NEXT to scented candles and essential oils, CDs that produce the most beautiful, atmospheric sounds are a must for the urbanite seeking spa-like moments. Here are five from my private collection of new age ambient music:

1 Patrick Kelly – Beyond the Horizon

Who says spiritual music isn’t sexy? In the hands of Kelly, this brand of new age music comes with a refreshingly "sexy" appeal. Inspired by his brother who is a spiritual healer and reiki master, Kelly engages your emotions with such tracks as Sunrise in Paradise (the kind of music you can perform a striptease to, I often say in jest to friends), Secret Temple (heavenly, complete with the sound of Tibetan meditation bells and Reiki chants), and the haunting Spirit Lights and Awakening. You will enjoy this fusion of keyboard, guitar (classical, bass, and electric), synthesiser and samples, and drums and loops. And you may just go on to purchase his latest gem, Zen Garden.

2 Peter Kater – Elements Series

The Grammy-nominated pianist’s Element series comprising the Water, Earth, Air, and Fire CDs, is among the most beautiful spiritual music I’ve ever come across. Soulful and melodic, each CD has its own appeal. The Water CD is particularly poignant (and may be too melancholic for some), while Earth is infused with ethnic sounds and is arguably more spiritual in appeal. The Air CD that conjures up thoughts of all things celestial, is equally delightful, and like the rest, is multi-layered –acoustic guitar, percussion, and flute coming together to complement Kater’s brilliant piano-playing.

3 Frank Steiner Jr – Touching Silk

The German composer of ethnic music who brought us the bestselling I Ching Symphony, warms the heart with this lavish production that is filled with exotic sounds. Steiner mixes acoustic, electronic orchestral sounds and traditional Chinese instruments. The result is often breathtaking, like the track Rainbow with its mesmerising tinkling wind chimes, and Bells of Himalaya with its clever mixture of string and wind instruments.

4 Kevin Kern – The Winding Path

Kern is arguably the best known new age artist in this list and I have four of his albums. The Winding Path, in particular, stands out as it is conceived as a meditation album, complete with instructions for a self-guided healing visualisation. Each track is gently melodic, some more poignant than others. The Touch of Love, A Million Stars, Through the Veil, and The Winding Path are the tracks that are likely to win you over immediately, while the rest will grow on you.

5 Stephen Rhodes – Fairies and Dreams