Looking for a lavish quick fix to your cramped muscles? So Spa at Sofitel Mumbai BKC may just have the answer.
France, as a whole, is appreciated by Indians on every level. But when France and India meet, one can definitely expect a lot more. Mumbai’s newest entrant, Sofitel Luxury Hotels, a French hospitality brand, is no exception. With properties in star-studded cities like New York City, London, Paris, Rome, Shanghai, Beijing, Los Angeles and more, Sofitel Mumbai BKC knows how to enamour guests through French hospitality with an Indian touch.
Known for its exclusivity, splendid design and pampering service, Sofitel at BKC attempts at personifying French culture, design and gastronomy, which blends artistically with rich Indian tradition in a signature, art nouveau style, offering multifaceted indulgences through cuisine, entertainment and relaxation. In a conversation with Mr Rajan Gosain, Director of Rooms, Sofitel Mumbai BKC and a personal visit to the spa, we learn how France and India served as the inspiring factors while designing the spa treatments. A ticket to France may be sky rocketing these days, but well, you don’t need it as Sofitel makes the experience possible.
Menu for me
On a dedicated floor sprawling over 6,000 square feet, Sofitel’s So Spa hosts six treatment rooms. Of these, one is an exclusive couple’s spa area with a private Jacuzzi and other amenities. Looking at the menu, one is sure to smile and feel their appetite playing up as the menu is divided into starters, main course and desserts! Says Mr Gosain, “The So Spa treatments draw inspiration from a French restaurant menu. The starters and desserts last for 30 minutes while the main course lasts between 30 to 90 minutes. There are a few specials and menu suggestions that last up to 150 minutes per treatment. So go ahead, take your pick!”
So Spa aims at giving a unique personal experience with signature treatments, like the So Rejuvenating Facial, So Exhilarating massage and the Le Diamantaire Facial by Gemology which is exclusive to Sofitel Mumbai BKC. Mr Bernd Schneider, General Manager Sofitel Mumbai BKC says, “Sofitel Mumbai BKC’s So Spa is an exhilarating, uplifting and rejuvenating experience offering a mix of treatments from India and around the world.”
Shut your eyes, surrender
Taking the lift from the main lobby of the very brown and black corporate building, I exited on the third floor which houses the spa. With no directions leading to the spa, it may take a couple of moments to arrive at the spa reception (a small corridor leads to it). As the usual first step, I filled out a form with my preferences (lighting, pressure, temperature of bed and music) and health details. From the varied treatments, on the advice of the receptionist, I opted for the 90-minute So Exhilarating Body Treatment, their signature, which can be found all over the globe in all So Spas.
Designed by renowned French designer, Isabelle Miaja, So Spa at Sofitel Mumbai BKC leaves you mesmerized by its beauty. The entrance of So SPA is designed to generate an instantly tranquil feeling by the use of soft sheer drapery. The interiors of the spa are bright and pleasant with controlled lighting, predominantly displaying the colour gold, which is a shared passion by the French and Indians alike. Don’t miss the ‘tree of life’ in the spa area, which is symbolic of the body renewing its life by means of the mysteriously rejuvenating spa treatments. Giving a harmonious feel with natural elements, and soothing the senses while relaxing the mind and body, are the water features and landscaping elements.
A journey
As you enter the main treatment area, you are introduced to your therapist, and welcomed into your private treatment room. The room is reminiscent of a palace with gold-ish interiors and a larger than life feel. Change (you can take a shower to refresh yourself if you please) and prepare to submit to the serene treatment that is about to come your way! It starts with ‘rocking’ which is a gentle and literal rocking movement that is said to calm the body. With my eyes shutting and my body starting to let loose, I could feel the tension leaving my body as the therapist starts to massage using a combination of techniques ranging from lomi lomi (massage with the elbows), deep tissue massage, aromatherapy, stretching and hot stone.
You can choose from two options of oil for your massage. Either opt for the ‘sumptuous oil of the orient’ which has argan, olive and sesame, or the ‘ayurvedic oil’ which has neem, sesame and boswalia. I chose the orient oil simply because of its fragrance. Both the oils are said to be extremely nourishing, hydrating and absorbing. So even if you don’t take a shower after the treatment, one does not feel sticky or in dire need of cleansing. Get ready, hydrate with a bottle of mineral water and prepare to step back to reality as the treatment comes to an end.
The entire experience is perfectly planned, and ends with you unwinding in the relaxation room, which is white and peaceful, and envelopes you with warmth as you rejuvenate with green tea and nuts. While here, one can also browse through retail products from Gemology and Cinq Mondes, two globally established French brands, which are entering the Indian market for the first time.
A home away from home, where luxury is the key essence, Sofitel manages to provide a unique experience. The careful balance between French and Indian cultures is achieved with elegance and passion. Great technique, calming interiors and good products make the spa a must visit to straighten out any tired nerves!
Coordinates: Sofiel Mumbai BKC, C-57, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai
Ph : +91-22-61175000
