A pampering treat at Araminth Spa Bali

This was back when my hair was still black. We were in Lovina, Bali, at the Kalibukbuk area. After days of travelling around and highly exposed to the sun, I decided to pamper myself a bit before going home on the next day. If you've been to Lovina, you'll understand how rural it is compare to Ubud, or worse, compare to Kuta. So I asked our driver to suggest where we should go for spa, and he recommended Araminth Spa.

In a lush tropical garden within the ancient Balinese palace grounds of Puri Ayudhya, in the heart of Lovina, reposes a haven for well-being: Araminth Spa.

The Spa offers four treatment rooms, spacious oval bath tubs for Mandi Lulur / tropical flower baths.
A relaxing garden-Gazebo, Lounge, and leisure rooms invite you to rest and enjoy complementary fruit drinks and health juices.
Araminth Spa is in walking distance from the Lovina Beach, in a small road (Jalan Mawar) leading to the beach. Tugged away from traffic, but yet close to main road Lovina and the main junction (traffic light Lovina).

“Aruna Centre”, 1 km from Araminth Spa on a hill plateau overlooking Lovina Bay is your garden Eden for your “Wellness Week”.

At the reception. We booked quite last minute and they've run out of masseurs for the day... But in order to not turn us down, the staff called for additional masseurs off duty on that day to serve us. How thoughtful.. However we waited for an hour though, as the fresh flowers for flower bath were also used out.




Spa products and scrubs! How I love them!




I bought some home, couldn't resist the scent of the chocolate scrub and coffee scrub. :P




Wide range of aroma therapeutic oil.




Stone sculpture, very common in Bali.




Combination of flowers and scented oil. This made me feel so soothed...




While waiting for our masseurs to arrive, I checked out the products that they use, almost all on the reception desk. What to do, they smell so damn good. If I could bring them all home, I would... just the matter of over sized baggage... and $$$$$$....




Feel free to check out the massage & treatment programs available before you go. This may help a lot in decision making as everything looks so "intensive" at a glance. To be frank, I almost didn't know how to choose if I need to decide on the spot. Luckily I had some time before our masseurs attended to us.

Body massage.
1. BALINESE TRADITIONAL MASSAGE ( 60 minutes ) IDR 150.000
Relaxing traditional massage of Bali that uses rolling, long strokes, and finger and palm pressure. Applied with oil.

2. ARAMINTH MASSAGE ( 60 minutes ) IDR 200.000
One hour of deep, rebalancing massage to reduce tensions and stress in body and mind. Neck release, shoulder, back pain release and a thorough foot massage. A combination of traditional Balinese Massage and Modern Body Work. Finishing touch : foot massage within a bowl of warm water.

3. WELLBEING MASSAGE ( 1.5 Hours ) IDR 350.000
A most relaxing and healing treatment, applied with selected oils and aroma Essences, with the intention to open the body’s natural flow of energy. A combination of eastern and western body treatment. Back and front Massage on the massage table, and sitting position you enjoy a head and Shoulder massage while your feet are soaked in a flower bath, finished with a gentle foot massage to revitalize your whole body.

4. AYURVEDIC MASSAGE ( 2 Hours ) IDR 400.000
Massage performend by one or more therapists directly on the skin to loosen the excess doshas promotes circulation, in creases flexibility, and relieves pain and stiffness. A Complete treatment, with the application of specific warm herbal oils.

5. ANTI STRESS MASSAGE ( 30 minutes ) IDR 150.000
Typically a 30 minutes introductory massage or one for those with limited time and who suffer from high levels of stress. Focuses on tension areas such as the back, face, neck, and shoulders.

6. LOMI LOMI MASSAGE ( 60 minutes ) IDR 200.000
Massage originating in Hawaii that uses the forearms and elbows, rhythmical rocking movements, and long and broad strokes.

7. SHIATSU ( 60 minutes ) IDR 200.000
Massage that uses finger pressure and also that hands, fore arms, elbows, knees, and feet, on acupoints. Calms and relaxes. The massage is oil free.

8. SWEDISH MASSAGE ( 60 minutes ) IDR 200.000
Massage in which oils are applied to the body with techniques such as gliding, kneading, rubbing, tapping, and shaking, relieves stress, tension and muscle pain, improves circulation, in creases flexibility and induces relaxation.

