Pleasure meets pain at blissful Elbow Beach Spa

On Monday night, I was transported to the wonderful world of the spa.

A Thai spa to be exact — all the way in Bangkok.

Okay, not really. I didn’t go to Bangkok but it surely felt like it.

After writing about The Spa at Elbow Beach’s new offering from The Oriental Spa at the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, I was invited to try which ever treatment I wanted.

For the summer, two therapists are in Bermuda offering three treatments — The Oriental Spa Signature Treatment, Traditional Thai and Balinese. I opted for the Signature Treatment.

When I arrived at Elbow Beach, I was escorted to the spa by Sophie Dier, communications director.

Walking in, it felt like I was in an Asian temple complete with dim lighting and wooden décor.

I was given a tray to put my shoes on along with a pair of spa sandals, a cold damp towel for my hands and lemon iced tea.

My therapist Jen introduced herself and led me to the spa suite where I would experience my treatment.

The suite was kitted out with a full bathroom, lounge area, massage table, massive spa tub and a balcony overlooking South Shore with a day bed for relaxing. It was blissful.

After I changed into my robe, Jen started the treatment a few moments later.

She began with a back massage that was a combination of Thai and European styles.

She used a lot of pressure and really worked on the tension in my shoulders.

A good portion of the massage was similar to massages that I’ve had in the past aside from the pressure and Jen climbing on the table to massage me.

The pressure points definitely were painful, but for only a few seconds and my muscles felt amazing afterwards.

One part that was different was the homemade compress with Thai herbs used on my shoulder and back.

The compress was hot and Jen used it to hit my back repeatedly. The compress worked to sooth my muscles and work out the tension.

It was definitely a combination of pain meets pleasure.

The main difference between this massage and others I’ve had in the past was the stretching at the end.

Now I am not the most flexible person so I always get nervous when someone tries to help me stretch.

But Jen was gentle while helping me to stretch out my legs, back and arms. At one point I was scared I would fall off the table.

Overall, this is the best massage I have ever had, and I’ve had plenty.

It was the combination of the pressure, the compress and the stretching that really helped to relax and melt away the tension.

If you are looking for a new kind of experience, head up to The Spa at Elbow Beach and try out one of these treatments.

The cost of this treatment is $255 plus 17 per cent gratuities. It was complimentary.