When you walk into the dimly lit room, dressed in a soft dressing gown, the atmospheric music puts you at ease straightaway. The serenity of the room is increased by the flickering light of little candles and the flower arrangements, placed here and there. The smell of the aromatherapy oil is strong and the first splash of it on the body is cold. But as soon as Dousheesing, the therapist, gets down to work, your body warms up. ?The oil used is named Sensuous Blend, a mixture of jasmine and ylang-ylang,? she volunteers.

Dousheesing is one of the nine therapists of the Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa, which opened in 2000 in Wolmar. A haven of pampering and relaxation, as Hilton describes it, the Spa, the biggest in the Indian Ocean, offers a variety of body treatments ranging from aromatic to Swedish, shiatsu or hydrotherapy massages. Various other treatments such as the marine mud wrap and the purifying salt scrub are also available.

As she starts massaging from the tips of the toes up the legs, the quietly-spoken Dousheesing asks from time to time if the pressure she is applying and the temperature are appropriate. Using different methods of massage like small circular movements of the thumbs or stronger pressure from the palms of her hands, she slowly but surely eases away the tension of the muscles. After the initial tingle of pain felt in the particularly tense parts of the body, her expert fingers work at the hard muscles until they finally let go.

After the massage, an infusion is served in the relaxation area. Lying on the mattress sipping lemon and ginger tea, one can enjoy the special atmosphere of the garden. The relaxation area is actually like a veranda giving onto the cutest of little gardens, slightly reminiscent of the Japanese-style. A little swimming pool surrounded by plants is found in the middle and all along the walls there is more greenery, so that you totally forget you are in the middle of a hotel.

The manager of the Spa, Meenal Veerasawmy, outlines the other services offered, such as packages for couples (massage and jacuzzi) or a small fitness center ?where the monitors constantly supervise you.? Indeed, many of the services are very highly personalised. The hair and beauty studio is for one person at a time only, so you have undivided attention. Another aspect of the Spa which she mentions is that all the products used are natural (imported from Australia): the brand Jurdique especially is based on the beneficial properties of flowers.