Jessica Turner The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group usher in the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Fire Monkey with a new global spa treatment set to indulge and invigorate guests.
Said to be a year of change, requiring strength and agility in order to succeed, the Fire Monkey Spa Experience will provide guests with a sense of balance and harmony for both body and mind. Available year-round at all of its spas globally, the treatment has been designed to inspire renewal, energy and determination during the year of the Fire Monkey.
The Spas at Mandarin Oriental are proud of their strong oriental heritage, and the Year of the Fire Monkey Spa Experience incorporates a number of traditional elements to stimulate the senses, relax the mind and rejuvenate the body.
From the start of the experience, guests are welcomed with hot or cold towels infused with mandarin orange or tangerine oil, both of which symbolise good tidings. They are then invited to enjoy a welcome drink of Chinese red dates, honey and goji berries, which help to de-stress and encourage sleep.
Traditional sweet treats popular during Chinese New Year festivities, will be available to enjoy in the spa’s relaxation area, including sweetened tangerine, coconut and ginger from the customary ‘Tray of Togetherness’.
The 1 hour 50 minute Year of the Fire Monkey Experience will help to dispel negative energy and ignite the body’s natural defence systems, leaving guests re-energized and renewed.
It begins with a relaxing foot ritual with rose oil, followed by a full body exfoliation incorporating chrysanthemum flowers which are good for relieving stress.
Following a warm shower with the addition of ‘pomelo water’ – traditionally used to wash away negative feelings, guests can experience the power and deep relaxation that comes with a short, guided singing bowl session. The bowl is gently placed on the abdomen, and the ‘singing’ sound provides stimulation for the body’s energy channels.
The soothing hands-on body massage that follows combines the powerful effects of oriental meridian massage with a blend of ylang ylang, rose and calming chamomile oils to encourage joy and emotional release.
Finally, guests are offered a sweet plum tea, and on leaving the spa will receive a traditional Chinese lai see lucky red packet which includes a further spa treat for 2016.
The Year of the Fire Monkey Experience is available at Mandarin Oriental spas worldwide until the end of the Fire Monkey year on 17 January, 2017.
