While India experiments with five-star hotel spas and those that are free standing properties, the pioneers in Europe, the USA and in the Far East introduce new treatments that pamper the client sometimes beyond expectations. These treatments are not cheap and sometimes they promise to deliver results that seem impractical and often impossible. But one satisfied customer after another sighs deeply with pleasure when after undergoing the bespoke treatment and, before one can utter an expletive, the treatments have crossed borders and are available in India.



Only the person who has experienced it overseas can really say if it is in any way less than the deliverance there, but the fact is that in India the whole treatment costs much less. More often than not the service is an improvement with no snooty behaviour towards the "Indian client", who might tip as much if not more than his Western counterpart but is made to feel small.

The American treat: In Los Angeles, USA, the wide range of relaxing spa treatments that promise to promote good health and help the client unwind in the day treatments include customised facial and massage treatments, savoury packages and various detoxing, waxing and body scrubs. A deep-cleansing routine normally uses blends of essential oils for skin cell renewal and the masks include customised enzymes to recondition the skin.

In the cosmetic range, eyelash extension is desired by women for longer, thicker and a more defined look. These are semi-permanent and beautiful to look at and have received glowing tributes from beauty editors of various magazines.

Their massage therapies might include a relaxing or invigorating soak in a special tub or even an outdoor Jacuzzi. These would be infused with added minerals and oils that help rejuvenate the skin. The massages are targeted to relieve tension, promote circulation and help you unwind.

Massage packages could be specifically tailored for couples who can "spa together" - an ultimate treat where you would be offered solitude without any other presence to re-bond. Two, three or more treatments may be combined to give a day-long pampering. A customised day package for a special event may be worked out for a group of friends.

Body waxing and special baths: We, in India take our waxing as a common phenomenon. Even our film heroes have begun to favour a clean, waxed-chest look. But in Europe and the USA, the waxing is not the norm. So, individuals might visit a spa and ask for customised treatment of waxing and it would be tweaked to fit in their sensitive skin needs.

A hydrotherapy bath would include various treatments and some would offer add-on treatments a unique hydrotherapy bath treatment such as couples bath, champagne for two or an aromatherapy oil bath might be offered by the likes of La Petite Retreat. In yet another offer the body is massaged with streams of water infused with soothing essential oils and therapeutic algae essence. The element of the copper of the bathtub provides relief from arthritis and headaches. Twenty minutes of this luxury could cost you $30.

Another option might include milk and honey in a bathtub and essential oils such as lavender, rose or sage. This would leave your body extremely hydrated. A particularly romantic setting might be provided with candles around a bathtub but such a treatment would not be available for a single person and might be heavily booked. So if you plan it, book well in advance.

Common spa policies: While some specific conditions might differ from one property to another, most of them follow a systematic checklist. This is as much to honour their therapist as to give a benefit to the customer too. They ask you to arrive 20 minutes prior to your first appointment to allow time to check in, shower and prepare yourself for the treatment. Some properties have a relaxation lounge that may be used at no extra cost, before and after treatments.

Almost no spa provides refunds for cancelled appointments, though some might offer a credit facility to be used later.

In most places the tip for your therapist is expected in cash, unless you are there for a whole day and then you may want to include it in your credit card payment. Most spas would expect a guest to fill in a health questionnaire, as much to get information on you as to safeguard their legal stand.

Most spas expect a customer to switch off their mobile phones and expect quiet on the premises,

The European charm: As popular in the USA as in Europe, the massage treatments involving warm and cold stones seem to be in demand. The Swedish deep-tissue massage is another well-in-demand treatment. A Swedish deep-combo massage would be a light-strong combination massage. Soothing Swedish strokes relax the muscles and a deep-tissue massage relieves your aches caused by stressful tension knots, though it could cost as much as 160 euros for an hour's treatment. A romantic twosome may cost as much as 700 euros for a couple for just over 2 hours of pampering,

Treat for pregnant and new mothers: Pre and Post-Natal massage techniques have been adapted for specific needs of mothers or mothers-to-be. Special positioning and cushions are used for comfort and safety. This helps in increasing circulation, reduce swelling and help soothe the aches and pains of pregnancy.

A nurturing and therapeutic massage includes aromatherapy facial, a manicure as well as pedicure and often a speciality lunch.

Most spas would ask you for medical details and also your general condition, so they are able to offer you the best combination of treatments. There might be limitations but most of them attempt to fit you in with the best possible combinations for you.

Heard about ear candling?

When I first heard the expression I was flabbergasted. As soon as they started talking of removing old ear wax and toxins I had visions of the guys who roam the street in India to clean the ears of a few gullible people, mainly men. However, in Western world they claim with confidence that it is 'a natural holistic treatment and alleviates pain and pressure associated with sinusitis, ear aches, swimmer's ear, allergies, middle-ear infection and even hearing difficulties."

The ear candle is lit with a match and then placed in the ear. The flame creates a vacuum which draws out the excess wax build-up. The treatment takes just under an hour and most clients call the treatment pleasant and relaxing. The middle-ear has an air-filled cavity between the eardrum and the inner ear and connects that cavity through the Eustachian tube.

For some individuals the cavity fills with debris or fluid which may reach the Eustachian tube. This puts pressure on the inner ear and the small bones in the middle-ear do not transmit sound properly. This leads to discomfort.

One can opt for a ear candling treatment, or go to the good old ENT specialist!

Value for money in a spa:

Satisfaction is a very relative term and while one individual might feel satiated with the treatment another might be totally disappointed. Of course, what one reads in magazines or sees on the website or a blogsite, is often complimentary. However, never opt for a treatment just because the spa oversells it, be it in Europe, the Far East or indeed the USA or even back home in India. Assess what you desire to achieve and then ask for all the options.

If something seems wrong, challenge it. And if, forbid the thought, you are not satisfied, do complain and tell them the exact reason, not a vague complaint in a wishy-washy manner but a specific and well-worded reason. Ask if there is a complaint book where you may register it or ask for an explanation. It is your right. You are paying the asking money and you deserve the promised result.