Features

Spa Indulgence for Two

30 Jun 2007 by business traveller

With life spent so much on the road, business travellers try and spend as much quality time with their "significant other" whenever possible. Allow us to suggest some of the seductive spa getaways designed to pamper.

BANGKOK

I.SAWAN RESIDENTAL SPA & CLUB AT GRAND HYATT ERAWAN

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Designed by renowned space planner Tony Chi of New York, this urban enclave on the fifth floor of the hotel captures the essence of the “fifth level of Heaven” (which “isawan” means in Thai). i.sawan consists not only of the six whitewashed residential spa cottages alongside the pool, but also nine treatment bungalows, a nail bar and a hair salon.

WOW FACTOR: Five of the spa cottages are set in a private courtyard, while one free standing has its own garden balcony. All feature a living room, bedroom, bathroom and spa treatment room with a bed for body scrubs. A spa concierge greets each arriving guest – whether overnighting or just there for the day – and personally escorts them to their appointed accommodation where their particulars are recorded and any special requirements are noted. The ref brims with all sorts of complimentary goodies such as freshly cut fruits, juices, yoghurts and ice-cream. Cookies too are laid out. Already, you are wishing the experience won’t end.

SPECIALTY OF THE HOUSE: The Essence of i.sawan is a massage exclusive to the spa, which works on deeper tissues to speed up detoxification, rid body of pollutants and increase flexibility and circulation.

PRICE: A one-hour Essence therapy is US$82 and 90 minutes is US$115. A spa stay is available at US$623, double occupancy nightly until October 31. For perks to apply, a minimum two-night stay is required.

CONTACT: 494 Rajdamri Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand, tel 66 2 254 1234, www.hyatt.com

Margie T Logarta

THE SPA AT MILLENNIUM HILTON

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Set along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the Millennium Hilton can be reached not only by road but also by boat. Free ferries depart the Saphan Thaksin and River City Piers every 10 minutes, allowing commuters to see the sights of Bangkok before arriving at the hotel.

WOW FACTOR: The Spa can be found in a separate pavilion just off the hotel lobby. Built of light wood and stone, with soft and warm colours, the design is soothing in itself. The Spa’s white slab sofas and minimalist design reflect the influence of BARstudio, an Australia-based interior design firm. There are a 12 treatment rooms, 10 for single users and the remaining two for couples.

The philosophy behind The Spa’s treatments is to blend the four elements of fire, earth, air and water, to provide balance and harmony. The aim in the words of the Millennium Hilton is to “put back a little of what life takes out”. A relaxation suite has aromatic candles and various water features.

SPECIALTY OF THE HOUSE: The Equilibrium Therapy is The Spa’s signature therapy. It uses The Spa’s trademark wild mint massage oil and a natural Thai herbal pack. Thai royal honey and black sesame scrub combination is smoothed over your entire body for exfoliation. The treatment starts with a delicate foot bath and then moves on to the honey-sesame scrub. After a hot shower, located in the treatment room itself, the herbal compress is applied to soothe aching muscles. A hot wild mint oil massage follows. Then it’s another warm shower as you can literally feel the muscles in your body unknot.

PRICE: US$93 for Equilibrium Therapy.

CONTACT: 123 Charoennakorn Road, Klongsan, Bangkok 10600, Thailand, tel 66 2 442 2000, www.bangkok.hilton.com

Kenny Coyle

BEIJING

CHI, THE SPA AT SHANGRI-LA

WHAT’S IT LIKE? CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Beijing – ensconced in its new Valley Wing – features 11 spacious and tranquil private spa suites, among them three rooms meant for two. Inspired by the legend of Shangri-La, the 1,000-square-metre facility was designed, using the principles associated with a Tibetan temple, from the flickering candles to the Himalayan artefacts and furnishings. Even the suites adopt Tibetan names such as Goma – a place of solitude and Chakra – the wheel of life. Throughout, the Eternity emblem, the double knot, is reflected in the carvings, carpets, water features and even lampshades.

WOW FACTOR: Designed by the renowned Hirsch Bedner atelier, every detail comes together to balance and harmonise energy using the five elements of metal, water, wood, fire and earth. It’s a “spa within a spa” concept in the rooms, showcasing unusual touches such as the teak screen, which, at the touch of the therapist, slides silently apart dramatically setting the mood, lighting and ambience. (This has to be experienced to be believed!)

SPECIALTY OF THE HOUSE: Among several signature therapies, the Yin Yang Couples Massage is for you and your significant other, especially created to pleasantly arouse the flow of chi from within; and Focus is given to specific meridians, releasing tension and restoring peace and harmony.

PRICE: Couples Massage is US$299.

