Straight from a little stretch of paradise in Portugal, Vila Galé PRAIA shares the secrets behind their very own spa ritual…

What exactly is the ritual?

The treatment is unique experience for all the senses. It starts with a comforting Vichy Shower, which is an extremely relaxing massage technique on a special table where hot water jets are positioned towards the body. The system has a control panel where the therapist can adjust the water temperature and pressure. The manual massage and the comfort of the water jets mix in a unique pleasure sensation, sedation and analgesic, producing an excellent muscle de-stressing feeling. After the Vichy Shower the treatment moves on to a holistic ritual with an Indian Head Massage, a relaxing full body massage and reflexology on the feet with green tea essential oil, ideal for releasing anxiety, mitigating tension, and restoring natural vitality.

Where does it come from?

The Vichy Shower has French origins, and means ‘rain shower’. The full body massage was elaborated by the Satsanga SPA. In this treatment we selected products from Asia and the Dead Sea.

What is it supposed to do?

The energy from the water reconciled with the sea salt water exfoliation and the hand movements provides a deep body relaxation, promoting better penetration of the active ingredients in the water and exfoliating scrub. The massage renews the body’s balance, calms mind and spirit, stirs the senses, improves blood circulation, removes the toxic substances, releases stress and restores the emotions.

Is there anything you do to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment?

To enhance the effectiveness of the treatment we use green tea oil and the Dead Sea salt basis.

Is there anything you recommend clients to do pre or post-treatment to get the most out of it?

Pre-treatment we recommend the client uses the Turkish Bath for better absorption of the active ingredients and the green tea essential oil. The excessive perspiration also helps to eliminate toxins and facilitates the relaxation. Post-treatment we recommend water ingestion to help regulate the nutrient absorption through the skin and release toxins.

Is there anyone you particularly recommend the treatment for?

It is ideal for people suffering from high levels of stress, insomnia, muscle contractures, fluid retention, and muscular aches.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t have this treatment and why?

We don’t recommend this treatment for pregnant women due to the green tea that speeds up the metabolism. The Vichy Shower can also cause a blood pressure drop and dizziness.