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TAIWAN FUN MAGAZINE, November 2002.

Cover Story :

Set your sights on a SPA ROYAL Relaxation and HEALTHY Respite By Lucy Lee, translated by Patricia Li

       In Western terms, ancient Rome was probably the first to initiate public baths and steam rooms for the sake of healing, yet the notion of visiting natural springs and luxuriating in spa like surroundings actually took root in a small village in the Walloon region of Brussels, Belgium. The village, famous for its pure, warm rejuvenating spring waters, became a haven of rest and relaxation for royalty. Half hidden in the clouds and surrounded by enchanting forests made the little village even more inviting.

What exactly is a spa? The word comes from the Latin, "solus por agua", meaning "health through water". In fact, Agua was the name of this legendary Belgian hot springs village.

       Spa history begins in the 16th century, in the Ardennes forest region of southern Brussels. Men and women of all ages would congregate in this magnificent setting to soak in the pristine waters of its mountain springs. Tension melted away after steeping in the spa, plus time spent with Mother Nature brought a clearer outlook on life. Physically pampered and soothed in spirit, spa-goers could face their world refreshed after a splash in the spa. During the Medieval Period, European nobility recognized the healing properties of these hot springs, and so they made the sojourn in the hope of cures. Later, the emphasis reverted back to one of pure enjoyment. Today, a trip to the spa combines the best of all worlds - relaxation, personal care, therapy and whole body wellness. Some spas have even expanded the concept to include weight loss centers and recreational or workout facilities.

Aromatherapy in Spa Treatments

Thousands of years ago, certain fragrant flora and fauna were hailed as medicinal and calming. Consequently, various "recipes" of natural ingredients evolved that are now cornerstone to aromatherapy. Aromatherapy oils combine the essence of flower petals, leaves, fruits, branches and even tree trunks that sooth the skin and/or protect the body with natural anti-bacterial properties. Their use has become widespread in baths and in massage.

       Basic essential oils are gentler than synthetics, which are heavily scented and tend to be overpowering. In the health profession, natural oil extracts can be used alone in topical application or together with steam, massage or water immersion. Essential oils seep into the skin to benefit blood circulation; they also calm nerves, detoxify the body, fight aging, ease depression and relieve stress. They revitalize the body inside AND out.

       In this wearisome, workaday world we all battle environmental, emotional and physical stress that can all too often lead to illness. Researchers have found that using plant extracts can help alleviate problems without the harmful side effects of pharmaceuticals. It's no wonder that aromatherapy has created such a stir within the world of spa treatments.

The course of a spa treatment
       Water is the wellspring of life and the water quality of the spa treatment is key in maintaining health. Spa centers may use water fortified with essential minerals and plant essences for enhancement. Combined with other natural healing methods such as body-spirit balancing massages, color therapy, music therapy and body energy focus, blocked channels are opened to totally free and fresh levels allowing for full relief, health and beauty.

Spa centers in Taiwan are outfitted with deep soaking tubs, whirl pool baths, body capsules, saunas and steam rooms, massage waterbeds and all sorts of contraptions for personal care. Centers are usually categorized according to the products they use, like aromatherapy oils or mineral based ointments and salts. Newer facilities tend to focus on complete health maintenance, along with standard spa treatments and weight control programs.

       The good news is that anyone can afford a trip to the contemporary spa, not just royalty. In fact, a trip to the spa costs little more than a trip to the beauty shop. Furthermore, these natural and restful respites offer customized service tailored to individual tastes and personal preferences. Spa "menu options" are diverse, and as Taiwan indulges in the spa craze, we can expect more. Shop around for the spa facility that best meets your needs. Many offer promotional packages and one-time trials. The experience will be physically, emotionally, and spiritually invigorating, and it will help unravel all the edges. Taiwan Fun introduces you to some of Taipei's most relaxing spas where you can experience the "ahhhhh" in spa.

Hotel spa facilities for recreation and vacations:
       For the traveling professional, hotels are equipped with world-class spa facilities and offer fatigued travelers a welcome respite.