CONTACT: 29 Zizhuyuan Road, Beijing 100089, China, tel 86 10 6841 2211, www.shangri-la.com

Margie T Logarta

HONGKONG

CHUAN SPA AND RESIDENCE AT LANGHAM PLACE HOTEL MONGKOK

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Upon my private check-in into the Infinity Suite on the 41st floor, I was impressed with the tasteful and opulent Chinese themed décor, which served as a welcome relief and contrast to the grey buildings surrounding the hotel.

WOW FACTOR: The exclusivity of having my own private infinity bathtub and steam room, combined with the modern amenities prepared me for the ultimate pampering session. Immersed in the stylish bathtub and caressed by the gentle pulsating bubbles, I lay fascinated by the kaleidoscope of indigo, violet, green, red and orange illuminating the bath.

As this chromatherapy went on, I felt the water temperature being maintained by the overflowing infinity function. Finally, I settled on indigo for a calming effect and meditated on the purpose of the water’s movement, which to me suggested a source of life and rejuvenation.

SPECIALTY OF THE HOUSE: I tried the Chuan Stone massage and Chuan Harmony massage, which were particularly relaxing. Compliments to Ah Wah, my masseuse for her cheery disposition and skilful acupressure strokes. This is followed by a TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) dinner back at the privacy of the Infinity Suite.

Guests also have access to Langham Hotel Club for complimentary breakfast and cocktails, use of fitness studio and outdoor heated pool and 20 percent discount on additional treatments. If time is working against you, try the Elements package, which offers one-and-a-half hours of spa treatment and excludes the transfers and TCM dinner.

Note that the Chuan Residence is exclusive to guests who signed up for the Journey or Elements package and prices depend on the selected packages, single or double occupancy and the type of suites­­.

The two other suites are Nirvana Studio and Serenity Room; only the Infinity Suite features the infinity bathtub and is available for two.

PRICE: The Journey Package, costing HK$8,399 (US$1,075) for two, includes a night’s stay in the Chuan Infinity Suite, round-trip limousine ride, TCM consultation and a three-hour tailor-made spa therapy.

CONTACT: 555 Shanghai Street, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hongkong, tel 852 3552 3388, www.langhamplacehotels.com

Lucinda Law

OM SPA AT THE REGAL AIRPORT HOTEL

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The reception is located on the hotel’s second floor and guests are served chilled lemongrass tea upon arriving.

After the preliminaries, guests are escorted to an exclusive section lit and designed differently from all the other public areas. Here, dark woods and subdued lighting dominate. This HK$10 million (US$1 million) facility consists of two Spa Suites, five Spa Cabana Rooms, 11 Spa Superior Rooms and a foot massage room.

WOW FACTOR: Those fortunate to book a Spa Suite can have their treatments and Jacuzzi dip alfresco, in addition to enjoying the mosaic steam, Jacuzzi and rain shower in the rooms. After that, they can simply flop down on their comfortable bed, which is also located in the suite.

SPECIALTY OF THE HOUSE: There are over 40 kinds of therapies available, with a Jet Lag Retreat Package for a couple’s overnight at HK$3,858 (US$494) being one of the most popular. The spa treatment includes dry brushing, 30-minute Aromatic Moor Bath, 60-minute Holistic Massage, 30-minute Sabai Hot Stone Arm & Leg Massage, fruits and herbal tea.

CONTACT: 9 Cheong Tat Road, Hongkong International Airport, Chek Lap Kok, Hongkong, tel 852 2286 8888, www.regalhotel.com

Margie T Logarta

KUALA LUMPUR

MANDARA SPA AT SUNWAY RESORT HOTEL & SPA

WHAT’S IT LIKE? A slice of heavenly indulgence can be found in 17 Asian-style villas, set amid 323.75ha of integrated resort development, comprising convention, business and leisure facilities. In keeping with the policy of exclusivity, only children aged 12 and over have access to these villas.

The welcome ritual entails checking in at The Pavilion, a refreshing ice-cold towel and cocktail and a motor vehicle ride to the villa. Guests have the option of checking in at their villa, which comes in three varieties: The Villa with bedroom and seating areas (15 units of 102 sqm each), Villa Embun with a larger terrace and plunge pool (171.5 sqm) and Villa Bayu with an adjoining lounge area (192 sqm), all encircled by high stoned walls and lush foliage.

Each unit boasts an outdoor terrace with an infinity edge plunge pool, perfect for a dip during the humid season while enjoying the expanse of verdant greens. It also houses a fully equipped kitchenette for private meals and a butler on call 24/7. The patio is one of our favourite spots around the villa – think cocktails over sunset.

Sunway also offers villa accommodation with a spa treatment courtesy of Mandara Spa (out of bounds to kids aged below 16). A Villa Escapade package costs from M$1,588 (US$468), inclusive of one night’s stay for two, breakfast and evening cocktails at The Pavilion, dinner by the private plunge pool and a 50-minute Balinese couple massage.

