MELLOW OUT
LET YOUR STRESS BE
DRAWN AWAY,SIMPLY
CHENNAI LISTS SOME
OF THE SWISHIEST
SPAS IN TOWN
RICE AND SHINE, Oryza Spa
Oryza is perhaps the oldest day spa in the city.
The name refers to an exotic variety of wild rice,
which is also used as a base ingredient in most of
the treatments, and is said to have cleansing and
healing properties. It is often used in combination
with other rare and valued herbs.
Oryza has been known for its extensive use of
natural ingredients including essential oils from
flowers, fruits, herbs and plant extracts. It offers
an exotic combination of Oriental and European
treatments and is also one of the few spas in the
city to offer pre-natal and post-natal massages.
These are offered over a period of time and are
becoming popular among young mothers.
RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS Pre-natal and
post-natal massages under expert supervision
COST Rs 2,500 – Rs 10,000 for a full-day package
AT 46/1, Chamiers Road, R. A. Puram
TEL 42110930
AGELESS AYURVEDA, Shambhavi
Created on the ideology of Sadhguru Jaggi
Vasudev’s Isha Foundation, the Shambhavi Spa
in Mylapore resonates the ashram’s philosophy—
a healthy way of life through the goodness
of nature. The therapies here are said to combine
contemporary and ancient treatments.
Their Ayurvedic massages make use of warm
medicated oils and their herbal powders are
carefully planned to correct physical and mental
imbalances. You’ll come across well-known
treatments like Abhyanga (said to increase tissue
strength, improve blood circulation and beautify
skin), as well as rare variants like Netra Tarpana
(to relieve eye strain due to hours of looking at
computer and TV screens, and other eye disorAn interesting therapy here is the Klesha
Nashana Kriya—an aura cleansing process with
the use of an aarti and neem leaves, which are
said to clean and energise the system. The therapists
at Shambhavi are trained at the ashram in
Coimbatore. When you visit Isha Life, be generous
with your time and remember to stop by at
the Mahamudra restaurant for a refreshing cup
of ginger lemon tea after your massage.
RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS Ayurvedic treatments,
cutomised for body and mind.
COST Rs 3,500 for a full body massage and Rs.
25,000 for a bridal package
AT Old No 50, New No 117, Luz Church Road,
Mylapore
TEL 43535555GEMSTONE SPARKLE, Aura
There’s a great deal of traffic, heat and dust you
have to brave on Nungambakkam High Road, before
you enter The Park. But as you step out of
the elevator and into Aura, any memory of the
maddening outdoors is cut off like a distant
dream. Instead, you find yourself in a haven of
soothing music, heady fragrances and flowerfilled
corners. Aura has been a favourite for
Chennai’s spa enthusiasts for almost a decade
now. Its Navratna (nine gem-stones) themed
treatment rooms are designed to suit the mood
that you’re in. The exquisite Pearl Room, with
beautiful white seashells, soft lights and installations
on the walls, is luxurious, while the Emerald
Room, with its green walls, earthy textures and
rustic wooden décor calms your senses. If you
want to share the pleasure of unwinding with a
loved one, we recommend you book the Ruby
Room—Aura’s candlelit master suite, done up in
vibrant red, with a relaxing divan sprinkled with
sequined cushions and fuchsia drapes. You can
soak in the whirlpool or lie back on the rich ruby
red silk and let yourself be pampered. For equally
luxe single treatments, ask for the White
Sapphire room, where cut glass décor, crystals
and an exquisite bath mark the spacious interiors.
The queen of all treatments is Aura’s signature
massage with warm sesame oil, followed by
a pomegranate scrub and a crystal face massage
(Rs 5,500). While the pomegranate scrub detoxifies,
the crystal face massage is said to balance
the energies in your body. You can also pick the
Hawaiian massage (Rs. 3,500), where a blend of
thyme, clove and lavender essential oils leave you
relaxed and refreshed. Follow this up with a sea
salt scrub, head massage and foot reflexology .
RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS Overlooks the city
and offers elaborate luxury services
COST Rs 1,000 for a basic facial to Rs 15,000 for a
four-day package
AT The Park, 601, Anna Salai
TEL