Gift Yourself A Spacation At These Fabulous Resorts
Barely have we ventured into February and we’re already getting bombarded with e-mails about Valentine’s Day gifting ideas. Gifts for him, gifts for her, gifts for your BFF… seems like people are bending over backwards trying to please all the people in their lives in the month of love.
Whether you’re sick and tired of pink, heart-shaped everything or are headed into the season of love with full gusto, I’m a firm believer in loving myself first. So much so, that I think it’s vital in order to love anyone else around me and I think every woman needs to do this. How often have you cooed and sighed over the perfect gift hamper, wishing someone would take a cue and gift it to you? Whether your wish has been granted or not, it’s about time you stopped wishing and started showering yourself with some self-love instead. And that means giving yourself the gift of indulges you’ve always dreamed about.
How long has it been since you last had a spa day? Nothing is more rejuvenating than having a couple of trained professionals pampering you from head to toe. Now how about taking it one step further and gifting yourself a “spa”cation? The very thought is so delightful! The spa industry has grown phenomenally in the last few years in the country, and more and more people are taking off to chic spa resorts that provide the perfect get-away to unwind, relax and rejuvenate yourself inside out. So much so, that India today boasts some of the best spa resorts in the world.
Here are the 10 best luxury spa resorts you can hit up on Valentine’s Day:
The former home of Lord Kitchener situated at 8,250 feet above sea level in the Himalayas, the legendary Wildflower Hall has been renovated and turned into one of India’s finest luxury spa resorts. The official website describes Oberoi’s Wildflower Hall Spa as a front-row seat to nature, and they clearly aren’t lying since the spa pavilion is nestled amongst cedar forests and offers a breath-taking view of snow-capped mountains. The spa programs offer Ayurvedic and Oriental treatments along with body scrubs and wraps, an assortment of massages, and Himalayan cedar baths. If you’ve had enough of the heated swimming pool and outdoor Jacuzzi (though I don’t know how that is possible), you can take leisurely walks in the cedar forests, go river rafting or mountain biking, or indulge in some archery and ice skating.
2. Ananda In the Himalayas, Rishikesh
Located at of the foothills of the Himalayas, surrounded by Sal forests and the Ganga on one side, Ananda has been built on a Maharaja’s palace estate. The location lends itself spectacularly for a perfect spacation. You can avail over 80 body and beauty treatments that integrate traditional Ayurveda treatments with contemporary Western spa indulgences. You can even choose therapies and activities based on your needs, like programmes meant especially for de-stressing, detoxification and cleansing, deep relaxation, anti-ageing, or weight and inch loss. The five-night Stress Management Package is highly recommended.
3. Kaya Kalp — The Royal Spa, Agra
Spread over 99,000 sqft, Kaya Kalp was touted as the World’s Best City Spa by UK’s Tatler magazine within six months of opening in March 2008. Located in Agra, the spa borrows heavily from the opulence and grandeur of the Mughal dynasty. Traditional Mughal influences are obvious in the landscaping and architecture, including channels of water bodies, fountains and outdoor rain water showers, large expanses of greenery, stone latticework, mother of pearl inlay and mirror work in the interiors. It is difficult not to feel like royalty amidst such grandeur. Indulge in the special Passage to India Spa Journey, which rejuvenates both mind and body with its combination of meditation and Ayurvedic treatments.
Located in the famous backwaters of Kerala, on the shores of the Vembanad lake, this luxury spa is spread across 18 acres. Indulge in the specialised therapies the spa has to offer like Ayurveda, hydrotherapy, Thai massages, and Sabai stone therapy, or enjoy a dip in the sauna and plunge pools. The spa resort has two wings to choose from: The first includes Ayurvedic treatments, while the second has Oriental (Indonesian) and Western (Swedish) treatments, and includes massages, skin treatments, reflexology, and Shiatsu. Their meditation and yoga pavilions — on an island in the lagoon — are worth checking out. The Cloud 9 massage is a USP, where you indulge in a head massage while floating on a water bed.
5. Jiva Spa — Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Fulfil your princess fantasy by booking the Royal Spa Boat and get pampered as it floats around serenely in Lake Pichola. The Lake Palace spa with its sensuous silks, majestic murals and rich carved wood furniture will surely make you feel like royalty. Indulge in the luxurious massages, aromatherapy, body scrubs and wraps. The Mewar Khas, a pre-bathing indulgence is a must-have service. Using age-old beauty secrets, ancient healing techniques, and pure exotic essential oils, it’s bound to make you feel like a modern-day Cleopatra.
Set away from the touristy stretch of North Goa, Sereno Spa is indeed a serene wellness destination located at the Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa, Arossim Beach, South Goa. Spread over 36,000 sqft, it offers stunning views of the beach. The holistic massages are a blend of Ayurvedic and Yogic traditions, and offer personalised body and facial treatments meant to promote wellness, serenity and detoxification. The synchronised Abhyanga Four Hands Massage and the Traditional Marma Facial are highly recommended.
7. Jiva Spa — Taj Malabar, Cochin
Water babies rejoice because the Jiva Spa at Taj Malabar is set on an island and offers breath-taking views of the ocean. There are a whole lot of shimmering swimming pools scattered across the estate to indulge the water-loving creature you are. The spa uses the curative powers of Ayurveda in its treatments, massages, and body scrubs.
How does the thought of soaking in a bath with flower petals while admiring the magnificent Taj Mahal sound? Too fantastical? That’s exactly what you get at the Oberoi Amarvilas Spa, which is located just 600 metres away from the Taj Mahal. Apart from the awe-inspiring view, the use of exotic herbal oils, traditional Ayurvedic therapies, and authentic Thai massages are just some of the specialities of the luxury spa resort. The purifying neem bath, milk and rose bath, marigold baths, and detox herbal baths are also worth indulging in.
