Asiance in Asia: The Mandara Spa, Serenity in an Urban Jungle
Let’s do the math: door to door it took me 26 hours to get to Tokyo from NYC. That is 26 hours of no sleep, eating ‘GDs’ aka gastronomical disasters, and covering the gamut of planes, trains, and automobiles while dragging a heavy suitcase and a laptop bag! Tokyo is 13 hours ahead of NYC so that meant jet lag set in and after 8 more hours of sleep deprivation, I dragged myself to an 8am business meeting in downtown Tokyo! I was determined to find a panacea for my achy body and dazed mind & soul.
That’s where, the serene Mandara Spa at The Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome, Tokyo, part of The Preferred Hotel Group chain stepped in…they extended an invite to host Asiance for a ‘Spa Discovery’ experience. Off I went, cabbing my fatigued body over to The Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome, Tokyo. The Mandara Spa is located on the lower level and is quite easy to find. As soon as I arrived and started to check in, I was welcomed by an affable staff member who led me to a comfortable seating area with cold lemon flavored water and warm ginger tea awaiting me. She then proceeded to ask me some key questions on my preferences while fitting me with cushioned slippers…ahh bliss was starting to set in! Next I was asked to do an aroma test- 4 essential oils to choose from for my massage, Tranquility (Relaxation), Mandara (Romance), Island Spice (Energizing), and Harmony (Balancing), I went with Tranquility, it is recommended as a cure for jetlag.
I was led to a changing area and given a locker space, then ushered to my treatment room. Painted in warm neutrals, with soft lighting, and a soothing massage bed, the treatment room transported me to the tranquility of an ashram and not downtown Tokyo!
My worn-out body was treated to a 60 minute Balinese Aromatherapy Massage followed by a 20 minute Elemis facial, which also included a scalp massage. 80 minutes later, I emerged RE-juventated, vitalized, & energized. The first rate masseuse had melted away my jet lag, honed sore muscles and my face was cleansed, relieved of the airport dirt. My experience continued, I was steered into an Asian themed lounge and had some piping hot ginger tea awaiting me!
My Overall Rating: A+ (service, ambience, and general hospitality). I left the Mandara Spa that evening with a sense of calm and a big HAPPY smile.
If you are already in Tokyo or plan on visiting, add the Mandara Spa to your list of must dos…A definite oasis nestled in the midst of an urban jungle. They offer a range of treatments and special packages.
Mandara’s Mantra = Relaxation