THE SPA EXPERIENCE
Chinese medical philosophy believes the body and mind are inter-connected . For the wood persona , the stiffness that I felt was not purely related to the muscles but also represents an inflexibility or feeling of being “ stuck .” It was time to re-balance , find the energy flow and create an upward motion .
As I was face down on the massage table , my therapist warmed up a few drops of aromatherapy essential oil in the palms of his hands and asked me to inhale deeply with my eyes closed .
The custom Awaken oil is a custom blend of lavender , neroli , grapefruit and mandarin essential oils that is designed to balance the wood element . It is a beautiful , transportive combination of aromas that is warming , yet uplifting . Lavender is a calming influence that increases circulation and eases stiff muscles . Neroli brings in the scent of sweet orange blossoms . Grapefruit is detoxifying , while mandarin relaxes . A deep inhale of this harmonious blend engages the emotions as well as the senses .
ENCOURAGING RENEWAL
A customized all-over body massage relaxes every muscle , but the treatment doesn ’ t end with the last touch of the massage . To give a true holistic healing approach , it is followed by nutritional and exercise consultations at the end . In preparation for spring , the wood person ’ s diet should incorporate seasonal greens , such as sorrel , kale or spinach , asparagus , goji berries and lime . I was also advised to avoid hot and spicy foods , refined sugar and diary due to fluid retention and stagnation . For exercise , I was shown a hip stretch that surprisingly helps stimulate the liver and gallbladder , which is where the wood meridian is located .
Basking in the effects of the treatment , you are invited to relax as long as you like at the spa before you journey on with a renewed since of balance for spring .
THE SPA EXPERIENCE
A spa treatment at Mandarin Oriental , New York , is quite unlike any other in the city . Being whisked up 35 glorious stories into the Manhattan sky is an exhilarating sensation unto itself . Whether it ’ s day or evening , the view is spectacular . You ’ re guaranteed a peek of Central Park , the Hudson River or big city glamour .
Your experience begins the minute you step into the spa , when you ’ re invited to slip out of your shoes and into a pair of plush slippers . A hot , freshly brewed mountain berry tea is offered — its fruity overtones underscored with complex piquant notes . And , then , you walk through the doors into a luxurious portal of ultimate pampering within chic surrounding that marry the elegance of the East with contemporary New York design .
The spa recommends that spa guests arrive 45 minutes before their scheduled appointment so that they can enjoy the full range of heat experiences , which include an amethyst crystal steam room , experience shower ( which stimulates land rain , tropical rain and fog ) and oxygenated vitality pool . The oxygenated water is very therapeutic . Not only
does it soothe your muscles and loosen your limbs , it also softens your skin .
30 INSEASON MAGAZINE | SPRING 2013
The water is perfectly heated and features hydrotherapy water jets .
There is utmost privacy in this oasis , with men and women having their own exclusive sanctuaries . Your body will be completely prepped for treatment . It ’ s best not to wait until post-treatment because dipping into the water would strip away all of the essential oils , which need time to penetrate into your system .
Once you ’ re robed , you await your therapist in the tranquil unisex Tea Lounge , where he or she will greet you and walk you to your private treatment room . Take this moment to rehydrate with tea and help yourself to a bit of dried candied fruit , nuts and berries before you start your treatment .
Each of the six private treatment rooms feature a private shower . Relaxing in these quiet sanctuaries , whatever journey you ’ ve had that day — whether it was shopping along Madison Avenue or just a stressful day at the office — is released with each deep breath . Your treatment is customized for your needs by an expert team for maximum relaxation and heightened well-being , ensuring an unrivaled spa experience from start to finish .