(Seychelles News Agency) - Many people choose to start the weekend by meeting up with friends and grabbing a drink. As much as this helps unwind after a long week of work, for me, nothing beats a relaxing massage session on a Friday afternoon.

I was offered this surprising treat by the ‘Le Syel Spa’ of the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles as the team prepared for the spa concept launch on November 14.

Located at Baie Lazare, in western Mahe, the spa is situated at the top of the hill, hence the name ‘Hilltop Spa’.

The staff at the spa are very welcoming, greeting their clients with a warm smile that puts one at ease. After being shown to the waiting area, the staff brings out a health assessment form to be filled by the client.

Kept strictly confidential, the information collected is used to enhance the experience and make sure that one is in good health to engage in any particular treatment.

After the formal part is covered, the client goes back to admiring the view of the bay offered from the waiting area through the floor-to-ceiling glass walls and windows. The experience is already a relief -- just sitting there, sipping on some iced tea and watching the stunning Petite Anse bay, with its blue calming waters lapping the shore.

A view of the massage room which can cater for two persons at the same time. (Four Seasons Resort Seychelles) Photo License: All Rights Reserved

After my initial welcoming, my therapist was ready, so we walked down to the spa area. The walking distance is quite short but my therapist Elirose and I got to chit chat. Reaching the room, I was shown to the changing area which also comprises of a bath and shower area, all overlooking the sea. After changing into the robe and flip-flops provided by the spa, I walked down into the massage area. From there, Elirose explained what was included in the one-hour full body signature massage I was getting while starting the massage with a feet wash.

The ‘Heavenly Fusion Massage’ applies a combination of European and Asian massage techniques. Depending on the length of the session, this massage cost between $194 and $227. Clients get to choose from three oils – cinnamon, coconut and lemongrass – crafted by Globarom, a locally based essential oil distiller.

As I suffer from eczema, I was reluctant to use any scented oil on my body and chose to go with coconut oil. Being someone who uses coconut oil on a regular basis, I thought that I would definitely need a shower after the massage so as to remove the strong-smelling and heavy oil off my skin. I was pleasantly surprised by the end of the massage, that the smell wasn’t as strong nor was my skin greasy.

After a massage one can soak in a bath with a beautiful view of the outdoors.  (Four Seasons Resort Seychelles) Photo License: All Rights Reserved

Whilst I laid face down on the massage bed, my therapist cupped her hands in front of me and I deeply inhaled the scent of the soothing lemongrass oil. Rinsing off her hands, she started the experience by massaging my back, an area I wanted her to focus on.

Applying firm pressure as per my request, Elirose worked her way along with the tight muscles around my neck, shoulders, and upper back. The treatment itself was a mix of long, firm strokes and my therapist knew exactly where I needed a little extra manipulation to unknot those muscles. The session was so relaxing, I dozed off. I woke up feeling a lot lighter and less sore thanks to the magical hands Elirose coupled with the relaxing atmosphere within the room.

Though there is no special rates offered to locals and appointment need to be made well in advance, I am definitely going to save up and book a massage session at Le Syel. The beautiful setting in which the spa is located, together with the professionalism of the staff, makes the perfect combination for a pamper session.

Other than the ‘Heavenly Fusion Massage’, Le Syel Spa offers ‘The Miracle of Coco de Mer’ as a second option as part of their signature experiences. They are but two of 11 types of massages on offer at the spa.

On the menu are different facials, body, hair and nail treatments, as well as yoga and meditation. These spa treatments are offered in the 67 villas and suites within the resort.