Selasa, 16 Juni 2009

A French Connection - Mango Tree Spa by L’Occitane

The intriguing proposition of a massage performed in a mango tree easily prompted my visions: an elaborate system of roped walkways, giving way to precipitous drops; intricately fashioned and strategically placed platforms resting precariously on fruit-heavy branches; and finally, disconcertingly, a dizzying ladder climb on the way up and scraped knees on the way down. By these standards, such an offer would be more trial and tribulation than rest and relaxation.

However, all such estimations proved of course to be more than a little far-fetched and bore no resemblance to the unique facilities provided at Mango Tree Spa by L'Occitane (Kupu Kupu Barong Villas and Tree Spa, Kedewatan, Ubud, T: 0361 975478), where two upmarket, gilded bamboo tree-houses are perched, quite securely, in and around the upper branches of several very old mango trees. Situated at the top of a steep bank high above the Ayung River gorge, the tree spa enjoys sweeping views of the valley and rice terraces below.

The name L'Occitane in the Oc language means ‘the woman from Occitanie' (the name once given to the entire southern part of France), and although the Ubud setting of the spa is visually nothing like the French birthplace of L'Occitane, it encapsulates the brand's joint dedication to natural, traditional wellbeing and respect for the surrounding people and environment. (It is this philosophy that endeared the brand to the resort's managers – who, incidentally, are also French.) Specifically, the brand hails from Manosque, a pretty little medieval town in Provence; having lived there myself for a year I can personally vouch for both the town's unique rustic charm and the company's Provençal authenticity. L'Occitane's products are full of the scents of the south: lavender, geranium and tea tree - oils traditionally known for their relaxing properties.

The first spa in Bali to feature the exclusive line, the Mango Tree Spa by L'Occitane combines indigenous therapies with L'Occitane signature treatments and exclusive products. Treatments include specialised facials, from the anti-aging Immortelle range to the cleansing olive recipe; area-focused treatments for the legs and hair; massages (Balinese, relaxing, warm stone and more) and luxurious packages combining two or more treatments, some with access to the resort's steam room. Guests can enjoy the treatments in the tree spa or in one of the other exclusive spa villas spread throughout the lush gardens of the resort.

To establish a state of physical and mental repose, try the Aromachologie Relaxing Massage, which is based on Swedish Effleurages combined with Chinese Acupressure points and long kneading Balinese movements. Performed all over the body, this treatment deeply relaxes the muscles, while enhancing circulation. The specific Aromachologie massage oil enhances the treatment benefits and releases all tensions: stress just fades away. This heavenly-soft experience will bring you to a deep level of relaxation and leave your mind and body totally rested.

With a formula combining world-class products, traditional hand-performed treatments, a seductive location and a sprinkling of a little je ne sais quoi, the only visions you'll conjure up in this adults' treetop retreat will be of yourself, scanning the menu and trying to decide what you'll experience on your return visit.

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