Are you thinking of babies and diapers? Well stop, because we’re talking about spa retreats! The Mumbai Mix Team brings you a few of the most indulgent spas from across the country so you can spend your weekend in a state of bliss
There are plenty of ways to beat the heat, and we’re sure you conjured up a list of getaway destinations as soon as summer set in. However, retreating to one of these spas could beat every hill station and beach holiday on your list. Being away from the constant buzz of the city not only brings you closer to nature, but also allows you to bask in a little silence and serenity, even if its only for a short while. Today, even busy, career-oriented people understand the importance of taking some time off to regroup and rejuvenate, so there are almost double the number of spas than there were a couple of years ago. And, they’re generally all great spas to visit. But, when you feel the need to get away from the chaos of the city and want the experience of a lifetime as you lay back and relax all day long, you may find what you’re looking for at one of these locations.
KAYA KALP
The name of the spa is derived from a Sanskrit word, meaning rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul. Kaya Kalp offers you a range of experiences to pick from — and through their treatments, they recapture the spiritual and medicinal legacies that our country boasts of. Kerman Lalkaka, the general manager at ITC Grand Central, says, “At ITC Grand Central, the major rituals offered at Kaya Kalp include the Exotic Pomegranate Spa Journey and the Passage to India Spa Journey, the de-stressing therapeutic Hot Stone Massage, the Tension Reliever Massage and a traditional Gemstone Massage that utilises gemstones along with natural aromatic Indian blends. We are inspired by the pomegranate, the royal fruit of the Mughal era, which was brought to India by Mughal Emperor Babur, and the fruit is the motif of the spa. Known for its antioxidant and medicinal properties, health benefits as well as for the external applications, the fruit is used not just as decoration, but also for the treatments we offer.” Their packages range from `18,000 to `89,000 for three to six days.
Where Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Contact 0562-4021700/ www.itcwelcomgroup.in
ESPA, THE LEELA Mumbai
While this is a day spa retreat, it makes our list because it offers you everything you need to detox through the day — you never have to leave ESPA! They even have a specially designed spa cuisine menu and you can consult their therapist about gluten-free, organic, local and seasonal ingredients as well. Each ESPA Retreat package begins with a welcome foot cleanse, rosehip exfoliation and consultation to prepare your mind and body for the experiences that follow. Get ready for a real treat here, as you’re pampered with experiences that include the City Escape, the Jetlag Eliminator, the Deep Muscle Back Massage, the Tension Relieving Scalp Massage and the Invigorating Body Reviver. Dr. Tania Bardhan, group spa manager, tells us, “The spa at The Leela Mumbai is about luxury and offers the best in western spa technology along with ancient Ayurvedic techniques. Our treatment menu boasts of layering unique European, Eastern and Ayurvedic philosophies. This offers our guests new holistic experiences. The unique combination of luxury settings, an integrated spa menu and products from the purest ingredients ensures that our guests have an unparalleled spa experience.” Booking a slot at ESPA costs between `1,950 and `11,000. We recommend the Royal Leela Facial as part of your indulgence, in which warm poultices are blended with herbs that improve the condition of your skin. And, the best part about this is that you don’t have to leave the city!
Where The Leela Mumbai, Greater Indra Nagar, Andheri (e)
Contact 66911234/ www.theleela.com
SAWADHEE TRADITIONAL THAI SPA
It is impossible to escape the stress and pressure of today’s world. Between work and your personal life, we wouldn’t blame you if you often felt overwhelmed. Sawadhee Traditional Thai Spa offers you some of the most relaxing signature treatments worth a flight to Delhi to indulge in. Their Sawadhee Hot Stone Massage is a unique 90-minute therapy aimed at balancing and enhancing the energy centres of your body using volcanic stones. The stones are warmed and applied on your skin using special strokes, which soothe sore muscles and balance the energy flow through the chakras of your body. They also offer a Lotus Signature Massage that combines eastern philosophy with western techniques. It incorporates the Swedish massage technique of applying force on certain pressure points in order to release blocked energy and create a balance in your body. They also use a generous amount of herbals and this hot herbal compress works on sprains and joint stiffness and also stimulates blood circulation. A simple foot massage will cost you `900, while the massage rituals will set you back anywhere between `1,250 and `6,500.
Where Sawadhee Traditional Thai Spa, Plot No. 3, Local Shopping Center, Pocket C-9, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
Contact 011-40576340/ 41/ www.sawadhee.com
WILDFLOWER HALL SPA
Shimla is everybody’s go-to location when you’re looking for a budget holiday in the country. Located in Himachal Pradesh at the foothills of the Himalayas, the city is not only a beautiful place, it’s also home to several spa retreats. One that we love is the Wildflower Hall Spa, a property of the Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. The spa combines luxury and serenity to good effect and offer exclusive massages, yoga and Ayurvedic treatments at magnificent locations around the hotel grounds. Their Signature Indigenous Rituals are both exciting and relaxing. The Shivalik Retreat is a rejuvenating combination of therapies that begins with a gentle body scrub created from locally grown marigold and basil. This is followed by the signature Oberoi therapy, designed to relieve tension. A relaxing Indian foot massage completes the ritual. Retreat packages start at `2,500.
