Spa Day

A seaweed wrap, essential oils, rose petals scattered artfully about, ambient lights set to mellow . . . what's missing from this restful, rejuvenating experience? Ah, yes, the music; not to worry, like any truly great spa, we've taken care of everything to make your day of indulgence every bit as exquisite as you deserve. London-born Shajan (the son of a Malaysian ambassador, no less) combines his talent for chill-out music with his experience as a Reiki master to craft the supremely relaxing "Dolphins and Dreams", while Terry Oldfield — brother of Tubular Bells maestro Mike — takes us to electronic pan-pipe nirvana with "The Essence". In Next Steps, classical music's greatest composers become your aural masseurs.

You're stripped down, robed up and ready to go — now you merely require the sublime whiff of aromatherapy, the magic hands of an experienced masseur, and the kind of music that makes you feel like you've stumbled upon the secret of transcendental levitation. Fortunately, your spa of choice has retained the services of Ludwig Van Beethoven, who steers you along the road to ultimate well-being with his "Piano Sonata No.8" — aka the "Sonata Pathetique" — while impressionist Claude Debussy (interpreted beautifully by pianist Peter Frankl) sends you off to the land of everlasting mind/body bliss with "Réverie (Daydream), L.68". We head to the Far East and the rainforests of Central America so that you may chill, in Deep Cuts.

Sure, you're going to have to return to reality eventually, but linger at the spa for just a moment more with these master musicians easing your transition back into the day-to-day. Consider the water lilly and request a refill of your immunity-booster cocktail as the traditional sounds of "Japan" pickle your senses in pure delight; un-knot the kinks in your stress-addled body as the Indigo Musicians douse you in the aural spume of "Waterfall Mist"; and banish all thoughts of strenuous exercise from your mind as John Grout takes his recording gear deep into the rainforest so that you can experience the all-natural "Summer Ambience".

A knot in your neck, a throbbing in your left temple . . . you're ready for a little you-time at the spa, where they're going treat you like the royalty you always knew you were beneath that harried exterior. And so will we, with music that's as relaxing as a full-body massage, as refreshing as a champagne bubble bath, and a whole lot cheaper than check-in at a five-star resort. From Ahanu Music to Yoga del Mar, we've got the laid-back grooves you need to get your groove back. Just press play, light a candle, close your eyes, and drift away. Even if you can't make it to a country house worthy of Auric Goldfinger for the white-glove treatment you so richly deserve, you can bring a little of that soothing spa experience with you wherever you go.