Rhythm & Motion Spa Treatments, HRH Desaru

Rhythm & Motion Spa Treatments

Monica Tindall

You might say I’ve been around the block a few times when it comes to spa experiences. While I don’t see myself tiring of pampering sessions anytime soon, it is certainly becoming more difficult to be surprised by spa menus. However, by infusing the power of music into Rhythm & Motion spa treatments, the team at Rock Spa at Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast does just that!

Rhythm & Motion

Rhythm & Motion at Rock Spa is a “fully immersive music-centric spa menu utilising amplified vibrations, pressures and patterns as the foundation of its treatments.” They promise to “Stir the soul, relax the mind and rock the body.”

Rock Spa Desaru Coast — Rock Spa Changing Rooms

Synchronicity

The signature Synchronicity (RM 90 minutes) delivers a musical massage journey. A masterfully blended soundtrack hums from the sound dome above the head, while bass vibrations from the massage table send pulses through the body (header photo). Therapists synch their technique to the rhythm of the music using organic essential oils to lubricate each stroke.

My therapist Amyra introduces me to the Rhythm & Motion session with a foot scrub and bath utilising locally grown ginger and lime. As I transition from the outside world to the peaceful spa haven, she explains the choices ahead of me.

There are three soundtracks to choose from for the Synchronicity Massage. Ultimate Chill, By the Sea, and Sonic Restoration utilise the greatest hits from yesterday to today to tap into memories and create an experiential journey. I select The Ultimate Chill because I think I don’t want lyrics, and I’m ready to relax without distraction. Later, during my facial, I switch to Sonic Restoration, and it takes me on a completely different path.

Not only does the bed vibrate during treatment, but it’s automated and heated as well! My body, covered with a sarong, is grounded with a top-to-toe press down. Each area is activated and receptive to the treatment. Amyra times her movements to the soundtrack – long, deep strokes, to and fro, much like the ebb and flow of the sea. It’s a firm technique using hands, elbows and forearms and is said to increase lymphatic flow and circulation. While I might not have the evidence for what is going on internally, I can attest to a release of muscle tension and alleviation of fatigue.

Express Yourself Facial

When it’s time for the Express Yourself Facial (30 minutes), I swap the playlist for Sonic Restoration. These are more uplifting tunes, familiar songs with lyrics for Rhythm & Motion sessions. With the earlier selection, I may have drifted back to my room post-treatment, ready to spend my Friday night (quite happily) snuggled up watching Netflix. However, the latter compilation restores energy, the upbeat tunes taking me on a train journey along the coast. I imagine the excitement of travel and holiday vibes. The music begins with a twang of country, moves to sultry Brazilian bossa nova and onto sexy French vocals. With each change, I imagine a stop, a new discovery. Instead of envisioning a peaceful night in, I’m instead ready for a bit more of a thrill.

The facial is the perfect refresher for my newly reinvigorated mood and excellent preparation for a Friday evening out. This personalised mini-revival includes cleansing, exfoliation, mask and moisturiser. The Rhythm & Motion experience continues with music above, vibration below and Amyra tapping her fingers to the beat.

Happy Feet

By the time I complete the facial, my mood is rejuvenated, thinking about the possibilities of the weekend. The Happy Feet (75 minutes) gets my hooves (truly, an apt description) into reasonable condition before donning on strappy sandals to go with a party dress.

The deluxe pedicure takes place in an adjoining room specially equipped for hand and feet treatments. Manicure tables line up alongside what must be the Rolls Royce of pedicure chairs – an automated reclining lounge with built-in electronic massage rollers!

After a warm foot bath, which softens the skin, my tootsies are given a good exfoliation, followed by callus work. There’s lots to do here! My nails are cut (or filed as you please) and cuticles taken care of (I prefer to have mine pushed down rather than trimmed). After a really good scrub, the kind that goes across the nails, in between the toes and in those little grooves under the ankles, it’s time for a foot bath. Not just any footbath, but a disco-lit pond. Colour therapy for the feet sees lights flashing in full dance-floor appeal alongside bubbly jacuzzi jets. If that’s not a premonition of what might lay ahead this evening, I don’t know what is!

Next, there’s a foot masque, which gives me more time to play around with the chair massage settings. Higher, lower, faster, slower, pounding, vibrating – my back enjoys every beat.

To conclude, I choose a buff rather than polish, and Amyra is quick to bring life back to my dry, cracked nails. She comes across some trouble spots and so breaks out a new tool. Something to get into those bumpy, unkempt claws. Really, if you saw the before photos you wouldn’t believe that these are the same feet.