9. THAI MASSAGE ( 1.5 Hours ) IDR 280.000
Traditional massage of Thailand, influenced by Chinese and Indian healing arts, that involves a combination of streatching and gentle rocking, and uses a range of motions and acupressure techniques. The massage is oil free, and performend on a traditional thai mattress on the floor, loose pajamas are worn.

10. REFLEXOLOGY ( 45 minutes ) IDR 150.000
Application of finger, point pressure to reflex zones on the feet, and to a lesser Extent, hands, to improve circulation, ease pain. Relax the body and re establish The flow of energy through the body, its underlying theory is that specific areas on the feet and hands correspond with specific body parts, organs and glands, and that the manipulation of specific areas can bring about change associated with the corresponding parts.

11. WARM STONE MASSAGE ( 1.5 Hours ) IDR 250.000
Massage where warmed smooth stones are rubbed in long, flowing strokes on to the oiled
body, then placed on energy points to ease a way tension. also known as hot stone massage or a stone therapy.

Body treatment.
1. ANTI CELLULITE TREATMENT ( 30 minutes ) IDR 150.000
Treatment that contours the body and reduces cellulite at various parts of the body.

2. BALINESE HEALING TREATMENT ( 1.5 Hours ) IDR 350.000
For soothing effects on the pain and sore areas of your body. Application of natural herbs, fresh prepared, called "BOREH". Boreh Arak for Rheumatism, Respiratory system disorders, muscle pain. Boreh Kunyit, a mixture of root powder for blood circulation, skin and Muscles.
First you get a whole body massage, while the therapist focuses on painful areas, and applies a fresh made herbal paste to be rubbed onto the area a variety of natural products from Bali, freshly processed.

3. MANDI LULUR ( 2 Hours ) IDR 300.000
The Balinese "Classic" stars with an Araminth whole body massage and a deep body scrub (spices and yellow rice flour). All of your skin is treated and cleansed, and later rinsed in a luscious, comforting warm bath with Balinese Flowers, to be completed with the application of natural body lotion.

4. MANDI REMPAH ( 2 Hours ) IDR 350.000
The traditional Indonesian "Spice Bath" start with a relaxing Araminth Massage, followed by an aromatic herbal scrub, and a soothing herbal bath With local spices. Finished by the application of natural body lotion.

5. BALINESE COFFEE SCRUB ( 2 Hours ) IDR 300.000
A special Balinese coffee body exfoliate stimulastes, refreshes and removes Dead skin cells and leaves leaving skin clean and smooth. Start with a Balinese Massage and exfoliating scrub in which finely ground Balinese coffee beans are applied to the skin.

Beauty & Hair treatment.
1. FACIAL (1 Hour) IDR 150.000
Treatment that cleanses and improves the complexion of the face using product that best suit specific skin type. Face cleansing eith tonic massage, facial herb scrub, face mask and softening lotion. A Deep dermatological cleansing of your skin.

ONE DAY PACKAGE ( 5 Hours ) IDR 1.500.000
The day Package begins with an Araminth massage Full Body massage, enriched with a synthesis of Eastern and Western techniques ( Rebalancing, Acupressure, Californian, Balinese ). Feel the refreshing ingredients of the body scrub cleaning and vitalizing your skin, followed by a "FACIAL" deep face cleaning. Soothing and refreshing fresh juices and herbal teas are served while for a final touch, you will enjoy a Balinese "HEAD & HAIR" Treatment.


We were served with ginger tea after the spa treatment, probably to get rid of the "wind" and warm the body after the spa session. In Indonesia, ginger (jahe in Indonesian) is used as a herbal preparation to reduce fatigue, reducing "winds" in the blood, prevent and cure rheumatism and control poor dietary habits.




Leaving the spa and checked back on the website only to find that they offer "Wellness Week"..

Day Packages and "Wellness Week"
To fully enjoy the benefits of our healing treatments in a tranquil environment, we offer you "Aruna Centre" – a place of peace and beauty, in tropical nature with splendid views over Lovina Bay and the North Coast.

Facilities include:
- 5 double/ single rooms with en-suite bathrooms in separate buildings around a spacious swimming pool.
- Dining hall and veranda with open view over the ocean.
- Healthy vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals prepared at “Aruna”.
- Flatscreen TV with international channels.
- Treatments at “Aruna Centre”.
- Soothing and refreshing health-juices are complimentary during your stay at Aruna Centre.

