Book Review: The Tropical Spa: Asian Secrets of Health, Beauty and Relaxation

Amazon.com Review nnTrue to our understanding of the word spa, this is a lush, extravagant book that nourishes the spirit as well as the senses. Unlike the curative focus of European spas with technicians in white lab coats slathering chemical creams on aging faces, Asian spas offer sanctuaries of spiritual harmony, natural treatments, and an emphasis on creating beauty from the inside out. Author Sophie Benge (Private Hong Kong) does an excellent job of explaining how the ancient Asian spa rituals, such aromatherapy, herbal treatments, energy-based massage work, meditation, yoga, and qi gong lead to inner health and balance, which ultimately translates into outer beauty. Her smooth, elegant writing style works well alongside the generous full-color photography by Luca Invernizzi Tettoni (Tropical Asian Style). Tettoni has outdone himself with the splendor, vividness, and composure of his photographs--true works of art that are as restful and restorative as a floral foot soak in Bali.nnAlthough this could easily be a display book, stacked among the coffee-table elite, this is a far more ambitious and utilitarian project. Benge offers a thorough profile of the best Asian spas, all of which are brought to life through Tettoni's stellar photography. The final third of this book is devoted to home treatments, such as instructions for giving a traditional Indonesian massage, recipes for specific hair and body ailments, suggestions for meditation exercises, herbal tonics, and even some spa food recipes such as Thai Seafood Salad and Lentil Wonton Soup. --Gail Hudson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. nnProduct InformationnnThe Tropical Spa catalogs Asia's most luxurious spas with full-color photography and a wide range of stress-busting therapies. The emphasis is on spiritual well-being and natural curatives rather than on modern chemicals and synthetic preparations. Traditional beauty treatments for revitalizing facials; relaxing baths and scrubs; refreshing, healthy tonics and meals; massage oils; blends and techniques; and much more are offered here in an easy-to-follow manner. nnTo view this book on Amazon.com, click here.