Some like it haute
August 24, 2005 | 12:00am
A few years ago they would have said that all this aromatherapy was a quack activity. Of course, now they’re biting their lavender-scented tongues. They have a way of putting you in a certain mood or feeling and at times, bringing back certain memories. We’re both huge fans of anything that involves aromatherapy. DJ stocks up on scented candles, incense and perfumed massage oils and I really enjoy getting aromatherapy treatments. Celine, on the other hand, loves lavender panna cotta and neroli oil on everything.
Both of us were glad to hear that the newly opened Spa Mosaic offered a spa-delicious menu of professional Decléor treatments. I mean, even with the influx of really sucky day spas that rouse feelings of fear – sometimes even perversion. Once, Celine had to endure a male masseur asking her if she was a model while getting a neck massage. Although flattering, it seemed creepy while getting a massage.
Decleor – the specialist in aromatherapy – has been selecting the purest, most effective, most natural essential oils for almost three decades now. This wonderful product uses exotic plants and flowers like ylang ylang, neroli buds, Angelica root and Acacia flower to produce heavenly-scented spa and beauty products. Our personal favorites would be the bath gel, the Aromaplasti facial products and the facial oils and balms. They turn the most mundane hygienic tasks into Marie Antoinette fare.
Spa Mosaic Makati is actually the first branch aside from Spa Mosaic Paris, which is located at The Hilton Hotel Arc De Triomphe. The 6750 location is a stark, modern, boutique-sized spa designed by very hip and talented architects Chut Cuerva and Tisha de Borja of Archipelago. The spa offers a variety of facial and body treatments that exclusively use Decleor and Carita spa and beauty products. We really like it haute.
Recently, we tried Spa Mosaic’s Aromessential Facial Treatment and it was just the fix we needed after a grueling night out. Nothing makes you forget the copious amounts of alcohol that you have consumed the night before (except, well, for the alcohol itself) than a well-handled facial treatment. It started with a calming back massage to untangle all those stubborn knots and set us on a relaxed screen-saver mode. We also really liked listening to the peaceful ethereal music that made us forget about the disturbing thumps of house music from the night before. However, the real magic began when our Decleor-certified therapist rhythmically applied at least a dozen Decleor products on our faces – one after the other.
One of the unique things about this specific facial treatment is the double mask that they left to set on our weary faces for at least 10 minutes. We learned from our therapist that a double mask is more effective in absorbing all those extra oils and other nasties that stubbornly accumulate in the skin’s pores. It smelled like cookie dough, the non-sugary kind, and made us crave some warm oatmeal cookies.
While we waited for the mask to effectively bake on our faces, our therapists gave our shoulders and arms a nice, gentle rub, which is great since most facialists just leave you there to harden and suffocate with the clay on your face. The mask was then removed and rinsed off and the treatment ended with a calming application of an aromatic balm. DJ noted that his after-facial skin immediately felt taut and smooth, with a glow that lasted longer than expected.
Celine just could not be roused from her sleep and when she did wake up, she was ready to party with no makeup.
What also impressed us about the treatment was how the therapist had such a disciplined rhythm in applying the products to our faces. The therapist’s hands moved like they were choreographed to some classical ballet piece and that made the experience truly relaxing.
Some just slap it on and sometimes it even stings and burns. Not relaxing at all.
Whatever it was, these two nightcrawlers just found another reason to revel and maybe come back for another facial again the next day. We all need a reason, after all, whatever it may be.
Spa Mosaic is located at 6750 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, tel. 752-9999.
BrandSpace Articles
<
>