Prices:
Accommodation in double room: US$29 / in single room US$45
Accommodation and 3 meals: US$ 42 per person. (single occupancy US$54)

Size:
 1200m2 tropical garden, swimming pool, Gazebo and parking



ARAMINTH SPA
Address:
Jalan Mawar No. 1 Kalibukbuk Lovina - Bali

Tel: +62 362 41901 / +62 8123844655

公主和你分享 - 脚部护理

现在要讲的脚部护理是关于健康的，所谓健康开步走，我们的两脚就是全身的支柱，顾不好，双脚的皮肤和指甲再美也是无济于事。

昨天去买鞋子，就到SCHOLL走一趟，有些非名牌皮鞋，动不动都已经上几百元，倒不如花在有护脚功能的鞋子上。经过昨天的一番了解，基本上我们的脚板可分为三种：normal arch，flatfoot，和 high arch。High arch 的算是不幸的一族，就我咯。。^_^||

店员阿嫂很热情的给我介绍SCHOLL的鞋子，然后就谈到以上我所说的三种脚板了。说真的，很多人都会患了脚痛过后才忙着寻找适合的鞋子，阿嫂讲的，通常患脚痛的人都会想到SCHOLL，因为SCHOLL的确是护脚专家。但是等到脚痛才来护理，未免太迟了吧！要顾就趁早，还没患疾就该了解该如何避免啊~ Prevention is better than cure，大家都该懂吧。

言归正传，要如何知道自己的脚是属于哪一种类型的呢？可以参考以下的图像：

High arch 一族比较容易患上背痛、脚跟痛等等，因为全身的重量没有被平衡的分布于脚板，如果站立姿势不对，或者鞋板太扁（不够志诚），久而久之，脚痛的问题就会来了。。High arch 一族不能长期穿高跟鞋，或者平底鞋(很矛盾。。），鞋子最好有软厚的鞋垫，以便可以支撑身体重量。所以现在开始我就必须多注意鞋子的穿着了，而且也要避免肥胖，多花点心思护理脚步，不然以后成孕妇时可惨啦。。

今天起验证一下你的脚吧！不要惊奇，如果你的脚不是 normal arch，因为有70%的人，都拥有稍有问题的脚。到海边走一趟，沙滩上呈现出来的脚板形状将会告诉你，你属于哪一类。

有关资料可以浏览以下的一些网站：
http://www.scholl.com/en-sa/FootArchProblems/Page.raction
http://www.hughston.com/hha/a_17_2_4.htm
http://www.forwardarch.com/common-foot-problems.html

DIY Scrub Time!

Inspired by the question raised by one of my reader on the Korean Beauty Spa, I think it's time to share something on beauty regime.

Yo girls~ Everyone loves economic and DIY beauty products. DIY most of the time means natural ingredients and least chemical, that means being healthy and go green.

SO.. Let's talk about scrub today.


(1) DIY Chocolate Body Scrub

Ingredients:
3 tbsp. cocoa powder
1 tsp. vanilla oil
1 cup brown sugar
Olive oil

Directions:
1. Mix all the ingredients except the olive oil.
2. Add the olive oil gradually until the mixture looks like a paste.
3. Take a shower then apply/massage this scrub on your moist skin, using circular motion.
4. Rinse off with warm water.


(2) DIY Honey Ginger Mint Scrubs

Ingredients:
Honey
Freshly grated ginger root
Chopped fresh mint leaves
Olive oil
Brown sugar

Directions:
1. Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl — it’s up to you to decide how much ginger and mint you’d like, but a ratio of 1/3 olive oil to 2/3 brown sugar will provide a good base for the scrub. About a tablespoon of honey will provide an antiseptic quality to the scrub.


(3)DIY Rose Mint Scrubs

Ingredients:
1/2 cup of coarse salt (ie sea salt, kosher salt, margarita salt)
Olive oil 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon rose flower water (I picked up this one at a Middle Eastern store)
1 rose
3 stems fresh mint

Directions:
1. Combine salt and rosewater, but don’t mix.
2. Shred or cut the mint leaves into small pieces, add to mixture, and use a blunt object (I used the back of a screwdriver) to muddle (basically, bash and twist the mint into the mixture so the scent and oils are released).
3. Take 3/4 of the petals off the rose and do the same.
4. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and mix. Feel free to add more, but be careful — it gets too greasy very fast!
5. Use the rest of the rose as a garnish, either keeping the bud whole or adding bigger chunks of petals.


