Mix tea with some sugar, lemon and ice cubes, and you'll get a cold refreshing drink to chill you out on a hot day. But add tea to your bathing and massage rituals and you'll get a new kind of temptation: tea spa.

Yes, tea lovers can enjoy tea by soaking and pampering in it, instead of just sipping it. Remember how wise men say "tea is as good on you as it is in you"? That reminds us how tea can do more than just quench thirst and fuel health from within. It can also be part of your external beauty treatments.

"Tea has a relaxing and therapeutic effect on our body, and rejuvenates our skin," reveals Erry Alif, public relations and marketing manager of Q Spa, South Jakarta.

"You'll be able to simultaneously de-stress and enjoy the beautifying benefits of tea," he adds.

It is the rich antioxidants, known as flavonoids, found in black and green tea that provide all these health and beauty benefits. Antioxidants help our body fight against damaging free radicals, the rogue molecules that set off a slow chain reaction within the body to destroy cells and degenerate the body's organs. The onset of many diseases like heart disease and cancer, as well as other problems like a weakened immune system and premature aging, are caused by these free radicals.

Inspired by the benefits of tea, Q Spa, the only tea spa in the country, offers tea-based treatments from head to toe. From bathing to massage, and hair to nail treatments, tea is included in every service.

When you first enter the spa, your sense of smell will be seduced by the intoxicating aroma of tea essential oil. At the same time, your mind will be soothed by peaceful tunes, creating a heavenly experience. And this is just the start. Your tea journey will continue with spa therapists checking your health in order to match you with the right tea treatments.

"We believe each person has different problems. Therefore, we need to adjust our services to their needs," Erry says, adding Q Spa has specialized in tea-based treatments since it first opened in 2003.

So what's on the menu? According to Erry, the spa covers at least two basic treatments: bathing and massaging. In Q Spa, there are three kinds of massage techniques intended for different purposes: traditional, French and stone massages.

Having a hard, tiring day and simply want to relax? Just choose the traditional tea massage. The tea tree oil used in this ritual works to accelerate your bloodstream and nourishes the skin.

"It will relax your muscles and revitalize you," Erry points out.

Feel sick or wish to beat those symptoms of influenza and cough? Then choose the stone massage. Seven smooth, heated stones are placed on your body's seven energy, or chakra, points. It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage that relieves physical ailments whilst calming the nerves and stimulating the muscles.

"In this technique, we incorporate *Japanese form of alternative healing* reiki, in which our therapists will transfer some positive energy to you," Erry says.

"Your body will then be recharged and feel fit," he adds.

Meanwhile, the third technique, French massage, is intended for those who have weight and cellulite problems.

"This technique works to eliminate toxins and reduce fat," he says. "You can feel the effects right away. You feel like you want to urinate. This shows that your body reacts to the therapy and indicates the start of the detoxification."

All these massage techniques use tea extracts and essential oil. Some treatments also use tea scrubs and masks, which can answer your desire to have fresh, radiant and supple skin.

"The antioxidants contained in tea work to replenish your dead skin cells and accelerate your bloodstream, making your skin look radiant," Erry reveals.

Done with the relaxing massage and scrubbing? No need to hurry. Your tea experience will continue with Q Spa's unique tea bath.

"Soaking yourself in water full of black tea will truly relax you and refresh your mind," Erry says, adding Q Spa's tea bath also includes milk therapy.

"First, your body will be coated with milk cream. Then, after the cream is truly absorbed as it dries on your skin, it's time for your tea bath."

So, the basic spa treatments of massaging and bathing are completed. Anything else? Well, if you are beauty enthusiasts looking for different kind of treatments, green tea-based hair and nail treatments are worth trying.

"Your hair can enjoy the benefits of green tea through hair spa and creambath rituals, as well as your nails," Erry says, adding both hair and manicure-pedicure treatments make use of green tea oil.

"All of our products are homemade and 100 percent natural, with no chemical substances," Erry says, adding this is to guarantee customers have a real "back to nature" experience.

Unsurprisingly, your tea journey is capped off with a nice cup of tea. However, even this traditional activity is given the Q Spa twist. The spa will serve you herbal tea that suits your blood-type.

If you're an O-type, then get ready to sip a cup of peppermint tea. For the AB-type, lemon tea is for you to enjoy, while the aromatic ginger tea will be served to those with A or B blood-type.

So, now that we know tea has endless benefits for our bodies - internal as well as external - are you ready to go beyond good taste and take some tea-time out. at the spa?

Q Spa

(Tea Spa)

Jl. Gunawarman No. 9

Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta 12110

Phone: (021) 7250114

Prices: Packages start from Rp 350,000 (US$31) to Rp 495,000

Highlights:

Hangover Finishing Package - hair spa, foot reflexology and herbal tea body bath (Rp 350,000)

Sleep and Sound Tea Treatment - traditional massage, herbal tea body bath, tea aromatherapy traditional massage and face massage (Rp 390,000)

Perfect Contour Tea Treatment - herbal tea body scrub, herbal tea body mask, herbal tea body wrap, herbal tea body bath, tea aromatherapy French massage (Rp 495,000)

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