Asian Spa Treatments Big at Sothys

Asia has had a profound impact on the spa industry which has manifested itself from décor to service menus.Asian inspired spa treatments have become a mainstay and consumers have come to expect these services at any spa offering comprehensive therapeutic treatments.As the East has become more integrated into Western consumerism, the demand has increased to encompass multiple lifestyle aspects.

Sothys, a global brand represented in 20,000 spas in over 115 countries worldwide, with over 60 years of experience, was early to capitalize on the shift in consumer demand and perception and created two main signature treatments inspired by Asian wellness philosophies.

The first of these, Oriental Ceremony, is inspired by traditional Asian and Indian techniques.A twist on hot stone massage, the treatment begins with a scrub containing naturally exfoliating nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon essential oils, anti-oxidant Vitamin E and Corn Oil to nourish and soften skin. This is followed by a massage with aromatic bags of Oriental spices, including orange and nutmeg to stimulate and revitalize the mind and body, and stones which have been soaked in luxurious spiced shea butter oil. Indulgent and blissful, this therapy nourishes, soothes and softens skin while providing a full sensory experience.

From here, Sothys turned to the deep knowledge of Japan to create the Hanakasumi Body Ritual, which was introduced in June 2009. The application of a warmed exfoliating cream formulated with Cherry Blossom and Rice Powder is followed by a massage with an exfoliating mitt to soften the skin and invigorate the body.This treatment also incorporates a unique foot massage based on reflexology. The ritual is completed with a full body massage of melted aromatic shea butter.

“We at Sothys identified the importance of Asian inspired treatments in the spa industry early on,” said Caroline Rushworth, Sothys’ director of education.“By taking an approach that synergizes Eastern and Western philosophies, we developed body treatments that have enabled participating Sothys spas to capitalize on the consumer demand.”

In July 2011, Sothys is launching a collection of new Nourishing Body Elixirs, two of which evoke Sothys’ most popular Asian inspired treatments. According to the company, they are the ideal purchase for the consumer who wants to relive these treatments in the comforts of home.