The Spa at the Park Plaza in Bengaluru has the distinction of being a ‘far removed’ spa despite being in the midst of the IT City’s maddening pace. Once you enter the spa, you are almost immediately transported into another world; perhaps it is the excellent acoustic system of the place. Located on the second level, it is part of the latest offering by the world’s largest and most dynamic hotelier chain – the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. Situated in the heart of Bangalore’s IT hub, Park Plaza brings international expertise to India through its array of authentic fine-dining options, upscale corporate offerings, and a host of peripheral facilities such as outdoor pool with sundeck and bar, 24-hour Fitness Centre, Spa and beauty salon to cater to the needs of a business and leisure traveller.
The Specifics
Started in August 2011, the spa has brought together the wisdom and heritage of Indian philosophies of wellness and wellbeing. “From the Indian healing knowledge, we have created a range of fresh and unique experiences in The Spa. It includes a range of Ayurvedic treatments and exclusive signature services and body therapies with a meaningful ritual-like experience,” explains Loretta Dique, Assistant Spa Manager. The spa has a relaxation area, three single suites, one couple suite and one Ayurvedic suite with a special table and is used exclusively for Ayurvedic treatments. The Spa service menu is extensive and includes a host of signature treatments, deep tissue, relaxation massages, Swedish and Balinese treatments, foot reflexology, body scrubs and wraps, Ayurvedic massages including Shirodhara & Shirobhyanga and special packages like the Luxurious Body Treatment. Also on offer are couple treatments, signature luxury facials, cleansing facials, facials for men and herbal facials. The in-house salon offers waxing, threading, spa pedicure and spa manicure, hair wash, hair styling and blow dry, hair ironing, haircuts, root touch up, hair straightening & Rebonding, Hair Spa treatments and Indian head massage. Also located on this floor are the health club gym and pool to which membership is available for non guests as well. The spa has seven therapists, a gym instructor and a pool life guard.
The Differentiators
The Park Plaza Bengaluru Hotel stands for privacy and aesthetics and through an orientation towards the individual needs of its guests, provides lasting relaxation and energy. This niche haven for the senses has been created as a place of holistic well-being and inner peace. With an innovative approach, The Spa is aimed at people who live life to the full, value individuality, privacy and want to achieve a maximum level of relaxation and fitness in a short period of time. This is especially true since this is a business hotel. The spa menu has been designed to reflect a deep understanding of body, mind and the individual needs of each guest. The Spa treatments are designed to luxuriously pamper and indulge as well as aim to heal, nourish, restore and rejuvenate. All products used at The Spa are natural and uniquely developed from Indian herbs, essential oils and special ingredients. Being a business hotel, one of the challenges was the inclusion of Ayurvedic treatments since most of the clientele belongs to the corporate sector. “Since Ayurvedic treatments use a lot of oil, guests would prefer to take an Ayurvedic massage only on weekends. Hence, we have chosen just a few selective treatments which all guest prefer. Another challenge is with the actual people management. We have sourced two Ayurvedic therapists who have been working in Malaysia and have six years of experience in Ayurveda,” says Dique. All the products used at the spa are made from natural ingredients including coconut moisturizing scrubs, herbs and spices. Natural oils from the Forest Essentials and Pevonia brands are used for facials. The treatments make use of essential oils like Eucalyptus & Black pepper, Lime & Ginger, Rose & Geranium, Sandalwood, Bitter Orange and Bergamot-infused Sesame among others.
The Decor
Spread over an area of 3500 sq. m, the spa overlooks the pool set amidst a natural setting of plants that add a touch of greenery as well as bring the outdoors inside. The open-to-the-sky outdoor swimming pool also has a Jacuzzi and a wet area with steam and sauna and has a pool bar. The spa itself, spread over 2000 square feet, is done up in hues of cream and beige interspersed with touches of green. The cream coloured walls have a hand painted embossing, and a textured natural design that gels with the surroundings. The walls are mostly adorned with pictures of leaves and blend seamlessly with the chosen colour scheme.
“The spa offers a real flavor of Bangalore with the garden being intrinsic to the overall experience, a place you can unwind in. The feel is that of a natural environment where you feel totally relaxed. The spa and salon takes a holistic approach to physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Our intimate spa blends five elements and serenity with exotic sensuality. The architecture of our spa has drawn inspiration to blend seamlessly with the beauty of the nature, and our body treatments are based on evolving techniques that have passed through the hands of many generations. Our de-stressing and holistic inner beauty remedies make use of aromatic oils and herbs and spice with ancient healing powers,” says Dique. A double ceiling with adjustable lights and water-resistant marble flooring are also part of the interiors. All the lights used are remote controlled and can be adjusted for brightness. Adding to the ambience are the soothing strains of music and dim lighting that make for a perfect spa experience.
The Treatment
Sipping my green tea, I was first asked to fill in a general health evaluation form and I was specifically asked what my skin type was. When I mentioned ‘sensitive’, I was told that the treatment would be done using natural products like coconut and turmeric. I was advised to take the 120 minutes Luxurious Body Treatment and an express facial thereafter. The Luxurious Body Treatment is an ultimate spa skin polish for unrivalled smoothness and radiance. The package includes a 20 min Body scrub, 50 min Body Signature massage, 25 min Body Himalayan clay masque, 20 min Body soak in a Bathtub with warm water and a 5 min Body moisturizer. My treatment started with a foot soak and my therapist Nune from Nagaland, scrubbed and cleaned my feet with sea salts and patted it dry. I was first asked to lie head down on the treatment table and I noticed that a bowl of fresh flowers was kept below. I was later given to understand that this is done intentionally as water is used as a means to remove negative energy and pervade positivity. And this is changed for each guest! Starting the treatment with the body scrub made fresh using pure coconut and turmeric. This extraordinary scrub treatment for the body has draining and reducing properties. I was asked to then take a shower after which I was given an extensive body massage using a combination of fragrant essential oils that helps to break down the cellulite. The strokes used in this massage were as per deep tissue massage therapy and the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints and puts you to state of intense relaxation. With every frayed nerve in my body soothed, this was a massage that was relaxing and rejuvenating.
Post this she applied a Himalayan clay masque on my body, which enhances the skin texture, visibly reducing spongy, cellulite areas. While the same dried, I was given a cream-based facial massage as well as head massage that was very soothing. Once the mask was dry, I had a quick shower and the best part was a soak bath in a bath tub with milk, essential oils, honey and rose petals. Certainly a Cleopatra moment! The treatment is completely worth the experience and costs INR 3820 + Taxes. The Express Facial offered cleaning by intensive exfoliation and moisturizing. A Pevonia Cleanser was first applied on my face to cleanse, purify and nourish my skin and remove grime, oils and dead cells. The Pevonia Toner, a gentle and hydrating toner was then applied to close the pores and prepares skin for further treatment. The Pevonia Peeling Cream was then used as it helps removes dead cells, impurities and clogging and brightens complexion. The Pevonia Micro Emulsion Massage Cream stimulates and revitalizes cellular activity while moisturizing and softening the skin. It also improves elasticity and delivers a radiant glow and is applied towards the end. At each stage a warm towel is used on clean the face. Relax at the end for 5 minutes and the treatment gives your face a quick fix that you can use at that meeting! This 35 min process will leave your face with a new glow and will cost you INR 990 + Taxes. This is a spa experience that was unique since the attention paid to detail is immaculate as well as the trained therapists make the valued added difference.
Writer | Bindu Gopal Rao
Tags: Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, foot reflexology, Natural oils, Park Plaza Hotel, Shirodhara & Shirobhyanga, Spa and beauty salon, Swedish and Balinese treatments
