Kochi, erstwhile known as Cochin, is Kerala’s most centrally-located business hub. Although the city is recognized by many as the commercial capital of the state, it is much more to offer than financial centers. From busy ports to backwaters and lush green gardens surrounding the city, the small town is a restorative place to vacation at, making the place perennially buzz with national and international visitors.
But it is never crowded to the extent that one would be stranded without a roof over their heads at this invigorating place. One can easily choose from lavish hotels and heritage houses to rent and relax at for a few days. What makes it more interesting, is that each of these resorts or ancient homes have accommodated the latest fad of having a spa or an Ayurvedic center within the property. This makes it easier for the guests to unwind and indulge at the hotel rather than having to stroll out for an Ayurvedic massage.
Spa Mantra chooses and presents some of these best hotel and day spas and Ayurveda centers that Kochi has to offer…
Cochin India Spa
If unwinding is on your mind, the luxurious Hotel Dream Cochin has just the right solution for your stressed mind. The hotel houses a full-fledged spa within its lavish space. From holistic therapies and beauty services to a fully-equipped fitness centre and Cochin India Spa will deliver a world of deep relaxation. The hotel encourages their guests to replenish their body and soul with a deep-tissue Ayurvedic massage, organic aromatherapy treatment, or a bracing sauna and steam bath. For fitness-conscious individuals, cardio and weight training by professional personal trainers are available to design and oversee invigorating workouts. One can surely rediscover a rich sense of balance, health and fitness through the exquisite treatments at this world-class revolutionary Cochin India Spa.
Contact: Hotel Dream Cochin, Elamkulam Sahodaran Ayyappan Road, Ernakulam, Kerala 682020. Tel: 0484 412 9999 or visit- www.dreamcochin.com
Le Revive
Experience the perfect rejuvenation with authentic Ayurveda as you explore Le Revive Spa at the prestigious Le Méridien Kochi. Le Revive is an authentic Ayurveda spa that offers a variety of services to refresh the mind and mend the body. When Ayurveda is infused into a contemporary setting, the result is Le Revive. Le Revive offers a choice of Ayurveda spa treatments such as Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Elakizhi, Mukhalepana and so on to fight day-to-day stress. The guests also have the option to consult a Spa Manager or an Ayurveda doctor to get a treatment recommendation.
Among the numerous authentic treatments at the spa, Abhyanga and Shirodhara are the most sought-after ones with the hotel’s guests. All treatments are tailored to each individual’s specific needs with the intention of creating a space for true healing.
Contact: Le Meridien Kochi, Maradu, Cochin, Kerala 682304. Tel: 91 484 2705777 or visit http://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/property/
Jiva Spa
Vivanta by Taj – Malabar is home to the Jiva Spa here in Cochin. The hotel boasts of the spa being a place that concentrates on the ancient art and science of Ayurveda to help one rediscover the divinity within the mortal body. At Jiva, under the management of one of the country’s most respected ayurvedic institutions, this ancient art of wellness is brought to the guests in a well designed menu. In a serenely luxurious setting, a Vaidya – a qualified Ayurveda doctor – takes charge of your reawakening.
Every therapist has trained under Ayurveda Masters; while every treatment is well defined and tailor made for each guest based on their lifestyle and the body. The treatments are created from Jiva’s treasure chest of hundreds of medicated oils, each blended with herbs and secret natural ingredients, in a faithful recreation of the original recipes of eons past.
Contact: Vivanta by Taj – Malabar, Willingdon Island, Cochin – 682 009, Kerala, Tel: +91 484 664 3000 or visit: http://www.vivantabytaj.com
Trident Ayurveda Centre
The Ayurveda Centre at Trident Cochin is a rescue from the busy city life. Providing harmonious treatments and personalized programs designed to suit each guest, the Ayurveda Centre at Trident, Cochin embraces a pure, natural and holistic philosophy. The menu has carefully designed a large number of treatments to rejuvenate both the mind and body.
The Ayurveda Centre is located at the Lobby level, and can be accessed by taking a walk through the lush, tropical garden adjoining the pool, where a stone-paved path leads you past a serene pond in which golden carp swim below floating lily pads. Each of the therapy rooms have a specially fabricated Ayurveda treatment bed made from the wood of the Jackfruit tree, known for its medicinal properties. The wellness center sources products developed by Sahyadiri Pharmaceuticals. Sahyadri is the brand name for the activities of Peermade Development Society (PDS) related to Ayurveda and Traditional medicine.
Contact: Trident Cochin, Bristow Road, Williindin Island, Cochin, Kerala. Tel: +91 484 3081000 or visit: http://www.tridenthotels.com/
Fruit Spa
A popular day spa in the heart of the city offers delightful and calming treats. The spa is recognized for its world-class experience. Their menu comprises a manifestation of a variety of unique treatments all vested with a distinctly fruity touch. Fruit Spa is a retreat of unparalleled luxury and serenity offering the latest in wellbeing, body and skin care treatments. Beyond friendly pampering, sensible therapeutic treatments also restore’s guests inner serenity.
Contact: 40/1819 -B 3, First Floor, Alliance Residency, Next to Bay Pride Mall, Marine Drive, Cochin – 31 or visit http://www.fruitspa.in
A Kalari Massage
A combat’s situation demands an extremely agile, strong and supple body, which would instantly obey the signals of an alert and sharp mind. For this a kalari massage is given to a combat/ warrior before the actual art is performed. A massage of such kind involves a therapist or the kalari master to use his hand and feet to massage the recipient using medicated oils. The masseur uses nadisuthra kriya to apply pressure with the fingers, thumb or toe at certain points on the body. These pressure points (Marma points) are areas where there is a high concentration of Prana. Prana is the energy which gives life for the living organism.
Where can you get it?
There are many Ayurvedic and wellness centers in Kerala that offer Kalari massages. One such place devoted to this kind of massages is at Kalari Ayurvedic spa within The Malbara House at Fort Cochin. The center is managed and operated by Dakshina Bharatha Kalari – a 75-year-old training house that imparts and develops Kalari skills in their students. They function not only at The Malabar House but in various centers too.
How does it benefit?
Treatments like dislocation of joints, disc/ spinal cord problems, joint pains cervical problems etc. can be elevated with a Kalari massage. Treatments in Kalari chikitsa have their own system ilakkumura (shaking of body parts), and marutattu (counter strokes) among others, which give the body a relief from its ailing problems.
Contact: The Malabar House, 1/ 269, Parade Road, Fort Cochin, Kerala. Tel: 04842216666
