Most spas lack adequate signage in Moscow and hidden costs are not uncommon / Andrey Bayda/shutterstock.com
The level of Asian influence in Moscow spas may surprise some people, though here, it isn’t out of place. Russia shares a 4,300km (2,700 mile) border with China, and as a result, the cultural impact of this proximity is easy to see.
Asia Beauty Spa has three day spas in central Moscow all of which offer a blend of Chinese and Tibetan experiences. The location I visited is conveniently situated adjacent to TAN, one of the most popular and pricier Asian restaurants in the city.
As Moscow is the fourth most expensive city in the world to live in, the price structure of RUB3,100 (US$105, €80, £64) for a 60-minute treatment is a welcome respite. A comparable service in a luxury location costs upwards of RUB4,500 (US$150, €115, £92). The guests I saw were all Russians and appeared to be reasonably wealthy.
Location and access Reaching Asia Beauty Spa is easy due to its close proximity to the Mayakovskaya station on the well-used Moscow metro line. The street entrance, adjacent to the TAN restaurant, is well marked by Russian standards. Entering requires ringing a buzzer and would be problematic for guests with mobility challenges as the spa lobby is located up a flight of stairs with the women’s changing room up another set.
Design Chinese and Tibetan influences grace various areas of the spa giving it a distinctive Asian flair. Yet the theme is neither heavy-handed nor kitschy. The spa lobby has a dark interior with highlights of the expected red and gold without overt opulence. Several glass cabinets hold a small array of Comfort Zone retail products but the glass prohibits you from being able to touch them or read the labels and doesn’t make a purchase tempting.
The interior hallways are dimly lit throughout and, in combination with the dark walls, can feel a bit oppressive, but in the treatment rooms the lack of light establishes a warm, cosy setting to truly relax – even if it does mean that the décor goes virtually unnoticed.
While the men’s locker room is located beside the lounge, the women’s is located on a separate floor. It is a comfortable size and a bit brighter than most areas of the spa. Its hammam was a truly lovely surprise given that there are no other thermal experiences. The benches were embedded with slices of coloured rocks that look like quartz, agate and malachite gemstones. The effect is visually stunning though the rocks held the heat and a towel was definitely needed between flesh and stone!
With around six treatment rooms plus a salon area, the spa isn’t large but doesn’t feel cramped. It can be confusing to find your way but staff were always ready to help guide you and make every effort to establish your needs despite a language barrier.
Booking Language is often problematic for international visitors in spas outside of luxury hotels in Moscow. Asia Beauty Spa’s website is available in Russian only although I was able to review the site’s content with relative ease using Google Translate. Reservations were available by telephone only and customers are initially greeted with a recorded message in Russian, Chinese and finally English.
I had browsed its extensive treatment options on the website and was hoping to have some questions answered before I made my final selection. Unfortunately, the language barrier precluded any detailed conversation so I simply reserved a 90-minute Tibetan massage.
The Staff Except for the concierge, staff spoke minimal English but went out of their way to make me feel welcome and assist whenever possible. The concierge made every effort to provide details to ensure the language barrier was minimised and the experience was as seamless as possible.
The Experience On arrival, the spa concierge spoke quite good English and immediately presented me with a full English spa menu and welcomed me to change my treatment if there was something else I would prefer. After perusing the 40-plus treatment and ritual options for several minutes I selected the Royal Massage, a 2-hour massage, for RUB4,200 (US$138, €106, £86).
While the spa menu listed the treatment at a slightly lower price – cheaper by RUB300 (US$10, €7.50, £6) – the concierge was very forthcoming in advising of an incremental price increase.
This is not unusual in Russia and rarely are you given an apology or explanation!
