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Heavenly abode

The first step A foot massage in a brass bowl

‘Heavenly’ is not just a word but an experience. It is something I realised only recently. Exhausted after a day’s work, relaxation was uppermost on my mind. And what better way to do it than pampering yourself at a spa. My destination was the recently opened Rejuve Spa at InterContinental The Grand. The list of options here is not exhaustive but definitely well-thought out. It is divided into four categories: reflexology, colour, aromatherapy and Ayurveda, each with a list of treatments within it. Each of the masseuses has been trained in the art by Hayley Van Emmenis, the Spa Manager.

Under aromatherapy, the two-and-a-half-hour long Rejuve Experience is what interested me. Hayley promptly guided me to the changing room, via the thin corridor with scented candles lining one side.

Mhonbeni F. Odywo, my masseuse, asked me to unwind at the steam room first. It is suggested that a person take a sauna and steam bath before starting with any treatment, as it prepares the body by removing the toxins and also increases its absorption power. Fifteen minutes inside the hot, damp room and it seemed as if my skin was melting, but I could also feel the toxin leave my body. I started to feel lighter. The sauna was next. The smell of charcoal and aroma oils was overpowering, but by end of this exercise I felt squeaky clean and all set for the treatment.

Wafting aroma oils welcomed me into the dimly lit spa room. First the feet were massaged and washed in a brass bowl, the pebbles at the bottom working like acupuncture every time they met the soles.

The treatment is divided into three parts. Firstly, there’s a body scrub with a tamarind and cane sugar mixture. This not only removes dead skin but also improves blood circulation and prepares the body for the massage that follows. Beni took a portion of the scrub paste and rubbed it on my skin slowly and steadily. The magic had cast its spell. The smell of cane sugar was tantalising, and my skin was becoming warmer. Later, the paste was left to dry for some time. A quick wash removed the dried paste and left behind a fresh layer of supple skin.

The next round was a deep tissue massage with a blend of mandarin oil and other essential oils from the orange family. The citrus smell was overpowering but energising. Hayley explained that the oil nourishes the skin, stimulates the nerves and improves the digestive system. Beni’s firm yet gentle hands worked wonders on the body, and every stroke ensured the benefits of the oils were absorbed by the skin. I realised it was over only when I was woken up an hour later!

A pick-me-up facial completed the treatment. A scrub made from orange peel and organic fruits was rubbed onto the skin and left alone for sometime. After cleaning it, aroma oil (a blend of lavender and mandarin) was massaged into the skin. The process took another 20 minutes. A glass of warm water and a cup of jasmine tea rounded off the evening. The excess oil is wiped off but it is better not to have a wash and let the skin soak in the oil overnight. I left like a new person altogether, completely revived, or rejuvenated should I say.

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