Spa of the Month

Six floors of heaven have been unveiled in the Latvian capital of Riga. If there was ever a reason to visit the Balkans, ESPA Riga must be one of them. Why? Because behind a classical façade in a typical Latvian street is a spa to match any of ESPA’s worldwide portfolio.

As you enter the building the experience begins. The signature perfumes of the ESPA range of products overwhelm the senses. The atmosphere’s thick with natural plant and flower based fragrances. And it only gets better. The ambience and surroundings are all designed to relax the most tightly wound person. The Riga spa is the latest addition to the ESPA stable and is set to become a popular choice. That it also offers the chance to discover an emerging destination is another one of the pluses.

The key to ESPA Riga is, that like all its companion spas, you’re buying into the experience. The treatments are amazingly good and the surroundings lift them into the stratosphere.

Arriving in Latvia with Air Baltic it’s striking how green the country is. There are forests hugging an empty, sandy shoreline. Detached wooden houses resemble childhood dolls houses. Already it has a feel of forgotten times. Journeying into Riga there are signs of previous occupations. Communist style blocks are reminders of its Russian past. Much of Riga has a slightly worn feel about it. But, and it’s a big but, there are pockets of excellence worth the trip. If you’re a fan of Art Noveau architecture you’ll be spoilt for choice as you drink in the houses swathed with embellishment and colour. Walk to the old town and this gives way to medieval architecture. There’s produce to be bought in the markets based in zeppelin hangers left by the Germans after World War 1. Later you can stroll through one of the city’s many parks. If you’re lucky to be there during lilac blossom time, a favourite tree of Riga, you can enjoy the heady perfume on the night air.

Staying at one of three Reval hotels in the centre, next door to the spa, I had a window onto the city. Dominating the skyline is the 19th century gold domed roof of Riga’s Orthodox cathedral. Used as a planetarium during Soviet times it later housed a famous café attracting the artistic crowd and reverted back to a place of worship in 1991. Three other churches of varying denominations tower on the skyline. Through the scene runs Latvia’s longest river and Riga’s parks. What’s even better is the spa is only a minute away. In fact any of these hotels are a stone’s throw from the spa experience. Across the park is the smaller, elegant Hotel Ridzene with its pyramid glass roofed restaurant serving food equalling top European hotels. The biggest of the three, Hotel Latvija is more of a business hotel with a conference centre, but the rooms are nevertheless still good and a skyline bar offers an amazing night time panorama. Down the street is the Hotel Elizabete, a boutique hotel. With a retro style and suites with funky bars, it’s the most individual of the three. All offer comfortable beds to float away on after a day of pampering.

The treatment rooms ooze comfort in deep rich colours and are the perfect backdrop to complete relaxation.

The spa’s signature treatment pays homage to its host country. Amber is found all over Latvia and the Amber Crystal Chakra Balancing treatment is two hours of unwinding and centring. Amber is used to help balance the mind and the body, bringing back confidence and energy. The fragrance of the individually tailored essential oils, combined with the use of hot stones, wipe away the outside world. And it takes all the energy I can muster to lazily make my way to the relaxation room following the flickering light of glass encased candles on the floor. A delicious light lunch later and then a facial where I fall asleep leaves me very mellow. The verdict? This can only be a trip well worth the effort and you’ll gain a few good memories on the way as well.

For further information visit:
ESPA Riga –  www.espariga.com  
Air Baltic – www.airbaltic.com  
Revel Hotels – www.revalhotels.com  

By Michele Nevard