Here’s How The Essence Spa At Radisson Blu Atria, Bengaluru Celebrates Your “Me Time”

After a hectic travel schedule, I finally arrive in Bengaluru, where Radisson Blu Atria is my home for the weekend. This Sunday morning begins with an hour-long relaxing therapy at their in-house spa called Essence.

As I enter the spa, the swift aroma of burning incense sticks engulfs me in a warm, relaxing embrace. Charcoal and dusty-grey walls, hints of greenery in the form of indoor plants placed in frequent corners, and shiny wooden flooring, make it a relaxing place to unwind. I spot electric blue mood-lighting spilling on to the corridor from the ceiling. Blue, as they say, is a calming colour, and as I walk through the corridor towards my therapy room, I surely begin to feel its peaceful effect on me.

I opt for a 60-minute relaxing massage called ‘Harmony’. My masseuse, Dorothy, guides me to the therapy room. I change my clothes and lie face-down on the massage bed. I am asked to take three deep breaths. Dorothy sprinkles mild-warm lavender oil on my back, and with soft, long strokes, begins to knead my muscles. I ask her to explain the technique of the massage, to which she says, “Harmony is a relaxing treatment, wherein I will apply light pressure on you, with lavender oil that is great for relaxation and de-stressing. This massage will put you in the holiday mood right away.”

She moves on to my legs next, and finally, my feet. Dorothy uses her fingers to apply pressure at certain points on my feet, which almost immediately puts me in a deep slumber. After 30 minutes into the treatment, she asks me to turn over. She then starts pressing the centre of my forehead with both index fingers smeared in lavender oil. I can feel a sense of tranquillity wash over me. She uses the same technique behind my ears, neck, chin and jaw. I feel fresh, alert and at the same time, relaxed.