Where Wildflower Hall, Shimla Kufri Highway, Chharabra, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Contact 0177-2648585/ www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-shimla-wfh/spa-fitness
JIVA SPA, VIVANTA BY TAJ – PRESIDENT
Known for its fine hospitality and for one of the warmest welcome rituals in the industry, the Taj Group of Hotels has the best spa resorts that you would ever think of escaping to! Their treatments are not only based on ancient Indian healings, but are also paired with contemporary therapies. Whether it is an aromatherapy, time-honoured wellness treatments or simply a body scrub and wrap, you can sit back and unwind with acres of lush green and sprawling lawns as your view! The exquisite experience doesn’t end there — guests staying at the hotel can indulge in a specially curated menu created by their executive chefs and expert nutritionists. Now, here’s a spa treatment fit for a king! The spa here could set you back `3,500, for starters.
Where Jiva Spa, Vivanta by Taj – President, 90 Cuffe Parade
Contact 66650808/ www.jivaspa.tajhotels.com
THE OBEROI AMARVILAS
With majestic fretwork doors and ornamented miniature portraits of marble and sandstone, the spa at The Oberoi Amarvilas is one of the finest in the world — no surprises there! The best thing about this luxurious indulgence is the views while you are pampered; you can not only enjoy hours of relaxation in the therapy room overlooking at the Taj Mahal, you can also choose to sit back and enjoy a manicure or pedicure with a view of their lush gardens. Their classic revitalising therapies include, pomegranate orange exfoliations, pomegranate orange body envelopments, classic Hungarian body wraps and contouring body wraps. You could also simply indulge in a 120-minute-long session in the healing waters, which includes an exfoliation with sea salts and moor mud. Besides, they also boast of well-equipped gym facilities and a gorgeous swimming pool. We’re sure you don’t need another excuse to pack your bags! Book a retreat here from `6,000 to `15,000.
Where The Oberoi Amarvilas, Taj East Gate Road, Near Taj Mahal, Agra
Contact 0562-2231515/ www.oberoihotels.com
THE HIMALAYAN
With the crisp mountain air for company, this hotel is nicely tucked away in a space devoid of air pollution, some 6,000 feet above sea level. “We do have a very large Kitchen Garden and its exotic organic produce often finds its way on to our Food & Beverage Menu. Here, you can spot many birds in their natural habitat. With so much life thriving in the vicinity, you will leave healthier than when you came in,” says Nishat Mohi, director of The Himalayan. With an array of massages including the Kerala Traditional Ayurveda Massage, a full body massage using warm herbal medicated oils, the Ayur Kizhi, a treatment to help you relieve your muscular tension and the Shiroabhiyangam, an ayurvedic head massage, The Himalayan is more than just a spa retreat. As Nishat says, “Though getaway is a cliché, this is exactly what we offer!” Prices start at `2,500, and you can also go hiking on the nearby trails and enjoy the beautiful outdoors in the vicinity after you’ve had a rejuvenating massage.
Where The Himalayan, Hadimba Road, Manali, Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Contact 8894005999/ www.thehimalayan.com
ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS
If you’re the sort of person who loves variety, Ananda has 80 different options for you — everything from Ayurveda, Oriental and European systems of holistic health has found a home within their 24,000-square-foot space. Book their retreat and their team of qualified nutritionists, physicians and spa therapists will tell you precisely what ancient Indian science or modern Western treatment your body needs and which of their 24 treatments suit you best. After the spa session, you can unwind in their temperature-controlled outdoor lap pool or visit the 16-station life-cycle gym! If you’re looking for something more substantial, they also offer special workshops and private sessions with visiting Masters — these are teachers, therapists, healers and Ayurvedic doctors who will guide you to holistic well-being. Their services involving Ayurveda will leave you cleansed and revitalised, whereas their Satyananda Yoga sessions will help you de-stress. The best part is that you can travel to Rishikesh anytime you want to witness the sacred Ganga Aarati! Gregory Ugrin, spa director, says, “Our guests experience wellness in ways that have meaning. They discover new states of well-being, and deepen holistic health of mind, body and spirit. The uniqueness of Ananda in the Himalayas is the result of many qualities weaving together. Our essence emerges from the traditions of Ayurveda, yoga and Vedanta (the spiritual philosophy of India). Our wellness identity expands into international spa offerings such as Tibetan rituals, Aromatherapy and Thai Massage. Guests can also get cutting edge bodywork modalities from our Visiting Masters. We awaken vibrant well-being through ancient health traditions together with luxury.” Book a retreat here for between `2,400 and `15,500.
Where The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar Tehri – Garhwal, Narendra Nagar, Uttarakhand
Contact 01378-227500/ www.anandaspa.com