December 6, 2010 – Aromatherapy is not like the usual type of massage. It is basically a lighter over the surface kind of ‘muscle-knead’ with emphasis on the oils being used.

These essential oils are chosen to amplify or create the mood that a person is looking for, and as the aroma soothes the mind through the noise, the oils work on the body.

How this works is that the kinds of oils used have natural abilities to act as anti-oxidants, anti-stress or anti-microbial and combined they produce the desired effect, mood-wise and even health wise.

Lucy, one of the therapists at the newly opened Kaya Spa at Tribe Hotel says that before the massage begins, the lymph nodes are gently kneaded to stimulate the immune system.

And as the immune system charges, the oils are firmly massaged into your muscles, increasing the blood flow there and thereby removing tension accrued from everyday work schedules that keep getting busier.

It is advisable to have a massage at least every fortnight, and especially now when Kenyans are so intent on being successful they are not taking time to rest well.

Kaya opened its doors over the weekend, more than a year after the hotel was set up.

“It’s an exclusive spa which combines traditional and new-world treatments from around the globe. We have six treatment rooms,” says Shamim Ehsani.

“We seek to infuse a sense of tranquillity through inspiring design to tame the mind, body, and soul. My brother and I designed it ourselves. Its got its own kitchen, and the changing rooms each have a lounge area.”

Lucy says the spa operates between 7am and 9pm.

Kaya means various things in different languages.

“It’s amazing, all the different meanings. We were looking more in terms of forests and we have a Kaya forest here in Kenya. It is that kind of mysterious feel that we wanted to achieve.”

Kaya, on location, is a bit of a discovery. The corridor weaves in and out in such a way that you don’t really know what’s coming up around the corner.

The windows are sound proof and you might find yourself snoring loud enough to wake yourself up from a restful massage.

The Aromatherapy treatment costs Sh4,500.

Some of the meanings of ‘kaya’ are “restful place, yew tree, forgiveness; home; stone; willow, wise child; and the one with the beautiful body “.