In the guest lounge, an attendant quickly spirited away my coat and shoes and provided me with a pair of slippers and a cup of tea. But within minutes, I was escorted to the locker room and given a brief tour where it was suggested that I enjoy 10-15 minutes relaxing in the hammam before my massage. I always appreciate it when such expectations are made clear. The locker room was generously stocked with fluffy towels and extra slippers, however, my lackluster polyester robe had seen better days and I would have much preferred the traditional cotton waffle weave robes I saw the men wearing.
After relaxing in the hammam and showering, I returned to the lounge where the therapist immediately guided me down a darkened hallway to my treatment room. Once inside, she proceeded to remove my robe – don’t be shy! – and requested I select my preferred oil. I chose the one that was the most appealing aromatically, but then, to my surprise, was informed it would be an additional charge of RUB900 (US$30, €23, £18.50). In asking if there were any other options, the language barrier presented a challenge and the therapist kindly called the front desk. The concierge promptly appeared at the door and politely explained a standard oil is also available at no extra charge. While rather irritated by this attempted dupe, I’ve also come to expect incidents like this while living in Russia. I politely declined the add-on and chose the regular oil.
What followed was a superb massage, beginning with the scalp and face before continuing down my entire body. I admit to never particularly enjoying a stomach massage, however, with the natural flow of this treatment it would have seemed lacking without that component. And the final segment included a warm foot soak followed by a foot massage and reflexology.
Inspired by other items on the menu, I returned a week later with my husband in tow and we enjoyed a couple’s treatment; I had the Brush Moss Massage while my husband had the Royal Treatment.
This time both treatments included having the therapist walk on our backs – an element that had been missing from my visit a week earlier, despite the fact my husband was supposedly experiencing the same treatment I’d enjoyed previously. Despite the lack of consistency in treatment protocols, this portion of the treatment proved to be a highlight for both of us, as both the therapists were quite skilled at kneading the muscles with their heels and toes.
Aftercare Guests will need to bring their own toiletries if they want to spruce up before emerging into the outside world as there were no amenities provided in the locker room other than a soap dispenser in the shower and a hair dryer. In the lounge before departure, mild tea is served along with dried dates.
Summary Visitors at Asia Beauty Spa will need to accept that this may not be a luxury experience though it will be a lovely one. And the not so extortionate prices make a refreshing change. What it may lack in amenities, it compensates for with skilled therapists, a moderate selection of treatments and staff that are eager to please.
Though the limited amount of English being spoke may be initially frustrating to some guests, it’s imperative to embrace the experience and appreciate how much can be understood by simply being creative with hand gestures and being patient. The staff strives to be helpful; with very little effort, you can overcome the language barrier and simply enjoy your visit.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Ask an expert: Cancer
The number of cancer sufferers and survivors is growing. How can spas cater for them? Kath Hudson reports
Interview: Neil Jacobs
Six Senses’ new CEO reveals the group’s spa strategy and development plans
Profile: Anna Bjurstam
The new vice president of spa and wellness at Six Senses will oversee 28 facilities worldwide
Hotel spa: Palace pampering
A E100m refurbishment of Paris’ Hôtel Le Bristol attracted footballer David Beckham for a six month-long stay. Julie Cramer pays a visit to its new Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie which is becoming a healthy profit centre
Promotional feature: Design consulting
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Company profile promotion: QMS Medicosmetics
QMS Medicosmetics' revolutionary skincare system was created by a trauma surgeon from Germany. Here, the company's managing partner explains how the products' unique ingredients and actions are delivering exceptional results in spas worldwide
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Resort spa: Botanical beauty
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Most spas lack adequate signage in Moscow and hidden costs are not uncommon / Andrey Bayda/shutterstock.com
The level of Asian influence in Moscow spas may surprise some people, though here, it isn’t out of place. Russia shares a 4,300km (2,700 mile) border with China, and as a result, the cultural impact of this proximity is easy to see.
Asia Beauty Spa has three day spas in central Moscow all of which offer a blend of Chinese and Tibetan experiences. The location I visited is conveniently situated adjacent to TAN, one of the most popular and pricier Asian restaurants in the city.
