A pampering session at the Shanaya Spa leaves Poonam Thapa rejuvenated  and wanting to go back for more of the destressing treatments

The luxury spa Shanaya is a perfect destination to soothe the city ruffled nerves and get rejuvenated. Situated on the fourth floor of the Club Tower at the beautiful Kempinski Ambience Hotel, 'Shanaya' which means the first rays of the sun, is befitting to the start of a beautiful day where I have been invited to review their spa treatments.

As I enter, there is small walk through an elegant corridor in understated beige that immediately sets the tone to a calmer you. Nothing, you see, is loud that may distract or startle your nerves. Hushed tones of lavishness are premeditated to create an air of tranquility and harmony.  Even the aromas, I felt are toned down and there is hardly any trace of the distinctive fragrances that have become so characteristic to a spa that sometimes linger a tad too long. Everything here is styled in a subtle manner for you to sense harmony along with the opulence.

I am escorted to the spa by the elegantly dressed Madhur Madan who heads the Communications and the PR department. Here I am left at the dexterous care of the spa manager Jasmine Maan who explains the various treatments and therapies the spa has to offer.

A refreshing glass of fresh coconut water, well known for its hydrating properties is presented to me as a welcome drink, as I am told about the  five treatment rooms offering Western and Asian treatments with a variety of Ayurvedic, Swedish, Thai massages, body wraps and scrubs along with the Shanaya signature rituals to name a few.

My mind is made. I opt for the signature therapy for the combinations it has to offer. Besides, it is unique to the hotel and helps in providing with an insight to the spa’s exclusiveness. It is a 90 minute international therapy that combines body walk, pressure point massage, stretching, friction strokes, marma points and reflexology to restore the balance and harmony of the body and the mind.

After a quick change, I am inside the therapy room. It is large compared to the usual standards in the capital. It is this space and the warm tones of the room that spell luxury as it embraces me in its folds.  My feet are dipped in a large bowl that is filled with water and flowers.  The ambience and soothing music has already pushed the images of the overcrowded city’s hustle bustle far away from my mind and I am already transported to a serene paradise of the senses ready to surrender to the hands of my therapist Jincy. She tells me three different oils are used for the signature therapy - Vitality for soothing of the senses, Serenity for rejuvenation and Recovery for pain relief which the guest can choose from. I settle for serenity. 

The delightful session begins from the soles of the feet.  As fingers press the vital pressure points and dry massage my stressed out muscles, I began to loosen up. The therapist is extremely well trained and her magical fingers move deftly over my body applying warm lavender oil, known to have calming properties. I relax as the tensions embedded in the muscles ease away. As my body unwinds, all thoughts in my mind are erased and I drift off to a blissful world of nothingness.  At times, I am gently woken up to enquire if the pressure is fine and not hurting, I just purr and doze off again. A gentle pull, a stretch of the nerves and pressure point massage, all are there, in just the appropriate measures. It is releasing the pressures of the daily grind, elevating the senses of well being making me feel so light, that I could be floating.

A dry head massage is part of the signature treatment, however, they comply to my altruistic demand of a head massage with oil. It is the culmination of the therapy and I have already succumbed to deep slumber. As all good things come to an end, I am gently awakened to reality. After a sauna, steam bath and shower I am truly rejuvenated and recharged, ready to face the world once again! Truly a gem of East Delhi that is set to sparkle, Shanaya, is open to its members and welcomes walk-in customers!