LIKE many of the finer things in this world, Cinq Mondes Spa originates from France, a country with undoubtable elegance and a enormous reputation for understanding the importance of health, beauty and relaxation. Now flourishing internationally and providing their services in over 30 different countries for 15 years, Cinq Mondes has proudly welcomed a new destination to their family.
Long Beach
Combining a mixture of age old beauty traditions, Cinq Mondes have now opened their first ever Cinq Mondes Spa & Wellness Retreat in the world at the recently relaunched Long Beach resort in Mauritius. I visited the flagship spa located down a chic street in Paris in order to trial the new signature treatments available at the Mauritius resort.
Stepping in, I’m aware of the subtle aromas which drown me in a wave of calm, despite having just been on a busy city street. It’s easy to understand why Cinq Mondes products have been so hugely successful in recent years as they speak for themselves and do their job. The variety of treatments on offer cater for every need whether it’s for physical or mental relaxation, and each treatment draws inspiration from the world’s five major regions that practice effective age-long traditions and beauty rituals to accomplish their goals.
The Cinq Mondes Spa
As my Taoist treatment began, my therapist used hot oils to warm up my skin whilst explaining the origin of the massage which comes from an ancestral art of touch-based therapy in China. Unlike more conventional massages, the treatment infused aromatherapy and acupressure techniques focusing on various pressure points around my body. My eyes were shut, but my senses felt heightened and clear. My muscles started to sink heavy into the table. The dancing aromas of the oils left my nose curious and my ears tuned to the traditional Chinese music, which gradually climaxed throughout the massage.
Although spa music is famously slow, I found that the faster songs added to the euphoria and had a relaxing effect. At times my therapist would change the oil and wave it around the room so I could familiarise myself with the scent. Each small sensory variation became effective additions to the overall experience, making the massage feel almost ceremonial. The therapist showed confidence and wisdom while using the products, and my body felt healthy and hydrated after my treatment as opposed to just temporarily soft from the oils. The spa are committed to using petrochemical free cosmetics and instead use a lot of botanical oils which made a vast difference on my skin.
The Long Beach lobby
The spa’s approach to healing is very holistic, and the use of Indian ayurvedic medicine is present in sessions as they are a natural alternative to commercial solutions. My massage which used ayurvedic medicine was distinctive as it involved less pressure on the muscles but more focus on contact with the overall body, which was arguably more effective than many modern treatments that I’ve had in the past which claim to ease muscle pain.
Treatments such as the Udarabyangha are a popular choice as it uses ayurvedic medicine in soothing strokes around the body to drain and detox. The dermapuncture technique, which is encouraged in Cinq Mondes spas, acts as an acupuncture treatment without needles, ensuring long lasting relief in the muscles. In unison they cast an immensely calming spell as I eventually found out from my massage.
Beach view from the resort
Days at the Long Beach resort can be action packed after its luxurious relaunch. Now offering a long list of activities such as watersports, rock climbing and excursions, it’s easy to use up energy but easier to wind down and re-energise at the new Cinq Mondes Spa & Wellness Retreat.
One hour in the Cinq Mondes Spa left me feeling relaxed both physically and mentally for days after my visit, so it’s not hard to imagine the effect these spa treatments can do after one or two visits. If you’re looking for specialist spa treatments with pure roots, then head to the heart of the Indian Ocean.
by Katrina Mirpuri
Rates at Long Beach Mauritius start £350 for a Junior Suite on a half-board basis. Retreats at Cinq Mondes Spa & Wellness Retreat at Long Beach Mauritius start from £259. For more information please visit here
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.