As Moscow is the fourth most expensive city in the world to live in, the price structure of RUB3,100 (US$105, €80, £64) for a 60-minute treatment is a welcome respite. A comparable service in a luxury location costs upwards of RUB4,500 (US$150, €115, £92). The guests I saw were all Russians and appeared to be reasonably wealthy.
Location and access Reaching Asia Beauty Spa is easy due to its close proximity to the Mayakovskaya station on the well-used Moscow metro line. The street entrance, adjacent to the TAN restaurant, is well marked by Russian standards. Entering requires ringing a buzzer and would be problematic for guests with mobility challenges as the spa lobby is located up a flight of stairs with the women’s changing room up another set.
Design Chinese and Tibetan influences grace various areas of the spa giving it a distinctive Asian flair. Yet the theme is neither heavy-handed nor kitschy. The spa lobby has a dark interior with highlights of the expected red and gold without overt opulence. Several glass cabinets hold a small array of Comfort Zone retail products but the glass prohibits you from being able to touch them or read the labels and doesn’t make a purchase tempting.
The interior hallways are dimly lit throughout and, in combination with the dark walls, can feel a bit oppressive, but in the treatment rooms the lack of light establishes a warm, cosy setting to truly relax – even if it does mean that the décor goes virtually unnoticed.
While the men’s locker room is located beside the lounge, the women’s is located on a separate floor. It is a comfortable size and a bit brighter than most areas of the spa. Its hammam was a truly lovely surprise given that there are no other thermal experiences. The benches were embedded with slices of coloured rocks that look like quartz, agate and malachite gemstones. The effect is visually stunning though the rocks held the heat and a towel was definitely needed between flesh and stone!
With around six treatment rooms plus a salon area, the spa isn’t large but doesn’t feel cramped. It can be confusing to find your way but staff were always ready to help guide you and make every effort to establish your needs despite a language barrier.
Booking Language is often problematic for international visitors in spas outside of luxury hotels in Moscow. Asia Beauty Spa’s website is available in Russian only although I was able to review the site’s content with relative ease using Google Translate. Reservations were available by telephone only and customers are initially greeted with a recorded message in Russian, Chinese and finally English.
I had browsed its extensive treatment options on the website and was hoping to have some questions answered before I made my final selection. Unfortunately, the language barrier precluded any detailed conversation so I simply reserved a 90-minute Tibetan massage.
The Staff Except for the concierge, staff spoke minimal English but went out of their way to make me feel welcome and assist whenever possible. The concierge made every effort to provide details to ensure the language barrier was minimised and the experience was as seamless as possible.
The Experience On arrival, the spa concierge spoke quite good English and immediately presented me with a full English spa menu and welcomed me to change my treatment if there was something else I would prefer. After perusing the 40-plus treatment and ritual options for several minutes I selected the Royal Massage, a 2-hour massage, for RUB4,200 (US$138, €106, £86).
While the spa menu listed the treatment at a slightly lower price – cheaper by RUB300 (US$10, €7.50, £6) – the concierge was very forthcoming in advising of an incremental price increase.
This is not unusual in Russia and rarely are you given an apology or explanation!
In the guest lounge, an attendant quickly spirited away my coat and shoes and provided me with a pair of slippers and a cup of tea. But within minutes, I was escorted to the locker room and given a brief tour where it was suggested that I enjoy 10-15 minutes relaxing in the hammam before my massage. I always appreciate it when such expectations are made clear. The locker room was generously stocked with fluffy towels and extra slippers, however, my lackluster polyester robe had seen better days and I would have much preferred the traditional cotton waffle weave robes I saw the men wearing.
