PAMPER: Palatial comforts

2009/10/30

ANUSHA K

ANUSHA K de-stresses in a huge and luxurious spa in Sri Kembangan.

AS I stepped into D Aura Spa, it didn’t appear to me to be among the bigger spas in town. Well, looks can be deceiving; only the entrance is narrow.

You will only get a sense of its spaciousness — 1,367 sq metres — once you have walked down the staircase to the floor below. Welcomed by the sound of gushing water from the whirlpool tub and soft instrumental music, your nerves are soothed. You are now surrounded by the sauna, steam bath, tubs and a cafe in this five-star rated spa.

There are altogether 20 rooms, each equipped with shower facilities. For bookworms, there is a reading room and Wi-fi. The interior of the spa has characteristics of Neo Nusantara and gives you a Balinese feel, from the wooden furniture to the many wall decorations. Its bright brown and orange walls inject warmth.

Due to its enormous space, many opt to hold bridal showers or spa birthday parties here. It can easily accommodate 50 people and it is closed to the public if booked for a function. If you have finished your spa treatments, you can also unwind at the lounge area with drinks and light snacks. Signature treatments D’ Aura spa is known as a one-stop beauty centre. From traditional lulur (scrubs) to aromatherapy oil massages, the list is pretty long.

The therapists at the spa all have more than 10 years of experience, so you can be rest assured that you are in good hands.

A variety of lulur are available here, some using kaffir leaves, lemongrass, mangosteen and even kacip Fatimah (it is good for blood circulation). These are natural products without chemicals, suitable for all types of skin and made at the premises itself.

Exotic massages such as the tuina and shiatsu are also available.

One of their signature treatments is called tangas (or vaginal cleansing). Apparently very popular with newlyweds, this treatment warms the tummy and is generally good for a women’s well-being.

My treatment started with the hot sauna. After slipping into my batik sarong, I was ushered to the sauna room to sweat toxins out. After spending a while there, I am ushered back to my private suite where the traditional coffee lulur was applied.

This scrub is apparently beneficial for reducing cellulite marks and firms and tones the skin.

Various types of lulur are made at the premises itself.

Soon, the strong smell of caffeine filled the air and the therapist applied the scrub all over, gently without over-stressing the skin.

Though the granules were a little coarse, the pressure applied by the therapist was just nice so it was not harsh to the skin. After a shower, it was now time for two of my favourite things: the steam room and the hot tub. The steam room is equipped with stone-marbled chairs and I spent a while there, letting my skin perspire.

If you regularly go for facials, using a steamer on the face is beneficial as it preps the skin with moisture and it will be easier to remove blackheads. Felling a little dehydrated, I then stopped at the lounge area for a cup of warm water and then slipped into the hot tub. I expected the water to be a little warmer. But the dip pool beside the hot tub made up for it as the rather cold pool was refreshing. I sat there watching telly while soaking my worries away, but soon the therapist ushered me for my final treatment, the Thai Herbal compress.

First, she relaxed all joints with a little tugging of my legs and hands and loosened the hard knots around my shoulders.

Then, a hot herbal compress was applied from top to toe. This is especially beneficial if you constantly have body aches, are prone to muscle cramps or have bad varicose veins. The heat from the compress left me relaxed and rejuvenated. All treatments (scrubs, massage, facial) at the spa start from RM69. For every package signed, the spa facilities (sauna, steam and jacuzzi) are free of charge. D Aura Beauty Centre opens from 10am to 10pm daily and is situated at South City Plaza, Seri Kembangan, in Selangor.

To get there Follow the signboard to Mines and head towards the flyover after the toll gate. There is free parking available in front of the spa. Visit www.dauraspa.com. for more details.