IT’S STILL hot, but the summer’s over. The kids are back at school, and there are no more holidays scheduled for another three months. Sound familiar? If the September blues have hit you, why not try a relaxing massage? After all, Cyprus is now so renowned for its luxurious spas it would seem a shame not to take advantage. Personally, I have never been much of a spa-goer. I have never had so much as a simple back massage, and there are so many different types of massage out there now that the task of choosing the ‘right one’ does seem somewhat daunting. If you too are a spa virgin, have no fear. Here is a simple guide to a number of massages, both of the more ‘conventional’ variety, and the somewhat unusual.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage makes use of fragrant, essential oils and herbs to strengthen the nervous system and restore lost energy. According to Theodora Michael, Spa Manager of Anagenisis Spa at the Thalassa Hotel, the practice of healing with scent was used by the ancient Greeks to treat various conditions.
“The natural healing abilities of essential oils and aromatherapy essences have been used traditionally over the centuries to help soothe the skin and regain its natural balance,” says Michael.
“All of the products used in each one of our treatments are distinguished for the therapeutic benefits they have on both the body and soul. Prior to an aromatherapy massage, the therapist blends essential oils specific to the individual needs of the guest. Then a gentle pressure, relaxing, full body massage is performed. This is truly the perfect therapy to leave your body and mind soothed and tranquil. Aromatherapy oils can be used to treat a number of concerns, such as cellulite, psoriasis, stress and allergies.”
Anagenisis Spa at Thalassa Hotel, Paphos, 26-881500, £45
The Asphodel Spa at the Azia Resort, Paphos, 26-845100 £40
City Spa, Nicosia 22-755553 and Limassol 25-875587, £ 37 or 6 sessions for £ 26
Columbia Beach Resort, Limassol, 25-833765, £ 45
Day Spa, Limassol, 25-878000, £ 35
Hamam, Nicosia, 22-460570 or 22-750550, cold area: £20; hot area: £12.
Hawaii Grand Hotel and Resorts, Limassol, 25-634333, £48
Hiltonia Beauty Salon at the Hilton, Nicosia, 22-376101, £ 30
Jacques Dessanges, Nicosia, 22-460000, £ 35
Le Spa at le Meridien, Limassol, 25-862000, £ 50
Poseidonio, Paphos, 26-222234, £ 25
The Retreat at Aphrodite Hills, Paphos, 26-828100, £ 60
Thalassa Spa at the Anassa Hotel, Akamas, £55
Thalasso Spa at Four Seasons Hotel, Limassol, 25-858000, £ 43
Hot Stone Massage
Primarily a relaxation technique, Hot Stone massage is a full body treatment that stimulates the nervous system while bringing about total balance within the body. Mixtures of hot and cold stones are placed on the spine, and other important energy centers of the body, such as the heart, stomach and forehead.
According to Nina Raith, Spa Manager of the Columbia Hotel and Resorts, the use of a mixture of hot and cold stones allows deeper penetration into the muscles around the back, neck and shoulder area.
“Before the hot stone treatment begins, there is a full body massage with aroma oils, then the stones are placed on the body. The stones are very round and soft on the surface, so they are not uncomfortable to lie on at all, and cause no discomfort to the back or neck. We use lava stones because these are easiest to heat up. They are heated in hot water to a temperature of 320 degrees, then left to cool, while the cold stones are kept in icy water. The treatment is based on the ancient techniques of the Native Americans, who used smoke, fire and stones as a natural healing method.”
Anagenisis Spa at Thalassa Hotel, Paphos, 26-881500, £ 65
City Spa, Nicosia 22 755553 and Limassol 25-875587, £ 58, or 4 sessions for £40 each
Columbia Beach Resort, Limassol, 25-833765, £ 60
Day Spa, Limassol, 25-878000, £ 55
Hamam, Nicosia, 22-460570 or 22-750550, £ 40
Jacques Dessanges, Nicosia, 22-460000, £ 45
Le Spa at le Meridien, Limassol, 25-862000, £ 60
Opium Day Spa at Elysium Hotel, Paphos, 26-844444, £ 70
Poseidonio, Paphos, 26-222234, £ 40
The Retreat at Aphrodite Hills, Paphos, 26-828100, a range of treatments starting from £ 35
Thalassa Spa at the Anassa Hotel, Akamas, £75
Thalasso Spa at Four Seasons Hotel, Limassol, 25-858000, £ 65
Reflexology
Reflexology is a natural therapy that works by the application of pressure to the feet. It is believed that there are pressure points on the feet that correspond to particular parts of the body. The feet are linked to the body by energy lines, known as meridians. By applying pressure to the feet the reflexologist is able to help the body regain its previous state of balance, following a period of illness or stress. The technique also encourages the body to heal itself and can bring relief to a range of acute and chronic conditions, including allergies. According to Andri Ioannou, Manager of Le Spa at Le Meriden, Reflexology has become one of their most popular treatments.
“Balance is achieved through careful and sensitive working of the pressure points in the feet, which relate to specific areas of the body. Reflexology can rebalance a person’s whole system, whether the cause of stress is emotional, physical or environmental. Reflexology is primarily a relaxation technique and can even ease the muscles of the body. It also assists the body to function better by improving lymphatic drainage and circulation, whilst stimulating nerve pathways.”
