Trinidad / Special Interests / Spas & Wellbeing

Spa is an acronym for the Latin term ‘sanitas per aqua’ or healing by waters, and the Trinidad’s spa culture has developed apace over the last decade, initially from its inception in leisure and relaxation as part of the larger hotels’ regular services and more recently within the mainstream private health and beauty industry. A visit to the spa for those people who can afford it is often seen as an essential beginning, or end, to the week, and just as important as a trip to the supermarket. And why not, stressed out people deserve a touch of pampering. Trinidadian women are renowned for their glamour and appearance and are ever more influential in the business world, and cosmetic and beauty treatments are also intrinsic to a growing fashion industry.

Saunas are increasingly popular which may seem strange given that temperatures in the capital often replicate the experience - and the climate comes free! Physiotherapy clinics are also proliferating to remedy the various ills emanating form the new physically active lifestyles (see also Health and Fitness). There are a considerable number of spas now countrywide catering to different markets and clientele and most embrace the full gamut of body treatments and are staffed by highly trained technicians.

Recommended spas in Trinidad are as follows:

Salybia Nature Resort and Spa, Matura - Situated on the north-east coast, an excellent location for a weekend retreat away from the clamour of Port of Spain with The Mist Spa’s organic treatments drawing heavily from the natural environment. Extensive use of seaweed, gingko biloba, coconut, brown sugar, and basalt stonework, with natural fruit body scrubs and salybia earth pedicures.

Cher-Mere Day Spa, Trincity Mall, Caguanas and Port of Spain - High quality holistic treatments. Also sell their own products, Naturally Smart Skin Care, and have launched a new Men’s Skin Care range.

Belleza Day Spa, Port of Spain - The country’s newest full service establishment.

The Face & Body Clinic Limited, San Fernando and Crowne Plaza, Port of Spain - Well respected 25 year old operation with four salons, based on treatments and programmes by the Spanish professional body care experts Germaine de Capuccini.

Sanctuary Day Spa, Port of Spain - Exclusive eastern influenced treatments in the Hilton Hotel and in their salon specialising in Shirodhara, a form of ayurvedic medicine, to promote peace, health and general well-being.

Santosha Spa & Wellness, The Carlton Savannah, Port of Spain - Another top of the range haven of tranquillity and health in the latest smart hotel in the capital.

Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and other Holistic Activities

Sangha Yoga Trinidad is located in the Sangha Studio, Port of Spain. Call for class times, no reservation needed, just drop in. Manager, Karen Blackman is a certified Moksha Yoga instructor.

Tai Chi helps in prolonging life, healing and rejuvenation and its instruction was inaugurated by Sifu Rhaman Khabir in August 2010 at the Zoe Foundation Senior Citizen Centre at La Horquetta near Port of Spain.

Akasha Studio in Maraval, is run by Gaby Beston Edwards. It provides a stress free environment for Pilates and yoga with personalised attention and group classes.

Non-profit organisations and Government links:

Tai Chi Institute of Trinidad & Tobago/ Wushu Association of Trinidad and Tobago , PO Box 1955, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, contact Sifu Rahman Khabir, t 688 7010/645 8396/354 1114 | rahman.khabir@gmail.com | http://wushutt.com/