(4) DIY Classic Milk Mask

Ingredients:
1 tsp. powdered milk
1 tbsp. runny honey
1 tsp. aloe vera gel
2 drops essential oil
1 tbsp. pulverized almonds

Directions:
1. Mix all the ingredients well in a bowl.
2. Apply to freshly cleaned face and leave on for 15 minutes.
3. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.


(5) Milk & Honey Facial Mask

Ingredients:
4 tbsp. powdered milk
1-2 tbsp. warm water
2 tbsp. honey

Directions:
1. Combine the powdered milk with enough water to make a paste-like texture.
2. Blend in the honey until smooth.
3. Wet the washcloth with as hot water. (only as much as you can stand)
4. Spread mixture over face and relax with the washcloth over your face for 10-15 minutes.
5. To finish, remove mask with washcloth and pat dry


(6) DIY Coffee Scrub

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/4 cup ground coffee beans
3/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp honey
3-5 drops essential oil

Directions:
1. Mix sugar, ground coffee beans, and olive oil in a bowl until fully combined. Add honey followed by the essential oil.
2. Transfer the mixture to a container with a lid (the scrub can keep for 1-2 weeks sealed at room temperature).

Some people suggested cane sugar as it is a natural exfoliator. Sea salt can be substitute as the exfoliator too! As for the essential oil, you can always substitute the essential oil with lavender or ylang ylang or other oil of your choice.

The main ingredient is actually the ground coffee. Any brand will do, just get it from the supermarket. Most important thing you need to remember is to store the paste in an air-tight container and finish it within 2 weeks.

Remember to wet your body before you apply this scrub. Always apply in circular motion, as this will help to reduce cellulite and varicose veins!


Till then, stay pretty healthy~

A Guide to Korean Women’s Beauty Secrets Part.1: Spas

Adapted from KTO (Korea Tourism Org)
A Unique Korean Beauty Experience

A visit to the jjimjilbang should feature on the itinerary of every visitor to Korea. Simply put, it is a Korean-style large-scale sauna or spa. The jjimjilbang contains various kinds of different rooms, which are heated to 40-80 degrees Celsius. These sauna rooms are all made from different materials, such as yellow earth, minerals, precious stones, and salt. As you sweat, toxins and wastes from the body are released, and good energy and minerals from these rooms are absorbed. Jjimjilbangs generally contain public baths as well. Here visitors can soak in hot tubs that often contain various natural ingredients such as green tea or ginseng. Consequently, those who care about the beauty of their skin flock to the jimjilbang. However, this is not just a place for beauty. With a variety of entertainment facilities, jjimjilbangs are favorite destinations for families to relax and spend time together. They are open 24 hours a day and are thus used as overnight lodging as well. Still a little confused as to what a jjimjilbang is? Then, read on for more information.

How to use a Jjimjilbang

① Check in at the front desk: Pay up front and get a towel, a T-shirt and shorts, and a locker key.
② Change clothes: Pay up front and get a towel, a T-shirt and shorts, and a locker key.
③ Enjoy the facilities: A jjimjilbang consists of a main hall for relaxation and a number of sauna rooms surrounding the hall. You can sweat for about 5 minutes in a sauna room and come out to rest in the main hall before trying out a different kind of sauna room. Usually, a restaurant, snack bar, nail salon, spa, and a fitness facility are also available at the Jjimjilbang for an added fee.
④ Check-out: If you take advantage of any extra options in addition to the basic facilities, you can pay for them when checking out.

★★Experience!! Jjimjilbang>> Dragon Hill Spa
Make your way along the tree-lined Winter Sonata walkway and enter this fabulous complex. Located across from Yongsan KTX station, the Dragon Hill Spa is an expansive jjimjilbang complex that’s spread over 7 floors and includes a rooftop terrace. Various facilities are available, including a traditional charcoal sauna and many different themed sauna rooms, open-air baths, a swimming pool, and a fitness facility. Best of all, the entrance fee of 10,000 won covers all facilities and there are no additional charges. Basic admission is for up to 12 hours, but when you see all the different facilities available in this jjimjilbang, you might feel that a day is just not enough.

