Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2010

Courtesy of Sundari Lifestyle Store

Even before you set foot inside the Sundari Lifestyle Store, you know you can expect the royal treatment: the façade of the Kita-Aoyama building is a deep, regal purple. If the name Sundari (Sanskrit for “beautiful woman”) sounds familiar, that’s because the brand of luxury Ayurvedic skin care products has been around for a while. It was founded in America ten years ago by three women—one of them the model Christy Turlington—and Sundari products have been available in Japan for years.

The opening of its flagship store last summer gave Tokyoites their first peek at the Sundari Spa experience. What took them so long? “Many people in Japan aren’t familiar with Ayurveda,” explains spokesman Masaki Itoh, “but with the continued and growing popularity of yoga and holistic living, the timing seems right.”

Ayurveda is the ancient Indian practice of classifying body types into three “doshas,” called “vata,” “pitta” and “kapha.” Each type reacts differently to factors such as climate, diet and stress levels, and should be addressed accordingly. A visit to Sundari Spa begins with a “dosha” check, followed by a selection of exotically scented oils (think neem or lotus). Body treatments, including the popular “Signature Abhyanga” (¥18,900 for 90 minutes), draw on traditional Indian massage techniques and Sundari’s own “marma touch” practice that targets the body’s energy points. It’s similar to shiatsu in theory, but with a lighter, soothing touch, plus generous quantities of warm, fragrant oil. The requisite goods to recreate the experience at home—including scented candles and a full line-up of organic, natural Sundari products—are available in the street-level shop.

3-2-7 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3470-8881. Open Tue-Fri noon-9pm, Sat-Sun & hols 11am-8pm, closed Mon. Nearest stn: Gaienmae. www.sundari.co.jp

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