It's like being in a wooden cabin by a lake. Look down and you see glass flooring with fish bobbing about in the water. The dimly-lit place reveals a wooden ceiling, flowing white curtains, illuminated Lord Buddha figurines and the soothing sound of water lapping against a shore...ah bliss! Add to this, massages, reflexology and facials, and what you get is a day at Eminence Ananta Organic Spa. “All the products used here are from Eminence Hungary. The aim of Eminence is to fight global warming. Therefore, all the products are handmade and chemical-free,” says Vandana, country head (India), Eminence Organic Skin Care.
The product line at Ananta Spa has been created keeping the South Indian climate in mind. “Here, the damage caused by the sun to the skin is phenomenal. So our products aim at reversing this damage. We are now working on a signature treatment with AHA and paprika that stimulates and detoxifies the skin,” she says.
Having travelled across the globe training therapists, Vandana feels a lot more has to be done for the domestic spa culture to blossom. “There is this fear about the services being rendered by people of opposite sexes in our country. That has to be wiped out. The masseurs are professionals who are just doing their job. So far, only Mumbai and Goa are open to the idea,” adds the specialist.
What, according to her, is important for a spa to do well? “The ambience has to be soothing. Besides, good music, courteous and well-trained therapists, and affordability are important,” she says. Last but not the least, novelty — the spa should offer unique therapies. “At Ananta, the Lomilomi massage, facials and pedicures are different.”
Apart from the services, people can buy Eminence products at Ananta Spa. There is a separate range for professional use and for your dressing table. The Eminence clientele worldwide includes celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston, Madonna and Bruna Abdullah. So if you want to feel like a celebrity and indulge in a day of organic pampering, you know where to head to.
(Eminence Ananta Organic Spa is located at 73 and 75, Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore.)
