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Swellness
boom PACESETTER
Swapnil TiwarI CENTRESPREAD Bling it
on
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Swellness
boom
This trend or quest for "swellness," the feel-good factor, is attributed to the changes in lifestyle and increase in the stress levels among young professionals. Says fitness trainer Reena Vij, "It is not always cosmetic considerations and de-stressing that draw people to spas. These are increasingly being seen as part of alternate therapy for many physical and mental ailments. But given their exotic appeal, most people seek these for their leisure element."
People come here for medicated steam baths, herbal oil and gentle rubs that breathe new life into tired bodies and stressed minds. It is not just the neo-rich who want to flaunt it as the new symbol of success but also the health conscious and luxury loving individuals, who are finding the spa experience truly uplifting. Ayurvedic treatments But are spas really good for you, or are they just for those with money to burn? Experts say that gyms are only for the body while spas are excellent for both mind and body. Many of them amalgamate ancient Indian astro-sciences and ayurvedic treatments with modern equipment to create preventive and curative methods of healing and wellbeing.
While massage remains the focal point of most spas, a great deal goes to the attention of ambience. The experience incorporates an array of classic and modern treatments, massages, scrubs, wraps, facials, baths, foot and hand care, slimming, toning and firming techniques, as well as pampering and destressing. Together with fitness programmes, the therapy drives away daily stress with restorative and rejuvenating therapies. Many spas offer a lifestyle
room to get personalised interface with fitness and yoga and astro-science
experts. Others have private meditation rooms that can be customised according
to a person’s planetary position, by playing appropriate mantras and
colour lighting and vedic chants for activating positive energies.
Pamper yourself For those who want to shed kilos, there’s usually a fully equipped fitness club and a yoga and aerobic studio. Most have an aqua aerobic pool for aquatic exercises. There’s the jacuzzi and a heat treatment suite with sauna and steam. There are also body wraps and body scrubs. To pamper, tone and beautify the face and body, these spas offer exclusive treatments, seaweed wraps and hydrotherapy baths, a wide range of facials using fruit acids, pure plant oils, marine nutrients and collagen. The treatments have three major components — water, massage and mud. The water maybe drunk, bathed in or soaked in the body through a steam bath. Massage can include aromatherapy and underwater jets. In mud baths, one is covered in natural clay that has matured with bacteria and algae to create a biologically active and mineral-rich potion. Specially treated mineral water and mud stimulate the skin to produce new and healthy tissues. Mineral-enriched water also reduces blood cholesterol. Mud therapy has been shown to activate cartilage re-growth. Holistic healing Some spas in leading hotels offer several holistic healing treatments aimed at the globetrotter. These include, the travel recovery massage which, as the name suggests, relieves fatigue from long travel. Then there is the shiatsu massage, a traditional Japanese therapy using acupressure, compression movements and stretching. The lomi-lomi Hawaiian massage uses a combination of long and broad strokes along with rhythmical rocking. In a new trend, couples keen to de-stress and spend a relaxing weekend or afternoon together frequent these spas. This, in part, because spas are health rather than beauty-oriented and so hold an appeal for both sexes. According to Vijay Ahuja, director of Oriental Wellness, a newly opened spa in New Delhi, "Places like ours cater to those who don’t have the time to take off to Kerala for herbal therapy treatment but still wish to avail the benefits of one. They cater to one’s inner health and mind-calming." Says Preeti Butalia, a tour operator, who is an annual member here, "I first go for an invigorating aroma oil massage, followed by steam and I follow it with a jacuzzi for a jet blitz. This routine destresses me completely." Cost of de-stressing The bad news is that spas come at a cost. A full day at one of these places could cost a minimum of `2,000, besides the services one avails of. You can also opt for membership where you would pay a yearly amount starting at around `50,000. But there are again plenty of schemes to choose from depending on the amount of money you like to spend. "To help understand the high perceived cost, think of it as employing your own top class personal trainer, maid, chef and beauty consultant," says Ahuja. That’s why, for those who can afford it, a visit to the spa is surely an experience worth cherishing. The soothing ambience enriched by the smell of aroma oils, soft music, dim lighting and warm towels makes one feel completely at ease. Some spas also offer health cafes where most of the food has to pass the strict muster of a trained dietician. "Spas are ideal for people who have high-powered and stressful professions. They demand no deadlines and promise complete relaxation," says Ahuja, who calls them the new fitness mantra. He adds, "They are not just about fitness and herbal treatments. Visiting a spa means taking time out for yourself, listening to the sound of your heartbeat and enjoying your inner peace."
