With the proliferation of ‘pamper’ services in bustling metros and even tier II and III cities, offering to rejuvenate mind, body and soul, the term spa is more often than not used to loosely cover every possible type of space—from dodgy homespun affairs in converted houses to
lavish star facilities.
While most people are quite content with a relaxing environment, robe and slippers, soothing music, and well-mannered masseuses, there is a definite demand for spas that customise and create a memorable bespoke experience. It is heard that Shine Spa, launched at the Brigade Sheraton, Bangalore, does it, so we
decided to check it out.
It is set discreetly in the upper levels of the hotel, away from the noise and bustle of the city’s traffic. Guests are ushered in to a calming reception area, and over a cup of green tea invited to begin the spa experience after creating their personal profile. The therapist tailors a spa treatment ‘to suit your mood and meet your needs’. They even determine your ideal essential oil match; there are plenty of options
to choose from.
The spa offers a range of specialist body and facial treatments inspired by the “Five Element Theory” of feng shui, balancing metal, water, wood, fire and earth to create harmony within the body. It has also lined up Ayurveda treatments, signature aromatherapies and familiar Thai and Swedish options to choose from.
Once you decide on the essential oil that suits you best, you are encouraged to avail of the sauna and steam facilities, to relax your muscles completely prior to the treatment. A quick shower washes away chemicals or salts clogging your pores and readies you for the therapy. Some of their options are quite unique. For instance, an aromatic candle is allowed to melt into a rich pool of lavender, mandarin and salt butters, enveloping you in a lovely fragrance. It is relaxing and hydrating and smoothens out the skin.
It was tough to decide between the Ayurvedic treatment, which uses long flowing massage strokes and herbal oils, and the Swedish massage that promises to increase blood flow, flush out toxins and loosen up tense muscles. Finally the aromatherapy won us over. A heady mix of essential oils is applied to the skin, which is polished to a fine glow with crushed pearls in a very Cleopatra-esque fashion, at the end of which you emerge feeling completely rested and aglow. Definitely worth taking time out of your hectic schedule and setting aside `4,000 from your weekly budget.
Shine Spa also offer treatments with hot lava stones to target specific aches, marine salt scrubs and Indian spice rubs to detox, and special Thai techniques that work well without the use of oils.
26/1, Dr. Rajkumar Road,
Malleswaram-Rajajinagar,
Bangalore, Karnataka 560055, India, Phone:
(91)(80) 4252 1000