'Stop and smell the roses" is not merely a cliché at Jurlique Spa, where the pampering amid the subtle scent of Rosa gallica reconnects urbanites with nature.
Symbolic pink roses are pictured on the wall of treatment rooms in the spa, which is a part of the newly-opened Jurlique Concept Store at Gaysorn Village.
The spa is accessible through a forest-green door curtain -- the colour symbolising nature.
The rose motif, the curtain and other elements of the interior design are the same as in sister spas in Australia.
"Following a rebranding strategy, the spa has been designed with a brighter and inviting ambience. The Jurlique spa experience and natural skincare products aim to take clients away from their busy lives and reconnect them with nature," said Siwaporn Kaewsathorn, training and operation manager at Pacifica -- the brand's distributor in Thailand.
Founded in 1985, the Australian brand actually grows its own plants in pristine Adelaide Hills, whose picture is hung on the wall of the spa's reception area.
The low pollution, Mediterranean-like climate and rich soil along with biodynamic farming promote the growth of plants, such as rose, lavender, calendula and marshmallow, cultivated at the Jurlique Farm.
The sustainable biodynamic farming co-ordinates with the lunar calendar while free from the use from synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers. The hand-harvested plants thus provide safe and potent botanical ingredients for the production of natural skincare products.
"Even so, Jurlique does not fall short of innovation in combining nature with science," Siwaporn noted. "For instance, the patented Biosome 5 plant-based delivery system features five ingredients encapsulated in minuscule liposomal technology to enhance their absorption and the effectiveness of Nutri-Define collection."
Also containing ginseng root and liquorice root extracts, the anti-ageing range is instrumental in the Nutri-Define Touch of Luxe Contouring and Defining Facial Treatment recommended for mature skin.
It is one of the two special treatments on the spa menu, which also include other facial and body treatments as well as a two-hour package combining aromatherapy body massage with a customised facial.
"The spa menu is similar to that of Jurlique spas in other countries, but each country will have its own signature treatment such as the Asian Blend Massage available here in Thailand," Siwaporn said.
"A consultation will consider skin condition, beauty concern, lifestyle as well as expected result, to help clients select a spa treatment to address current needs."
The 90-minute Nutri-Define Touch of Luxe Contouring and Defining Facial Treatment (4,000 baht) begins with a back massage featuring the Asian Blend Technique. Rose body oil is rubbed on the skin, with the therapist using soothing long strokes to relieve muscle tension.
"Long stroke movements characterise the relaxing treatment and clients will feel the therapist's caring touch throughout the pampering," Siwaporn noted. The sweet smell of roses amplifies with a spritz of Rosewater Balancing Mist on the face, which starts off the second part of the special treatment.
Key steps of the signature facial include double cleansing, skin exfoliation, face massage, and intensive treatment with a double mask.
Besides Nutri-Define products, Jurlique's iconic formulas such as Balancing Face Oil, Intense Recovery Mask and Activating Water Essence, as well as massage tools, namely jade rollers and rose quartz, are involved in this spa ritual.
The jade rollers neutralise bad energy and smooth the skin on the face and décolleté. The face massage with Balancing Face Oil stimulates circulation while the rose quartz through acupressure technique facilitates lymphatic drainage.
The skin then becomes more receptive to nourishment from the Intense Recovery Mask containing antioxidant ingredients and a sheet mask soaked with hydrating Activating Water Essence enriched with marshmallow root extract.
The facial ends with application of nourishing and moisturising Nutri-Define formulas, followed by a spritz of Rosewater Balancing Mist.
If the smell of roses is not your cup of tea, calming Lavender Hydrating Mist can be used instead for the aromatherapy.
Jurlique Concept Store and Spa is located on the 2nd floor of Gaysorn Village. For information, call 02-656-1480.