Gloria Prince Hotel-- Yian Zi Beauty and Spa Center
Address: 369, Lin Sen North Road, 11F (Above the Gloria Prince Hotel/ Bei Tou County 31, Zhu Hai Rd. 1F)
Phone: (02) 2521-8328; (02) 2891-3243 (Bei Tou)
Hours: Everyday 10am-8pm

       Gloria Prince Hotel, at the intersection of Ming She East Road and Lin Sen North Road, is a popular place for wedding banquets. However, few people are probably aware of the classy Women's Beauty Center and Spa just inside. It is said that Hong Kong's female stars, including Liu Ja Ling, come here exclusively for pampering. Many of the treatments cater to the bride-to-be. For example, left spirta C sonar waves course, craniosacral therapy with use of wax ear cones for a purifying experience, revitalizing whitening treatment, collagen and elasticity circulation therapy, and full-body lymphatic detoxification courses range from NT$1500-NT$2000.

Traditional Spas:
       Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of these well-equipped spas that use products tailored to your needs. These are typically found in Taipei's traditional beauty centers.

--Home Spa Beauty Center
Address: Da An County 108, Shre Ming Boulevard. Sec.4
Phone: (02) 8773-3376
Hours: Mon to Fri 10am to 10pm; Sat & Sun 10am to 6:30pm

       Home Spa Beauty Center is one of Taipei's most reputable spa centers. In addition to regular spa treatments, a professional aromatherapist designs treatments just for you! This includes essential oil prescriptions with quality oils and massage. The water spa treatment relies on powerful water sprays, which massage up to 108 acupressure points. The cost is NT$1600 for 30 minutes; massage includes full-body treatment with essential oils and costs around NT$3000/session.

--A.T. Slim Beauty Center
Address: 29, Tien Mu West Road
Phone: (02) 2873-9967
Hours: Everyday 11am - 10pm

       Teacher Tang An-Chi is a highly respected professional in the world of weight management programs. She opened the Tien Mu center, which combines weight loss with a diet of nutritional foods. Other combination treatments are offered to give women those coveted contoured figures. You can purchase natural products to re-create spa luxury at home, or check into one of the center's three rooms that focus on body sculpting. Relax and enjoy quality weight management or a delicate beauty course (NT$9830), a full-body skin care or facial course (NT$988), or a full facial for tender, cloud-white, beautiful skin (NT$2680).

Health Spas:
       These concentrate on health and long life. In addition to a staff beautician and spa therapist, a medical doctor often joins the team to prescribe natural treatments.

Merry Spa for Hair
Adress: 189, Dwun Hua South Road, Sec.1, B1-1F
Phone: (02) 2772-7711
Hours: Everyday 9:30am to 10pm

       Merry Spa is Asia's first spa center specially equipped for face and scalp treatments. In addition to professional stylists who design the latest hairstyles, professional pressure relief therapists are also on board to diagnose the condition of your scalp. They focus on 400 head area acupressure points to help you relax. The hair spa charges an average of NT$3200 for a half-hour treatment; the anti-aging spa treatment that averages NT$3800 for 70 minutes. Merry Spa also offers complimentary flower teas and multi-grain bread for an all natural spa experience.

Day Spa:
       The day spa was created to meet the needs of busy people on a tight schedule or who are unable to wait for a vacation in the country.

--Aspasia New Age Spa
Dali Islan Center¡X15, Dwun Hua South Road, Sec.1 Alley 187, 1F; (02) 2772-6787
French New Age Center¡X4-3, Zhong San North Road, Sec.2, 2F; (02) 2542-0666
Aegean Sea Greece Center¡X15, Bei Shre Shing Sheng Soth Road, Sec.1, Alley 179, 1F; (02) 2341-1987

This spa company manages themed spas for those who would like a foreign atmosphere but who can't take a vacation. Settings re-create exotic destinations of Dali DO YOU MEAN BALI? Island, Greece, and France. European-inspired healing methods make these the most luxurious spa treatment centers in Taipei. Stress-relief spa courses include energy channel relaxation (NT$4200/ course), full-body lymphatic detoxification (NT$3600/course), body and spirit relaxation (NT$2500/course), moxibustion for the naval area and sympathetic nervous system (NT$3200/course). The most intriguing is the popular craniosacral therapy massage, which begins with a foot cleansing and foot massage, continuing with a back massage and detoxification through paraffin ear cones. A facial completes the treatment. The whole process takes 2-hours and costs NT$3000.