The first time I tried the beauty treatment at a spa in Bangkok during a vacation, I was bowled over by the touch and feel of the whole ritual. I was impressed by the long lasting effect of the treatments. I had been searching for similar experience, and now search is over.

 
I found it in Ahvataras The Spa - a comparatively small set up but the quality of service and ambience is as good as any. As I climbed to the first floor to the spa I was greeted by a large stone Ganesha and then a beautiful Buddha - the neatness of the place struck me. The reception was albeit small, but I could peek into very well done up rooms and feel the sense of
serenity. There was no hub-bub usual in a salon. The smiling therapists quietly proffer water and herbal tea as you wait for your turn to get your skin examined. The décor is totally Bali and Thai inspired with lot of dark wood furniture, accessories and soothing Balinese music to evoke the ambience of the region.

 
Since my skin was feeling parched due to the hot Bangalore sun, I decided to go for the Buah Buahan facial that was done with fruit infusion, and aloe vera. Prior to that though the therapist offered me a soothing Lemongrass infusion pedicure. Hygiene was a major plus in the spa - water for the pedicure was brought in a beautiful wooden bowl infused with rose petals. It was soothingly lukewarm and had a mild aroma. A coconut scrub was used on my feet and legs to slough away pigmentation and rough skin. Then a lemongrass infused aroma oil was massaged using special Balinese technique. Then a chocolate mask was applied and my feet were wrapped in foil for the mask to work into my skin. Once my feet and legs were washed with cool aromatic water, I was amazed at the transformation. They not only felt soft but also had a lighter skin tone. Post pedicure I was taken to facial area where I was given a pretty sarong to drape myself in. From then it was utter bliss, as my therapist started the treatment with a gentle head massage. She cleansed my face with softest of touch, and then applied aroma oil, rice based scrub using gentle massage technique - lightest of pressure at all the nerve and lymph points on the face, neck and shoulders. The facial ended after about an hour with a gentle back massage. I knew I had found Bali in my corner of India.

 
Why we recommend: Simply for the technique of massage. There's no tugging, no pulling the skin, yet you come out glowing. The oils and masks for the facial are mixed as the treatment starts, and they are all highly customised. All ingredients are sourced from Bali, and Singapore. The treatments are offered at an excellent price point.