Page 104 - Travel + Leisure India & South Asia (January 2020)

Wellness
& Spas

REVIEW ESPA, THE LEELA PALACE CHENNAI
CHENNAI

HYDROTHERAPY

If you’re looking to unwind after a hectic year-ending fiesta, The Leela
Palace Chennai’s ESPA is your best bet. BY SUSHMITA GUPTA

WHEN I CATCH AN EARLY morning flight from
Bengaluru to Chennai for a day of gruelling business Clockwise from right:
meetings, a break at The Leela Palace Chennai’s ESPA aromatherapy
luxurious spa, ESPA, feels like a blessing. massage uses a blend of
individually chosen oils;
I am greeted by the courteous spa manager and it elevates the concept
a personal consultant, to whom I convey my need of Thermal Suites based
to relax. She assures me that I will receive a unique on Sanitus Per Aquam
(healing through water);
treatment to suit my needs, and offers me the ESPA the therapy room has
aromatherapy massage, which uses a blend of plush beds and lifestyle
individually chosen oils. showers; refreshing spa
cuisine adds to the
The relaxing session begins with the Vitality Pool relaxing experience.
designed by Barr+Wray. The Vitality Pool, which
typically operates at 38° Celsius, has air and water
jet features. It contains hydrotherapy body jets, floor

jets, air beds with jets, and swan neck fountains to
massage my body. These button- or sensor-activated
jets operate for four minutes before turning off
automatically. As I am asked to move between
stations, I can feel my body’s circulation increasing,
and my mind relaxing.
Next, I am led to a modern, circular oakwood
sauna, followed by a shimmering glass mosaic
steam room. On entering, I feel my skin’s pores
opening and my tiredness easing. ESPA is among
the country’s first to elevate the concept of Thermal

Suites based on the ancient spa wisdom of Sanitus
Per Aquam (healing through water).
The best, however, is saved for last. I enter a
therapy room designed with exquisite luxury, plush

beds, private lifestyle showers, and a
curated music menu to choose from.
I opt for the medium pressure relaxing
massage with Cypress and Juniper
Berry Oil. I’m told this oil helps cleanse,
purify, and energise the body while
also affecting your mood and helping
you relax. The skilled therapist uses her

hands in flowing movements. I feel the

tension releasing and my energy flow
getting regulated again. A head massage COURTESY OF THE LEELA PALACE CHENNAI
using essential oils makes it better. The
session ends in a dimly lit private cubicle
with invigorating herbal teas. I can feel
my mind and soul regain its former
radiance and vitality. theleela.com

100 TR AV E L+LE I S U R E IND I A & S O UTH A S I A | J A N U A R Y 20 20