Anagenisis Spa at Thalassa Hotel, Paphos, 26-881500, £ 40
Ancient Wisdom Holistic Center, Limassol, 25-748211/221, £ 20
The Asphodel Spa at the Azia Resort, Paphos, 26-845100 £45
Columbia Beach Resort, Limassol, 25-833765, £ 35
Hawaii Grand Hotel and Resorts, Limassol, Limassol, 25-634333, £ 39
Hiltonia Beauty Salon at the Hilton, Nicosia, £ 28
Jacques Dessanges, Nicosia, 22-460000, £ 20
Le Spa at le Meridien, Limassol, 25 862000, £ 35
The Reatreat at Aphrodite Hills, Paphos, 26-828100, £ 55
Thalassa Spa at the Anassa Hotel, Akamas, £ 55
Thalasso Spa at Fours Seasons Hotel, Limassol, 25-858000, £ 39
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu is a Japanese massage, based on the application of pressure to points of the body in order to release the tension and negative energy of the body. Although this technique sounds very similar to that of Reflexology, Simone Ierodiakonou of Jacques Dessanges assures me there is a difference.
“Shiatsu is not really like Reflexology because it is practiced on the whole body, whereas the former is restricted to the soles of the feet,” she says.
“The theory is that if one part of the body has stopped functioning normally, for example, as a result of stress, then the whole body begins to function differently; there is an imbalance. By applying pressure to specific points, known as ‘Channels’, the negative energy trapped within the body is released. The client sits on a chair, while the masseur stretches and bends the body, often applying their full body weight and leaning on the client.”
Jacques Dessanges, Nicosia, 22-460000, £ 35
Le Spa at le Meridien, Limassol, 25-862000, £ 40
Poseidonio, Paphos, 26-222234, £ 25
Reiki Massage
Reiki originated in Japan over 2,500 years ago and is primarily a technique to reduce stress. According to Philip Westwood, the Reiki Master and Practitioner at Thalassa Hotel’s Anagenisis Spa, Reiki is a healing form and aims to treat the person as a whole, working on all energy levels – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
“Reiki’s main function is to harmonize body and mind. Stress tends to be the underlying factor of many of the problems we suffer from in everyday life. Reiki works by rel
easing the stagnant energy and toxins that build up in our bodies, thus helping to boost the body’s own healing system.
“During a Reiki treatment you remain fully clothed, only removing your shoes, while lying on a massage couch. The Reiki therapist then channels the healing energy through themselves to the clients, skimming the surface of the body with their hands. During Reiki you may experience feelings of warmth, coolness, tingling or a sensation of lightness or heaviness. Some people will drift into sleep and feel total relaxation.”
Anagenisis Spa at Thalassa Hotel, Paphos, 26-881500, £ 45
Columbia Beach Resort, Limassol, 25-833765, £ 40
Le Spa at le Meridien, Limassol, 25-862000, £ 40
Poseidonio, Paphos, 26-222234, £ 25
Thalassa Spa at the Anassa Hotel, Akamas, £ 60
The Reatreat at Aphrodite Hills, Paphos, 26-828100, £ 45
And now for something completely different…
Indonesian Body Massage:
The Indonesian massage is a combination Swedish, shiatsu and Balinese massage. The massage is ideal for those who enjoy deep tissue massage, used to ease chronic muscle tension.
Opium Day Spa at Elysium Hotel, Paphos, 26-844444, £ 60
Watsu (underwater therapeutic relaxing massage):
This treatment is performed in a high-density pool. The treatment includes mobilisation and stretching movements, to return the skeletal system to a natural balance, while applying pressure to the meridian lines of the body.
Le Spa at le Meridien, Limassol, 25-862000, £45
Four Hands Massage:
Four hands are used simultaneously in order to achieve total relaxation and relief to the mind and soul.
Columbia Beach Resort, Limassol, 25-833765, £ 120
Jacques Dessanges, Nicosia, 22-460000, £ 45
Elemis Exotic Coconut Rub and Milk Ritual Float:
A traditional Balinese recipe with coconut, mungbean, spices and lavender is used to polish the skin, as well as exotic body oil. A warm milk bath is then poured over the entire body before being cocooned, weightless, in the dry float.
Le Spa at le Meridien, Limassol, 25-862000, £ 75
Lymphatic Drainage:
This is a gentle massage, which uses uplifting and detoxifying massage oils. The treatment helps the body to eliminate excess toxins and fluids that can build up in the body. It is an excellent choice for anyone suffering from fluid retention, or whose body is feeling sluggish.
Anagenisis Spa at Thalassa Hotel, Paphos, 26-881500, £ 45
Chinese Taoist Massage:
The Chinese Taoist massage focuses on the energy lines (meridians) and the acupressure and acupuncture points of the body. The massage is relaxing, but rather than feeling sleepy, you will feel energized.
Columbia Beach Resort, Limassol, 25-833765, £ 40
Honey Massage:
This treatment uses natural honey, aiding the body to detoxify itself. It also assists the urinary system, whilst slowing down the ageing process.
Jacques Dessanges, Nicosia, 22-460000, £ 35
Moroccan Cocoon with Rassoul:
A cool, rich mud is applied to the body, soothing and healing eczema, psoriasis and sensitivity. The mud is also rich in magnesium, iron and calcium, which all help to renew the skin.
The Retreat at Aphrodite Hills, Paphos, 26-828100, £ 55
Chocolate Massage:
This treatment is anti-toxic and aims to relax the body, while reducing cellulite and fat deposits. About 90 per cent of the mixture consists of chocolate, and the remainder is made up of a variety of essential oils.
Body Care, Larnaca, 24-664203, £35 per session or 6 session for the price of 5.
