If luxury and relaxation is what you are looking for, SO Spa has got the right combination, says Gargi Bansod
There are spas and then there are luxury spas, where you are treated as nothing less than a royal. SO Spa at Sofitel, the French chain of hotels, is one where luxury, pampering and the feeling of richness all come together.
Elegance is what describes this spa. With mirror and glass décor, the spa has six treatment rooms with one room for couple massages and a Jacuzzi. Being an international chain, all their products are by Cinq Mondes, a renowned French cosmetics brand. They have five different oils made by combining oils from France and other countries for a particular region’s massage technique. For more indulgence, they also offer Gemology treatments, which use creams made of precious stones for your body massages and treatments.
The rooms are spacious, beautifully done up and the best part is that you can customise the atmosphere. You can choose the type of music, lighting and also, if you want a heated or non-heated bed. Plus, you have a choice of oils as well — ayurvedic oil or oriental oil.
Opting for the SO Signature Body Massage (`5,000), the receptionist told me that it is a massage practiced in their branches all over the world. It is a full body massage with a little rocking and stretching of your body and they feed your curiosity by telling you there’s a sweet surprise in store. All tucked under the sheet, my therapist told me that this particular massage will pay attention to all my five senses, including taste. This made me wonder even more! As I was lying down, she applied drops of lavender essence near my ears and forehead which catered to my sense of smell. And, the surprise was when she put a spoon of honey into my mouth and told me to enjoy the taste. I really don’t know how that works but it did have its own charm. As I wondered about it, the therapist started to work on my body. She started off by wrapping me in the sheet and rocking my body back and forth by tugging on the sheet very lightly. Then, after the regular massaging of each body part, she placed hot stones on my back and spine and lightly ran the stones over my back. That really calmed my nerves!
I can vouch for the excellent techniques and execution as my therapist had to literally wake me up after the whole session was over. Now, isn’t that the purpose of a massage? I was relaxed, rejuvenated and revived with a calm body and mind. SO Spa is sheer luxury and royal indulgence.
Where Sofitel Mumbai, C-57, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E)
Contact 61175000