The warmly lit interior of the Cambodian spa was complemented by the gentle scent of aroma oils as we ascended to the treatment room, a two-person room complete with private shower.

A potpourri bowl situated beneath the treatment table to occupy one's gaze was a nice touch. First, a cleansing grapeseed and walnut polish with a healthy dose of polyphenols and anti-oxidants (said to help counteract aging) was massaged into our skin. We noticed a decidedly increased silky smoothness as we washed away the scrub, then sipped delicious watermelon juice contentedly. Next, our therapist applied a thick red wine-cocoa body wrap mixture, rich in vitamins and good for the circulation—it was cold to the touch.

Our therapist worked quickly to get us painted in the rich chocolate, then wrapped in a sheet of cellophane and zipped up warmly under the heated blanket. Our skin drank in the moisture as the therapist provided a relaxing scalp massage. After rinsing, we finished the treatment with a cocoa oil Royal Apsara massage. Afterward, our skin was oh-so-touchable, dusted with the soft scent of chocolate.

All three "courses" take approximately three hours. Since our visit they've also added a warming red wine bath ritual to the mix. You can opt to have any two or three courses for 680 or 980–if you can resist the temptation. The full four-course therapy is 1,280.

Aspara Spa
Add: 457 Shaanxi Bei Lu
Tel: 021-6258-5580

(City Weekend January 17, 2008)