Shamana Spa - Finding that Bit of You

Escape to Shamana Spa at Grand Hyatt Goa, a luxury spa overlooking the Bambolim Bay, for sheer bliss and tranquility in the midst of an energetic Goa

By:  Karishma Suri

Posted on: April 1, 2013

Goa as a destination has a variety of recreational activities that will rejuvenate and excite your entire being. But besides all the nightlife and sultry beaches, the Shamana Spa at Grand Hyatt Goa offers that extra bit to prepare you for your return ticket to reality. This award-winning spa offers an array of state-of-the-art amenities like a fitness centre, a lifestyle studio, indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools and wet areas with sauna, steam and plunge pools. Adding luxury to the package, Shamana Spa houses 19 magnificent spa suites which are designed with a reflecting pool and awe-inspiring visual effect mirrors that leave you quite spell-bound.

Luxe fanatics will drool at the mouth after hearing about their upcoming royal suites comprising of vitality pools, ice fountains and experience showers (yes, we cannot wait for that either). The cherry on this spa’s cake happens to be the first of its kind signature treatments that are exclusively offered here like the Diamond based rebalancing Journey using an imported diamond range of products from Spain! Other indulgent therapies offered at the spa include the Nourishing Rejuvenating Journey (a full body coconut butter mask to soothe the skin with a rejuvenating warm jade stone massage and a mother-of-pearl facial) and the Purifying Recovery Journey that detoxifies your body while calming your mind with an anti-ageing ritual of three powerful cleansing treatments, using organic hand harvested seaweed from Ireland.

Looking for some personal time or a quick romantic fix? Choose from couple or single suites for the best rejuvenating experience. For couples there are six suites with a personal shower, vanity area and a plunge pool that creates the perfect ambience for couple experiences and rituals at the spa. If Ayurveda happens to be your cup of tea, the spa offers a dedicated suite for all traditional treatments like shirodhara and other Ayurveda experiences.

The retail space offers products that help promote well-being with brands like June Jacobs and Natura Bisse. An examination room and office space for the Spa doctor in order to establish needs and requirements of the guests also earns the spa brownie points as it indicates that only the best treatments are recommended for you – yes, they have your back, literally.
 
An attempt at peace
As you arrive at the spa, a greeting of ‘Namaste’ along with a warm smile will welcome and relax you. After a quick confirmation regarding your appointment, the spa receptionist will lead the way to the spa swagatam lounge, offering a green tea, while giving you a wellness consultation with a concise preferences form. Once the formalities are completed, say hello to your therapist while he/she escorts you into your treatment suite. The team recommends few moments of steam to open up the pores and easy absorption of the oil, but it is your call so feel free to avoid it. The 10 single suites, which have open spaces, add to the serene atmosphere that a spa should offer. In addition to the personal shower and vanity areas, these suites have an extended space for welcome rituals and relaxation. Shamana Spa offers a personal touch as the guest can dock their own iPods (in case your own music makes you more comfortable) or you can simply go with the soothing music that is trademarked to every spa nevertheless. I wasn’t given an option on this so unfortunately I can’t share how popular music affected my therapy.

Once you are changed into your bathrobe, your therapist will start your treatment with a welcome foot ritual that cleanses the feet using natural salts and aroma oils in warm water. The massage I opted for was the Balinese massage which, as most would know, has its origins in Bali. A powerful massage that restores vitality, the massage is said to balance the body in a wholesome manner. Shut your eyes as a gentle pressure point stimulation of your feet tells you that your treatment has begun. This is done to open the doors to the energy channels sending opening signals to the being’s abode and is performed using the signature aroma of the spa or any soothing gentle aroma induced oils/creams as per the treatment.

My therapist Divya seemed quite in sync with what she was doing and used long strokes in a rhythmic manner to smooth the oil all over my body. Almost magically, I could feel the tension waving adieu to my body. This massage is said to dissolve nodules related to tension and stress. Feeling absolutely pampered, this massage happens to be an excellent one that truly indulges the body. A combination of gentle stretches, acupressure and aromatherapy oils absolutely stimulate the flow of blood, oxygen and "qi" (energy) around the body, and bring deep relaxation and wellness (and a content smile to your face!). For me, the oil used was the Deep Tissue Oil Blend, which is almost always used for all Balinese massages. I was happy to know that this oil is exclusively made for Shamana Spa and contains basil, black pepper, chamomile, cinnamon, eucalyptus, ginger, juniper, lemongrass, peppermint, pine and spearmint. The smell of the oil can be quite overwhelming and is really strong, so avoid whiffing it too many times. The only drawback is the abundance of natural lighting in the room which may come on to the face and disturb your stupor.

The treatment ended with my feet and palms being warmed and massaged using aromatic warm towels. Don’t get up yet, you will experience a gentle pressure point stimulation of your ears, forehead and scalp to continue relaxation and to signal to your body that it is ready to wake up from the sweet slumber. You can take a shower if you please, but it is recommended to keep the oil for at least two hours for maximum hydration. It makes your skin feel moist, but this oil can get quite sticky and cause the skin to shine. Beware of getting more oil on your hands as the doors of the bathroom are quite laden and wear your slippers to avoid any slipping. Even though the warm towels aim at eradicating this very problem, it fails.

A deep delve
All treatments at the Shamana spa concentrate on delivering guest-centric and result oriented spa experiences that incorporate treatment philosophy and products sourced from Thailand and Bali. They use exclusively imported products from other parts of the world, in a quite luxurious and serene environment.

Easy to notice, the treatments are inspired by the time tested South East Asian principles of healing and wellbeing, and are designed to celebrate life and living. My opinion? The Spa offers personalised and luxurious experiences enabling one to ‘revisit’ their essence and revitalise. Simply put, the team wants to propagate “pure celebration” through treatments that you will find hard to miss. For those who will have it, the quintessence of this experience is based on two pillars – “life styles and well-being”. Thus, all treatments attempt to ensure a grand style and grand being at Grand Hyatt.
 
Oh, there’s more
Apart from offering a thoroughly rejuvenating luxury spa experience, the property also offers an unforgettable recreational experience for guests of all ages to enjoy. Whether you’re an adventurer or a relaxation addict, the Spa offers adrenaline-pumping activities like Aqua Zorbing, Bumper Boats, Virtual Games, Air Hockey, etc. For those who want to beat the mid-week blues and burn those weekend calories, the property recommends Zumba Fitness or even Aqua Zumba. So pick up those dancing shoes as you dance away to an exciting salsa, samba, flamenco or even a merengue number to get in shape!

But most will agree that nothing beats an hour of relaxation at a spa. So go ahead and make that appointment as this spa, which offers guests a healing journey through captivating treatments that promise to stimulate each and every one of your senses, and offer true mind-body balance. It is worth a try to journey through the treatment modalities of ancient Orient to discover your own path to peace, serenity and optimal well-being.
 
So give yourself a break and relax, refresh and rejuvenate at Shamana Spa at Grand Hyatt Goa.
 
Coordinates: Grand Hyatt Goa, P.O. Goa University, Bambolim, North Goa, Goa, India
Ph: +91-832-3011234