The Tropical Spa [Hardcover]

Sophie Benge (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 1999

The Tropical Spa describes many stress-relieving Asian therapies, with an emphasis on natural remedies rather than on Western chemicals. Information on full beauty treatments, recipes for facials, relaxing baths, scrubs, Healthy food and drink recipes are all provided with easy-to-follow instructions. Practical tips are given to allow the reader to recreate them at home, and specific treatments are outlined for special ailments (sunburn, split ends, tired eyes, and so on). Many of the spa techniques handed down from generation to generation; they are all designed to soothe, nurture, and calm the body and mind. Also included are sections on baby treatments, Asia's top spas, and tropical pharmacopia.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

True to our understanding of the word spa, this is a lush, extravagant book that nourishes the spirit as well as the senses. Unlike the curative focus of European spas with technicians in white lab coats slathering chemical creams on aging faces, Asian spas offer sanctuaries of spiritual harmony, natural treatments, and an emphasis on creating beauty from the inside out. Author Sophie Benge (Private Hong Kong) does an excellent job of explaining how the ancient Asian spa rituals, such aromatherapy, herbal treatments, energy-based massage work, meditation, yoga, and qi gong lead to inner health and balance, which ultimately translates into outer beauty. Her smooth, elegant writing style works well alongside the generous full-color photography by Luca Invernizzi Tettoni (Tropical Asian Style). Tettoni has outdone himself with the splendor, vividness, and composure of his photographs--true works of art that are as restful and restorative as a floral foot soak in Bali.

Although this could easily be a display book, stacked among the coffee-table elite, this is a far more ambitious and utilitarian project. Benge offers a thorough profile of the best Asian spas, all of which are brought to life through Tettoni's stellar photography. The final third of this book is devoted to home treatments, such as instructions for giving a traditional Indonesian massage, recipes for specific hair and body ailments, suggestions for meditation exercises, herbal tonics, and even some spa food recipes such as Thai Seafood Salad and Lentil Wonton Soup. --Gail Hudson

Review

"Filled with photos of Asia's greatest spas...For pampering yourself, this is the book." -- Oklahoma Family Magazine

"Lush tropical forests, glistening body parts, amazing flowers, and sumptuous cuisine literally ooze from the pages." -- Napra Review

"Sophie Benge's graceful and easy-to-read writing style harmonizes beautifully with stunningly vibrant photographs to make Tropical Spa a visual delight." -- Shopmahal.com

"This is a book to savor." -- Houston Chronicle

"Through photos and descriptions, the reader learns to use food, bodywork and natural tonics to nurture body, mind and spirit." -- New Age's Body & Soul

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Periplus Editions (October 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9625932658
• ISBN-13: 978-9625932651
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 9.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #650,470 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Tour guide -- not an instruction book, July 20, 2001

By 

D. Beck "D Beck" (Las Vegas, Nevada USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Tropical Spa (Hardcover)

This book was not what I expected. I thought it would be full of recipies and practices of Asian spas, and it is instead mostly devoted to describing various popular Asian spas. There are some recipies, but not very many. However, it is a beautifully photographed book -- and if you are studying spas themselves (or are planning a trip to Asia and are wondering which spa would suit you best), this would definitely be a book to have.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Has it all, December 6, 1999

By 

simon walker (Hong Kong) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tropical Spa (Hardcover)

This beautiful book has great photography and combined with the easy going and very enjoyable/readable writing style you can thus get a real feel for the spa destinations. But then it also has spa food, explanations of the treatments, product details, a certain amount on the history and culture behind the Asian spa, glossaries etc. It covers the subject from every angle. A great book on a very "in" subject, also featuring the best back in the world!

26 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bali is becoming the Asian Spa mecca, October 30, 1999

By 

Judith Egan ([e-mail]) (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tropical Spa (Hardcover)

I have watched Bali become the number one tourist destination point over the last 12 years. It was always a great place for beauty treatments, local spas, and magnifient buildings and terrain. This book puts together the best of the above in a picture book full of the most exotic spas, water areas, food, and spices that Bali (and a little of Thailand) has to offer. The Begawan Giri is a most see for anyone who wants to witnesss paradise. I made my way up there upon reading the book and found something so magical and beautiful that it was inspirational. I could not stop talking about it for days. The Asian Spas are so much more intoxicating and beautiful then the European Spas. The packaging of the products with natural fibers, banana leaves, lotus leaves, etc are perfectly pleasing. They are politically correct and appealing. This book is just the beginning of what is taking place in Bali; hopefully other parts of the world will emulate this approach. After reading this book get ready to go for the treatment. And do eat at the Chedi as suggested. I did and it was superbe.