I just had the most relaxing Balinese massage in the spa at the Oberoi in Delhi. I've been working hard all week and my shoulders were somewhere up around my ears, so I needed help to unwind before flying home. Balinese massage uses a variety of techniques including kneading and stroking, acupressure and reflexology. My therapist, from Thailand, used "Euphoria" oil, from a beautiful blue apothecary's bottle, which contained lemon and ylang-ylang.
As usual, the bits of the treatments I enjoyed the most were the extremities. When it came to my feet, there was some serious reorganisation of my toes, and plenty of powerful pressure on the soles, which always drains my tension away. The neck and scalp massage was equally de-stressing. And, of course, my therapist did lots of deep work on my shoulders, trying to move my muscles into some semblance of normality. If I could end every working day with this massage, I would indeed float around on a euphoric cloud.
Afterwards, I had ginger and honey tea.
I'd certainly recommend the spa at the Oberoi. It's new, modern, with lots of beige marble, glass and polished wood. The changing room has a steam room and sauna, and everything you could wish for in the way of shampoo, moisturiser, conditioner, combs, toothbrushes, and unlimited towels and robes. There's certainly no need to bring anything down from your room. Lots of lovely treatments to choose from, including several ayurvedic ones -- quite right, too, as we are in India!
It's been such a busy week, I haven't had a chance to sit on the loungers by their outdoor pool and try swimming in the sun, but I did try the indoor pool. This is an oddly thin rectangular shape, with infinity edges, and some awkward steps to get in. Once you're in, though, the water has a pleasant temperature, is a deep blue, and you can certainly get your laps in.
The gym is also spotless, well kept, with plenty of Himalayan water and towels for you, and each set of headphones comes with a new pack of sponges to put on, to protect your delicate ears in a hygienic fashion.
The other thing I like about this hotel is that it has bowls with rose-petals in everywhere you look.
I'm certainly going to miss that when I'm at home!
Single Spy
4th March 2014
Spy Likes:
Warm floors when you put your bare feet upon them; heated treatment beds; soft towels; attention to detail, so that your treatment room looks and smells beautiful when you arrive in it.
Spy Dislikes:
Cold floors when you put your bare feet upon them; therapists who use your treatment time to write up a list of product "recommendations" that they hope you will purchase.
