Anjita Pradhan

Kathmandu:

It was a decision that I would never regret in my life. I had returned to work after a long and tiring trip to India and here I was at Tranquility Body and Beauty Treatment Centre, Boudha, mulling story ideas and generally taking a lookaround when Hemnath Regmi, assistant manager of the joint, invited me for a cup of herbal tea and a body massage delivered by one of the special masseuses working the place. I declined the former but the latter was too tempting for my jaded limbs to resist. After all, everyone loves to be pampered!

I was ushered into a changing room by Pooja Phaiju, director of the treatment centre and given an olive green robe to change to. The dimly lit massage room and the soothing music completed the atmosphere. Kamala, the mystic masseur with magic fingers, welcomed me and helped me lie on my stomach. Then she took over the show. And believe you me, the Swedish massage that I went on to experience was the best thing that happened to me in a long time. There was a lot more to the massage than many who visit ordinary beauty parlours

and masseurs would have one believe. The aromatherapy incense sticks lit prior to the massage did oodles to relax the customers. Tranquility is one place where one will find a variety of treatments, therapies and an array of services conducted by trained therapists and professional beauticians. Some of the treatments they offer are exclusive. “Spa Facial is done with fruit and vegetables and is suitable for all skin types. It helps restore the natural balance of the skin and is completely chemical free. Likewise, body rub and wrap, reflexology, etc., are other unique therapies which have become quite popular among our clients,” Phaiju cited some examples. “Though we have targeted the expats and foreigners, we are equally available for the local people who would love to drop in for a massage after a tiring day and cannot afford such treatment in five star hotels,” she offered. At present, the treatments usually involve massage and therapy but expansion plans are on the cards. “We have only just begun but are happy with the results,” said Phaiju.

Tranquility is managed by a team that has worked at spas and fitness centres of five star hotels: Harmony Spa at Le Meridien, Club Oasis at Hyatt Regency and Clark Hatch at Radission. It has been founded jointly by Phaiju and Regmi early this spring. “Our centre is only a few days old but we are not young players in the market,” said Regmi. “It’s been almost 10 years I have been in this field,” said Phaiju. “After completing my studies I had taken up a beauty course and applied for the same in Australia. There I got to know about spas and body treatment and did another course on spas.” Though Regmi has not done any formal courses, he, too, has landed up being a spa therapist and a supervisor. Birds of the same feather flock together!

“We basically want to reduce the number of unemployed people in the country,” laughed Regmi,”as well as share our knowledge with others. So the truth is that we do have experts from abroad working with us. But, yes, we have chosen the few who have trained with us and they are as good as the experts.” At the moment they are all set to run campaigns. Though not publicised much, the response they are getting has overwhelmed them. “The credit goes to our public relations. While working with Hyatt and La Meridan we got to know many people and now through word of mouth we have many clients coming in which really makes us feel nice,” said Regmi. One fun thing more about Tranquility is that they have

both masseurs and masseuses. “Yes, we have masseurs for the men and masseuses for the women clients. That pleases them and earns us a good reputation,” said Phaiju. Depending on the situation!