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A bath in grape juice

Photo: M. Karunakaran

Smear and shine A model enjoying a Vinotherapy session at the Naturals Spa

INDULGE IN: Vinotherapy

GLAMOUR QUOTIENT: The French believe vinotherapy is the secret to eternal youth. Phytochemicals present in grapes detoxify your body, enhance blood circulation, help remove wrinkles and turn the clock back. It also helps reduce water retention.

THE PROCESS: A globetrotting friend back from her recent trip to France couldn’t stop raving about the place and we, her girl pals, couldn’t stop raving about her skin, even though it made us a tad jealous. Here was a girl who always asked us for skin care tips but two months in Bordeaux and her skin looked great. What was it? Glassfuls of Semillon? Or Chardonnay perhaps? Seeing our furrowed brows she said, “Darlings, cut the stress it isn’t good for you… it will give you wrinkles. Wondering how my skin’s become so good? Here’s the secret and promise you won’t tell a soul about it?” So nodding our heads and crossing our fingers behind our backs we learnt that she visited this awesome spa there and indulged in vinotherapy. The rest of the conversation was a blur as all I could think of was vinotherapy.

Before you could say Merlot, I was booked at the Naturals Spa at Indira Nagar for a vinotherapy session. It begins with a scrub with granulated sea weed and grape seed oil, one of the lightest and most pleasant smelling scrubs I have ever come across. After that a massage with a gel made of grape extracts helps smoothen the skin. Next came the gooey part as grape juice was poured over me. Not really grape juice, it was yet another lotion made of grape extracts with an algae base and smelt like wine. This helps tighten the skin. Not the type to believe in a healthy diet, I’d rather have fruits smeared over me than devour them. So I didn’t mind being scrubbed and massaged with grape extracts.

The grape seed polyphenols reportedly seep in through your skin and help flush out toxins. I lay there with a beatific smile as my skin feasted on those delicious smelling grape extracts. Just when I was beginning to feel like a royal, I was wrapped in cling (cellophane) wrap and my suspicious mind couldn’t help but think of unpleasant scenes from horror flicks. It didn’t help that I was then led to the steam room, rustling demurely all the way. Apparently it’s done to enable your skin to absorb more.

Finally, a soothing cream massage. And while I enjoyed being pampered, I thought if grapes are so good for the skin why waste them on wine? (A session of vinotherapy costs Rs. 2,000 plus tax and it takes around 90 minutes.)

DETAILS: There are six Naturals spas in Chennai - Adyar, Anna Nagar, Kodambakkam, Kilpauk, Indira Nagar and Velachery. Apart from their famous coco and coffee body polish, vinotherapy and other services, they also have the fish pedicure where gurraruffa fish nibble at your feet.

ADDRESS: Naturals Spa, 3/9, Third Avenue, Indira Nagar, Adyar, ph: 24455143

(Explore some of the most decadent treatments with the MetroPlus team as we scour the city's spas and beauty parlours hunting down unusual, quirky, luxurious body bliss.)

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