CROSSING the threshold of the 5 Senses Spa is like moving into a different world.

The citrus-sweet smell of lemongrass fills the air and the hum of eastern chants and chimes echoes through the building.

The interior is womb-like, decorated with claret reds, golds and dark wood. Tea lights add a final warming touch.

We’re at the Mount Royale Hotel in York, but the cars, noise and bustle of city life are erased within moments of stepping inside.

The spa has moved to the hotel from its previous base in Clifton Green, and now has the added offer of an outdoor pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub for clients to use (an additional charge of £10 applies).

The spa has linked with the hotel restaurant to offer clients a light lunch menu (£10.95 with a soft drink) or afternoon tea (£18.95 or £25.95 with a glass of champagne).

I was here to try one of the spa’s signature treatments: the Thai aromatic oil full body massage (£70 for 90 minutes/£85 for 120 minutes).

My therapist Anan Sophangam explains that this treatment is the best of “east meets west” – merging the techniques of Thai massage with the use of warming body oils, favoured over here.

She begins by doing a “palm walk” up my body. This is very firm and as she pushes her weight up my calves, I already feel the tight muscles firing back.

As she moves up the middle of my back and across my shoulders, I steel myself for what is to come.

Anan asks what sort of pressure I would prefer, and I say medium. Soon, she is working on those aching areas, kneading knots with her fist, knuckle and even elbow.

York Press:

Anan Sophangam administers traditional Thai aromatic massage
Picture: Frank Dwyer

She spends a good half hour on my upper back and neck and shoulders, crunching away at the trouble spots – which are many.

There is some manipulation too: she pulls my arm firmly, hoping to shake some life back into it. After painstakingly massaging my legs with generous amounts of energising bergamot oil, she bends each limb forward, almost getting my toe to touch my bottom. I feel like a contortionist.

The idea is to boost circulation and help eliminate toxins from the body.

Two thousand years ago, says the 5 Senses website, it was believed that a spa was a place that should be more than a retreat – it was considered to be a place to nurture your mind and body.

After the massage, I feel like I’ve had a workout, yet notice I am both relaxed and energised rather than sleepy.

Later, Anan serves me hot, sweet, ginger tea in the hotel lounge. It is delicious and unusual – spicy and soothing all at once.

Another taste of Thailand that I’ll want to savour again.

• The 5 Senses Spa is at the Mount Royale Hotel, 119 The Mount, York. Telephone: 01904 623 745. Find out more at: 5sensesspa.com

 

COMPETITION

We have teamed up with 5 Senses Spa and the Mount Royale Hotel, York, to offer readers the chance to win a luxury spa visit for two with afternoon tea.

The winner and a friend will have a 90-minute Thai aromatic full body massage and facial, followed by afternoon tea with compliments of the hotel, and leave with a goody bag.

To win this prize, answer this question: Which hotel houses the 5 Senses Spa in York?

Send your answer

By phone: Simply call 09011 510 517 and leave your answer and details when prompted.

By text: Send your text to 80360 starting with SPA leave a space, followed by your answer, name and contact details.

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