The Okura Tokyo has risen from the ashes, showcasing its spectacular rebirth last September. Along with its new high-rise towers and a refreshed brand identity, the hotel’s spa boasts a partnership with the renowned French skincare brand, Annayake, marking its Japanese debut. This is more than just a cosmetic collaboration, it’s a harmonious blend of cultures!
East Meets West in Skincare
Annayake’s philosophy perfectly complements the Okura’s new vision, embracing a unique “East Meets West” approach. The brand name is a clever fusion of the Western name “Anna” and the Japanese word “yake,” which translates to “bake” or “toast,” as seen in words like “asayake” (sunrise) and “yuyake” (sunset). This philosophy elegantly blends Japanese beauty traditions with modern practicality, catering to diverse needs and preferences.
A Sanctuary of Well-being
Stepping onto the 27th floor of the Prestige Tower, you’re welcomed by the serene Okura Fitness & Spa Annayake. The open and inviting reception desk immediately sets the tone for a tranquil experience. Your therapist will patiently guide you through the concept and provide personalized recommendations for the most suitable treatment.
“About 40% of our customers are men,” explains therapist Nozomi Suzuki, one of the ten dedicated women therapists. The spa menu is designed to cater to all, regardless of age, gender, or background. There are five core treatments inspired by the five elements of Eastern philosophy: Moku (tree), Hi (fire), Tsuchi (earth), Kin (gold), and Sui (water). These elements, believed to be the foundation of the universe, create a harmonious balance in the body and mind.
A Journey of Rejuvenation
I opted for the Okura Tokyo Special Menu Tsuchi, a 60-minute treatment focusing on rejuvenation, purification, and revitalization. It’s an ideal choice for easing shoulder, head, and eye tension, as well as promoting detox. While the standard treatment uses rose mint oil, my therapist suggested I try watermelon oil, a fragrance preferred by men that helps combat dullness, perfect for those returning from busy business trips.
A Spa Beyond Compare
The Okura Fitness & Spa Annayake occupies the entire 27th floor, a testament to the hotel’s commitment to wellness. It’s an evolution of the renowned Okura Health Club from the original Hotel Okura Tokyo, known for its world-class amenities for over 40 years.
The spa boasts a fully equipped gym with state-of-the-art weight training machines, a relaxation room, bath and sauna area, swimming pool, club salon, and private massage rooms. Stepping into the locker room, you’re enveloped in a warm embrace of natural wood, creating a truly welcoming atmosphere.
Unlike many hotel spas, this one is open and airy, with numerous windows offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Indulging in Relaxation
Spa guests are welcome to enjoy the club’s bath area and are strongly encouraged to unwind in the jacuzzi before their treatment. I arrived an hour early, as recommended, which gave me ample time to experience the dry sauna, the two temperature-controlled baths, the steam sauna, and the blissful relaxation room.
The relaxation room lives up to its name, providing a haven of comfort. Recline in plush chairs, facing the city’s skyline, and simply let go of the day’s stresses. A bottle of the hotel’s signature water, dried fruit, and a selection of magazines are available to enhance your relaxation. For those seeking even more privacy, there are cozy cubicles where you can enjoy TV or even take a short nap.
The Art of Touch
Five minutes before my treatment, my therapist led me to one of the seven private treatment rooms. Four of these offer spectacular city views, and a few are designed for couples, featuring in-room showers. There’s even a premium room, spanning 40 square meters, with a jacuzzi and mist sauna for the ultimate luxurious experience.
My room, at 18 square meters, boasted a large window, natural light, and stunning city views. The treatment bed, while seemingly smaller than expected due to the spacious room and high ceiling, provided the perfect platform for relaxation.
The room’s sophisticated design and warm natural colors create a sense of welcoming hospitality. I began the journey with a soothing foot massage using Annayake’s Radiance exfoliator, a deep cleansing product also used for facials.
A Touch of Shiatsu Magic
After the foot massage, I lay face-down on the heated bed. My therapist applied oil and began a shiatsu massage starting from the back of my feet. The pressure was firm and invigorating, instantly awakening my body’s need for relief. I had requested a strong touch to address my tense shoulders and chronic back pain, and my therapist delivered.
The technique was distinct from the gentler Swiss-style massages often found in other spas. My therapist used the fleshy base of her thumb along with her palm, which adds depth and effectiveness to the shiatsu massage. I felt a release in my cramped lymphatic system as she worked her way up to my lower back. The same pressure was applied to my knotted shoulders, offering a welcome relief. My extremely stiff neck and shoulders prompted my therapist to recommend a yoga cat pose every morning, a simple exercise that can alleviate stiffness and promote mobility.
A Symphony of Scents
Throughout the treatment, I enjoyed the aromatic scent of watermelon oil. For many Japanese, watermelon is the ultimate summertime fruit, and for me, it brought back childhood memories of my grandmother buying me watermelon popsicles on hot summer days.
The treatment continued with a front leg massage and decollate (neck and shoulder massage), culminating in an incredibly divine head massage. My 60-minute session was customized to focus on my back, fulfilling my specific needs. The entire experience transported me to a place of comfort and relaxation, bringing back cherished childhood memories.
A Promise of Rejuvenation
By the end of my treatment, my swollen legs felt noticeably lighter and my lymph flowed freely.
Annayake’s facial lines boast a blend of arrowroot for collagen enhancement, bamboo extract for amino acid and mineral reinforcement, and even a men’s series with activated carbon and oak bark extract that removes excess sebum. I’m already eager to return for a facial treatment.
A Culinary Delight
After my spa journey, I was treated to a delicious lunch set at Bar Starlight on the 41st floor. This haven of relaxation is a secret you won’t want to share, but I highly recommend a visit, not just for the bar experience but for the daytime views that surpass anything the original Hotel Okura could offer.
My body and soul were fully satisfied with a generous portion of pasta (a rarity in hotel dining) while gazing upon the newly constructed Olympic Stadium.
