a snap shot of Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa at Harrods’ Urban Retreat
It may be dismal and grey outside but a few rays of Mauritian sunshine have found their way into our autumnal London. Maradiva Villas Resort, one of the most amazing spas in the world, has – for one month only – popped up at Urban Retreat, 5th Floor Harrods. And, lucky, lucky me, because I was booked in there for an Ananda deep tissue oil massage last Sunday morning.
For this limited period, the Ayurveda treatments are being carried out by two deliciously warm Mauritian girls, dispatched from the hotel’s spa. Focusing on harmonious mind and body (while not too impressed with a cold and unfriendly London), Anisha, my therapist, met me at the super-salon’s reception to guide me to the allocated treatment room.
And a traditional foot-cleansing ritual was carried out before I was allowed to lie down on the bed.
the foot cleansing ritual
Anisha explained that she would be using a concoction of lime and ginger oils as well as a basil-related herb as these would detoxify my body while reducing any inflammation.
hand-blessed concoction of lime and ginger oils
And then followed a full-body, deep tissue massage to die for. Any aches I had from running, lap-top crouching and high heel wearing were being eradicated as she worked through my body.
Because I was on route to lunch at nearby Colbert, I asked Anisha not to use oil on my face. However, she did wash the oil off her hands so that she could at least apply pressure to certain points on my face.
The drizzle hardly touched me as I drifted down Sloane Street. Feeling calm, centred and blissfully relaxed, I had temporarily been transported to heavenly Mauritius.
I had an Ananda Blissful Oil Massage (60 mins £85) at Urban Retreat, Harrods: call 020 7893 8333 to book an appointment before the girls leave for Mauritius on 5th November 2012.
