Discover Austrian Massage at Spa Hotel Hochschober

Austrian spa therapist Harald Kitz is the mind behind the innovative haki method, a massage technique that has been lauded amongst those in the Central European spa industry over the last few years. But the secret’s out: haki has been nominated for the Spa Asia Treatment of the Year Award.

Kitz has been traveling Europe, South East Asia and Australia to introduce his technique and hold comprehensive training sessions. The Mandarin Oriental in Kuala Lumpur recently became the first hotel outside of Europe to feature haki on its spa menu, after the method was adopted by some of the most exclusive Austrian, Swiss and German spa hotels.

haki treatments are especially suitable for people who have difficulties mentally and physically unwinding. haki is ideal for workaholics, high-powered professionals and for stressed-out parents. The haki stretch & relax treatment, for example, relieves tension and rigidity in the head, neck and shoulder area through the application of soft pressure, vibrations and gentle stretching of the stressed areas.

Therapists use specially created massage oils and balms to help attune the nervous and muscular systems, leaving guests calm and with a feeling of renewed energy. As a spa treatment, haki is generally a 50-minute procedure, with 40 minutes hands-on treatment and 10 minutes rest on a special haki neck pillow with eyes covered by a haki eye pillow.

Kitz developed the method at Spa Hotel Hochschober in Austria, a hotel renowned for its superb spa treatment offerings, where guests can still experience haki at the hands of its master Harald. He drew upon his own background in music when developing the distinct vibrations and rhythms that are unique to the haki method. Further tutelage under many of the renowned masters of Chinese and Ayurvedic massages during his travels through the Far East also provided inspiration and motivation.

There are currently four haki treatments available for license – haki stretch & relax, haki sacral, haki partner treatment, and haki foot bathing; two other haki products are currently in development. Licenses are only issued to spas that meet the highest of standards, upheld by regular quality checks, and with practicing therapists having completed the required 20-hour haki training session.

haki treatments are available at a number of Austria’s Finest Spa Hotels (including the Hochschober, Biohotel Stanglwirt, Der Krallerhof and Posthotel Achenkirch).

Hotel Hochschober offers a special haki short break including 3 nights full board, a 50 min haki stretch & relax treatment, airport transfers as well as meditation sessions, water workouts and outdoor activities at EUR 547pp (GBP 369pp). The offer is valid from 16 September to 29 November 2007.

For more information on Austria’s Finest Spa Hotels, please visit Spa.austria.info