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PACESETTER
Swapnil TiwarI
IF life’s a mystery then the art of living it is no less an enigma. Each one of us has a different take on this. For some it is a struggle, for others a challenge. Some take it seriously, some mock at it but in the midst of a vast multitude trying fervently to fit and refit the pieces to get a coherent picture, there are a few for whom living is a celebration. A celebration of having the freedom to transcend all barriers and spray the colours of experiences on the naked canvas of life. Lucknow boy Swapnil Tiwari, the man behind ‘Naked Colours’, is one such entrepreneur who revels in the freedom accorded by creativity. Creativity is`A0not only his companion on a road less taken but also a means to make a difference to society. From a poem to an enterprise, ‘Naked Colours’ is as vibrant as its creator. Swapnil, who penned this poem in Class VII, has`A0made it a vehicle to realise his entrepreneurial dreams by`A0starting this firm in 2011 after a PGDM degree and a stint with the RBI as a Brand Communication Officer. Veering away from the clich`E9d career path, he started this venture to get a creative high and to make a difference in the lives of others. The vibrant hues of this creative socio-business venture include arts and concept arts, brand consulting for small and medium enterprises and start-ups, training and development, psyche art and innovation advisory. Thus, different verticals of the Naked Colours spectrum — `A0Neo Indus Arts, Psyche Art, FreeThot Business and Education and Naked Colours Innovations etc`A0are not just`A0fancy, soulless nomenclature but life-giving colours of a`A0rainbow which brightens the lives of the underprivileged. As to why he chose a different career`A0path, the self-proclaimed ‘vagabond’ answers, "Being a dyslexic, normal and easy tasks are mammoth for me. Thought streams take me into lands of creativity and untread lands of peculiar thought where the inspiration of creativity is not just to ‘create’ but to revel." He believes that creativity can work wonders and bring about an all-round change. No wonder then that Naked Colours is creativity for social good. It is Sarv Mangalam (the good of all) — innovative gifts and opportunity for corporate social responsibility for corporates, employment and right worth of their talent for the artisans. His business venture forwards one-third of the revenues to the artisans as a share of their talent. And a part goes to Grace Home, the orphanage located in Satrathia village of Ghaziabad. The education and well-being of 105 children is taken of in Grace Home. In a little over a year, the Bangalore-based venture (which has a pan-India presence) has not only carved out a niche for itself but the seeds of change have also started germinating. With routine workshops held for IBM, FidelityInv, Wipro and XLRI, Jamshedpur and an established client base for the art works, Swapnil’s canvas of creativity is expanding fast. An artist, entrepreneur and an experimentalist — all rolled into one — currently this multifaceted entrepreneur is in the process of writing Indiafirst Hinglish novel and making two social documentaries.
