BEYOND A MASSAGE: SEVEN LOCALLY-INSPIRED WELLNESS RITUALS THAT WILL TAKE YOU AROUND ASIA PACIFIC

Press release: 13 June 2019 - Wellness rituals are sensorial journeys that showcase local heritage using native ingredients and traditional massage techniques perfected over centuries. With over 1,100 hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific, Accor offers a vast collection of rejuvenating spa treatments that are both calming and relaxing for discerning travellers. From Singapore, China, Myanmar, Thailand, the Maldives, India and Australia, these seven locally-inspired rituals advocate the goodness of natural healing therapies, while serving as an amazing window for travellers to experience a taste of the traditions of each destination.

“Our guests are increasingly looking for spa treatments that draw on the rituals and mythology of the destinations in which they are travelling,” said Spa Manager of award-winning luxury Swiss Spa, Pürovel Spa & Sport, Ms Elva Zhao. “It is as much about relaxing and rejuvenating the body as it is about learning new experiences and understanding cultures and traditions. Ancient customs and ingredients play a key role in soothing away the stresses of the modern traveller and allow our guests to take a step back from the tensions of today’s busy world.”

1. SINGAPORE MASSAGE AT SWISSÔTEL MERCHANT COURT, SINGAPORE
At Swissôtel Merchant Court, Singapore guests can enjoy a spectacular 90-minute spa treatment drawing on Singapore’s multi-cultural heritage. Specifically designed to expel fatigue, daily stresses and tensions, the Singapore Massage focuses on rebalancing energies for the mind and soul. Utilising Chinese, Malay and Indian massage techniques that represent the cultural mix of Singapore, this treatment culminates with the elimination of body heat, which is achieved by stimulating the foot’s reflex zones.

2. WHITE FLANNEL FLOWER SANCTUARY RITUAL AT FAIRMONT RESORT & SPA BLUE MOUNTAINS, MGALLERY BY SOFITEL, AUSTRALIA
Standing at the edge of the World Heritage-Listed Blue Mountains, Ubika Day Spa’s treatments are inspired by the seasons and the native wildlife of Australia. The spa menu is designed to hydrate, nourish, restore and regenerate for holistic wellbeing. The White Flannel Flower Sanctuary Ritual is a signature head-to-toe degustation experience that pays tribute to the beauty of the bush. The 105-minute full-body sensory journey includes an Organic Coconut & Jasmine Body Polish, Australian White Flannel Floral Hydrating Cocoon, Baobab & Neroli Facial Massage, Double Face Masque infusion, Peptide+ Multi-Action Serum, Full Body White Flannel Flower Soufflé, and Foot Restoration Massage to leave you feeling completely restored.

3. TRADITIONAL BAMBOO TREATMENTS AT FAIRMONT PEACE HOTEL, SHANGHAI, CHINA
Commonly used by the ancient Chinese to clear negative energy and enhance energy flow, Bamboo has been lauded in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The Signature Bamboo Massage is exclusive to the Willow Stream Spa in Shanghai’s Fairmont Peace Hotel. Using five different Chinese herbs, the bamboo shoots are heated to allow heat from the plant to soothe sore, tight muscles while Chinese herbs are used to stimulate blood circulation and warm the body. Complemented by long relaxing strokes, this treatment will leave guests feeling completely rejuvenated.

4. SERENITY OF THE FIVE ELEMENTS AT SO SOFITEL BANGKOK, THAILAND
Serenity of the Five Elements is a 90-minute soothing spa ritual based on the five elements of Wood, Earth, Water, Fire and Metal as well as the renowned Thai folk wisdom treatment called “Tok Sen” to balance all five senses. Tok Sen is an ancient massage technique indigenous to the Lanna region of Northern Thailand and handed down over generations. This ‘tapping of the meridians’ helps to restore the body’s natural balance.

In this treatment, Ytsara aromatherapy oil, which represents the water element is applied all over the body and gently pressed with a warm herbal poultice. Heat from the poultice represents the fire element, while therapeutic herbs represent the earth. A small Tok Sen hammer, representing the wood element is used to tap all over the body to generate deep vibrations to release wind in the body. The treatment concludes with a body massage using metal balls, which represent metal, to create a soothing and calming effect on the body and mind.

5. THANAKA SPA TREATMENT AT SOFITEL INLE LAKE MYAT MIN, MYANMAR
Rejuvenate with the signature Thanaka Spa Treatment at Sofitel Inle Lake. Known as ‘white gold’ to the locals, Thanaka is widely used in wellness rituals. A creamy white paste made from finely ground bark of the Thanaka tree with water, the paste is popularly known for its extensive health benefits and healing properties. With a history dating back some 2,000 years, Thanaka make-up is widely used to help reduce acne scars and acts as a sunblock. The 50-minunte body scrub Thanaka & Rice Glow treatment helps to rejuvenate skin, remove dead skin cells and promote skin revitalization.

6. COCONUT EXPERIENCE AT FAIRMONT MALDIVES SIRRU FEN FUSHI
Inspired by its tropical Maldivian setting, Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi, is a sanctuary that draws natural healing properties of the five elements – Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Wood – to put guests in sync with nature. All treatments are energised by the mysterious waters of the Indian Ocean and fragrant herbs found in Maldivian gardens to help redefine the spa experience. Integral to the local island culture, carefully curated treatments are underlined by ancient Ayurveda aromatherapy from subtle energies and the Kerstin Florian spa range for a rejuvenating sensory journey.

A complete local Maldivian treat, Coconut Experience uses the fruit to soothe, calm and balance. The treatment starts with an invigorating full-body coconut exfoliation followed by a pampering back, neck and shoulder massage using coconut oil extracted from a local plantation and ends with the healing properties of the warm stones. To complete this head-to-toe ritual, nourish and relax inside a warm cocoon with a luxurious foot and pressure point scalp massage.

7. NIRMAL SNAN AT FAIRMONT JAIPUR, INDIA
Using traditional ingredients like Ubtan, gram flour, saffron, almond powder, raw turmeric as well as sandalwood powder, the Nirmal Snan treatment offers nourishing goodness to help soothe and calm the body and soul. Ubtan, better known as fuller’s earth, is a clay paste hugely popular in India for its healing and cleansing properties. Massaging Ubtan onto the skin relaxes the body and takes the mind off daily tensions. In addition, turmeric is an antioxidant that acts as a mild counter to depression and anxiety. During the treatment, live music will also be played to enhance the experience, making it fit for royalty.

For more information and bookings, please visit: www.accor.com

Link to images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7ee5sm0phc5ok6e/AADFUu2vum5f1HWHsQ9EIdZTa?dl=0