An award-winning wellness concept stemming from its flagship in Bali, COMO Metropolitan London is built on the global ethos of the COMO Shambhala brand. Here’s what you need to know…

The brainchild of Christina Ong

Ong Beng Seng was cited 20 years ago by The Wall Street Journal as one of the business leaders most likely to shape the global economic climate in the 21st century.  After all, it was his deal with Bernie Ecclestone that first brought the night race to Singapore. Christina Ong, his wife, however is just as much of a powerhouse. She made her own initial impact on the business world in fashion. She owns Club 21, which now has 316 stores across the world, as well as 57% of Mulberry.  She’s also the owner of COMO Shambhala hotels and spas. She describes them as a realisation of her personal vision of what comprises a meaningful spa experience.

Contemporary design, meaningful wellbeing

COMO Shambhala advocates a truly holistic approach to modern wellness.  The name represents a commitment to self care and a mindful approach to everything from nutrition to exercise and spa treatments. They advocate life’s luxuries alongside conscious decision making to look after health.  In doing so, they have created an experience that can be enjoyed in its different regional guises. Its core values and style however, are the same all around the world.

Roots in Bali

Therapies draw on Balinese traditions and yogic principles. They are designed by experts with a professional as well as intuitive talent for health and wellbeing.  Holistic treatments range from signature facials and massages created using the brand’s own techniques and products, to energy therapy, reflexology, reiki and acupuncture.  In particular, they have uniquely well designed pregnancy treatments for mums to be. It’s an indication of their truly specialist knowledge and ability to tailor spa treatments to the individual.

Seven reasons their signature massages are so unique

1. Therapists train for 60 hours to perfect the art of the COMO Shambhala massage.  It’s said to be the embodiment of the brand philosophy in a singular experience.
2. The massage is all about rebalancing.  It’s good for winding down after a workout, reviving after a long flight or relaxing after a period of stress.
3. COMO Shambhala CALM Massage Oil is enhanced with mood balancing lavender, geranium and bergamot essential oils.  It relaxes the mind as well as the body.
4. Wave-like long strokes with body rocking motions integrate techniques from Swedish, Esalen, deep tissue, lymphatic drainage and Reiki treatments.  All are enhanced but each individual therapist’s intuitive touch.
5. The massage was developed by Monica Barter, a trained sports scientist, massage therapist, yoga practitioner and COMO Shambhala Group Operations Director.  Her mission was to break the pampering tradition of resort spas to create a massage that worked on active bodies.
6. For maximum benefits, it’s recommended this hour-long massage is taken three times in a week.
7. To stimulate the lymph system further, the COMO Shambhala Massage can be combined with manual lymphatic drainage the day after.