Spas, a hit among Delhi's upper crust
 July 26, 2004

India : Move over golf on Sundays, the Indian capital's rich and famous are nowadays busy soaking up the pleasures of the spa.

At the spas, clients recline comfortable while expert masseurs rub them with exfoliating creams and fragrant medicinal oils. Aromatic candles cast soft shadows and spreads a soft fragrant as Latin songs serenade the customers. Waiters are at hand with trays of salads and fruit cocktails. Within five years of its entry in the Indian market, New Delhi already has dozens of spas.

The medicinal bathing system that hooked Europe as far back as 170 B.C. has turned into a perfect means of relaxation for the upper crust of Delhi. "Most people in Delhi do not have the time and means to spend a weekend at resorts. That is where spas come in," said beauty guru Blossom Kochhar, who has set up India's first spa school, Pivot
Point India.

In collaboration with food outlet Olive Bar and Kitchen, Kochhar also organises weekly treatment-cum-lunch sessions at her south Delhi school.

Her school is an affiliate of Pivot Point International Inc., which has over 2500 franchised schools across 52 countries.

A treatment at Pivot Point India costs between Rs. 800 and Rs. 1000.

"We have foreign trainers for our students, who will then be sent to the numerous spa centres mushrooming all over the country. Spa has definitely made it big, especially in Delhi," said Kocchar.

Customers love it. "It feels heavenly and is so relaxing. A perfect weekend getaway," said Gurneet Bajaj, owner of Bajaj Transports.

Spas got their name from a small village in Belgium where hot mineral springs were first discovered by the Romans, who used the waters to treat aching muscles and battle wounds. The word spa means health from water.