditional Thai style is what you always look for, then head to this joint. Though a bit cramped, it will be best for those looking for a quick fix. Based on the concept of reflexology, the masseurs are experts in the foot massage techniques and leave you feeling ready to splurge on shopping in Bangkok for a while!

n Svastii Spa & Salon, Powai
A fusion between the East and the West, Svastii offers services and rituals for the mind, body and soul. There are Alternative Healing, Forever Young treatments and Express Treatments apart from the Svastii Signature Treatments. Here, ancient Indian traditions are fused with contemporary transnational influences. From carefully selected music, mantras, a designated retail wellness area, personal wellness counseling rooms and a beautiful kniepp… Svastii has several unique features for providing a holistic wellness experience.

n Antara Spa, Andheri
Situated within the serene surroundings of The Club Mumbai, this spa provides an array of massages, dry floatation, body polish, body wraps, chakra healing and facials, detoxifying treatments, baths and spa packages. The spa uses a lot of organic products. Go for The Antara Signature Massage, combining Swedish and aromatherapy techniques, or Citrus Caress that includes an orange and green tea body scrub followed by an energising orange and cinnamon body cream massage for a luxurious experience.

n Sohum Spa, Juhu
Though it is situated in the heart of Juhu, this huge spa, also called a wellness sanctuary, makes you wonder if it actually exists within the cramped, overcrowded city. The sheer space engulfs you at once as you enter.
Once you step into the spa, the relaxing ambience makes you realise that it has everything that a good spa requires. Even before the receptionist can greet you, you are welcomed with the scent of lemon grass wafting all around. Once you change your footwear, you are offered to sip on a very refreshing drink. Soon after, a skin expert consults you on the therapies available, as per your requirements.
We inform them that we're looking for a relaxing therapy and as per their recommendation, we go for their Signature Sohum massage. They let us know that some of the ayurvedic massages need prior appointments. A special mention of the couple suite here — it has a Jacuzzi that is filled with either wine or milk, depending on your preference.
Once you decide on your therapy, the masseuse guides you to the room. The room has all the required amenities for a massage ready and is nicely done up with rose petals spread along. The added boost is the gentle fragrance, soothing music and dim lighting.
Once you change, the masseuse takes you to a porch in the room where she cleanses your feet. This marks the beginning of the therapy, starting with a dry massage that works on the pressure points and is a mix of Thai as well as the French art of massage — thumb and kneading techniques. This is supposed to be a warm-up before you are slathered in medicated oil from top to toe and with a mix pressure varying from gentle to hard.
Relaxing you from the stress that settles in muscles in the form of knots, the therapist seemed a pro, as she was determined to take away all the painful knots from the muscles. By the end of the therapy, she really puts all the knots to rest. A sure-fire way to help you feel invigorated, this massage is meant for all you tired souls. As for us? We're going for a second trip.

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