There are many of us who belong to the growing cult of the ‘spa junkies’. We spend days planning an uninterrupted afternoon of healing back treatments and soothing foot scrubs. The news of a recent luxe spa opening generates a sense of extreme excitement in us, comparable only to the sublime satisfaction of managing to snare the much-coveted-but-extremely-difficult-to-locate emerald Swarovski Jimmy Choos. Through an immensely rigorous routine of trial and error, we zero in on the few infallible icons of impeccable service, the emperors of ‘spadom’, so to speak. Which is where The Oberoi Spa by Banyan Tree comes in.

The latter is renowned for its expert therapists who train at the namesake academy in Phuket. Lessons on anatomy ensure that each masseuse understands pressure points and recognises problem areas at the sweep of a palm. Once the Balinese, Thai, Swedish, Hawaiian or Indian treatment (choose from The Banyan Tree’s extensive global menu) is underway, you should immediately feel the knots unfurling and your skin rejoicing.
The strictly exclusive policy of the Oberoi spa is another feature that appeals to the junkie’s snob culture. Only residents of the hotel are allowed in for these rejuvenating rituals; however, those in the know will be well aware of the day spa package for the world weary ‘Bombay Brunch Set’.
Make a booking and check in from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. into your premium room. Take a quick shower and then head down to the oasis of bliss for a consultation before you begin.

Choose from a range of aromatic essence sticks to enhance your fragrant experience while your feet get a warm water splash with rose petals. As the joss sticks spread their jasmine or lavender flavour, your journey to the clouds begins. The day package includes a 60 minute facial followed by a similarly timed body massage; if you’re greedy for more (a true spa addict would surely be), go all out with the ‘Essence of Healing’, which offers an Ayurvedic massage, a herbal pouch massage of relaxing hot fomentation with herb-infused linen bags and an Ayur face treatment. The constantly-travelling ladies of leisure can stopover for a ‘Jet Lag Massage’ and some ‘Sole Therapy’; add on an orange and oat scrub and a honey-almond cleanser for that just-returned-from-the-Bahamas look.

Once done with this beautifying ritual, walk by the walnut and oak panelled floors to the ladies’ room, for some steam time and another shower. Relax on the lounge beds for a warm cup of lemon tea before heading back to your room for a much-needed siesta. The true fitness freaks can then rejoin at the gymnasium overlooking the bay for a bout on the treadmill; a salon fix of manicure and blow-dry is absolutely essential after this trying hour. And now, you’re more than ready for your taxing jaunt of London’s Sloane Street in the manic sale month of July!