Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/13061
JULY 2010 HEALTH & HAPPINESS 32 HEALTH & HAPPINESS : WITHIN 3 HOURS PAMPER AND REJUVENATE WRITTEN BY BRENDA DURAN When it comes to finding the best in wellness, some would say you would have to travel thousands of miles away to another country like Japan — which has an excellent reputation for holistic development — to experience true serenity. The Japanese are known to prioritize health by focusing on the connection of mind and body by developing an array of massage, aromatherapy and spa treatments unlike many others. Luckily for locals, a costly trip overseas is no longer necessary to experience many of these. This month, the new Relaken spa at the Miyako Hybrid Hotel opens to the public to offer the best in Japanese spa treatments for clients to experience total wellness as if they were visiting the land of the rising sun. The Torrance-based Miyako Hybrid Hotel opened its doors in October 2009. It is an eco-friendly property, equipped with solar- powered electrical system and built with environmentally responsible construction materials. It is also surrounded by the corporate offices of Japanese companies, Toyota and Honda. Everything about the hotel is Japanese-inspired, including the new spa, Relaken, where much thought to detail can be found everywhere from the organic bath towels to the bamboo floors and rain showers. The spa prides itself on its customized care. Every spa treatment starts with a consultation,based on personal physical conditions. Everything from scents to oils are recommended to fit every individual need. Along with the traditional massages like Swedish and Deep Tissue, the spa menu also includes rare treatments like the Balinese aroma treatment, where you can select one of four blends of Asian flowers and fragrances. There is also the herbal ball treatment, a well-known healing method used in Thailand for chronic muscle pain, sore joints and bad circulation. One of the biggest highlights of the spa is the Ganban-yoku bedrock baths. These baths are made with stones imported from Kyushu, Japan, and are famous for helping to detoxify the body with heat, and help with both weight loss and the overall immune system. Similar to those in Japan, the Ganban-yoku beds provide a tranquil atmosphere at the spa for mind and body. Of course, there are other great amenities, like steam rooms and oversized baths, and a soothing 3 1/2-foot-deep jacuzzi bath. Relaken's concept is to set itself apart from other area spas — not only by being housed in a unique hotel, but by providing what is called "omotenashi-hospitality" — the recovery of mental and physical health by multi-sensory relaxation. CORNER TREATMENT ROOM