If two heads are better than one, then it would figure that four hands are more beneficial than two. That's what the Elemis Day Spa thinks anyway. Its newest treatment to ease aches and pains is the Hawaiian Wave Four Hands Massage where two therapists work on your body in tandem. One ('the mother') sets the pace, while the other ('the mirror') copies exactly what she does.
As well as a unique sequence of massage strokes influenced by global disciplines ranging from Indian ayurveda to Japanese shiatsu, the treatment incorporates the Hawaiian lomi lomi technique, whereby the therapists perform sweeping and circular motions all over your body with their fingers, hands and forearms.
On arrival at the spa I was presented with a garland of fresh orchids, and after donning a bathrobe and slippers, I was given orange juice and a plate of strawberries and pineapple to consume at leisure in the pre-treatment chill-out Zen room.
Once on the massage bed, the 'mother' therapist performed the spa's signature Welcome Touch, wiping the urban environment from my feet with a warm, damp towel and getting me started on the road to relaxation. Soon after, the 'mirror' therapist 'sneaked' into the room. The reason for this covert entrance is to prevent people feeling uncomfortable with two therapists looming over them at the start. If you follow instructions and keep your eyes closed throughout the treatment, you don't see the latter.
The duo began with a bit of body brushing to remove my dead skin cells. They then applied Polynesian frangipani oil to my skin and worked simultaneously from my legs upwards using vigorous sweeping motions to stimulate circulation and lymph flow, and gentler circular strokes to ease muscle tension. Their timing was impeccable, even when lifting their hands from my body or changing the type of movement, and it reminded me of the precision of synchronised swimming or a rhythmical dance.
Because each masseuse had only half a body to cover unlike a normal massage, it meant they could spend longer on each area. After a while, I lost track of who was doing what, how many people were in the room and whether they were using hands, fingers or forearms. It was super relaxing, sensual and very decadent.