Tag Archives: massage

Hot on the Highstreet Week 169: Erb at Harrods

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Harrods is one of the most famous shops on the London high street, drawing in thousands of visitors every year. Working very nearby I’m in the privileged position (quite literally) of being able about to visit as and when I please, experiencing many of the top events and collaborations they host.

Keen on visiting Thailand next year, I was very intrigued to find out about the luxury Thai beauty brand, Erb, who were selected by the Thai embassy to take part in the current festival at Harrods; Thailand a Celebration of Colour and Light. This eye-catching popup is taking place in store until Saturday 31st August.

Founder of Erb, Thai fashion designer Pattree Bhakdibutr is renowned for her style and experience in the fashion and beauty industry. She was around onsite when I visited last week offering an interesting insight into the Erb range of hair and skincare products.

The Thai exhibition beams out from behind the Harrods window and lights up Knightsbridge’s most famous shopping street, walking inside I was hit immediately by the strong and aromatic aromas so often associated with this exotic country. Expert beauty therapists are on hand to give express treatments and explain the extensive range.

On a brief lunch break from work, I hugely appreciated the speedy 10-minute head, shoulder, and hand massage I received from Thuy Linh Vu. She used some of the most popular products to relax and calm my mind and body. I felt truly refreshed. They wouldn’t let me leave empty-handed giving me a lovely little turquoise bag with a taste of Thailand to take home. Mint flavoured body serum which is surprisingly light and silky on the skin; pure mineral water sacred lotus hand cream which is lovely and nourishing, restoring and reviving the skin; and two less familiar products –peppermint underarm skin toner, and underarm detox mask – which I cannot wait to try.

In a store offering all the popular designer beauty ranges, it was lovely to discover this special new brand. “Erb harnesses the power of exotic Thai herbal ingredients using the latest scientific innovations, resulting in products that deliver exceptional benefits and induce a delightful sensorial experience.”

www.harrods.com

www.erbasia.com

JW Marriott Absheron Hotel, Baku

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The Marriott brand is known worldwide for their luxury hotels and five star service. I experienced this first hand at the Marriott Hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Absheron, where I was invited to try the spa and Fireworks restaurant. The Marriott fits into the impressive Baku skyline, it is a huge building with an imposing façade. Centrally located, I imagine this hotel is a popular choice for business visitors to Baku, yet when I visited I noticed crowds of young locals enjoying the outdoor eateries.

The spa is up on one of the highest floors, with incredible views of the city and a calm, quiet atmosphere. The therapists were very smiley and happy to be attending to our every need. Face down on the massage bed, I could have been anywhere in the world and for a moment I definitely forgot I was in Azerbaijan’s booming capital city. As I’d expect from a Marriott establishment, the massage was wonderful, personalised and attentive, relaxing and soothing. The treatment concluded with a glass of refreshing iced tea to hydrate and wake us up. We sat for a while in the relaxation room, in the comfiest chairs overlooking the entire city and the amazing Caspian coastline. After an invigorating shower, we travelled back down to one of the Marriott restaurants.

There are four dining options, we were in the oriental terrace restaurant, Fireworks. On Fridays this restaurant holds a beer and kebab buffet, a casual, fun night equally popular with tourists and locals. I cannot fault the service which was amongst the best I experienced in Baku… very friendly and accommodating, English-speaking waiters made our dinner very enjoyable. Luckily, the head chef was on hand to choose our meal for us as I was completely bewildered by the choice and variety on the menu.

After glasses of chilled Prosecco, a selection of Middle-Eastern meze was delivered to us: mangal (aubergine) salad, hummus, halloumi salad, and warm flat bread. The flavours were vibrant and the dishes were extra moreish, I couldn’t resist nibbling away for ages. A mixed grill arrived soon after for main course: an array of juicy fragrant meats dressed with spices and presented with grilled vegetables. Fresh watermelon was a palate-cleansing, healthy end to the meal.

Wandering away from the epic Absheron building, lit up gloriously, I knew I would remember my evening here fondly for years to come. It is a giant in the Baku empire that offers everything a guest could ever want.

More information here.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with British Airways, London to Baku.

Hammam de la Rose, Marrakech

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There are so many wonderful luxury hotel spas to choose from in Marrakech – for something really authentic head to Hammam de la Rose in the city centre.

At this quiet retreat we experienced superior service and wonderful treatments. Wishing to try something traditional, we were both intrigued by the hammam and massage ritual. A hammam is a steam room where Moroccans go each week to cleanse themselves. This treatment is an incredibly important part of Moroccan culture and life. Men, women and children will visit their local Hammam at least once a week, and spend two or three hours there, catching up on gossip with their friends and following the long rituals until their skin glows and feels silky soft. In Morocco it is an integral part of normal life, but for us it was a very special and unique thing to try.

Different spas approach this ritual in different ways, but most follow a few simple steps. I was allocated an individual therapist to perform the treatment. I was washed down, scrubbed and exfoliated until my skin felt fresh and revived. First I was taken into an enclosed steam room where bowls of warm water were poured swiftly over my entire body, soaking me then special black soap was rubbed roughly over my skin. I was then left to rest and relax lying on the warm tiled bench. Ten minutes or so later I was shown into another steam room for a full invigorating rub and cleanse, wonderful smelling products were used made from argan oil, orange blossom and other natural ingredients.

After moisturising it was time for the massage, a gloriously lengthy treatment releasing all tension and stress from my body and soothing my scrubbed skin. I felt instantly calmed by the firm therapist whose hands worked away constantly at the persistent knots in my shoulders and upper back. We completed our time at Hammam de la Rose with a cup of hot mint tea.

It was the perfect morning in Marrakech. Everyone must try a hammam at least once and I can’t think of a better place to go than Hammam de la Rose.

More information and book here.