Despite M’s assurances that every part of the spa is disinfected after use and open for subsequent use only after four hours, I was wary.

It was not an impulsive decision. The need to get away had been intense, gnawing at me since several weeks. Finally, one fine day, I decided to sign up for an overnight stay at a five-star hotel in my neighbourhood. And guess what, as part of some incredible offer, I got a spa treatment (of my choice) absolutely free!

There was a time when I used to treat myself to indulgent spa offerings every other month. Alas, since the pandemic tipped over our world, I had not even dared to dream about a spa visit. Until, in the most serendipitous manner, the spa offer landed in my inbox earlier this month. My staycation became a spacation and I was delighted.

Table of Contents

Heart of the matter

On the D-day, as I walked into the magnificent hotel, my temperature and baggage were diligently checked. The lobby was bustling with activity. Guests chatted animatedly in groups, masks dangling over most faces. I clutched onto my sanitizer bottle and brushed aside the sense of unease as I crossed the sea of humanity, brought together by a wedding celebration.

The spa was adjacent to the gym and there was a little girl sitting outside, waiting for her mom (I think) – the only person in there – to get off the treadmill. Perhaps, she returned my smile; it’s hard to tell with masked faces.

My masseur – let’s call her M – had charming eyes that beamed. She spoke like a long-lost friend, who was glad to reconnect. As we walked towards the locker room – where I changed into the white spa robe and fluffy slippers, leaving my clothes, shoes and bag behind in a vault – I must confess that being in such close proximity with a stranger in that almost empty space was slightly unsettling.

Together, yet alone

Once we got to the cozy massage room and I lay face down on the bed – with my disposable face mask firmly in place – there was a sense of homecoming. The lavender oil I chose for my aromatherapy massage worked its wonders as M’s deft fingers moved seamlessly across tired muscles.

I was relishing the nurturing power of touch! And then, M sneezed. My heart skipped a beat. “Not Corona,” she said, with an anxious laugh. Apparently, she has to get tested for COVID-19 on a monthly basis as part of her new employment agreement. She has participated in several workshops on hygiene and safety measures at the workplace during the pandemic, she said.

If there were any resentments, M did a great job of not letting them show. She spoke about the need to adapt and evolve; the hope of visiting her family in Nagaland soon; the significance of the little things that bring joy even in testing times.

My stiff shoulder muscles hurt as she kneaded them with extra force. It was a good pain, followed by the finest head massage. That’s bliss like no other!

Reality check

After the massage, when M asked whether I would like to take a shower or go in for the sauna or Jacuzzi, I was stumped. Was it safe? How many people had used the space before me? When was it disinfected? There was a long list of questions in my head…

Despite M’s assurances that every part of the spa is disinfected after use and open for subsequent use only after four hours, I was wary. Honestly, there is no logical explanation as to why I was okay with getting a massage, but not taking a shower at the spa!

Later, I justified my decision (to myself) by admitting that I wanted to let the oils soak into my skin for longer. Besides, I had the option of enjoying a nice bubble bath in my hotel room.

The next day after I got back home, there were no escaping reports about the second wave and the highest single-day surge in COVID cases in India since last September. My city, Bengaluru, was among the top 10 regions with the highest number of new cases.