QI FOR TWO

QI FOR TWO

text ALIX NORMAN

photography LOUCA STUDIOS

Many say the journey is more important than the destination. But if you visit the Four Seasons Shiseido Spa, the debate is academic; both the destination – the spa itself – and the journey that awaits you work in tandem to offer you an experience of serenity, harmony and indulgence. Visit the spa with your partner, and the shared experience doubles in value, as the two of you travel side by side in the Couples Suite.

Often it is said that it is not only the journey, but who you share it with that makes the real difference. And if you’re here at the Four Seasons à deux, then you know the truth of that statement: Discovering the beauty of Cyprus, tasting the cuisine and hunting out the perfect white sand beaches – these are discoveries which are all better together. But there’s another journey in store for you and your partner; one that will bring both of you that step closer to the sublime, without even leaving the hotel. That journey starts at the hotel’s in-house spa.

One of only a limited number worldwide, the Shiseido Spa is the perfect complement to the Four Seasons. Based on the principle of ‘omotenashi’ – a concept which translates as ‘devotion to clients’ – Shiseido boasts a philosophy which is perfectly aligned with the Four Seasons.

“Both the Shiseido Spa and our Hotel are almost identical in terms of ethos,” says Nick Aristou, Executive Director of the Four Seasons Cyprus. “It’s the outstanding quality, impeccable service, and the approach of our highly-trained staff which ensure both are absolutely exceptional.” So whenever you’re ready, visit the spa to embark on your very own journey of pure relaxation.

EAST MEETS WEST

Based on the ancient Japanese understanding of ‘qi’, the vital energy that runs throughout the body, the Shiseido Spas were founded in 1986 on the fusion of eastern holistic concepts and western beauty massage. Concentrating on the meridian flow by stimulating tsubo pressure points to restore energy and induce a deep, rhythmical state of relaxation, the Spa’s signature treatments are a journey of utter tranquillity, explains Anna Maria, the Spa’s Head Shiseido Therapist. Together with Dora, the two are set to take my partner and me on a journey hand-crafted just for us: a Shiseido Qi Relaxing Massage for both of us, and then a Hydro-Perfecting Facial for me and a Japanese Scalp & Shoulder Massage for him. It’s an ingenious combination of treatments which will, we’re promised, gently ease every one of our mental and physical stresses...

THE COUPLES SUITE was designed to offer you a side-by-side spa journey, with treatments for him and her based on personal needs and preferences.

Bathed in the soft glow of the Spa’s designated Couples’ Room, we prepare for our aromatherapy breathing. This five-minute process, which calms the mind and oxygenates the body, is a soothing prelude which, for both of us, induces an almost trance-like state of tranquillity. And then, lightly enveloped in vast, velvety towels, the massage begins.

QI TO PARADISE

Our first treatment utilizes a specially formulated Qi massage and firming body cream, a blend of frankincense, musk, cloves, incense, and sandalwood known as ‘kuroho’, sacred to centuries of Japanese aristocracy. With sweeping, soothing strokes the therapists ease the accumulated knots and tensions in our shoulders and upper back. As they work down the legs, our stresses melt away and a positive energy permeates our bodies in what Anna Maria describes as “a combination of western and Oriental massage which balances and realigns the energy flow, engendering complete wellbeing.” Quietly solicitous, our two therapists work as one, their fluid movements echoing each other as they work down deeply into the soles of our feet.

Being a self-professed gentleman of the old school, my partner is pleasantly surprised by the comfort factor: “I’ve always felt slightly uncomfortable with the personal tactility of massage,” he explains, “but our therapists were so professional and welcoming, I was instantly at ease.” We both agree that this is an experience that is made to be shared.

As our therapists continue their uninterrupted hand dance, now using ‘oshibori’ (hot towels which are the equivalent of a bath for the soul!) and applying pressure to the ‘tsubo’ points (junctures in the body’s energy meridians), our aches and pains have disappeared, and we’re ready for the next step in our journey.

THE FINAL TOUCH

Guided by the Spa Manager, Anna Donovan, my partner has chosen the Japanese Neck and Scalp Massage – which induces a state of such tranquillity, he falls into a deep sleep in minutes! – while I’ve decided on the Hydro-Perfecting Facial.

“We take an individualized approach which allows our clients to select their preferred treatments and product lines,” Anna explains. “In addition to the Shiseido range which caters to all skin types and requirements, we also have exclusivity on the Aromatherapy Associates line – a natural, pure aromatherapy brand which allows clients a choice. In terms of treatment, we offer all the facilities one would expect, such as manicures and waxing, as well as our specialized Shiseido treatments and an individualized selection of signature treatments unique to our spa: an Aromatic Head and Foot Massage, Body Bliss Flotation, and the Indian Ceremony of Indulgence.”

In the space of two hours, I’ve achieved a state of bliss: my body is, for the first time in months, relaxed and revitalized; my skin radiant and supple. Twenty years of overwork and anxiety have disappeared in an instant, both of us ending our treatments on cloud nine. It’s as if the professionals at Shiseido Spa have tuned into the promised land, revealing the true essence of individualized wellbeing... A rich journey of relaxation, for the mind and the body, for one but also for two.