Have the Ultimate Jjimjilbang Experience at the Dragon Hill Spa!
Traditional Charcoal Oven
Negatively charged ions and far infrared rays released from the charcoal help enhance the blood circulation and metabolism.



Pine Tree Firewood Sweat Room
This room helps the body release toxins.



Crystal Light Salt Room
Lie on the floor covered with salt that has been purified by hours of heating. The salt is believed to have natural healing effects.



Hinoki Forest Bath Room
This room supplies clean oxygen for relaxation. As you rest in this room made from cypress (Hinoki) wood, you will feel as if you are in a forest. Make sure to stop here to refresh yourself after sweating in a high-temperature room.



Yellow Earth Pyramid Room
In addition to the far infrared rays released from the yellow earth, the pyramid-shaped room is said to exude vitality enhancing energy.



Natural Jade Energy Room
Far infrared rays released from jade are particularly good for patients and those people who want to take care of their skin. The temperature is above 50 degrees Celcius, so take care not to overdo it.



Ice Room
The chilly temperature helps blood vessels and skin to regain their normal size and elasticity after spending time in the hot sauna rooms.



Each room has a thermometer, so you can find the right sauna room for your body constitution.



Since it appeared in the TV drama My Lovely Samsoon, the sheep ears towel hat has become an instant hit, and is now universally worn at jjimjilbangs.



Shaved ice patbingsu or cold beer are refreshing after sweating in the sauna rooms. Just don't get too carried away and undo all the beauty benefits you got from the sauna rooms.



The bracelet key is your virtual cash for using those facilities that require an extra fee. You can settle the payment when checking out.



☞ Location: Subway Line 1, Yongsan station / Exit Yongsan station plaza and Dragon Hill spa is on the right.
☞ Tel: 02-792-0001
☞ Hours: 24 hours
☞ Official site: www.dragonhillspa.co.kr
☞ Prices: Daytime (05:00-20:00) 10,000 won, Night-time (20:00-05:00) 12,000 won (for adults) (Price does not include auxiliary services such as dining facilities, massages, etc)
☞ Nearby tourist attractions: N Seoul Tower / National Museum of Korea


Sealala Spa & Water Park

Located in Yeongdeungpo-gu in Seoul, Sealala Spa is a large spa and water park facility in the heart of a bustling commercial district. It has an impressive interior reminiscent of Santorini, Greece. Sealala has both high-temperature and low-temperature sauna rooms, offering more choices for visitors unfamiliar with jjimjilbangs. It uses the highest quality charcoal, salt, yellow earth, and aromatic plants that are beneficial for your health. You’ll feel like you are basking in nature. You can also have fun on Sealala Spa’s water slides and wave pools.

☞ Location: Subway Line 2, Mullae station, Exit 4 → Walk 300 meters to the east → LOOX building, 2nd Basement level [See a Map]
☞ Tel: 02-2628-9000
☞ Hours: 24 hours
☞ Official site: www.sealala.com
☞ Price: Weekdays: Daytime (05:00-21:00) 8,000 won, night-time (21:00-05:00) 10,000 won (adults)
Weekends: Daytime (05:00-19:00) 8,000 won, night-time (19:00-05:00) 10,000 won (adults)
(Price based on high season 07/18-08/23, rental of jjimjilbang clothes 1,000 won)

Beauty tips when visiting a Jjimjilbang


① Whenever necessary, use a cold, wet towel to soothe and moisturize the skin.
② When thirsty, drink water instead of other beverages.
③ Scrubbing salt on the body helps eliminate toxins faster, resulting in smooth skin.
④ Facial pores will open after sweating, so try a mask pack to rapidly soothe and moisturize.

A Guide to Korean Women’s Beauty Secrets Part.1: Spas

Adapted from KTO (Korea Tourism Org)
A luxurious treat for your body and mind

While women everywhere want to be beautiful, a walk along the crowded streets of Seoul shows that a vast majority of Korean women consider beauty care to be very important. As a result there are a large number of beauty treatments available in Seoul, and Korea’s capital city has become a major destination for beauty services.

