SASKATCHEWAN: SAHARA SPA
by Judi Lees
The tantalizing fragrance of Frangipani scents the air as I sip soothing ginger tea and press a warm scented towel to my face. Sahara Spa exudes an Indonesian ambience – earthy-toned Teak furnishings are accented by rich tapestries and stone carvings, a water fountain gently flows, candles flicker and Balinese music plays softly.
When I entered a refurbished Canadian Railway Station in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, I hardly expected to find myself in a virtual Bali - but that’s the sensation that Char Schoffer and her partner, Brad Konopaki, have created. The fact that they chose to transform a historic Canadian building into this wonderfully tranquil space, makes the experience even more pleasurable.
While my friends and I enjoy the tea ritual, Char explains that Sahara is one of the few spas in Canada practicing Jamu. The Indonesian word translates to “herbal remedies used internally and externally for health and beauty.”
In February 2003, the couple traveled to Bali, visiting spas and experiencing the local treatments. “The Asian culture and traditions inspired us,” says Char. “We love the fact that the healing rituals have been passed down through generations, and we wanted to introduce Canadians to the exotic natural ingredients and essential oils of Jamu products.” she says.
While in Bali, the two ordered all their gorgeous teak furnishings and works of art. Returning to Moose Jaw, they recognized the potential in the dilapidated railway station that had sat empty for 15 years. Maintaining the airy, spacious feel of the 1919 building yet transforming it to a slice of Asian tranquility in the Canadian prairie, they opened the Jamu spa in January 2004.
I was already feeling that warm, cozy glow that spas inspire, when my therapist Amber, wearing a traditional Indonesian brocade top and silk wrap pant, ushered me into a softly-lit treatment room. Before I eased onto a traditional teak massage bed, my feet were bathed in fragrant water and massaged – part of the Asian ritual. After a day of sightseeing, this was heavenly.
Amber presented a tray of exotic oils for me to choose from. As well as specific massage techniques, Jamu utilizes Asian plants. A body scrub, for example, may utilize finely ground Balinese coffee beans and kaolin clay or a coconut and vanilla combo. Fresh yogurt and marine algae are both used for facials.
Jamu is a combination of soothing deep massage mixed with elements of Thai massage – a kneading or ‘walking’ movement of fingers that finds places other massages don’t. There is also a pleasant ‘chopping’ with the sides of the hands. .
Amber explained that Jamu combines techniques of acupressure, skin-rolling, long strokes and percussion movements. Being more familiar with more traditional massages, I first found it very strange to have my feet and legs worked on first. However, as the Jamu treatment continued, I was lulled into a truly tranquil state. It was a much gentler experience than a traditional Thai massage that sometimes stretches you into almost pretzel-like positions, yet it still offers the satisfaction of the deep kneading that I like about that Asian therapy.
Enraptured by my Jamu experience, I realized that since I don't live in the Moose Jaw area I won’t be getting another anytime soon. Sahara Spa is one of a few spas in North America that practices the Jamu techniques.
For more information on Jamu and the Sahara Spa go to www.saharaspa.ca
Judi Lees is a B.C. based travel writer.