As India emerges as one of the world’s leading technology hubs, the subcontinent finds itself playing host to a new crowd of international business travelers, leisure tourists, and the country’s own overnight millionaires. Catering to their demands for high-end amenities and services, The Park Chennai has set a new spa standard with Aura, which offers a comprehensive array of healing therapies from around the world.
Each of the nine treatment “sanctuaries” have their own en-suite bath and shower, and are individually decorated in specific jewel tones inspired by Navaratna gems: ocean blue sapphire, sea green emerald, elegant pearl, dazzling diamond, and blood red ruby. These striking colors are said to emit particular vibrations and provide their own healing environments.
The popular 75-minute Njavarakizhli treatment combines a full body massage and gentle exfoliation to release toxins, revive the skin, and tighten the pores. To begin, two therapists rigorously apply warm medicated oil liberally over the body, then polish it with a mixture of nine varieties of crushed rice grains softened in milk. The rice mixture is then wrapped in a cloth parcel and pressed on the skin, leaving it smooth and hydrated.
Guests who’ve enjoyed Aura in Chennai may want to visit its sister location, which opened in the city of Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta) this past December. For more information visit www.theparkhotels.com.
– Amanda Pressner
September/October 2008
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