Mandarin Oriental Creates a Fire Monkey Spa Experience

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The Chinese New Year of the Fire Monkey is said to be an active one requiring agility to succeed, and the Mandarin Oriental spa has an antidote. It is launching a new treatment, "The Year of the Fire Monkey Experience," to celebrate the Chinese Lunar Year beginning on Feb. 8, 2016. The treatment was designed to provide clients at all of its global locations with a sense of balance and harmony for both body and mind. Here are a few highlights of the spa's 1 hour 50 minute treatment and its connection with the Lunar New Year.

Welcome Experience

Guests are welcomed with hot or cold towels infused with mandarin orange or tangerine oil, both of which symbolize good tidings. They are then invited to enjoy a welcome drink of Chinese red dates, honey and goji berries, which help to de-stress and encourage sleep. Traditional sweet treats popular during Chinese New Year festivities are available to enjoy in the spa’s relaxation area, including sweetened tangerine, coconut and ginger from the customary ‘Tray of Togetherness.’

Foot and Body Ritual

The treatment begins with a relaxing foot ritual with rose oil, followed by a full body exfoliation incorporating chrysanthemum flowers to relieving stress.

Shower and Singing Bowl

Following a warm shower with pomelo water, which is traditionally used to wash away negative feelings, guests can experience the deep relaxation that comes with a short, guided singing bowl session. The bowl is gently placed on the abdomen, and the ‘singing’ sound provides stimulation for the body’s energy channels.

Meridian Massage

The body massage that follows combines the powerful effects of oriental meridian massage with a blend of ylang ylang, rose and calming chamomile oils to encourage joy and emotional release.

Closing and Luck Gift

Finally, guests are offered a sweet plum tea. Upon leaving the spa, clients receive a traditional Chinese 'lai see' lucky red packet, which includes a spa treat for 2016. 

The Mandarin Oriental said its Chinese New Year-oriented treatment reflects part of its cultural heritage. Read more in Skin Inc. about how spas worldwide, from India to Ethiopia and beyond, are incorporating their cultural heritage into spa treatments and offerings. 

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