The full treatment: Spice up your life at the spa

07 October 2015 - 02:02 By Suthentira Govender

I didn't want it to end: the fragrant spices and oils titillating my senses as gentle hands kneaded my aching muscles. A queen's life, I mused, while being cleansed, exfoliated, wrapped, massaged, fed and watered during an intensefour-hour pampering session.I was on a "spice journey" of sorts at Durban's Suncoast Towers Hotel Spa, which offers a spectacular view of the ocean from the ninth floor.If you're hankering for food for the soul and some for the belly, the spa has what you need with its new "food and spa" pairing experience.The thinking behind it, I'm told, is for the spa to bolster its treatment menu to complement the Indian dishes served at the hotel's signature Jeera restaurant."The strategy was to create a menu that transformed the spa experience from merely high-touch to high-taste as well," explained spa manager Simika Narang.I was slightly grumpy at the thought of the 8am Sunday appointment. But I was quickly hushed by the blissful welcome ritual in the private en-suite, adjacent to the treatment room.While I sipped on piping hot masala chai, my therapist lathered my feet with a sandalwood-scented scrub, before rinsing it off in lukewarm water.Next on the menu was an invigorating full-body exfoliation with a lime, cumin and mandarin concoction.Properly marinaded, my skin felt squeaky clean after a quick shower.I quickly polished off the platter laden with smoked salmon bellini topped with a lime and mandarin dressing.I was eager for the "main course", the full-body massage with healing cinnamon, clove and mustard oil. It was a right royal treat, and the masseur is mindful of the pressure of the massage you prefer, as well as your choice of music.Properly relaxed, my body was given a slight shock when the therapist enveloped me in a cold yoghurt, mint and honey body wrap.A few minutes later it was off to shower again, followed by a large serving of a chicken tikka wrap with braised jeera raita, accompanied by a side salad.The one criticism I had was the balancing act I had to perform with the platter on my lap; it was slightly uncomfy.But my discomfort was quickly forgotten.Relaxed and sated, I savoured dessert cwith a somewhat heavy heart because I had reached the final stretch.My morning of indulgence ended with a rose water and coconut pedicure paired with the sweet decadence of an Indian sweetmeat.It's a heady journey, best experienced with your "someone special".For further information go to www.tsogosun.com..

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