In years past anyone who wanted a massage in Fethiye would have gone to one of the various hamams (Turkish baths) to be pummelled, scraped, scrubbed and oiled. But since then business owners have recognized the popularity of massage and beauty therapies as part of a holiday relaxation package and have responded by opening new facilities.
Haydar Tok has been around for many years. One of 26 spine treatment specialists in Turkey, he travels the region on his scrambler bike and has a long list of regular customers who swear by his massage technique.
For the last six years, Gianna Karagöz has been keeping hundreds of holiday-goers and residents happy with her range of holistic therapies and psychic readings. For many, a poolside massage is the ultimate hedonistic experience.
A luxurious spa has now also been opened by spiritual healer Helen Parry-Jones. She was asked to design and run it by the owner of the new St. Nicholas Heights Deluxe Hotel Suites, Nurettin Yildiz. It is situated high above the beach of Olüdeniz, accessed from Hisarönü, and consequently has stunning views of the sea and Baba Dağı Mountain. “With this breathtaking scenery,” she said, “the rest of the design just fell into place.”
The name “Spa Bijou” was chosen by Parry-Jones because she felt she had created “nothing less than a little gem.” In fact, the multi-faceted jewel could also describe Parry-Jones herself. From childhood many saw her as possessing a spiritual sensitivity. She has used this with great success in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States. She has been featured on RTE and TV3 in Ireland, and HTV and BBC in the UK.
“Although my clients would often tell me of the significant health improvements they experienced, it wasn”t until newspapers and magazines started to write about my work that I appreciated the impact I had on peoples lives,” said Parry-Jones. She now holds a monthly clinic in Dublin.
Her clients range from “princes to plumbers,” said, although she has also helped horses, cats and dogs. She explained that she has many separate personae, including celebrity therapist, wife, mother and friend. In fact, it was through her work as a clairvoyant that she met her husband, Richard. They both firmly believe that their meeting was predestined.
After living in the United Kingdom and the United States, the couple settled in Turkey eight years ago. Their two sons, both fluent in Turkish, attend boarding schools in İzmir. Their lives seemed perfect, but Helen felt that she needed another challenge. As has often occurred in her life, she had no sooner began to consider her options when she was approached by Yildiz, who suggested that she invest her skills and energy into his new enterprise.
Sitting in her stylish Feng Shui-influenced spa, she explained that her concept was not just about beauty but that she instead offers the spa”s clients a complete set of therapeutic experiences. Six trained therapists employ various techniques, from facials and Lomi Lomi to massage to Reiki healing and complete body wraps. All these are available for women, men and couples. Her understanding of a person”s spiritual needs ensures that in addition to having a luxurious physical treatment, her clients also leave feeling psychically energized.
Spa Bijou uses the most up-to-date techniques and therapies. The “hydrotherapy treatments” involve a special “pod” called the “Oceana.” This device, though it is like something out of a sci-fi movie, offers not only a relaxing water massage but also detox, and Parry-Jones said it can help with rheumatism and arthritis. Altogether the spa has 11 programs, each of which seems to offer an experience more sensuous than the last.
Facials vary according to skin type and age and use Decleor Products. The therapists have been trained by the prestigious company. The brochure is a menu of earthly and spiritual delights. Such is Parry-Jones” hospitality that it seems that nothing would be too much trouble.
On arrival, clients are given a fragrant tea made with secret ingredients, but which the spa claims is detoxifying – and in any event is quite delicious. The quiet tone of the place soon takes over (mobile phones are to be switched off and voices are kept to a whisper), ensuring that clients start their indulgent journey feeling cocooned and special.
Parry-Jones would like to work with the major tour operators, and once Spa Bijou is established she said intends to open more in the region, but she is reluctant to say exactly where at this stage. Wherever she chooses, it is certain that a trail of inquisitive individuals will form a queue at her door and a throng of satisfied, relaxed and pampered clients will leave.
For further information: Spa Bijou www.helenparry-jones.com and www.spabijou.com Gianna Karagöz: www.tranquilityroom.co.uk , Haydar Kök: haydar.tok@hotmail.com
Turkish Daily News
