•    HOME   
•    NEWS   
•    BUSINESS   
•    INTERNATIONAL   
•    TECH   
•    SPORTS   
•    LIFE & TIMES   
•    OPINION   
•    MY JAKARTA   
•    BLOGS   

The oval wooden tray bearing small saucers of yogurt, honey, fresh carrot juice, oatmeal, oranges and cucumber slices looks almost enticing in the hot balmy afternoon. However, the ingredients are not for consumption. They are to pamper your face during a spa session at InterContinental Hotel, Jakarta .

Situated on the second floor of the hotel, Spa InterContinental features honey-toned interiors with touches of America’s Southwest, accentuated with rustic earthenware, embroidered textiles and ethnic paintings. Covering a vast 1,150 square meters, Spa InterContinental boasts four single and four double treatment rooms, a separate facial treatment room, a reflexology area and a spa bar.

“The ingredients are prepared just before the treatment,” says Tinah Sapaatun, therapist supervisor. That explains the succulence and luminous color of each fruit and vegetable.

“The aim of the facial treatment is to thoroughly cleanse and rejuvenate the countenance,” Tinah says.

The hourlong facial starts with cleansing and make-up removal using a concoction made of plain yogurt and honey. The swift and adept fingers of Lisdiana, the therapist, gently wipe off all traces of make-up from the face and neck. Warm damp sponges are then applied to remove the remaining cleansing milk. As a toner, she uses fresh carrot juice.

“Carrots contain a high level of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which act as antioxidants and prevent premature aging,” Lisdiana says.

Cotton pads drenched in carrot juice are placed on each eyelid, while the face is steamed for five minutes to prepare it for exfoliation. “For those who have dry skin, two minutes of steaming is enough,” Lisdiana says.

For exfoliating, the therapist mixes crushed oatmeal and plain yogurt together. The concoction is rubbed onto the face with gentle circular movements, focusing on the chin, cheeks, nose and forehead to remove dead skin cells.

“Oatmeal is especially good for peeling as it contains protein which helps to moisturize the skin,” Lisdiana says.

Slices of orange are then rubbed over the face so the skin pores absorb a generous amount of vitamin C directly.

“It’s actually one of the safest facial treatments,” Lisdiana says. “We use all natural fresh ingredients.”

While the skin is being immersed by juice, the therapist gently massages the face using the Japanese shiatsu technique. Pressure is applied on various stress points.

“Blood usually coagulates around these muscles,” Tinah says. “The acupressure will allow for better blood circulation, and thus, relax the face.”

The desired result is a glowing countenance that radiates youthful charm.

After the massage, the therapist covers the face with a rich honey mask. “Honey moisturizes the skin and helps to prevent wrinkles,” Lisdiana says. While waiting for the mask to set, the therapist massages the client’s hands and arms using Javanese traditional massage, which involves firm palm pressure and finger-friction techniques.

As a final touch, cold, thin slices of Japanese cucumber are placed over the face. “The local cucumbers contains sap which may irritate the facial skin,” Tinah said. As the skin cools and the pores constrict to their normal size, the skin radiates a healthy glow.

“My face feels all soft and supple,” says Shanty, a spa guest who has just completed a session.

The Fresh and Juicy Facial costs Rp 215,000 ++ per session. Spa InterContinental is open for treatments from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, while the adjoining health club is open 24 hours.