Defining Indulgence at Rejuve Spa, Lalit Ashok Bangalore

Defining Indulgence at Rejuve Spa, Lalit Ashok Bangalore

Those of you who have been following my blog posts are familiar with the delicacies that I have been savouring at the Lalit Ashok, Bangalore’s restaurants ~ but my epicurean ventures are not the crux of this post today. This time, I was invited to review the Signature Swedish Massage and Deep Cleansing Facial at the hotel’s Rejuve Spa.

Location: Rejuve Spa is located just a few minutes away from the Chief Minister’s Guest House, at The Lalit Ashok Hotel that stands magnificently in the posh neighbourhood.

Ambience and decor: As you walk into the sprawling 11,000 sq. ft. Rejuve Spa, you realise that its beauty lies in the minimalist décor that does not rely on hedonistic aesthetics to gain attention, but instead subtly creates a space of serenity and peacefulness with close attention to detail.

As you make your way deeper into the spa, the lights get softer helping your mind enter a zone of relaxation, setting the mood for the therapy. Complete silence is maintained in the pathways, to not disturb the guests in an ongoing treatment.

Conceptualised to address the interdependence of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual, and working towards their equilibrium, the treatment menu at Rejuve Spa offers a range of expectant essentials {facials, hair spa, manicure and pedicure} and some lavish signature therapies which include Ayurvedic therapies, Rejuve therapies, and Western therapies among other body treatments.

Rooms and facilities: I was greeted with notable warmth and friendliness by the staff at Rejuve which was delightfully welcoming, and was led along the hallway to my first stop ~ the extravagant couple’s suite. The suite had parallel treatment beds {where a couple could indulge in therapy simultaneously}, private showers, and a relaxation sofa, which lives up to its name in every way by making you forget everything else as you sink into its comfort.

On my way to the treatment room designated for me, I also noticed that privacy and comfortable relaxation was a top consideration here, and the various services areas were secluded to create a zone of relaxation sans disturbance for the guests.

The spa includes five treatment rooms; one superior couple’s suite, two Ayurvedic suites, and two suites for western treatments. It also houses relaxation areas, separate changing rooms for the men and women visiting the spa, and wet areas that have a steam, sauna, and Jacuzzi ensuring that the needs of all their guests are met to satisfaction.

Nuances: I indulged in the spa’s signature herbal tea served before the treatment, as I sat in the waiting area after choosing my treatment. With an eye for unique experiences, I wanted to explore a spa treatment that would be relatively different from the ones I had experienced before. The therapist suggested that the 60-minute Rejuve Signature Swedish Massage would be a great choice for me and I nodded in agreement.

The Swedish massage is one of the most effective massage therapy modalities. It involves a deep tissue massage using the Swedish technique of cupping and thumb pressure to diffuse tension in the muscles of your body and calm the senses. Think of this method as a wonderful process that promotes complete relaxation by combining massage and physical therapy.

Treatment Room: I was led to the treatment room assigned to me which depicted a page from the vibrant stories of travellers from across the seas who wrote about India. There was a feeling of comfortable warmth in the dimly lit room which was in continuum to the rest of the décor in its elegant simplicity, yet every inch hinted at forlorn luxury.

Treatment: I was left with a change of disposable clothing provided for the treatment, along with a robe. After I had changed, I settled into a comfortable lounge chair and waited for the masseuse. The Swedish massage started with an informative explanation of the therapy by my insightful therapist, following which she carried out a foot cleansing routine which helped me sink into a mood of relaxation before the treatment commenced.

The bed draped in exquisitely soft linen looked inviting, and the pacifying notes of music playing lulled my senses. My therapist, Januka Chettri, inquired about my choice of massage oils as I made myself comfortable; my options were *Stress soother: sandalwood oil, *Muscle ease: pepper and eucalyptus oil, and *Healing: lime and ginger oil.

My choice of massage oil was fuelled by my affinity for all things royal, and the fact that I truly needed a stress-relieving massage ~ so I opted for sandalwood oil. From start to finish the entire experience was amazing, and I ascertain that credit goes to my therapist who skilfully worked at seeking out my rough spots. The sandalwood oil had certainly worked its magic, and after a shower and another cup of herbal tea, I stepped out completely refreshed.

Given a chance, I would go back every month just to relive that hour of bliss. But wait, the facial. Oh, the facial!

Facial: Rejuv Spa offers a variety of facial services each boasting different benefits and all using Forest Essentials’ exclusive skincare line. I received the 60-minute Rejuve Signature Deep Cleansing Facial. Januka Chettri, the lead esthetician, was every bit as skilled as she was personable; making it easily one of the best spa services I have received in a while.

The Deep Cleansing Facial is intended to improve the skin’s surface and its underlying layers resulting in radiant and youthful-looking skin {yes, please!}. My facial began with a cleansing routine, following which Forest Essentials Light Hydrating Serum was applied enabling the active ingredients to penetrate my skin deeply ~ providing a good level of moisturisation. The next step involved a steam and exfoliation, gently removing the dead cells giving the skin a renewed look, using Forest Essentials Pearl Bhasam Facial Scrub. This was followed by the application of Forest Essentials Sandalwood & Saffron Face Masque which facilitated the brightening of my skin by stimulating skin cell oxygenation.

At the end of it, my skin felt fantastic; smooth, plumped up with less visible lines, and a great glow! I had another cup of herbal tea before heading downstairs to experience Rejuve’s salon services {more on that in my next post}.

My Verdict: The Rejuv Spa is a hidden gem; a splendid retreat where the warmth exuded by the friendly staff and the peaceful ambience makes it approachable, while the attention to detail and superior aesthetics make it an upscale, exclusive experience. I absolutely look forward to returning!

Disclaimer: My treatment was hosted by The Lalit Ashok Bangalore; however the opinions expressed in this post remain my own.