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Give yourself an exotic treat
By Apsara Kapukotuwa
Set in idyllic surroundings, just a hop, step and a jump away from the hustle and bustle of city life is Aryana, the spa at Water's Edge Golf and Country Club, Battaramulla. A scented reception area is your first inkling of the luxury that awaits you even before you set your eyes on the exotic rooms that are the backdrop to some original spa treatments.

Aryana of Forbes and Walker Spas (Pvt) Ltd counts among its assets one of the biggest names in the field of spa treatments, Elan Hospitality and is backed by Sri Lanka's leading branded tea company -MJF group.

Richard Rosen and Karen Biancardi are the two experts behind the creation of Aryana's range of products and specialized treatments. Richard, who is certified in Thai, Balinese and Swedish massage, Russian therapeutic deep tissue massage, hot stone therapeutic treatment with expertise in the application of westernized Ayurveda treatments, reflexology and acupressure, also has under his list of achievements a Black Belt in Kickboxing.

Small wonder that he put his therapists under a strict exercise regime during what he calls his "boot camp" in preparation for their tasks at the spa. Karen, brought in with her the coaching and training background of having been an aesthetician well versed in the wellness business. An expert on Pilates body conditioning, Astunga and lyengar yogas she is also a certified make-up artist (She was trained by and worked for Elizabeth Arden as well as having been a personal trainer for Hollywood movie stars).

Both certified professionals, these two Californians have been the livewire behind the creation of Aryana. The Forbes and Walker Spa Academy hopes to take the Aryana brand name to many other locations including Maldives and India as part of its five-year target, training students of the spa industry along the way.

Aryana's signature treatments are the Revival of the Fittest, the Detox , the Contour treatment and Two's company. Two's company as the word denotes is for two people and is ideal for a couple intent on relaxing in the luxury of perfectly orchestrated massages.

There are also several tea treatments to enjoy. Tea Sampler, Tea Sensation and Green Tea Package make up this segment. As for the aesthetic side of treatment, you get the facial treatments such as Forever Young, Skin Solution, "New You" Whitening Facial, Traditional European Facial, Men Only and the Eye Re-Vitalizer.

The treatment menu also lists an A la Carte option, where clients can 'mix and match' scrubs, masks, oils and massages and plan an individually customized programme.

As for massage therapy, there's the Aryana Signature massage or the Deep tissue massage for flushing out the toxins that cause inflexibility and pain in the back, neck and shoulder areas.

The eucalyptus steam room, the hydrotherapy room, the tropical rain shower, the reflexology room (which is ideal for power lunches as well) the double treatment room with its exquisite bath tub were some of the highlights of my tour. The suite design ensures that clients do not need to leave the room for any part of the treatment.

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