If you seek and treasure moments of tranquillity and peace within a very elegant setting, you will find this and more at the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz’s Hideaway Spa in Gozo. Erika Brincat set off for a weekend break and tells us all about it.

Upon arrival it is immediately noticeable that the foreign-trained staff are warm and welcoming as well as efficient, and the architecture and interior design charming in a

harmonious way conducive to relaxation. Most of the rooms overlook the luxurious pool area with its sinuous silhouette surrounded by palm trees, and simply sitting in the balcony sipping a glass of chilled white wine at sunset admiring the soft-hued country views of San Lawrenz’s valley will help you unwind and be present to the moment.

After a deep, restful sleep my day took off with a positive start – a delicious, healthy breakfast followed by an authentic Ayurvedic massage in the Ayurvedic Centre, and later a full-body Aromatherapy massage in the Spa. It was like sampling a taste of the best the East and West have to offer in one day, and just the thought of receiving two massages within a few hours of each other made me feel pampered and relaxed.

Dr Vijaykumar, the Spa’s director, is a fully qualified Indian Ayurveda doctor who assisted by six Indian therapists puts five thousand years of wisdom from the Kerala region at your disposal in the spa. After a free consultation session you are left in the strong, capable hands of one of the therapists. The Indian girls may appear demure, gentle and petite and yet the expertise and knowledge of their healing craft becomes clear the minute they lay their hands on your tense muscles.

The authentic Ayurvedic system is a personalised one and I was treated to a combination of “Sundari” which means most beautiful and includes the shiro dhara oil dripping technique, and a slimming full-body massage using cardamom seeds, by Maya. Sundari is designed for increasing natural beauty and contains an Indian head massage, a face moisturising massage followed by hot oils poured gently and carefully on the forehead, a herbal hair wash and a facial using red sandalwood powder, saffron and milk.

The naturally-perfumed sultry scents of Ayurveda and the sounds of the sitar playing in the background transported me to Kerala, and I was reminded why this exotic territory renowned as the home of origin of Ayurveda is referred to as “God’s Own Land”. Next came the full body massage using cardamom seeds mixed into a grainy paste. I never knew that these seeds, which can also be used to spice up your tea, are also excellent for massaging and scrubbing the body. Let me just say it was one of the most powerful scrubs I’ve ever experienced, and it felt like I was releasing a year’s stress in one session!

Among the other Ayurvedic treatments you will find rejuvenation therapy, mental wellbeing, skin care, beauty care and Panchakarma and it is also possible to stay for a week’s programme or more – a truly holistic experience which includes a carefully selected diet with particular ingredients to help you slim down, and yoga classes by the pool with Dr Vijaykumar’s wife, who is a medical doctor qualified in teaching yoga.

As for the Spa itself its services have expanded, new staff have been hired, the ambience has been upgraded and new treatments are now available. Among these you will find Shiatsu Massage, Aromatherapy Massage and Foot Reflexology.

Shiatsu Massage is a Japanese method of attaining harmony within your body. This traditional body treatment stimulates pressure points to target blockages that arise from stress and lack of movement. It is a well-known way of releasing emotions, which cause toxins in the body, and following the treatment you are guaranteed to feel wonderfully relaxed both mentally and physically.

Foot Reflexology is a foot treatment incorporating another ancient art, which brings soothing relief in modern times. Feet are often the least cared-for parts of the body although they have to support our whole body-weight during the day. This treatment is particularly effective for swollen ankles, tired legs, and general strains and stress.

Another recently incorporated treatment is the Aromatherapy Massage. This is a full body massage with specific essential oils according to your skin type. Aromatherapy is excellent to boost circulation, aid the healing process, and strengthen the immune system. Besides having all these beneficial side effects it is also a highly relaxing experience.

In my case the cordial and attractive therapist Natasha chose a

lovely blend of Lavender and Rose oil. The massage itself was intense and effective and the pressure used just right – powerful without being overwhelming. The room was decorated to a very high standard and the subtle paintings and candlelight all help to put you in the right state of mind and body.

Two other new sessions now available are Ulysses’ Choice for men and Calypso’s Choice for women. Ulysses’ Choice includes a dead-sea salt bath, marine prelude wrap, Vichy shower, gelatine verbena eye treatment, relaxing facial care, shiatsu massage, foot reflexology and blitz water massage. Calypso’s Choice is a three-day package which includes a milk and vanilla bath, body-peeling, Vichy shower, shiatsu massage, foot reflexology, gelatine verbena mask, eye contour treatment, facial care, pedicure and manicure. The names are quite apt as you’re bound to walk out of the Spa feeling like a god or goddess after so many healing and beautifying sessions!

If you really want to indulge your senses try a full week programme called Harmony of the Mediterranean. It includes a milk bath, reflexology, facial care, manicure, shiatsu, lymph drainage, Swedish massage and stone therapy massage among other treatments. Or if you are feeling rather romantic there’s the Couple Massage – perfect for those lovebirds that like to do everything together!

For those who can afford to “splash out a bit” the Wellness Week incorporates Balneo therapy, a Hydrojet bed massage, Aromatherapy full body massage, Full body Ayurveda massage, Toning body wrap, reflexology, milk bath and more within six days. The heated indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, Jacuzzi and steam baths perfectly complement the wellness programme.

The service provided by the therapists was excellent and I assure you I’m not simply being polite. I have recently been to a new five-star spa were a foreign therapist droned on about her wide selection of mini-skirts and personal life, asking me a million personal questions – leaving me to feel humoured but also cheated by her lack of tact. So I was happy to receive REAL Five-Star Treatment at the Kempinski and all the staff including the receptionists behaved in a down-to-earth, helpful and appropriate manner.

Last but not least we also enjoyed a lovely outdoor dinner on the terrace. One is spoilt with an extensive choice from the a La Carte Menu or a Summer BBQ platter of various delicacies including juicy rib-eye steaks and chicken grilled to perfection in full view, by the Kempinski’s chefs.

Just a short weekend break was enough to improve my mood considerably and allow me to return to work feeling a little more human. I also thought it was a nice extra touch to find the “Fruits of Wisdom – Seven Quotes for Seven Days” on the hotel room’s pillow case – a collection of stylish bookmarks with inspirational quotes….a cute little memento to take back home together with the soothing memories of a hideaway haven tucked away within the folds of a serene and green, gorgeous Gozo.

For further information and reservations please visit www.kempinski-gozo.com, www.kempinski.com or call on +356 2211 0000. Email reservations on: [email protected]