The Diwali festivities just got over, and a Spa treatment was what I needed to unwind, relax and get over the post-festive blues. I booked myself an appointment at the So Spa, a Spa brand of the Sofitel group of hotels. The Sofitel BKC is conveniently located in the heart of Mumbai’s (Bombay) sprawling business district Bandra Kurla Complex offering the working professionals an easy gateway to de-stress and rejuvenate themselves. The hotel and the Spa opened their doors to Mumbai in the year 2011. It is the first and the only property of the Sofitel group in India.
I reached the spa a little before time, and a staff member was waiting for me and immediately offered me a comfy seat at the reception area. I was then handed over a one-page questionnaire that had questions about my skin and hair type, the beauty routine that I follow, the products I use, etc. The questionnaire aimed for a truly personalized experience as it even asked about my preferences on room lighting, room temperature, choice of music, massage intensity, and area of focus.
The ‘So Spa Menu’ has enlisted the different therapies and treatments offered by the Spa categorized into Starters, Main, desserts, etc. The treatment menu is very diverse and offers a bit of everything from body massages, foot massages, facials, and a scalp massage. This Spa had some of So’s signature treatments which are a standard with other ‘So spas’ along with some traditional Indian Ayurvedic. The spa has tried to bring the best of Indian as well as French techniques in these treatments. As I gazed through the menu, I was offered the hotel’s signature welcome drink, an unlikely but refreshing fusion of cranberry juice and tea from none other than Pondicherry, an epitome of Indian French amalgamation.
I opted for one of So’s signature treatments, ‘So Exhilarating Body Massage’ (the inspiration for this review’s title). This treatment was for a soothing experience that would shape and tone one’s silhouette. This signature treatment is carried out in exactly the same technique across all So Spas.
After the refreshing drink, I was ready for the treatment and as I headed to the treatment room. I felt welcomed by the beautiful golden glass bubble artwork, which gave a feel of golden rain droplets falling from the sky. The Spa has six treatment rooms, with one couple of treatment rooms. My masseuse, Shyati, guided me to the treatment room. Each treatment room of this Spa has a private shower and dressing area, thus offering complete privacy to their patrons.
Shyati guided me to the room’s amenities, after which I adjusted the height and temperature of the massage bed to my liking. She briefly explained to me the oils that can be used in the massage. I chose the Indian Ayurvedic oil. The treatment went out for about 60 minutes. I could feel my nerves soothing at a leisurely pace. I mentioned a minor shoulder pain, following which Shyati carefully massaged my shoulders with varying intensities. The massage relaxed my tensed muscles, and I was feeling very calm at the end of the treatment. After a quick shower, the treatment ended with green tea served at the relaxation lounge.
The Spa Products:
The key brands used by the Spa are Cinq Mondes and Gemology cosmetics. Most of the Spas massage oils, including those used in Ayurvedic treatments, are French and specially designed to provide medicinal Ayurvedic benefits. Still, without the oil, they are very thick and sticky. The Gemology products have actual traces of precious and semi-precious minerals, including of stones such as jade, pearls, and diamonds!
So Exhilarating Body Massage – Rs 6,500 ($ 110).
Sofitel Mumbai Bkc, Spa,
C-57, Bandra Kurla Complex,
Bandra (East),
Maharashtra,
400 051 – Mumbai,
India
Phone:(+91)22/61175000
[Sofitel-Mumbai-Bkc]
