(Hong Kong, July 30, 2009) — With a fast-expanding network in Asia, Relais & Châteaux is now promoting a unique ‘Journey of the Soul’ for well-being through the region’s different massages and traditional medicines.
Traditional massage and healing is the oldest and simplest form of medical care, dating back to ancient times in Asia.
The ‘roadmap’ to balancing body, mind and soul extends from India, China and Thailand to Indonesia, Cambodia and Malaysia.
Among the best-known, the Traditional Thai Massage, or Nuad Phaen Boran, draws significantly from India's ancient Ayurvedic traditions. Therapists use their hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches. Many say Thai massage is like doing yoga without doing any work!
Benefits include relief from stress, deep relaxation, warmed and stretched muscles, healing energy flow, greater flexibility, increased and focused energy levels, prevention of injury, relief from sore and aching muscles and joints, detoxification, and a feeling of confidence and well-being.
To experience a truly authentic Thai massage, Relais & Châteaux recommends:
The Rachamankha in Chiang Mai, a haven of peace in the centre of the ancient walled city; The Eugenia, a late 19th century colonial-style haven in the heart of Bangkok; and Phuket Pavilions in Phuket, the island’s most seductive all pool villa resort.
India’s Ayurvedic Kalari Massage is the ‘mother of all healing’. Much more than a wellness programme, it offers rejuvenation, better flexibility, reduction of fat tissues and treatments for rheumatism, arthritis, back pain, headache and stress related disorders.
Kalari Massage is naturally practiced at Malabar House, a Relais & Châteaux property in Fort Cochin, in the heart of Kerala – the birthplace of Ayurveda.
Tui Na, Chinese Acupressure is a fundamental part of Chinese medicine, not only at spas and massage centers but also medical clinics and hospitals. It emphasizes pressing and kneading of the energy points and channels.
Complementing Tui Na is foot reflexology, which treats the foot as a microcosmic map for the whole body. For example, the heel is connected to organs in the lower abdomen, while the toes correspond to eyes and other regions of the face. Thus, a Chinese foot massage not only relieves foot fatigue, but revitalizes the entire body.
In Guilin, HOMA’s therapists are trained extensively in these ancient techniques.
Indonesia is the archipelago of massage techniques Urut, Pijat and Boreh.
For Urut, therapists use fingers, palms and sometimes the whole body to manipulate muscles and energy pathways, improving blood circulation and eliminating toxins. This technique is quite intense and can be uncomfortable at first.
Pijat massage is far gentler, with repetitive squeezing and kneading to relax tense muscles and calm the body. Boreh incorporates a traditional Balinese spice body mask to warm the body, improve blood circulation and relieve muscular aches and pains, chills and headaches.
To experience these treatments in Bali, visit Matahari Beach Resort & Spa or Bali Pavilions.
Traditional Malay Massage uses touch, tone and aromatherapy for a memorable and sensory experience. Massage starts with long kneading, pushing and stroking to ease muscle and joint pain, targeting pressure points.
Treatment uses oil made from herbs blended to invigorate circulation. Treatment concludes with an ancient aromatherapy remedy of local herbal roots and flower buds mixed in an earthen pot.
Japamala Resort in the small island of Tioman offers a wide selection of massages in the Samadhi Spa, overlooking the South China Sea.
Cambodia’s Traditional Khmer Massage combines acupressure points, pushing, pressing and light stretching movements. It helps to recover a smooth energy flow and increases flexibility.
Tradition Khmer massages are the specialty of Bodia Spa at the Heritage Suites Hotel in Siem Reap.
There is something for everyone at Relais & Châteaux.
ABOUT RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX
Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of 480 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in 56 countries.
Established in France in 1954, the Association’s mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.
Furthermore, Relais & Châteaux is also a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world who share a passion for and a personal commitment to ensuring their guests are privy to moments of exceptional harmony, an unforgettable celebration of the senses.
From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers all the stops on the finest route for discovering each special place and country.
The Relais & Châteaux signature reflects this ambition: “ALL AROUND THE WORLD, UNIQUE IN THE WORLD”.
Information and reservations:
Shanghai + 86 21 5212 2067
Hong Kong + 852 3121 3616
Australia, New Zealand + 61 2 9299 2280
South East Asia coming soon
Website: www.relaischateaux.com
Monday, August 3, 2009
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