ELEMENTIA, COURTYARD MARRIOTT AGRA

The menu of Elementia Spa, Courtyard Marriott Agra, tightly edited for focus and usefulness, emphasises hands-on methods like cleansing, hydration and massages that zero in on knots, kinks. Body treatments are as languorous as massages are spirited!

Being Saturday morning, it was quiet and I was happy I could indulge in 'princess pampering' after a workout at the fitness centre. After discussing preferences, a therapist welcomed me into the spa suite with a foot bath in a bowl of salt water in preparation for Energize Massage which I had requested and soon she began the 45-minute therapy that promised to ease muscle tension in the neck, back, shoulders and feet. I chose this massage instead of a full body massage as the focus would be on de-stressing muscle tension. She could see I was tired and not slept well and promised me that I would be refreshed once it was over! Owing to firm pressure with essential oils, the massage was relaxing and I was sleeping like a baby… until she deftly pulled each toe to de-stress me completely! I was pleased to observe the deep knowledgeable movements had a therapeutic effect; soreness in my neck, shoulders and back was no longer there and she advised me to take a steam bath followed by a warm shower… and I emerged from the spa feeling fresh and rejuvenated! On my next visit, Im tempted to try Akhara Malish — the aroma-therapeutic massage oil works vigorously on the body to release body pain!! (3.3.2016)

— JASMEEN DUGAL