The scentsational benefits of aromatherapy

It is said that Cleopatra, the beguiling Queen of the Nile, lavished herself with luxurious hot aromatic baths. Aromatic medicine traces its roots to thousands of years ago when its use was first recorded.  In the 3rd century BC, the use of aromatics, herbs, and perfumes became even much more popular in Greece, stirring a burning interest in all things fragrant.

Fast-forward to today: Aromatic medicine — or aromatherapy — is alive and well. Today, Aromatherapy Associates, a company from England that’s been at the forefront of aromatherapy for more than 30 years now, shares the scentsational benefits of this ancient practice at the Crown Towers’ Crown Spa, City of Dreams.

Crown jewel: With its relaxing ambience, Crown Spa’s treatment room ensures calm and quiet.

“For over 30 years, Aromatherapy Associates has shown how essential oils enhance the state of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being,” says Jamie Chan, area head of sales, Aromatherapy Associates. “We have brought our knowledge and skills to the world’s finest hotels and spas, offering their guests a comprehensive experience that rejuvenates the senses with the use of oils that penetrate on both the cellular and cerebral levels, ensuring optimum wellness.”

In an artbeat

White paper petal forms by Chinese artist Sandra Chung catch the eye as one steps into the reception area of Crown Spa. Inside are more artworks by renowned Filipino and international artists (like Olivia d’Aboville, Jon and Tess Petty John Pottery, and Claire Brewster) that are an aesthetic delight, enough to lift weary spirits.

There are six treatment rooms, including two expansive spa suites that feature a shower toilet, soaker tub, and dressing area, replete with a mother-of-pearl box containing a full range of amenities and bathrobes.

Done in clean and white and serene aqua colors, the relaxation rooms ensure calm and quiet after a luxurious treatment.

At Crown Spa, you’re bound to meet Amanda Ooi, the oh-so-amiable manager, who comes armed with an extensive experience in noteworthy spas across Asia, such as the Angsana Spa in Malaysia, ESPA at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, and Heavenly Spa at Westin in Singapore. She has worked for a number of upscale international spa organizations in Thailand, Maldives, and Turkey.

With Amanda is her team of eight therapists trained by Aromatherapy Associates, which provides comprehensive training — from product knowledge to hands-on therapeutic skills.

Under this dream team, Crown Spa Manila offers a wide variety of services, ranging from massages and body treatments to facials, which are designed and personalized based on each individual’s needs.

‘Hilot’ healing massage

“Exclusive to Crown Spa Manila are our signature treatments: the Two Fold Hilot massage and Age Repair Facial,” Amanda tells us.

The very popular hilot massage is a 90-minute treatment that combines the traditional hilot massage and dagdagay foot therapy, performed by two therapists using heated herbal leaves, wooden sticks, and herbal clay.

Age Repair Facial is an intensive anti-aging 90-minute treatment that includes a unique dual layering of intensive masks paired with a facial massage to lift up and firm up the skin, delivering instantly visible results.

On top of having glowing clear skin, also quite hot is Clear Your Mind, a 120-minute treatment, which starts with a traditional aromatherapy massage and is finished off with an ayurvedic scalp and facial massage.

AA products: A-OK

But of course, Crown Spa uses only top-of-the-line products from Aromatherapy Associates. “All AA products are from the UK and available only at the finest spas around the world,” Jamie Chan informs us. “The AA products available at Crown Spa are exclusive to the hotel. Among the many bestsellers, our rose range and iconic bath and shower oils are all-time favorites around the world.”

Amanda walks us through some of AA’s best-selling products: A dream cream, the Rose Infinity Eye Cream has hydroxyproline which creates a triple firming action and retains the elasticity of the skin around the eye contour. It’s also got edelweiss stem cells and potent oligosaccharides to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It is combined with rose and frankincense oils.

On the other hand, the Rose Infinity Moisturizer boasts a unique formula of Alpine rose stems and hydrolyzed plant proteins that allow the skin to repair and strengthen itself at the cellular level. It also has hyaluronic acid to aid in retaining moisture in the deep layers of the skin.

Amanda adds, “The AA product lines are classified as: for facial treatments (anti-aging, soothing, hydrating, mattifying, and the luxe Rose Infinity; for body massages (Relax, De-stress, Revive, Support, Renewing).

Yes, of course, Amanda highly recommends a de-stressing aromatherapy session (or two or three) to stressed people. Regular guests come at least once a week — or more, depending on their needs.

For the ultimate pampering, Crown Spa offers the total aromatherapy experience guaranteed to make guests coming back for more.

Fresh start: Treatment starts with access to the Aqua Retreat where water facilities, such as the Vitality Pool, refresh and soothe the body.

A shower of treats at aqua retreat

Each treatment begins with complimentary access to the Aqua Retreat, where water facilities, such as the Vitality Pool, Aroma Steam, and showers rehydrate, refresh, and soothe the body, preparing you for your journey to wellness.  Guests who wish to have access to the Aqua Retreat but do not want to avail of a treatment may do so for a moderate fee. Spa guests are advised to come at least 45 minutes before their treatment so they can maximize the use of these areas. Should they wish to lounge at the hotel’s poolside with a little more privacy, there are four cabanas with lounge seating and a flat-screen TV that can be rented for four hours at a moderate fee.

Aside from the full body massages, Crown Spa offers a variety of services, from invigorating hand and foot massages to body scrubs and facial treatments.

Salon services are also available at the Spa Suite — hair styling, coloring, waxing, nail (pampering literally at your fingertips) and makeup services that come with a glass of champagne. Cheers!

Crown Spa also offers packages tailor-made to guarantee head-to-toe treatments, leaving guests ultimately rejuvenated and pampered.

From the looks — and smells — of it, aromatherapy will be around for a long, long, long time.

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Open from 11 a.m. to 12 midnight, Crown Spa (call 800-8080) in Crown Towers, City of Dreams offers the ultimate in private pampering with its opulently designed therapy rooms and spa suites in its 654-sq.m. facility.