Unwind at Chi

January 2012

Sophie Fox jets off to Oman to discover the secrets of Chi, The Spa

Couples suite at the The Spa, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa in Oman is a jewel of a property, perched above a wide bay facing the tranquil Indian Ocean. It's an idyllic spot for families, combining Omani hospitality with five-star surroundings, but it was the spa I was most interested in.

Chi, The Spa, a short golf buggy ride from anywhere in the resort, is a peaceful retreat for those who crave refuge from family fun, or simply want to enjoy a spot of me-time.

On entering the spa, I was greeted in a candle lit room with gentle music playing, incense burning and a cup of revitalising green tea – a treat for all the senses. It was like entering another world.

I chose the ‘Indulgence of Time’ package, comprising an aroma bath, chi balance massage and chi facial, all of which would combine to reawaken the body and spirit and create a euphoric feeling of calm.

The treatment rooms surround a small courtyard with a flowing fountain in the centre. The sounds of the beach were completely drowned out and all I could hear was the delicate trickling of water and the occasional bird flying overhead.

I changed into my soft cotton dressing gown and was led into a beautifully decorated room with thick curtains, low lighting and an inviting double massage bed. Behind a thick dark wooden screen was a large bathtub filled with rose petals delicately floating on the surface. I was left alone to soak in the luxurious surroundings.

Aromatic oils in the water left my skin smooth and silky, and with nothing to distract me, I floated my way through 20 minutes of complete relaxation. I was then guided back to the massage bed, where I sunk heavily into the warm towels scented with more aromatic oils.

The Chi philosophy believes that Chi must flow freely within the body – when it is prevented from doing so, disease and illness follow. The massage aims to free any blockages, and I felt an overwhelming sense of calm and rejuvenation as the massage progressed and the masseuse’s thumbs worked expertly in to my body’s’ energy lines. I had no idea that I was capable of being quite so relaxed and I was given a few moments to shake off any ‘bad energy’ before starting my facial.

There was a tingling in my legs and arms, but I was told this is because stress blockages had been cleared. Blockages or not, I felt incredible and settled down for yet more indulgence. The facial was equally as invigorating and involved a combination of oils and creams that were intended to moisturise and fight toxins. Gentle taps around the eye area aimed at reducing puffiness, and cucumber gel lotion on the temples left my face invigorated.

As the facial came to an end so did my two and half hours of total relaxation. I enjoyed a glass of water before jumping up, ready to face another stressful day on the idyllic beach of the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Oman.

THE IMPORTANT BIT

WHERE: Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
TELEPHONE: (968) 2477 6666
EMAIL: www.shangri-la.com