88 asiaSpa India May-June 2017
QUEEN OF SPA
Dr. Jazzy Nepram, Director of Spa, Shangri-La
Hotel, Bengaluru enlightens us about the essential
ingredients needed for a good spa experience
BY CHARU SHARMA
I
IN SESSION
Tell us about your journey as
a spa manager.
My understanding of health and
wellness began more than a decade
ago when I enrolled myself in a formal
yoga and naturopathy course. It helped
me understand the root cause of
human diseases. The spa industry was
booming at the time and I felt that if
naturopathy doctors could become a
part of this industry, it would benefit
both the industry and the guests. I have
been a spa manager for seven years now.What are the most challenging
and rewarding aspects about
being a spa manager at CHI?
Since this is the first CHI, The Spa
in India, it was very important for us
to win the trust of our patrons and
maintain the same standards of service
as our international counterparts.At the same time, however, being an
international chain, we often have
cross promotions that help us bring the
best of services to our guests. There is
nothing more rewarding than seeing
our guests happy with the services.What is the recipe for a good
spa experience?
The simple and foremost ingredient
is for the therapist to understand the
guest’s needs, based on which an
effective treatment can be recommended.
A warm welcome, a refreshing cup of
tea, a comfortable therapy bed, trained
therapists, effective products, relaxing
music and a fond farewell help create a
memorable experience.Do you think food plays an
important role in a spa?
We always advise our guests to take
their spa session at least two hours after
they've eaten. It is ideal if you consume
a lot of fruits, antioxidant teas and
nutritious salads on the day you visit
the spa. There's nothing like soul food
for a soulful spa treatment.What has been your favourite spa
experience so far?
The 'Ila Spa Therapy' with chakra
healing and a chanted mantra being
played in the background.Where do you see the Indian spa
industry in the years to come?
There has been a significant rise in the
purchasing power of consumers in India
with the influx of international brands,
economic growth and globalisation. But
this has also led to an increase in stress
levels. This is directly proportional
to the need for better wellness and
spa services. India is also home to the
ancient healing practice of Ayurveda,
which has put us on the global map
and created more job opportunities
for Indian therapists. With a growing
knowledge of treatments, and an
increase in the number of women
wanting to be independent, the spa
industry will continue to grow at
rapid pace in India.