When iced is twice as nice

But don’t order a scoop to gobble down just yet, as Devarana’s offerings are not real ice cream but actually made of oatmeal and sweet potato. While the oatmeal gently exfoliates to reveal polished skin, the sweet potato, which is packed with vitamin A, helps to decrease wrinkles, protect against the effects of ageing and fade dark spots. It’s also good for skin conditions like acne, sunburn, eczema, cold sores and psoriasis. 

Each of the four “flavours” has additional different nurturing effects. The classic, the addictive chocolate flavour with chocolate and cinnamon powder, helps tighten the pores and tones and moisturises the skin. A drop of grapefruit essential oil makes you feel relaxed and energised at the same time. The graceful and regal rose flavour contains fresh rose petals and germanium rose oil that helps soften, rejuvenate and increase elasticity of the skin. The rich and creamy Thai tea flavour nourishes and makes the skin luminous with high-antioxidant ingredients such as mint, lemon and lime essential oil. 

If your skin is dry, order a coconut scoop and let the tropical fruit work its wonders. The incorporated dried coconut flakes brush away dead skin cells, while creamy coconut and flowery lavender oils soothe and calm undernourished skin, making it soft, supple and radiant.

The scoops may not be real ice cream, but the spa keeps them chilled to invigorate the senses. The scrub, which is kept at 15 to 20 degrees, is rubbed all over your body with fresh milk that adds even more nourishment and softness to the skin. The slightly cold scrub also helps reduce inflammation and sore muscles. An hour’s scrub costs Bt2,100.

Now you’re glowing and supple, but why stop there? Devarana Spa also has a vast selection of massages from which to choose. This year, the spa has introduced a new fusion therapy known as shilomi massage, which melts away tension and muscle pain in an instant. 

Blending seriously invigorating Japanese shiatsu massage and Hawaiian holistic healing traditions, shilomi relies on the elbows, arms and fingers to tackle tension as well as deep muscle pain, where simple kneading and rubbing may not be enough. 

Shiatsu massage primarily focuses on unlocking the chi for total wellbeing, while the lomi lomi massage treats muscles, tendons and major organs. The lomi lomi’s long strokes with elbow and arm blend seamlessly with the deep and firm finger and palm movement of the shiatsu. These two seemingly opposite treatments complement and balance each other. And their marriage, the shilomi, is totally revitalising, neither too strong nor too light. The special massage is performed with a special formulated oil blend of cajeput, clove and black pepper that bring warmth to the body. 

The 90-minute treatment costs Bt2,900 and it’s Bt3,800 for 120 minutes.

 

SIMPLE STROKES

>> Devarana Spa is located at Dusit Thani Bangkok on Rama IV Road.

>> It is open daily from 9am till 10pm. Call (02) 636 3596; www.DevaranaSpa.com