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Sparkle Spa
Address: 2/F No. 294, Section 1 Dunhua South Road, Taipei / 台北市大安區敦化南路一段294號2樓
Tel: (02) 2784-9883
Hours: 12:00~11:00pm
Website: www.thesparklespa.com
Price: [body treatment] 3,000~5,500 NTD
Visited on: 2012-01
When I was looking for information on day spas in Taipei, The Sparkle Spa – opened by Jeffrey Huang (黃立成) – caught my attention. This is apparently a favorite among celebrities in Taiwan due to its very private setting: hidden on the 2nd floor of a non-descriptive building on Dunhua South Road, you wouldn’t even notice it unless you are specifically looking for it. Let’s explore, shall we?
Upon entering Sparkle Spa, the spacious rest area made quite an impression. The design is modern yet comfortable, with sharp geometric lines softened by the combination of natural wood and olive green. It’s almost like entering a well-manicured forest.
At the reception, I was greeted by a therapy consultant, who led me through a brief questionnaire regarding my body condition and needs. She then presented 7 different blends of essential oils, each focusing on a different part of the body: heart, throat, stomach, head etc., from which I was to pick out one that I particularly fancied. So what are we in the mood for fixing today?
My therapist took over from this point, and led me to one of the 6 treatment rooms (single and couple rooms available), each equipped with private changing area, bathroom, shower, sauna, and bathtub. It’s no wonder that those who value seclusion would favor this setting over the less private spas in the city.
The treatment I was to receive that evening – Skin Whitening & Softening Treatment (5,500 NTD) – uses a blend of natural sea salt, mineral mud and aromatic plant essences are to remove dead skin cells for deep cleansing, leaving the skin silky smooth…Perfect for those who are about to leave for a beach vacation.
The treatment starts with a whole body exfoliation and a lymphatic drainage massage, then ends with a body wrap. The whole process aims to brighten skin color, make the skin soft and supple, and improve skin metabolism. Well then, let’s begin…
Body exfoliation, check. Lymphatic drainage massage, check. Body wrap, check. It’s time for the hydrotherapy bathtub! And what does this do? Basically, the hydrotherapy bathtub super saturates water with billions of oxygen-rich microbubbles, forming a luxurious cloud of oxygen that blankets the body to energize skin cells, stimulate the immune system, and also creates therapeutic levels of anions, which are known to improve serotonin levels and thereby help relax the mind and body, promote deep sleep, and enhance recovery from physical exhaustion. Very fancy.
The relaxing soak in the hydrotherapy bathtub is followed by some light refreshments and hot tea by the tub side.
It was only when I got up to leave that I realized – I just spent 3 hours at Sparkle Spa. The whole process was silky smooth, I didn’t even notice how much time had passed. If you are thinking about indulging yourself with a spa treatment here, try coming before the sun sets – I was told that the treatment rooms are even more delightful during the day with natural light streaming in, and the lush green treetops of Dunhua South Road as backdrop…
