Tai Home Spa is the kind of place where you’re encouraged to leave your shoes — along with all your worries — at the door.

So when this reporter was invited to sample the spa’s latest monthly special for March — a massage, luxury facial and classic manicure — I happily obliged.

The last time I reviewed one of their services was close to a year ago when the spa first opened its doors to the public.

Since then the business has been through its share of ups and downs (see sidebar for more details).

In order to better service the public they have adopted a strict policy for cleanliness and hygiene.

They also have new uniforms, along with wider and longer beds to ensure guests are at their most comfortable during their treatment experience.

In addition, they’ve introduced unique, new treatments like a four hands massage, where two therapists work in synchrony to knead tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, back and legs.

They also offer monthly spa packages, with prices that can’t be beat.

My times at the spa have always been extremely positive, so I arrived at the Laffan Street locale expecting no less than a relaxing two and a half-hour experience.

After being greeted by friendly spa manager, Bhola, I was treated to a 60 minute four hand massage — that’s like no other.

Similar in style to a Swedish massage, but with two therapists instead of one, they were able concentrate in great detail on the tight muscles in my neck and shoulders.

Within a matter of minutes after starting the treatment, I felt the stress and tension in my upper back melt away.

My hands and feet, which were extremely cold at the start of the massage (due to my poor circulation), were beginning to warm thanks to their wide sweeping massage strokes aiding the blood to flow.

I noticed the therapists were able to target a lot more of my knots in less time, hence why this would be a great investment for someone who needs an in depth massage, but doesn’t have more than an hour to kill.

By the time the treatment ended my back felt wonderfully soothed and my limbs felt weightless.

One of the therapists, Thip, stayed in the treatment room to give me a luxury facial.

It started with a thorough skin brushing and cleansing, followed by a gentle exfoliation to remove the top layer of dead skin cells.

Next a mud type mask was applied to the skin to draw out any impurities

Using facial lymphatic drainage techniques, Thip was able to use the pad of her fingers to lightly massage and manipulate the fluid under the skin.

The technique is known to reduce puffiness, help with hyper-pigmentation and promote blood circulation.

For me it was just incredibly relaxing as I momentarily drifted off to sleep.

I was softly awoken in time for the final part of the treatment package — a manicure.

It included cuticle cutting, nail filing and shaping, followed by a short hand massage and application of the nail polish colour of my choosing. (I chose a natural colour, seeing that I’m notorious for leaving my polish on for weeks until it’s spotted with chips.)

It was a great way to get my fingers back into a happy state after months of neglect, but was a pretty basic manicure in my view.

I left the spa with glowing skin and nails and more upright posture.

The package provided me with the chance to take a short break from normal life pressures and deadlines and indulge in some much needed rest and relaxation.

This month’s spa package — which includes a massage of your choice, facial and classic manicure, costs $159. To make a reservation, call 297-2347. Or to find out about specials for next month, visit Tai Home Spa’s Facebook page.