CATEGORY

True to our understanding of the word spa, this is a lush, extravagant book that nourishes the spirit as well as the senses. Unlike the curative focus of European spas with technicians in white lab coats slathering chemical creams on aging faces, Asian spas offer sanctuaries of spiritual harmony, natural treatments, and an emphasis on creating beauty from the inside out. Author Sophie Benge (Private Hong Kong) does an excellent job of explaining how the ancient Asian spa rituals, such aromatherapy, herbal treatments, energy-based massage work, meditation, yoga, and qi gong lead to inner health and balance, which ultimately translates into outer beauty. Her smooth, elegant writing style works well alongside the generous full-color photography by Luca Invernizzi Tettoni (Tropical Asian Style). Tettoni has outdone himself with the splendor, vividness, and composure of his photographs--true works of art that are as restful and restorative as a floral foot soak in Bali.

Although this could easily be a display book, stacked among the coffee-table elite, this is a far more ambitious and utilitarian project. Benge offers a thorough profile of the best Asian spas, all of which are brought to life through Tettoni's stellar photography. The final third of this book is devoted to home treatments, such as instructions for giving a traditional Indonesian massage, recipes for specific hair and body ailments, suggestions for meditation exercises, herbal tonics, and even some spa food recipes such as Thai Seafood Salad and Lentil Wonton Soup. --Gail Hudson