After relaxing in the hammam and showering, I returned to the lounge where the therapist immediately guided me down a darkened hallway to my treatment room. Once inside, she proceeded to remove my robe – don’t be shy! – and requested I select my preferred oil. I chose the one that was the most appealing aromatically, but then, to my surprise, was informed it would be an additional charge of RUB900 (US$30, €23, £18.50). In asking if there were any other options, the language barrier presented a challenge and the therapist kindly called the front desk. The concierge promptly appeared at the door and politely explained a standard oil is also available at no extra charge. While rather irritated by this attempted dupe, I’ve also come to expect incidents like this while living in Russia. I politely declined the add-on and chose the regular oil.
What followed was a superb massage, beginning with the scalp and face before continuing down my entire body. I admit to never particularly enjoying a stomach massage, however, with the natural flow of this treatment it would have seemed lacking without that component. And the final segment included a warm foot soak followed by a foot massage and reflexology.
Inspired by other items on the menu, I returned a week later with my husband in tow and we enjoyed a couple’s treatment; I had the Brush Moss Massage while my husband had the Royal Treatment.
This time both treatments included having the therapist walk on our backs – an element that had been missing from my visit a week earlier, despite the fact my husband was supposedly experiencing the same treatment I’d enjoyed previously. Despite the lack of consistency in treatment protocols, this portion of the treatment proved to be a highlight for both of us, as both the therapists were quite skilled at kneading the muscles with their heels and toes.
Aftercare Guests will need to bring their own toiletries if they want to spruce up before emerging into the outside world as there were no amenities provided in the locker room other than a soap dispenser in the shower and a hair dryer. In the lounge before departure, mild tea is served along with dried dates.
Summary Visitors at Asia Beauty Spa will need to accept that this may not be a luxury experience though it will be a lovely one. And the not so extortionate prices make a refreshing change. What it may lack in amenities, it compensates for with skilled therapists, a moderate selection of treatments and staff that are eager to please.
Though the limited amount of English being spoke may be initially frustrating to some guests, it’s imperative to embrace the experience and appreciate how much can be understood by simply being creative with hand gestures and being patient. The staff strives to be helpful; with very little effort, you can overcome the language barrier and simply enjoy your visit.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Ask an expert: Cancer
The number of cancer sufferers and survivors is growing. How can spas cater for them? Kath Hudson reports
Interview: Neil Jacobs
Six Senses’ new CEO reveals the group’s spa strategy and development plans
Profile: Anna Bjurstam
The new vice president of spa and wellness at Six Senses will oversee 28 facilities worldwide
Hotel spa: Palace pampering
A E100m refurbishment of Paris’ Hôtel Le Bristol attracted footballer David Beckham for a six month-long stay. Julie Cramer pays a visit to its new Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie which is becoming a healthy profit centre
Promotional feature: Design consulting
Implementing a great spa design takes inspiration, patience and discipline, according to Cary Collier, principal of Blu Spas, WTS' strategic partner. In the third of our WTS series, he shares his design philosophy with Spa Business
Research: India's wellness consumers
Leonor Stanton analyses PwC’s latest research profiling Indian wellness consumers – an industry projected to be worth US$18bn in four years’ time
Thermal spa: Hot spot
The Banjaran is Malaysia’s first and only hot springs retreat. Jennifer Harbottle examines the growth strategy
Company profile promotion: QMS Medicosmetics
QMS Medicosmetics' revolutionary skincare system was created by a trauma surgeon from Germany. Here, the company's managing partner explains how the products' unique ingredients and actions are delivering exceptional results in spas worldwide
Hotel spa: Making a debut
Steigenberger Hotels has introduced a flagship spa concept in Frankfurt. Sophie Benge reports
Resort spa: Botanical beauty
The new Spa Botánico at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is set in five acres of ‘purification gardens’ and has a plant and herb apothecary
Product news: Product news
Product editor, Kate Corney highlights the latest product and equipment launches from the Spa Business search engine, Spa-Kit.net
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of
Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los
Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at
Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly
customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness
environments. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
ESPA Founded in 1992 by Susan Harmsworth, ESPA combines the conceptualisation, development and management [more...]
