I used to be quite the spa junkie back in the day. My monthly trips were pretty much on schedule…seriously nothing can beat a well done massage in wiping all the strains of pain and tiredness from you. I have been to a couple of spas across the metro cities of the country from some very basic ones to some really good high end ones. While some left me a happy bunny after the experience the others were sadly lacking. And it is not just the treatment…lets keep it to the side. I believe that the ambiance is of the foremost importance especially as it sets the mood when you step into the place. The lighting, the music and the smell (yes you read me right) plays as big role in how calm and relaxed you feel. They are the necessary add-ons which complete a spa experience.

Decoration in the lobby

The reception desk of the spa

     Btw I’m sure you must have heard of Groupon by now…in case for some strange reason you haven’t let me give you a brief 411 on them. They provide some of the best deals in your city whether is for a restaurant, hotel stay, salon/spa packages, etc ie you can find a good discounted package deal for any of your lifestyle needs. They even sell products at great prices. I have used them a couple of times in the past to avail salon service, restaurant deal and buying goods all which have delivered what was promised. I got an offer to try out a spa/salon package by them and I decided to try out Sohum Spa at Kenilworth Hotel. They have about 4-5 different packages from this spa which are exclusive to Groupon aka they are not part of their regular services (but might be in the near future). I picked the Very Berry package which included – Welcome drink, Wine Body Scrub, Fruit Facial, Foot Reflexology, Haircut/Steam/Shower and a Goodbye Tea. Services worth Rs. 6000/- can be availed at a discounted rate of Rs. 2999/- for single person and Rs. 4999/- for a couple which is pretty neat.

Treatment room with shower cubicle and bathtub

Welcome drink made with Apple and Cranberry

     I walked in at the appointed time (oh btw the Groupon offers can only be availed on the weekdays at the spa) and was greeted by Mr Sayak Lahiri, Spa Manager. While the room was getting prepped he told me a bit about what was in store for me. The treatment was going to be done by using natural ingredients only and everything being used can be sourced from the kitchen. Instead of using wine they would be using grape juice and grape pulp for the body polish and the fruit facial too would be done using items like cucumber juice, curd, oats, honey, milk, etc. I was served the welcome drink which was a mix of apple and cranberry. I liked the fact that it didn’t have the usual preservative taste to it and was mildly sweet. I was then handed over to my therapist who then washed my feet with some water with marigold petals and scrubbed my feet with some salt.

Some of the ingredients being used in the treatment

     You know I was all enthu about the entire process and thought I would try to take pictures during each step so that you guys can get an idea of what to expect. But once it started all good thoughts and will went flying out the window and I was totally lost in the treatment. She started with the foot reflexology which was so relaxing and she hit the right spots while ensuring that I was comfortable with the pressure at all times. Once that was done the body polish started where first an essential oil blend was applied to the skin and then was scrubbed on top with a mix made with grape pulp. I got the benefit of a scrub plus massage all rolled into one. After a quick shower I was massaged again with something which I forgot 😛 Another quick shower sans the soap and I was ready for my facial.

On left is before the facial and on right is immediately after it

Goodbye Tea

     It was quite an experience! My face was not cleansed with soap rather with some cucumber juice…what I mean to say is that from start to finish it was all au natural (well except for the cream that was used for the foot massage and the moisturizer that was put on my face in the end)! What all was not rubbed into my skin that day 😀 Brown sugar, honey, oats, milk, curd, cucumber juice, orange juice, grapes, wheatgerm oil, etc etc. Some I could make out and some I was quite surprised on hearing about later on. My skin felt squeaky clean and it shone. Not only did I feel well rested after it all but was energized at the same time. Usually body massages make you feel sleepy and lethargic later on and there has only been one other place which made me feel like this. The treatment was finished with some warm green tea laced with honey in the end. Honestly it is among one of the best spa treatments I have experienced so far.

On left is the just before the facial, middle is immediately after and on right is about 18 hours after the treatment

     The whole process lasted 3 hours and I didn’t realize/feel it one bit! As you must know by now I give a facial 24 hours to show me its true result and this one passed the test. My skin looked fresh and had a nice glow to it even 48 hours later on. I actually asked Mr. Lahiri to make it part of their regular service coz I liked it so much. This is a very rich ritual in terms of the ingredients being used and I feel that it is ideal for normal to dry skin people. Though by the end of it my skin was only wiped with water it was by no means oily and my skin had absorbed all the goodness it was soaked with. Sohum Spa also offers express services for the working individual as well as a gym membership and a small salon with basic facilities. I think I have given you plenty of reasons to try out Groupon for yourself by now…do let me know if you have tried them before or plan to try them out. Also what do you think about the spa. Waiting to hear from you….Astala vista!