My Swiss spa experience — in Bangkok

I have just had my Swiss spa experience.

Just like those celebrities who fly to Switzerland and say they will go skiing – but actually seek refuge from the world’s vexations in health and beauty spas – I had my own taste of an anti-aging sanctuary.

No, I didn’t have to fly to Switzerland for this moment of vanity. It took me only some three hours to fly to this Swiss spa. It is located at the Gaysorn in Bangkok, a mall that houses brands like Christian Lacroix and Vivienne Tam, both my favorites. Now you get the picture. Gaysorn is a very sleek, expensive mall.

But having counted the dwindling value of my pesos, I did not actually go shopping at Gaysorn. The whole day, I had gone bargain- hunting for the first time at the crowded and unpretentious Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, which is the current favorite of Pinoy veteran travelers, fashion designers and hip, young and frugal shoppers. Count me in among the trying-to-be frugal shoppers.

Okay, but first I have to confess. While I went frugal on the shopping part and discovered vintage 50-baht leather cuffs with turquoise and comfy and unique l20-baht sandals, I decided to go for the best when it came to pampering my tired and beaten body, as well as rejuvenating my skin which, certainly, is not wrinkle-free. And what about my spirit which has suffered blemishes from assorted torments?

Fatigue, wrinkles, blemishes. I let them all vanish during my Swiss spa experience. When you think of health, beauty and the latest in anti-aging science, you think Swiss. You think La Prairie. Since l931, La Prairie Switzerland has been researching and  developing the latest technology in rejuvenation.

And so I went to La Prairie at Gaysorn in Bangkok.

"It is so relaxing here that tension and stress will just float away," said the lovely Bibi Gorsler, salon manager, as she welcomed me to La Prairie at Gaysorn.

Looking at the interiors alone already had a calming effect on me, having just spent all my energy shopping at the chaotic Chatuchak Market. So modern, so clean, so inviting, La Prairie’s signature silver, white and cobalt-blue decor was exactly my idea of a relaxing environment. The ultimate in comfort offerings – from immaculate white spa beds to soft, plush robes to pre-heated towels – will make you surrender to 90 minutes of pampering.

My Swiss spa experience began with a comforting back massage. So soothing and wonderful. All my aches and pains melted away with every powerful touch. Then came the beauty part. First, cleansing. Then gentle exfoliation. I could feel all the debris from a polluted, harassed universe disappearing in an instant. The final touch was a beauty massage on my eyes, face, hands and arms.

For the main treatment, I was asked to choose from La Prairie’s anti-aging  cellular therapy offerings on their spa menu. Here’s the list:

For Face

• Caviar firming treatment – Pure luxury that instantly firms skin, giving it a more perfect tone and texture. Caviar pearls, a face and eye massage and a two-phase caviar mask will transform even the dullest complexion into radiant, luminous skin.

• Age management retexturizing treatment – Your weapon against skin aging. Offers effective yet gentle exfoliation with state-of-the-art Alpha Hydroxy Acids to reduce the appearance of fine, dry skin lines and wrinkles. Your face will glow brighter, younger, healthier.

• Cellular whitening treatment – The ideal solution to combat skin discoloration, age spots and uneven skin tone. Radiance, luminosity and satiny softness are guaranteed results.

• Cellular conditioning treatment – The most dramatic results for stressed, fatigued skin. This intensive treatment combines energizing mask massages with the revitalizing benefits of cellular Cycle Ampoules for the face, La Prairie’s most exclusive cure.

• Cellular purifying treatment – This normalizes overactive, oil-prone and combination skin. A variety of deep-cleansing masks remove impurities, refine pores and clarify skin, leaving it clean, clear and balanced with a beautiful matte finish.

For Body

• Caviar body treatment – La Prairie’s caviar is the source of this nourishing and energizing total body massage. This ultimate firming treatment leaves skin shimmering with renewed vitality, improved elasticity and an overall sense of well-being.

For Men

• Total skin treatment – A head-to-toe treatment that includes massage of shoulders, neck and scalp combining classic massage and acupressure on relaxing points. Each will leave you with a newfound energy and a healthy, youthful, dynamic look.

• Cellular purifying treatment – A deep-cleansing and detoxifying treatment for men with oily, tired and dull-looking skin. Immediately exfoliates, energizes and conditions skin.

Whew! So many anti-aging choices, so little time. When you feel, like me, that you are getting a new wrinkle each tormented minute, you may want to have four or five of these treatments A.S.A.P. But having heard of La Prairie’s wondrous caviar mask, I chose the caviar firming treatment. Hmmm, the Swiss are so excellent and precise when it comes to two things – making watches and creating anti-aging cellular therapy formulas. I can hardly wait for my next chance to try the other beauty treatments. According to my Swiss watch, the time to do it is soon.

The final wonderful part of my Swiss spa experience was the non-wrinkle-causing bill. Prices range from 4,500 to 5,200 baht for a 90-minute treatment (one baht equals Pl.37 at the moment).

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La Prairie Switzerland’s latest anti-aging beauty products are available at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La and Cebu. For inquiries, call 813-3739.

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The Swiss spa experience is offered by La Prairie Beauty Spa located at the lobby level of Gaysorn, 999 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok. For inquiries, call +66-2656-1190 or fax +66-2656-1191.

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E-mail the author at milletmananquil@yahoo.com