Fashion Travel. October 17, Updated On April 26, Chances are you envision a peaceful retreat in Bali or Thailand. Bathing has always been big in Japan β going to onsen natural hot springs is part of the culture. Traditionally used for healing and medicinal purposes, onsen are now a favorite getaway and act as a social leveler. Getting naked with your boss, or a potential client, is a common way of cementing a business relationship.
But the all-out pampering experience that is a spa has been relatively uncommon in Japanβ¦until recently. Then there is aromatherapy, face-masks, body-rubs, herbal baths and almost every other possible way o relaxing and rejuvenating. This new demand has seen several plush new spa resorts open around Tokyo and other parts of Japan β some near top-class ski resorts, making for the perfect winter break. After an onsen I opted for a Swedish massage over some of the fancier treatments, and it was definitely well worth itβvery soothing.
The treatment rooms were luxurious and the staff friendly and well trained. The package included a hath, scrub and massage. The bath, filled to the brim with beautifully-scented rose petals, overlooks the view of the lake, creating a perfectly relaxing ambience. After soaking, my skin was treated to the scrub, and I came away feeling clean and refreshedβlike a new woman.
Last came the massage, which cased every ounce of stress and exhaustion out of my body. From Shin Chitose Airport Sapporo , two hours by car or an hour and a half train ride to Toya Station, and a complimentary shuttle to the hotel.
E-mail [email protected] , tel , Web site www. His : The Esthetics Spa Manna has no less than 16 therapy rooms, and offers British and Taiwanese-style reflexology, massages, and three pools including one that challenges you to walk against the current on a very unique stone bottom resistance track with salt imported all die way from the Dead Sea. My therapist Peter turned out to be a fellow Canadian who works each summer as a registered massage therapist in BC.