WOW FACTOR: More surprises are in store inside the villa. A distinct feature is the use of Balau wood (also used for constructing ships and bridges) from the high-beamed ceiling to the floor. Vanilla-coloured walls are enhanced by lighting with built-in dimmer, silk curtains and objets d’art. Other amenities include a 20” LCD television, CD and DVD players, a reclining chair, sofa and air conditioning. Pushing the boundaries of luxury living is the bathroom with Balau wood décor, natural lighting, rain shower and a sunken bath.

SPECIALTY OF THE HOUSE: Wide-ranging signature treatments include the Mandara massage combining Balinese, Shiatsu, Thai, Lomi Lomi and Swedish; Pure Natural Facial using honey and yoghurt for cleansing, sugar for exfoliating, carrot and cucumber for toning, and for mask, other ingredients like pineapple, lime, kaolin clay, tomato and green tea depending on the skin type; and the all-over Ultimate Indulgence, a four-hour-and-20-minute treatment at the spa’s Hibiscus or Jasmine double deluxe spa suite.

CONTACT: Persiaran Lagoon, Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia, tel 60 3 7495 1646, email [email protected]

Julian Tan

MUMBAI

QUAN SPA AT JW MARRIOTT

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Saunter down the lower lobby of the hotel and be greeted by the pristine white walls illuminated by a spectrum of mesmerising colours from the LED lights. A water wall in the spa’s reception area represents the concept of Quan Spa, named after the Chinese word for “the source of pure water”. In addition, the tranquillity of the spa is enhanced by the use of bamboo and natural wood.

WOW FACTOR: The focus on awakening the chakras or energy centres in the body takes precedence here. The Spa aims to take guests on a “chakra journey” from the moment they enter the spa to the end of their treatment. Hence, the treatment rooms are decked out in accordance to the seven colours of the chakras and the guest’s mood and preference. For example, they can choose to fire up their Anahata chakra, which is represented in the green room for compassion or Ajna chakra in the blue room for meditation and knowledge.

SPECIALTY OF THE HOUSE: The Abhyanga, an Ayurvedic stress-busting and detoxifying ritual, using warm medicated oil and the Ocean Rain-Shower Body Treatment, a 45-minute full body exfoliation, following the Quan Spa concept of using water as a healing method. Here, Thalgo products, made of marine ingredients, are used.

PRICE: The Abhyanga can be performed with a single therapist at Rps3,000 (US$74) or two therapists at Rps4,500 (US$110) for 75 minutes. The Ocean therapy costs Rps2,000 (US$50) and includes a spinal massage by water jets of the Vichy rain shower.

CONTACT: Juhu Tara Road, Juhu Beach, Mumbai 400049, India, tel 91 22 6693 3000, www.marriott.com

Lucinda Law

SINGAPORE

POOL TERRACE ROOMS AND POOL TERRACE SUITE AT THE SINGAPORE MARRIOTT

WHAT’S IT LIKE? A marriage between resort and urban living in the heart of Orchard Road, Singapore Marriott’s luxurious collection of 10 guestrooms by the pool terrace, including the Tang Sok Kiar Suite, were launched in 2006.

The experience starts the moment one steps into the guestroom, which blends Asian architectural influences with contemporary design elements. Each room features a 32” LCD television, DVD player, safe, Wi-Fi connection and a bathroom enhanced by natural lighting.

Spa buffs can indulge in the services of professional therapists from Marriott’s in-house spa, The Retreat (open from 1000 to 2100 Mon-Fri and from 1000 to 1900 on weekends and public holidays). Other benefits include private check in, in-room massage therapy options, breakfast in room or at the alfresco Pool Grill and dedicated sunbathing beds in a mosaic-finished pool.

WOW FACTOR: Three of the 10 rooms boast a private pool-facing verandah with a day bed, while the 200-square-metre Tang Sok Kiar Suite has a dip pool and furnishings handpicked by Tang Wee Lot, Madam Tang’s son and chairman and managing director of the hotel’s owning company. The best part of it all? Snoozing on Marriott’s Revive Bed with 300 thread-count duvet cover, following a spa treatment, of course.

SPECIALTY OF THE HOUSE: Rejuvenation comes in the form of Marriott’s three signature massage treatments: Spa Peeling, a combination of gentle exfoliation using Diatami or powdered algae and pine essential oil and relaxing strokes for stimulating and toning of the skin; Thalasso Swedish, a European muscle massage technique using algae oils for improving blood circulation; and Seaweed Soap containing marine elements with vitamins and minerals for deep cleansing – valid for one treatment per package booked.

PRICE: The hourly treatment with Pool Terrace Room accommodation costs S$588 (US$384), with each additional night at S$500 (US$327) throughout the year.

CONTACT: 320 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865, tel 65 6831 4555, email [email protected]

Julian Tan

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