By Nikita Das
Spa visits are all the better if restorative treatments take place in sublime settings with design and beauty given as much consideration as the massages and wellbeing treatments on offer. It becomes a holistic haven with great facilities and specialist therapists ranging from yogis to nutritionists to nurture the body, mind and soul. It is after all the pen-ultimate feel-good holiday, even if it is just that one Sunday.
I was tired from my weeklong 6 inch heel clogging footwear ordeal and the running training I have been undertaking for the marathon in November, when I decided to treat myself a full body spa experience. My mother and me, decided on ELLE Spa and Salon at Crowne Plaza, Mayur Vihar Phase 1 and did not have a very consummate experience at the hands of my masseuse.
Elle Magazine is a very famous, widely read fashion magazine around the world and launching the Elle Spa and Salon chain here in Delhi, meant experiencing a luxe spa experience. While it is a very contemporary luxury brand offering a gamut of rejuvenating services, their signature massages did not seem to be quite up to the mark.
Visually the place is quite inviting with open textural interiors, giving a sense of space and warmth. Based on the concept of the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste, the services on offer appear to be quite appealing based on different treatments from manicures, pedicures to body wraps, body scrubs and foot reflexology treatments.
I went in for the full body massage, christened Deep Tissue Massage, which was listed as one of their signature treatments. The masseuse did not seem very knowledgeable on the art of realigning the deeper layers of muscles that use deep finger pressures, slow and firm strokes on contracted areas to loosen the tightness. While their staff was very hospitable, their basic skill training was a tad bit disappointing. Also while there is a specified time limit for every treatment, they do not seem to adhere to it and hence shorten the massage time to their liking, which is not a very welcoming gesture to any guest. Also, its not like the massage came cheap, since its a five star hotel spa. I paid Rs 4300 inclusive taxes for the treatment.
I, however, have to make a special mention to their detoxifying ginger, lemon and honey tea. It was deeply cleansing internally even though the external cleansing wasn’t up to the mark. Like they say, ‘there’s always room for improvement’.
About the Author: Nikita Das heads marketing communications for a luxury Delhi hotel. She pursued her Masters in Advertising and Marketing from the University of Leeds, UK. She has worked with Vogue Condenast, Ogilvy & Mather, DDB Mudra and Forest Essentials.
