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And all over your body. Naked and muddied, you sit in the dark in a heated temple, on warm throne-like seats, in a misty indoor rain. There are “stars” on the ceiling.
The Razul at the Avanti Spa (www.avantisalonspa.com) in Manalapan is fit for a king. Or at least a Trump (we’re told Ivana favors the place). Owner Luda Conti wanted to create a spa like no other. Colorful tiles were imported from Europe. The large cement chamber was built overseas and shipped to Manalapan. When you use the Razul, you are given five jars of different colored mud, each from a different place on the planet. Luda says they all have the ability to draw toxins out of the skin. Spa-sitters slather the colorful muds on pre-designated parts of their bodies, like exotic warriors. A series of steam jets keep it from drying and caking. After a half hour, it rains indoors and washes the mud away. After a real shower, you are lubricated with oils and goat’s milk, then wrapped in plastic and rocked gently inside a pool of warm water. After a final rinse, Luda says, your skin feels like “a baby’s tush all over”. Avanti is offering a Valentine’s Special for couples who want to commandeer the Razul. You can substitute chocolate for mud. Exfoliate your skin with fresh strawberries. Finish with a glass of wine or champagne. It seems every town now has a spa. And most spas have gimmicks. But only Avanti has a Razul... and the joy of a royal mud bath! |