Having a relaxing massage or facial at a spa is one of the best ways to revitalize your skin and restore your balance. Many of the major hotels and resorts in Korea now provide luxury spa facilities, and as you make your way through the bustling streets of downtown Seoul, you'll also find countless boutique spas where you can relax and be pampered like a beauty queen. We sent our reporters out to discover some of the best spas in Seoul.

Hotel Spa – Relax at a luxury spa and get pampered in style

Originally, hotel spas were available only to customers staying at the hotel, but more recently they have started opening their doors to non-guests. Prices vary depending on the spa service and treatment time, but expect to spend between 200,000 won and 300,000 won in a luxurious hotel spa, which has premium facilities and services and professional therapists who take pride in their treatments. Why not pamper yourself? You deserve it.

■ Hotel Shilla, Guerlain Spa

The spa is a joint venture between Guerlain, a French cosmetic brand, and Hotel Shilla, one of the leading hotels in Korea. A dozen professional therapists trained at the Guerlain headquarters in Paris analyze the physical condition and lifestyle of each client in order to plan a personalized program of spa services. The treatment rooms are particularly calming with wood paneled interiors and a view of Mt. Namsan. All treatments are preceded by a 15-minute foot massage that is unique to Guerlain Spa. After your treatment, you can try samples of Guerlain’s skin care, make-up, and fragrance products.

☞ Location: 3rd Floor of the Shilla Hotel. Located close to Dongguk station, Subway Line 3.
☞ Tel: +82-2-2230-1167
☞ Hours: 07:00–22:00
☞ Official site: www.shilla.net (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)


■ W Hotel, Away Spa

Overlooking the Hangang River, Away Spa has a striking modern interior with neon signs artistically arranged on white walls. Their signature treatment is “Awayssage”, which is a total body massage and a body scrub made from lavender flower buds and warm salt. The spa is also famous for its water treatments, such as the watsu massage where your body is stretched by a skilled therapist while you lie in warm water. This serene experience will soothe the body and soul.

☞ Location: The spa is located on the 5th floor of the W Seoul Walkerhill Hotel. Free shuttle buses to the hotel run from exit 2 of Gwangnaru station (subway line 5) and from outside Techno Mart by Gangbyeon station (subway line 2).
☞ Tel: +82-2-2022-0450
☞ Hours: 09:00–21:00
☞ Official site: www.wseoul.com (Korean, English, Japanese)


■ Grand Hyatt Seoul, The SPA

Designed to be a “garden in the city,” The Spa offers quality hotel spa services at affordable prices. Customers receive a program that is personally designed to suit their preferences and body conditions. Choose your favorite background music and aroma oil, as well as which flavor of tea you’d like to drink as you relax after your treatment.

☞ Location: In the second basement level of the Grand Hyatt Hotel, close to exit 1 of Hangangjin station, subway line 6.
Or take a shuttle bus from opposite the Migliore department store in Myeongdong (subway line 4, Myeongdong station). Buses leave at 20 minutes past the hour (Tel. +82-2-799-8088).
☞ Tel: +82-2-799-8808
☞ Hours: 10:00-22:00
☞ Official site: www.grandhyattseoul.co.kr (Korean, English)

★★ Personal Experience!! Hotel Spa>> Plaza Hotel, Plaza Spa Club

Despite its location right in the center of Seoul, the Plaza Spa Club is a haven away from the bustling city. Here customers can find peace and quiet as they balance the body and mind. This healing spa focuses on soothing the soul and nurturing the body through medical treatments designed by our physician using therapies rooted in both Asian and the Western traditions.


I tried the Korean massage, which is popular among international travelers, and is based on ginseng, a traditional Korean medicinal herb. I was massaged using an herbal ball, which was a special mix of ginseng-infused oil and medicinal herbs. It helped enhance blood circulation and relaxed the stiffness and tension in my shoulders. I felt all my stress and fatigue melt away.

☞ Location: 15th and 16th floors of the Hanhwa building behind the Plaza Hotel. Close to exit 6 of Seoul City Hall station (subway lines 1 & 2)
☞ Tel: +82-2-310-7800
☞ Hours: 10:00-22:00 (Sundays 10:00–21:00)
☞ Official site: www.seoulplaza.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese)
☞ Major treatments: Korean massage using medicinal herbs is popular. Facial treatment called Pure Gold 24K prevents ageing.
☞ Nearby tourist attractions: Deoksugung Palace／ Seoul Museum of Art／ Chongdong Theater


Day Spa –Enjoy an individualized spa at a reasonable price!