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CENTRESPREAD
The formality of earlier years is now being replaced by a degree of casualness. There’s an element of weekend spilling into the weekday. Designers are creating clothes that are striking but not loud. They are merging casuals and formals, the retro with the contemporary look. Image makeover And it is not just the clothes that are coming in for an image makeover. The modern man wants to further spruce up his image with fine fashion accessories. Even as the avant garde male is becoming more accessory conscious, fashion designers are busy offering him an array of choices ranging from ties to belts, watches to wallets, from necklaces to studs and from perfumes to designer footwear. For designers, accessorising the Indian man is an interesting challenge because till so far there was so little to choose from. But now, with the entry of leading foreign labels, this niche has finally been filled up. However, the big question is: What kind of fashion accompaniments should men wear to look stylish, without looking either over-decorated or a dandy. Designers say that striking the perfect medium between comfort and style is the key to male fashion and the modern man can look stylish while wearing a bracelet, chain or ring, as long as he doesn’t overdo it. Accessories unlimited It is all about how you put yourself together. Accessorising is essential to create that perfect look. It adds character to an ensemble, making it come alive and look complete. But what kind of accessories should every style-conscious, hip, trendsetter possess if he wants to be with it? A necklace has become a wardrobe essential for some fashion-conscious men. Dull silver or stainless steel pendants and crucifixes in the neck make excellent conversation pieces. If you want to go Indian, then opt for a plain black thread with a Rajasthani ornament. Wearing the right pair of designer cufflinks to match your tie-bars are a must in every business suit. The number of men buying rings, tie-bars and cuff-links for themselves featuring diamonds, and sometimes onyx or lapis lazuli, has increased by leaps and bounds. Jewels and the man Jewellery adds to a man’s personality. Be it a diamond earring stud, ring or a chain or cuff-links, they all spell style. "After all, if women can don suits and pants, why can’t diamonds be a man’s best friend? Most designers feel that if worn with the right attitude, jewellery can look as striking on men, as classy shoes, belts, ties or watches. A classic watch is undoubtedly a man’s single most important fashion accessory. Even though an awesome timepiece won’t necessarily tell time better than a watch bought from a street vendor, one thing’s for sure: it’ll draw far more attention to a man’s wrist for many years to come. But having eye-catching jewellery and sporting a designer watch far from completes the look. The right kind of belts and shoes are crucial in turning the charismatic needle from zip to hip. Designers are of the opinion that a studded leather or artificial or faux leather belt, with a prominent buckle and a small (but definitely visible) designer logo, should do the trick. If you are low on budget, then go in for a black belt as it will match with almost anything in your wardrobe. If the budget is aplenty, then add a fancy silver buckle. Best foot forward Footwear is another accessory that is setting the trend-o-meter on fire. Whether it is the textured leather shoe with pointed toes or handmade loafers, shoes further polish that au courant image. Add to this, a trendy looking tie in a rich colour (floral or pinks are the rage of the day) and you are all set to rock. At the end of the day, accessories have to complement your clothes. These should be subtle so as not to downplay your personality but at the same time, these should be apparent enough, helping you express your individuality and making you stand out as a style guru.
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A
spa is the new trendy place to be in. Every city in the world has healing
spots which attract people in search of nirvana for body and soul.
Healthy living seems to be the new flavour of the tension-ridden world.
The
word spa is drawn from Siena Par Aqua — Latin for healing with water.
Unlike gyms, spas offer more. The soothing ambience enriched by the fragrance
of aroma oils, soft music, dim lighting, gentle hands and warm towels makes
you feel at ease and peace with yourself and the world. Some are destination
spas which have staying facilities where people can spend a leisurely weekend
or more.
Healing
and relaxation usually start as you step into a spa. Muted lighting and soft
music welcome guests. There are special treatment rooms, each with its own
purpose. There are separate rooms for hot stone massages, Thai treatments, as
well as rooms for manicure and pedicure.
A
new concept overseas is a Spa at Sea offered by leading cruise
companies. Which in effect means that you take a spa vacation on the
sea. Here the spa is not just one of the many experiences to enjoy while
on a cruise but the cruise is in itself a giant floating spa.
IS
there any such thing as fashion from an Indian man’s point of view? Yes there
is. Even as the jet-setting metrosexual steps into the high fashion lane,
designers are hastily getting their act together. The Indian male, it will
seem, has finally broken the shackles of the past. Today dressing up for work
is as important as dressing up for a night out. Designers say when it comes to
fashion, the new age man can be as choosy as a woman and can make as much
effort to be smartly turned out.
Wrist candy
Looking spectacular
Suit yourself
Tie pin of desire
Masculine elegance
Hats off to the fedora
Dazzling earpieces
Walk in style
Close shave
Silver around your waist
Nosing ahead
On the cuff
Classic appeal
APPLE OF ALL EYES
SLIPPERS FROM A GOLDEN ERA
HATS OFF TO CHARLIE
WOODEN WONDER
A ‘SWINGING’ MEAL
HEADturner ON four-WHEELS
TASTE OF OPULENCE
ART IN CRYSTAL
Its new collection includes two stunning pieces by one of 20th century’s greatest surrealist artists Salvadore Dali.
The first is Debris D'une Automobile in a limited edition of 850 which is a blind horse with a telephone in its mouth and the second is the famous Melting Watch. Feast your eyes on these stunning pieces even if you cannot afford them.
SINGING STILETTOS
SHOES that take you home