Colombo Courtyard adds Rs. 50 m Amber Spa to its portfolio

Tuesday, 3 December 2013 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Cheranka Mendis Colombo’s award-winning luxury boutique hotel Colombo Courtyard last week connected the only missing link in the holistic product of the hotel – ‘Amber Spa,’ a high quality, fully-fledged spa specialising in authentic Balinese treatment therapy. One-and-a-half years since its official launch, Colombo Courtyard is growing in repute as country’s premier luxury business hotel with several international awards under its name; and this latest addition at an investment of Rs. 50 million is expected to further enhance the product offering. ‘Hot Stone’ therapy With trained therapists from Indonesia, the spa specialises in ‘Hot Stone’ therapy, for which Bali is famous. Balinese techniques are known for their gentleness, which aims at keeping patients relaxed and calm throughout. The techniques include skin folding, kneading, stroking, body

scrubs and other methods used along with different aromatherapy oils. Administered by expert therapists, the spa’s signature hot stone treatment helps to improve a patient’s blood, oxygen and energy flow, which is said to increase through the treatment. Hot stone massage is an age-old therapy dating back about 5,000 years to India, a legacy carried on by several countries in the region and developed to a nicety by the Balinese. The technique involves the application of water-heated volcanic stones to central points of the body, giving a deep tissue treatment that creates a sensation of comfort and warmth. The penetrating heat from the hot stones is said to ‘draw out’ pain and discomfort, relaxing the muscles deeper than the regular techniques. Volcanic stones used for this treatment has been imported from Bali. Holistic body treatments The Amber Spa menu offers a number of other holistic body treatments such as Thai, Swedish, and herbal therapies as well as aesthetic beauty treatments such as facials, manicures and pedicures. However their signature Hot Stone treatment is the unique Amber experience that not only relaxes but is noted for its special healing characteristics. The Spa Consultant also from Bali, Yatrien noted that the warm gliding sensation of the hot stones fire up the lymphatic system, allowing every cell in the body to receive more nutrients and oxygen while removing waste. It is recommended for the support of the immune system, increased blood circulation, countering against flu symptoms, alleviating stress, Rheumatic and arthritic conditions, muscle aches, fatigue, and even depression. Combined with the expert therapy, the Amber Spa’s location overlooking the hotel’s swimming pool, shaded by bamboo trees adds to the feeling of serenity and calm, creating the ideal setting for a relaxing body treatment. Unique offering “We are offering a different dimension and a different touch and feel to our guests,” Colombo Courtyard CEO Nishan Moonesinghe said. “What we offer here at the hotel is unique. The inclusion of a spa will only enhance this.” The hotel, having hosted top delegates during CHOGM ran at full occupancy, he said, adding that in order to give the guests value for money as the rates were predefined by Tourist Board, all guests were given complimentary spa treatment. “This was a value addition to enhance room stay of our guests. They loved it and we received some very positive feedback.” Continuous innovation Managing Director Arun Thapar expressed: “As a boutique hotel located in a central part of Colombo, we want to offer our in-house guests as well as our day-to-day patrons a better choice in terms of entertainment, indulgence and things to do in the city. We have already been awarded the best Luxury Business Hotel by World Luxury Hotel Awards and our mission is to continue to innovate, bring in new services that complement our image and benefit our guests; Amber Spa is another step in that direction.” The spa is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pix by Lasantha Kumara