Cold stone massage, natural facials like kesar kulfi and treatment with lemongrass, rosemary and peppermint oils are perfect summer remedies
Kesar kulfi, chocolate wrap and melon burst. These are not kulfi flavours we suggest you should dig into this summer, rather they are spa treatments you should indulge this season. A number of summer spa treatments have been introduced by the experts to help you detoxify your system, unwind stiff muscles, reduce the tan and repair damaged skin. And women are not the only privileged lot here, there are spa packages for men, too. Says Hayley l Dack, director The Imperial Spa and Salon, “Our package for men is ideal for stressed and tired muscles. This treatment offers a relaxing experience and soothes muscular and joint aches. Warm oils are poured slowly and continuously on the forehead to calm and balance the mind. The treatment is excellent for jetlag and insomnia and destressing mind. Specific blends are massaged to cleanse and moisturise face. Natural cooling ingredients are used for a clearer, more radiant skin.”
Cold stone massage to boost blood circulation is quite common this season. When placed on the skin, stones contract the muscles, helping in curing joint aches. Use of essential oils and traditional ingredients has been integral to spa therapies. Ingredients known for their cooling properties, like sandalwood, powdered rose petals, lemon, melon seeds and saffron, are used as a scrub. “These ingredients are known as an age-old remedy to do away with tan and other skin problems. The powder is mixed with milk and then applied to nourish the skin and cool down the body. The scrub is followed by anti-oxidant rich rice body wrap. Vitamin rich unpolished rice along with milk proteins in the wrap helps you nourish and hydrate your skin while your body enjoys the cooling comfort of the wrap,” informs a spokesperson from Aura, the spa at The Park. This is followed by a facial known as “melon burst.” A mix of tender coconut pulp, musk melon and saffron oil is used to let the skin regain its glow and hydrate it.
“We believe in holistic treatment. Our ingredients are a careful selection of naturally grown products, best known for their scientific properties and ancient wisdom, and are completely devoid of chemicals. We always focus on using local ingredients, keeping in mind grandmother’s remedies, as those are the most natural ways of staying beautiful. When our experts advise our guests on post care they always recommend natural ingredients so that skin glows naturally. We have four exotic blends of massage oils exclusively prepared with a base of cold pressed sesame or gingili oil. We use fragrant oil with floral notes and extracts of rose, ylang-ylang and jasmine. This oil has sedative properties, is a good emollient for the skin and inspires positive thoughts. Then there is a oil prepared with lemongrass, rosemary and peppermint. It aids in combating fatigue and relieves muscular pain. We have a refreshing blend of clove, thyme and spearmint, which detoxifies while dispelling negative emotions and calms the senses. A mix of sweet basil, chamomile and patchouli reduces cellulite, improves blood and vascular circulation while working against anxiety and depression,” she adds. Natural facials that are a favourite with spa regulars are mukh lepam and kesar kulfi. Mukh lepam uses special facial sculpting techniques coupled with kumkumadi thailam (saffron oil) to penetrate into the deepest layer of your skin, thus reducing fine lines. The face massage is followed by a special herbal pack which is a blend of dried lotus leaves along with various other herbs. It makes the skin supple and beautiful.
The kesar kulfi is a blend of saffron, best known for its power of reducing facial lines, and almonds. The face is gently cleansed with milk and then polished with semolina. Brightening, rejuvenating treatment at Silhouette, The Oberoi uses Filmogel, a polysaccharide film that once hydrated releases its brightening active ingredients. The complexion is more luminous with a perfect matte finish. The skin looks supple, plumper and visibly younger.