A  Touch of Chocolate!

As a chocolate addict, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would be immersed in it. All I knew about the Choc De-Ager Programme was that it was popular with many Hollywood celebrities. I couldn’t help but wonder what the chocolate spa experience would be like for me.

As I walked into the ESTHEVA Spa’s pristine yet cushy waiting area, I was overcome by a sense of calmness — a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of 
Shenton Way.

The therapist explained as she showed me into the treatment room which was large, quiet, dimly lit and accentuated by the soft sounds of a waterfall, that ESTHEVA Spa was the first in Singapore to introduce this exotic signature age-management treatment, which is chocolate-inspired, to its already highly regarded range of anti-aging programmes.

She elaborated that scientific research has revealed that cocoa, and hence chocolate, is rich in anti-oxidants which is ‘anti-aging’ as it increases blood circulation, and cocoa butter, a derivative of cocoa, hydrates and soothes the skin with its excellent lubricating properties and emollient virtues. It has also been established that chocolate has four times the anti-oxidants of green tea and does not cause acne or irritation when applied to the skin. Chocolate also contains vitamins A, B1, B2, D and E as well as large quantities of minerals potassium and magnesium, plus some calcium and sodium.

The therapist’s explanation was very informative and totally put me at ease with regards the chocolate treatment. She started with an exfoliating and energising body polish with Thermal Gommage. This process involved sloughing away hardened and dead skin from all parts of the body to reveal the soft, smooth and supple skin underneath to which the warmed chocolate precisely concocted with sweet almond oil was then sensuously drizzled over the body for an ESTHEVA’s Chocolatier’s Massage. This was a heavenly experience. I never thought that chocolate could feel so nice, warm and sensual on the skin. The massage was rhythmic, multi-sensory and endorphins-inducing — specially developed to stimulate blood circulation, soothe the mind, nurture the spirit, detoxify the body and facilitate the deep penetration of the age-defying properties of the chocolate. The massage actually penetrated my skin and relieved the tension all over my body. I appreciated the fact that every step was explained to me and my comfort level taken very seriously.

It was also highlighted to me that chocolate contains high levels of phenolic compounds which seek out free radicals, reduce the effects of aging and protect the tissues of the body from the effects of metabolic waste. The essence of cocoa rejuvenates and nurtures the skin as it relaxes the body, bringing back the youthfulness into your skin. The atmosphere was so relaxing and the therapist so practiced and gentle that I found the massage entirely pleasurable. The therapist seemed to know my body better than me!

The next step in the programme was the aromatic and nourishing Choc Fondue Wrap, which putting it loosely, meant being ‘sealed in the goodness’ for about half an hour. This was followed by a warm moisturising shower and I could feel the stress just melt away. My body was than finally pampered with a luxurious BodyLift Rub. The rub left me totally relaxed, energised and clear headed all at the same time. I was surprised to find that I did not smell like chocolate as the cocoa fragrance does not linger on the skin and dissipates fairly quickly after rinsing. What amazed me the most was how extremely soft my skin felt! Somewhere during the two and a half hour experience before I floated out the door with my head in the clouds, I stopped to have a piece of fine Swiss chocolate and a warm cup of ESTHEVA’s specially blended peppermint tea.

One thing was certain, if there was only one spa treatment to indulge in without any guilt, to age gracefully, it would be ESTHEVA’s Choc De-Ager. This was a sensuous and divinely uplifting experience that could quickly put one in a romantic mood as well as make one addicted to the treatment. You would most certainly fall victim to their other to-die-for treatments — whether it’s a facial or a body polish.

Now that’s what I call heaven...

Sharon Kaur