If a hotel spa seems a little expensive, why not try some of the many general day spas in Seoul, which are often more affordably priced. These boutique spas offer a range of services, and many promote their own line of spa products. The advantage is that every day spa has its own ambience. The day spas listed below offer services ranging from 100,000won to 200,000 won. Although their facilities are not as luxurious as those in hotels, you can still enjoy high quality treatments and a relaxing ambience.

★★ Personal Experience!! Day Spa>> Will Spa

Located in the business district of Samseong, Gangnam-gu, Will Spa is an authentic Korean spa. As soon as you enter, you’ll notice the zen-like ambience created by the Asian-style interior and colors. After enjoying a relaxing aromatic tea, you will fill out a customer card and decide which spa program to take. You’ll then be pampered by a therapist who specializes in the treatment that you chose.


Will Spa offers a variety of specialized therapies using stones, which impart an amazing natural healing energy. I decided to try the Healing Stone Massage for the benefits of eliminating body waste and enhancing blood circulation. Stones that have been soaking in hot water are placed one at a time on the body, starting from the nape of the neck, and moving down to the shoulders and back. Instantly, the warmth of the stones spread over my body, relaxing it. As the therapist began to massage me with her hands, I fell asleep and the 90 minutes passed like a flash. After the treatment, I was given advice on which parts of my body were unbalanced and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. As I emerged from the spa with a subtle fragrance on my skin, I realized that beauty is not only skin deep, but also comes from your inner body and mind.



☞ Location: 2nd floor of Oakwood Premier COEX Center, 3 minutes walk from exits 5 and 6 of Samseong station (subway line 2). [See a Map]
☞ Tel: +82-2-3466-8100
☞ Hours: 24 hours
☞ Official site: http://www.willspa.co.kr (Korean)
☞ Major treatments: Healing Stone Massage, Will Fusion, Sweet Heart Chocolate Spa, and Just for Men.
☞ Nearby tourist attractions: COEX Mall／ Seven Luck Casino

■ The Amore Spa

Located inside the Lotte Department Store in the heart of Seoul, The Amore Spa is operated by Amore Pacific, Korea’s largest cosmetic brand. Amore’s Halla Green Tea program is famous for using natural green tea leaves picked from their own garden on Mt. Hallasan in Jeju. Green tea leaves are known for their benefits in preventing ageing and controlling sebum on greasy skin. You can experience their full line of green tea treatments including oil extract, bath products, and scrubs. Before and after your spa treatment, you could enjoy a movie, have some tea, or shop at the Lotte Department Store thanks to the spa’s ideal downtown location.

☞ Location: 10th floor of the Lotte Department Store’s Avenuel building, which is directly connected to exit 7 of Euljiro 1-ga station, subway line 2.
☞ Tel: +82-2-2118-6221
☞ Hours: 10:30-20:30
☞ Official site: www.amorepacific.com (Korean, English, Japanese)

■ Hannule Spa

Hannule Spa offers herbal medicine treatments at moderate prices. The spa believes that all skin troubles are rooted in internal imbalances. Using the aroma of the herbs coupled with a refreshing hand massage, the therapists focus on enhancing the body’s circulation. The spa is located on the second floor of the Aritaum cosmetic store in Myeongdong, so you can do some shopping before your beauty treatment.

☞ Location: Take subway line 4 to Myeongdong station and come out of exit 6. Walk down the main street for two minutes and you will find the Aritaum cosmetics shop on your left. Hannule spa is on the second floor. [See a Map]
☞ Tel: +82-2-318-2785
☞ Hours: 11:00-21:00
☞ Official site: http://www.hannule.com/jung/jung01.jsp
☞ Prices:40,000 won – 120,000 won

Spa Tips!

① Spas’ busiest hours are on Fridays and weekends and in the evening on weekdays. If you are a traveler and can easily adjust your schedule, try to avoid these hours in order to have a more relaxing spa experience. Reservations are required, so make sure to call the spa in advance.

② Don’t be intimidated by the long list of treatments available. Simply consult with a therapist to find the program suited to you. Most of the staff can speak English or Japanese, and some Chinese. If you still aren’t sure what to chose, just ask for their most popular treatment!