Areopagus changed the way I look at spa’s now on. One of the new entrants in the central side of our city where there is a need of spas, Areopagus-The temple of healing has sure made a mark. They have their own share of ups and downs but then if one is perfect then there is no scope for improvement!
The minute I walked into the lobby of Areopagus at Shivaji Park I was welcomed with an aroma of jasmine oil and assorted fragrances. The lobby is done up in Japanese style and is dimly lit. The lighting is to give the atmosphere of a spa but according to me a bit of brighter lights could also do the trick. The extreme dim lights don’t work for me.
The female of the reception (Japanese!) confirmed my appointment and offered me their line of welcome drinks till I waited for my masseuse to come in the lobby. I was then asked to change into a pair of extreme clean white slippers and was taken to the foot spa room. The foot spa room is on the mezzanine floor so you just need to be careful while you walk upstairs.
My masseuse helped me to place my bag safely and seated me in this plush chair. The foot spa has four comfortable cubicles which is fully air-conditioned. Then I faced a problem which I feel every person would if they dint know how the therapy works. I was in a pair of skinny jeans which can’t be pulled up to your knees. They did have a change of clothes but to the people who are uncomfortable doing that would be advised by me to go in a pair of shorts or a skirt. She then told me that the concoction which was going to be applied to my foot was a mixture of jasmine oil, almond oil and Thai massage cream. I had opted for Foot Reflexology (Rs.1400) which was a 60 minute foot massage which was basically to do with pressure points and neurological energy levels.
The specialty of the house is Shiatsu (Rs.3000) and Tai chi therapy (Rs.3500), both being full body massages. They even have various body wraps and skin polishing therapies. They have their own Jacuzzi which is used in a few therapies! Their masseuse’s are highly trained people in all these therapies. They have recently opened a new branch at JVPD Scheme which is only-body massages special.
The therapy then began by basic massage procedure of applying pressure to the points that help us relax. Again the lighting in the room was way too dark. My masseuse was busy applying lotion of my feet while I watched in fascination at the work being done on me. She kept on asking if the pressure was too much because I possess a pair of really small feet and really soft skin. I have taken spa therapies before but this time was my first foot spa so I was too excited to keep quiet. But after a while I realized that the staff is not interested to interact with the customers. Maybe that’s their protocol but I was slightly mad since I love to chatter plus it was really quiet which made it boring after a while. I had decided to stay up throughout the massage but then at a point I had to give in to the relaxation of the therapy (They have blankets if you want to nap!). She dedicated 25 minutes to each foot and then wiped down with hot napkins. The hot napkins wake you from your slumber and even indicate that it’s the end of that wonderful hour.
While I made my payment they offered me green tea along with the various other therapies they have. I assured them that I would definitely be back for some other therapy the next time as I walked out of the spa with a bounce in my feet.
Where to find it: Near Starcity Theatre, Off L. J. Road, Shivaji Park, Mumbai 16.
