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The Vibe
A high class, modern, spa with an abundance of amenities and an attention to detail that is unsurpassed. Water is the way at this spa as I found alcoves filled with water, complete with waterfalls around what seemed like every corner.
The Little Things
| I was wowed from the moment I first approached the spa door and saw the naked stone statue that marked my entry into the spa. Although there were more anatomically correct stone statues throughout the spa, what I was most impressed with was the way in which I checked in and out of the spa. There were no registration desks, no computers, and not any staff in sight when I entered. But as I closed the door behind me, a woman emerged from behind a screen. She took my name, asked me to have a seat, and proceeded to bring me a cup of ginger tea. While I sipped tea and filled out a form, she retrieved a bamboo tray carrying one pair of sandals. She assisted me in the shoe swap, and then took me on a personalized tour of the facility where she not only showed me the amenities, but explained the benefits each amenity and also how to properly operate each one. |
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This same woman checked me out in a similar fashion, no desks, no computers, just pure pampering from the moment I walked in to the moment I left. I felt as though she was my personal attendant for the day.
I also enjoyed the colored alcove in my treatment room. This made the room unique and have a personality all its own.
The Star Treatment
TIME. The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental believes that your body cannot foretell what it will be in need of weeks in advance when you book your treatment. So, rather than book a treatment, you simply book TIME, and then you and your therapist decide that day what services you need. The concept is unique, refreshing, and one that should definitely be on your “must try” list. You simply can’t get it anywhere else and it’s truly a wonderful experience to have your spa service customized to meet your specific needs.
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Since I had just arrived off the plane in London, it was easily apparent to my therapist that I needed a massage and skin hydration during my TIME. She decided I would have a massage, facial, and full body scrub. She arrived at this decision during our Foot Ritual, a symbol of respect in Indian customs, marking the beginning of the service. During the ritual, she asked me a series of questions about my personality in general and also specifically what I was feeling that day. Once she knew what services I needed, she allowed me to choose the scents of my oils and lotions by performing a series of smell tests. The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental believes that by choosing scents that most appeal to me, they can best determine what my body craves. That day, I needed calming with a little splash of fitness!
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What I loved most about the TIME concept (besides the concurrent treatments) was the feeling of a true connection with my therapist. By having time to talk and decide together what services I should receive, I felt more at ease and comfortable with her and I felt as though she truly understood my needs.
The Distinctive Element
| The natural stone and granite décor is a unique look for a spa and made me feel like I had become one with nature…The naked stone statues that marked the entrances to the men’s and women’s spas were certainly something to remember...Besides separate men’s and women’s relaxation room, there is also a co-ed relaxation room so that couples who enjoy the spa together can relax together too… The color therapy, personal headsets, and the individual chaise lounges in the relaxation room made this one of the best ways to unwind before and after a service I’ve experienced yet! |
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What to Keep in Mind
You absolutely MUST arrive early! There are so many amenities; it would be a real shame to not have time to indulge before your treatment. I arrived 90 minutes early and still wanted more time in the relaxation room before my service! And, after the service I was so relaxed that I needed to regain consciousness in the relaxation room afterwards…The TIME concept requires a 2-hour minimum booking, which can be pricey.
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