CHENNAI, Tamil Nadu / The Times of India / Life & Style / August 6, 2009
By Priya M. Menon, Times News Network
When Dr Gopalakrishnan turned 60 recently, his children had a special treat in store for him a gift coupon from a city spa. And the luxuriously relaxing experience has made him a convert for life.
"The aesthetic ambiance, soft lighting and soothing music helps you relax and unwind," says the CEO of a pharmaceutical company who is looking forward to checking out other spas. Like Dr Gopalakrishnan, an increasing number of people in their late 50s and 60s are now regulars at city spas, whether it's for stress-busting massages, skin-toning facials or manicures.
"Quite a few of our members are 60-plus. At least 35% of our Gold members are over 55," says Ivana Rosair, manager of Spa Influence in Egmore. With a Gold membership, clients can drop in one day a month and avail of all the services for free.
Mata Howie, who looks forward to her day out at Spa Influence, says, "I used to go to the parlour only when I needed a haircut or pedicure because I am diabetic and need to take care of my feet."
So when the 62-year-old first visited the spa in May, she tried out the foot reflexology treatment.
"It was so good that I decided to try everything else," says Mata, who now spends one day every month at the spa with her daughter. "Last time, I had a hot waterbed massage and it was great," she laughs, adding that every working woman her age needs a spa experience.
"I spend all day on my feet dealing with two-year-olds," says Mata, who is the principal of Primrose Kindergarten school in Kilpauk.
"After my day at the spa, I come back relaxed, rejuvenated and full of energy."
Like her, 65-year-old Tarachand Dugar also finds it a great way to unwind.
"I love the Balinese and Thai massage, but I've also tried the scrub, body wrap and facial," says Tarachand.
"My day at the spa is like a holiday."
As chairman of the Dugar Group of Companies, he has travelled all over the world and visited spas in many countries.
"My son and daughter-in-law go to spas and my wife Pushpa, 61, is also a member," says Tarachand.
"My wife and I have tried the couple massage. It's a good way to spend some relaxed time together," he says.
Considering that these treatments come with a hefty price tag, why not just opt for parlours?
"Parlours are too noisy and crowded; spas are calm and peaceful," says Mata.
The food served at spas is another draw.
"I have a meal too. The fare is all vegetarian and you get yummy Chinese, Italian and Indian food," says Mata.
And all these facilities beat getting a massage at home.
"I've been getting Kerala Ayurvedic massages at home for the past couple of years but a spa experience is totally different," says Dr Gopalakrishnan, who was gifted the frequent flyer massage for his birthday.
"I enjoyed the aroma massage, which is followed by a hot soak in a tub full of floral leaves and herbs. You can literally feel your stress disappear." But he does not want to get a spa membership.
"About 90% of them have appointments booked by their children for birthdays or anniversaries," says Anandi, manager of Oryza, a spa on Chamiers Road.
Illustrative photo of Oryza Spa
That's also because spas offer extra care for their older clients.
"We recommend a facial, general massage and a foot massage, and they are assigned to senior staff," says Anandi.
At Spa Influence, all clients have to fill up a consultation form so that they know about their health concerns.
"Some people come with leg problems or backaches and our therapist focuses on those areas," says Ivana. [rc]
priya.menon@timesgroup.com
Copyright © 2009 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.
