A deserving day of relaxation is a stone’s throw away! And we spent it fabulously at the Heavenly Spa at The Westin Mumbai Garden City.
Relaxation, rejuvenation and peace – three words that are most fondly associated with spas all over the world are now getting a makeover – for the better. The fourth floor at The Westin Mumbai Garden City, housing the Heavenly Spa by Westin, effortlessly de-stresses and more. In a stressful city like Mumbai, I bet you don’t need much convincing to spend an hour getting your back massaged the right way. Nine treatment rooms with a spacious couple room, a tranquil sanctuary for holistic revival, and signature massages with Aromatherapy oil almost sounds too perfect, doesn’t it? Add to it some unique healing experiences and you are on your way to sensory heaven.
All play, no work
"In our busy lives, it becomes difficult to maintain a balance between work and play. Stress, pressure, demand are common words which are linked with many of us these days. We offer an array of therapies to uplift guests mentally, physically and spiritually by engaging and stimulating each of the five senses, Sight, Sound, Touch, Taste, and Scent through a holistic approach to wellness," said the team. So either at the spa, or in the comfort of your own room, prepare to relax your mind, body and soul. Not only with massages and wraps, the team encourages you to embrace full-body nourishment with a special spa cuisine menu featuring energising drinks, herbal teas, and a nutritious SuperFoodsRx menu.
Right from the soft tones of the team, confidence of the spa director and engulfing decor of the spa, I was looking forward to the massage that would de-stress a bundle of nerves like me. Entering the spa, the strong whiff of white tea encircled me as I smiled at the ever familiar smell. Taking a seat in their waiting area, I filled out a personal preferences and daily routine form – a regular with all spas today – but with one unique aspect quite interestingly devoted to feminine know how’s – which I haven’t seen before in any other spa. Sipping on iced elixir water, I waited for the ‘well being specialist’ who tried to understand my expectations and requirements from the treatment. Narrowing down preferences and hour long temptations, I was advised to go for the signature heavenly touch massage along with my companion. The Heavenly Spa at The Westin Mumbai Garden City focuses on three planes of existence – the physical, the mental and the spiritual – and I was waiting to completely rejuvenating these planes and more.
Take a moment
Once inside the changing rooms, a team member will guide you to your personal locker, where you can change in your robe and disposables and store your belongings. The key is attached to a wristlet which I personally think is a great idea so it doesn’t get lost. Ten minutes of steam and a cold shower later I was ready to start my treatment. The rooms are spacious with high ceilings, ambient lighting and marble flooring to maintain the in-room temperature and also have a separate shower. I was told that they use healing essential oils and natural plant extracts for their therapies, and being a lover of aromatherapy myself, I was quite pleased to learn a little more about my selected massage. As I was discussing how I want to feel after my treatment, my therapist softly took my feet and put them into a bowl to begin the foot ritual. Using marine salt and tea tree oil to mildly exfoliate my feet, I couldn’t help but giggle at the ticklish feeling while my pressure points were being massaged to prepare for the treatment to come.
Getting onto the bed was a lovely feeling as they are electrically heated. An amazing contrast, the white linen clad bed was warm while the grey clouds outside danced away and released strong showers. As a part of ‘How you want to feel’ ritual, my companion and me were given three stones named Hope, Love, Gratitude. I selected Hope while my companion selected Gratitude and these stones were placed under the head of the bed so we would be looking at them during the treatment. This small innovation inspired a lovely feeling in both of us! Before the treatment started, a ‘Burden basket’ was taken over us and placed outside the treatment room as an indication of ‘keeping aside any emotional/ physical burden’ that was around us and we were carrying before the treatment. To signal the start of the treatment, the therapist used a chime to remove all negative energies from the room.
One, two, breathe
As I shut my eyes after the positively sweet chime, I could feel the therapist rub the aromatherapy oil between her palms and start the spa. The technique for this massage combines long gentle strokes with intense, firm kneading movements to stimulate circulation which reduces swelling, eases muscle tension and re-awakens the senses, leaving me feeling calm and relaxed. Using slow, gentle rocking movements, the therapist applied compressions with thumb, palms, elbows and knees to harmonise vital life force. As the treatment progressed, I could feel the pressure points in my body being probed, kneaded and coaxed through a series of articulation comprising stretching and bending, which indeed made it a sublime body workout! So give yourself a break, let the heated herbal compress relax your muscles with essential oil blends, which are then massaged into the body. Back and upper shoulder concentration with the combination of Indian oil in a western technique, this Heavenly Touch Massage is a warm oil therapy with warm compressions, so loosen up and let go.
Once another chime was rung and the soft touch of the masseuse was on my shoulder, I knew that my one hour of bliss was over. A quick walk to their spa lounge showed a lovely showcase of Aromatherapy Oil Associates where I filled out a feedback form and congratulated the spa manager on one of the most relaxing treatments in Mumbai. Along with green tea and dark chocolate, I allowed myself some more moments of peace before it was time to leave.
Professionals to the core
At The Westin Mumbai Garden City, training is of utmost importance. Training sessions on human anatomy, physiology, spa treatments, guest relations and guest personalisation are conducted for a minimum of 20 hours in a month to ensure maximum participation. This is why you will always find a smiling face while at the spa.
My suggestion? Immerse yourself in relaxing scents, inspiring melodies and invigourating massages because a tranquil transformation awaits you at The Westin Mumbai Garden City. What I loved especially about this spa? The fact that a great thought has been placed on the design of each facility to keep Treatment Alcoves tranquil and maintain relaxation lounges or “Sanctuaries” in a peaceful state where one can sit and enjoy the serene environment.
Panoramic views, spa features or tranquility of the treatment spaces, I always had a pleasant place to rest my eyes – a signature of Westin design. A brilliant spa maneuvered by a lovely team, they do everything in their power to uplift and calm guests on a journey through all the five senses.
Coordinates: International Business Park, Oberoi Garden City, Goregaon East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400063, India
