I have a spa treatment at Spa Ayurda, the new Ayurvedic wellness spa in Ponsonby Road, with a holistic approach to total wellness to combat the stress of modern lifestyles through its nuturing touch treatments…
I have a spa treatment at Spa Ayurda, the new Ayurvedic wellness spa in Ponsonby Road, with a holistic approach to total wellness to combat the stress of modern lifestyles through its nuturing touch treatments.
Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of healing and defines health as purity of the body, mind and soul. Owner Rippan Sandhu explains to me that, unlike in Western belief, mind and body are not considered separate entities but are closely intertwined.
She explains that as everyone is different, they don’t do one standard facial for all, instead assessing the individual into Vata skin, Pitta skin, or Kapha skin, by means of a written questionnaire and a visual assessment of each client. Then after touching the client, they may reassess and change this again.
I fall into the Pitta skin type which means my skin is "hot, sharp, intense, oily and moist. It has a tendency to be sensitive and have acne. Treated with substances that have smoothness, coldness, softness and astringent qualities and is optimal for sensitive or combination skin."
Below; the exterior of Spa Ayurda at 213 Ponsonby Road.
The calming foyer entrance of the spa includes a water feature and waterlillies.
The Spa Ayurda reception, with the spa manager, and the owner Rippan Sandhu pictured right.
The treatment rooms are in a lavishly decorated style with ornate furnishings. The first thing you notice is how warm the room is, and how dark it is. All products used are from the Ayurda product range, which is also sold to other spas in NZ and Australia and was developed by Rippan Sandhu and the doctor at her first Ayurda, ‘Planet Ayurveda’ in Mt Eden, which has a more health treatment focus compared to the new flagship Ponsonby spa.
The treatment lasts an hour, and includes arm and leg massages (making me wish I’d known this and shaved my legs!) and an eyebrow-to-eyeball massage that is quite unique. My favourite part is the fragrance misting; heavenly scent sprayed in a mist falling on one’s face. Bliss.
Customised facials start at $110, Wellness Massage from $100 and body polish/scrub from $130.
Clients are given Indian herbal teas after their treatments.
Spa Ayurda is now open at 213 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby Auckland.
Phone 09 360 0007
www.spaayurda.co.nz
By Megan Robinson, 9 July 2010.
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