Treat yourself to a day of indulgence at AWAY Spa at W Goa

Think of all the best parts of a spa day: calming fragrances, fluffy white towels, muted tones, and an extensive list of massage offerings. AWAY Spa at W Goa takes it one luxurious notch higher. With its promise to relieve all my stress and tension, I was excited to embark on a spa journey.

An appointment with serenity
The first thing I noticed as the elevator doors chimed open was the tastefully subtle yet colourful lighting. I made my way over to the reception area where I was offered a carefully curated selection of massage options. The helpful experts spent a lot of time understanding the key areas that I wanted the massage to focus on, and then suggested a facial and aura cleansing ritual, which, if I were to be honest, I was most excited to try.

I particularly loved how I was given the option to choose my own aromatherapy fragrance and base. I find massages incredibly therapeutic but I’m sure you can agree, getting the oil out is a task! The fact that they offer gel and lotion-based alternatives which are just as effective is a big plus point. The fragrances range from rose, avocado, lavender and chamomile for varying effects such as destressing, detoxing, anti-ageing and moisturizing.

First look
Inspired by Roman baths, there is an expansive, private indoor pool and interconnecting corridors lead to eight separate rooms replete with their own steam and sauna areas. Lit by softly glowing chandeliers, the Vitality Pool allowed me a quiet chance to reflect and introspect while dipping my feet into its pristine waters.

Next, I was led to my room, where the skillful expert first made me inhale the calming fragrance of palo santo. It is a holy wood, and the burning of these incense sticks is said to remove negative energies while also being used as a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation and stress. Then, a combination of ice and heated rollers were applied to my feet. The aura cleansing and chakra healing ritual was an invigorating experience and one that definitely left me feeling calmer and more focused.

Later, as I sipped my herbal tisane, I mused how the 90-minute session went by in the blink of an eye and left me feeling pampered from head to toe.