Hilton LifeSpa pampers the mind and body

Hilton LifeSpa pampers the mind and body

Those who have not passed by the fitness center and spa at the
Jakarta Hilton International for a while should brace themselves
for a shock to their system. But a most pleasant one at that.

Part of the Clark Hatch group, the center has changed with the
times, adapting to a market which increasingly realizes the
importance of both whittling down waistlines and buffeting
beleaguered brain cells.

Its spacious, well-designed LifeSpa & Fitness Center fully
meets the needs of the fitness conscious who also are intent on
putting mind and body on an even keel.

Still to be found stalking its main exercise area are the
Arnold-wannabes, pumping iron on state-of-the-art equipment in
the quest to hone their buff bodies. But LifeSpa, as its name
indicates, also caters to those who want to get hot and sweaty in
the gym, and then let their cares subside with an old-fashioned
pampering.

A well-trained army of 13 personal trainers are on hand to put
the reluctant through their paces. A diverse range of fitness
classes -- including the current celebrity-favorite Tae-Bo Thai
boxing and traditional mainstays of step and low-impact aerobics
-- also are available for the taking.

But the LifeSpa knows that all work and no play will leave
Jack or Jill running on empty. After a tough workout or a harried
day at the office, partaking of one or two of the LifeSpa's
soothing and invigorating treatments are bound to put a new skip
in one's step.

Consultant Brian J. Billdt acknowledges that LifeSpa is a
calculated departure from the rigid fitness-only focus of the
past.

"It used to be much more physical before, what I call the
gung-ho macho philosophy, which maybe was a bit intimidating to
some people," Billdt said in LifeSpa's plush lobby. "But in 1998,
we realized there was a new trend toward relaxation, stress
management, what is called the spa concept. And it appeals to
more people."

LifeSpa manager Indah Koeswardhani said that only locally
produced natural products are used in the treatments, which range
from facials, manicures and pedicures, to enticing herbal baths,
aromatherapeutic massage and body scrubs.

"We use them simply because they're of excellent quality and
competitively priced," Indah said. "The trend today is really
toward back to nature, and that is what we have to offer."

Getting back into shape after years of letting oneself go can
be a daunting prospect, particularly for those juggling work and
home commitments. Billdt emphasized that LifeSpa devises programs
which fit individual needs.

"We look at what will work for the person, what are the things
that they want to do," Billdt said. "We know that a fitness
program will only be successful if it is something that the
person wants to do, not that they have to do."

Amid Jakarta's traffic snarls in which making it from point A
to point B can rank as a logistical nightmare, Billdt said
membership in Clark Hatch -- and access to its various centers --
is an advantage.

"We have members who use a center near their office in Central
Jakarta but work out at a South Jakarta center near their home on
the weekends. It is much more convenient than having to make it
to one center all the time."

The LifeSpa & Fitness Center offers various membership
packages and is open to the public. It can be contacted at tel.
5703600, ext. 3404 and 3405. (Bruce Emond)