Experience Pampering

Soothing body, mind and soul

The enviable task of revealing just why spas at sea work wonders for body, mind and soul fell to Kerrie Fowler. Here she talks you through her pamper day with a difference.

‘The spa’s brochure tells the story of a plethora of treatments. Balinese head massages, hot stone therapy, crystal therapy, aromasoul scrubs, reflexology, mud therapy, Acupuncture* - they all sound divine. Today, I have opted for the ‘Shirodosha experience’. A 75 minute massage based on the principles of Ayurveda, a system of traditional Indian medicine - and one that I’m assured will leave me totally knot-free and revived.

A young masseuse with a beaming smile walks over, introduces herself and leads me into one of the rooms where I am destined to discover the true meaning of relaxation. In preparation, my feet are bathed and polished with aromatic Himalayan salts, then with eyes closed, the Shirodhara commences.

I feel a warm sensation on my forehead as aromatic oils begin to fall in a gentle stream upon my forehead. The practice of Ayurveda soothes and calms the nerves and balances the Prana Vata - the dosha that exerts control over the brain - or so the masseuse reliably informs me just as I feel myself drifting off.

An hour later and I float back to my stateroom, glowing from a combination of oils and blissful contentment. Sinking into the soft Egyptian cotton sheets, a warm breeze blowing through the balcony doors, I decide to rest for a while, savouring the wonderful feeling of serenity that only a day at sea brings.’

Next experience: James Cusick's blog >

*The range of treatments varies from ship to ship.