Say Bonjour to rejuvenation

The unique greeting that tinkles from every staff member pleasantly surprises guests stepping into the Sofitel Mumbai. ‘Bonjour-Namaste’, the mandatory salutation at this super chic French hotel, seems to come out effortlessly and cheerfully from doorkeepers, hostesses, concierges and spa therapists.  This is, apparently, an attempt to represent the mélange of French elegance, which the luxury chain is reputed for, with Indian warmth and hospitality.

The hotel houses the So Spa, which is a cocoon of sorts, offering wellness therapies and beauty rituals to guests. Situated in the heart of Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex, this wellness centre is a haven of peace and tranquillity for discerning travellers as well as locals.

The So Spa is spread across 6000 square feet and houses six stunning treatment rooms. In keeping with international spa trends, there is also an exclusive couple’s spa area with a private Jacuzzi. The spa menu is quite interesting and reflects the French and their love for the art of fine dining. The ‘gourmet’ treatments on the spa menu are divided into three sections. Starters (radiance facials, scrubs, scalp massages and eye treatments), Main Course (customised precious stone massage, Ayurvedic-Shirodhara, Kansu bowl reflexology and herbal poultice back massage) and Desserts (Destress treatments, aromatic baths and hand treatments). Like in any fine dining establishment, there are the days specials and the suggestions du jour. Be warned that these treatments lasting up to 150 minutes each, are best enjoyed if you have a lot of time on your hands.

A luxury spa wouldn’t be complete without a high-end range of products. The So Spa uses not one but two globally-established French brands — Gemology and CinqMondes — which have been launched in India for the first time. Gemology uses products that use the benefits of precious and semi-precious stones. Through liquefaction and chemical compounding, the mineral extracts in these products are great to

fight ageing.

CinqMondes, said to be one of the best spa brands in the world — it has branches in Mauritius, Morocco, Egypt and the Seychelles besides its headquarters in Paris, prefers to stick to ancient traditions and beauty rituals rather than modern technology. Take, for instance, their famous Eau Egyptienne, an exquisite face and body mist used after certain treatments; it is inspired by the recipe of an ancient Egyptian Queen, bringing together the lotus flower and 10 different essential oils. Another example is the ExfoliantGrainesetFleurs which has been formulated from a traditional cosmetic recipe used by Balinese princesses since the 17th century to purify and brighten the skin.

The spa menu has three beautifully conceived treatments that are exclusive to this spa. The So Rejuvenating Facial uses honey and cucumber in conjunction with modern French techniques to restore a youthful appearance to the skin.

With reputed spa brands like Gemology and CinqMondes making their appearance in our cities, it is safe to say that Mumbai’s international spa culture has finally come of age.

So Spa, Sofitel Mumbai BKC, BandraKurla

Complex, Mumbai.

For appointments call: 

022 611 75000

www.sofitel.com