Spa Spy

For once,MGF Metropolitan Mall in Saket was spilling over with people,as Harnn,a swanky four room spa,opened with a splashy party. If you find the idea of a relaxing massage during the hustle bustle of shopping a bit odd,the Thai proprietor,Paul Harn,46,is happy to explain why all his spas are in malls. “In my experience people enjoy the luxury of a spa while shopping. But this is the first time we’ve opened a café alongside,”said Harn,referring to the café by restaurateur Ritu Dalmia that serves herbal teas,sumptuous grilled prawns and fresh coolers.

So,while the celebratory champagne was popped in the atrium on the ground floor,guests including Malani Ramani in flashy red with mother Bina Ramani,designer duo Gauri and Nainika and Rahul Bose milled around the first floor talking in muffled spa-toned voices as they toured the dimly lit spa rooms,each done in a different colour. Exceptionally groomed staffers guided the guests offering drinks and snacks. Incidentally,Harnn spas have their own training school for masseurs. An architect by profession,he first launched a spa in Thailand ten years back when it was hit by an economic crisis. “This is the time when people can’t go overseas for vacation and de-stress through spas. We don’t offer beauty treatments,ours is essentially a heritage spa,” says Harn. Undoubtedly,the gloomy economic climate is far from his mind as he is gearing up for retail boutiques across key cities in India. The spa packages at Harnn begin from Rs 1,100 and go up to Rs 2,250.

For reservation,call 011-45682000