Savvy Well-being

Being able to run down the jetway to claim your First Class seat requires being in tip-top shape. Here Savvy Traveller provides its unbiased top recommendations for people and services in the care business - masseurs, chiropractors, spa services and fitness centres. We recommend these well-being providers unequivocally - so much so that we have planned long transit stops in these cities just to be able to enjoy what they have to offer! Establishments which appeal to savvy female business travellers are noted. Enjoy!

Spas & Massage Therapy

Canada

  Vancouver Island, British  Columbia (YYJ)
  Tsehum Harbour Massage and Hydrotherapy. 1-2235 Harbour Rd (at the corner of Resthaven Drive)., Sidney. Phone: 250-655-1450. Just 15 minutes drive from Victoria International Airport, this easy-going, professional spa ranks as our Number One anywhere for massage treatments! Bookings are a must - ask for Michelle or Crystal. At $75 for a one-hour deep tissue massage this well-being destination is a real deal. Afterwards head up Harbour Road for a snack and beverage at the harbourside Blue Peter Restaurant and Bar.

  Edmonton, Alberta
  Alberta Momentum Massage Therapy. 8602-99 Street. Ph: 780-488-8640. The hot stone treatment is one of the most popular items in this newly-relocated establishment. Friendly, professional staff in a calming environment. We are also raving about the deep tissue massage and the most comfortable massage tables. An online booking site makes getting a slot easy. Email: AlbertaMomentumMassage@gmail.com Open 7-days-a-week!

Pakistan

  Islamabad (ISB)
  Nirvana Day Spa and Salon, H.14,St.90 , G-6/3 (near the Afghan Embassy). Phone: 051-22061101-2206306. When this beautifully-designed oasis of calm opened in mid-2006 the international community and well-heeled Pakistanis couldn't believe their luck. Believed to be Pakistan's first "western-style spa," the two story facility offers Elemis Facials, waxing, hair care, nail art, manicures and pedicures by OPI USA. Allow one of the pleasant Filipino or Indonesian masseurs minister to your aching muscles! Reasonable prices, friendly and efficient service. Facials are highly-recommended. Head straight here after your long-haul flight! An on-site restaurant has opened, providing healthy dining choices. Major credit cards accepted. Reservations highly recommended.

United Arab Emirates

  Dubai (DBX)
  Amara. Park Hyatt Hotel, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. Phone: +971-4-602-1234. So close to Dubai International Airport it's possible to motor over here for a quick spa treatment in one of the eight private spa suites and then grab a lite poolside lunch. The suites have their own private outdoor terrace, lounge area, indoor and outdoor rain showers. You can also experience Amara’s spa treatments together with a partner in the couple’s suite. For fitness fanatics, Amara also boasts a fully equipped 24 hour gym and stunning 25 meter swimming-pool with a series of palm islands built in the pool. Products and therapies from Shiffa, Carita, Anne Semonin and Aromatherapy Associates. Male customers are made to feel welcome at this spa and have special treatments specifically designed for them. A 90-minute Swedish massage here runs about 92 euros and a 90-minute "Shiffa Exclusive" facial about 120 euros. The hotel's Thai Kitchen restaurant is recommended and open in evenings only,

One of the residential spa treatment rooms at Amara.

United States of America

  New York (LGA/EWR/JFK)
  Okeanos Club Spa Banya. 211 East 51st Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues). TeL: 212-223-6773. While this caters especially to men, women are of course welcomed at this newcomer to the crowded New York spa scene. In true Slavic fashion one can indulge in health treatments then knock back caviar and a few frozen vodkas in your bathrobe at the bar. One travel magazine described this joint as "a swank cruise ship." Okeanos offers Banya, the Russian steam sauna and Platza, the invigorating touch of steam-softened birch leaves on banya-warmed skin - apparently the favorite treatment of the Russian players for the New York Rangers. They also offer massages, facials, body treatments, nails, and barber services. In a hurry? The express massage or facial can be done in 30 minutes ($75). A sixty minute sports massage goes for $145. Molton Brown & Comfort Zone are among the brands offered in treatments. Tues-Fri 12noon to 10pm; Sat-Sun 11am to 8pm.


A treatment room at Okeanos