One expected that recession would make the Punjabi reluctant to spend money. But it is the other way round. As recession creates new tensions, Spa therapy is the natural choice for them to de-stress. There has now been a boom among the spa industries in Punjab. A lot of the local people are heading out to these spa salons, predominantly as a means to de stress. And others do it as beauty aid treatment.

Customers, especially the fairer sex, opt for different kinds ultra luxury beauty treatment. Many of these treatment are taken up by ladies as a way to relax their body.

Spa Pavonia, one of the hi-end spas, offers ultra luxury beauty treatment and relaxation to residents of Chandigarh. One of its customers Annesha Luthra chose Spa treatment to relax her body. Of all the treatments available, she opted for 'Cloud 9' – a treatment of oil massage.

	I think it's an upcoming trend and it's a facility, which you can get in urban areas. It helps you de stress from your routine.

Health was another major issue, and a lot of these people opted for spa treatments in order to rejuvenate their body and de stess their hormones. Kamal Baath, Centre Head, Spa pavonia from Chandigarh justifies: "I think health has become such a big issue for people and the recession being there, you do experience a lot of stress, so we do have clients coming here because they are stressed out". He adds: "They want relaxation."

So far as the money part is concern, massages and other services start at 20 dollars and go up to 100 dollars for 60 to 90 minute duration. The high profile spas, however, have registration. They register clients as members by charging annual fees of 800 to 1,500 dollars.

And what do you get from these spas, after all the payment. Therapies of all kinds that promise to give what one wants. They include facials, massages, body scrubs and wraps. "I think it's an upcoming trend and it's a facility, which you can get in urban areas. It helps you de stress from your routine," said Karan Sharma, a Spa Enthusiast. Mahinder Kaur, another spa enthusiast adds: "People don't mind spending on such good facilities". He explains, "People prefer to go to places where they can get good facilities and they do not bother about the cost. We want the atmosphere to be good and peaceful."


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