Illustrious for its culture and festivities, India makes a delightful place for a traveler to experience. It is known as the melting pot of spirituality and traditions. But above all, the country takes pride in presenting a beautiful world of its own through ancient structures and design. All these put together makes a picture perfect scene of what India truly is.
The country has earned its place on a vacationer’s map for being one of the most exotic countries to visit. And why not, ancient forts and magnificent palaces across the country have their own tales to tell through their palatial and regal architectures. These structures have been influenced by different eras and governance of empires and western nations that urges travelers of all ages to witness its grandeur.
For over the last decade or two, many of these palaces and forts have transformed into luxurious estates and resorts. These lavish places have been converted by various hospitality groups for guests willing to explore the princely lifestyle. Several other hospitality companies have also harped on these architectural influences for its hotels making them too stand out like the real ones. These spaces make room for stunning restaurants, open air terraces for performances and also calming wellness centers.
Spa Mantra spans across the nation to find these most captivating wellness centers built within the heritage structures…
The Spa, Jehan Numa Palace Hotel, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
A 19th century Palace, Jehan Numa is nestled on the slopes of Shamla Hill is set on five acres of lush green lawns and splashes of colourful bougainvillea. It is a superb example of a blend of British Colonial, Italian Renaissance and classical Greek architecture. Located among large open spaces of lush greenery and exotic flora, its guests can get away to a world of quiet serene relaxation close to nature.
Among its leisure activities the palace hotel hosts like riding, swimming and state of the art fitness centre, while its spa is priceless. A tranquil oasis dedicated to well-being, the spa offers unrivalled luxury, privacy and comfort in which to unwind and refresh. The six room spa provides everything from invigoration to pampering in its array of body treatments and skin therapies, all by appointment. The experience at the magnificent location is enhanced as guests have access to a fully equipped steam, sauna and jacuzzi as well as personalized Jehan Numa service.
Contact: 157, Shamala Hills, Bhopal,Madhya Pradesh 462013, Shymala Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462002. Tel: 0755 266 1100
Jiva Royal Spa, Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
2000 feet above Hyderabad, Taj Falaknuma Palace’s 60 beautifully refurbished and lovingly restored rooms allows one to take a journey into the clouds and the glided ages, where grandeur and excess is celebrated and savoured in equal measure. The former residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad, Falaknuma Palace has been rightfully leased by the Royal Family of Hyderabad to the Taj Group of Hotels Resorts and Palaces with Royal Family members having personally supervised part of the Palace’s refurbishment.
While at the Nizam’s palace guests can get one with the mind, body and soul as the Royal Jiva Spa transports you to a time when relaxation was both a finely-honed art and a practiced science. With a philosophy rooted in traditional Indian approaches to wellness, the Jiva Spa is all about holistic rejuvenation and centers you like nothing else will. The rejuvenation experiences are masterminded by well-trained experts armed with exclusive natural products and a gentle approach to all round healing.
Jiva Spas has its own wellness menu that proves what’s good for you can be absolutely delicious. Traditional cooking techniques combine with modern gastronomy to create a wealth of Asian, Western and Indian fare that is satisfyingly light and delectably healthy.
Contact: Engine Bowli, Falaknuma, Hyderabad-500054, Andhra Pradesh. Tel: 040 6629 8585
Kalari Kovilakom, Palakkad, Kerala
Kalari Kovilakom, is one of its kind; located on the foothills of Kerala’s Annamalai Hills, it is a haven for those inclined to know or cure oneself with Ayurvedic treatments. The magnificent 19th century royal palace has been restored and reincarnated as a luxury wellness retreat that offers Ayurveda in its most authentic form. 18 palatial suites retain all the grandeur and romance of the past combining vast four-poster beds with added comforts of air conditioning and luxury bathrooms. Kalari Kovilakom is like stepping into another time zone, a total retreat from life’s fast lane.
With echoes of ashram-like austerity, guests must stay for a minimum of 14 days and nights to benefit from the ancient Indian techniques, which, if followed correctly, promise a new body, a new mind and a deep connection with the spirit. Traditional treatments, specific to one’s own needs and Ayurvedic body type, use herbs freshly picked from Kalari Kovilakom’s extensive and lush gardens. Yoga and meditation complement the treatments to provide deep healing from within.
Contact: Kollengode, Palakkad, Kerala, 678506, Tel: 04923 263 737
Jiva Spa, Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan
With the Aravalli Mountains and city palaces as a backdrop one gets an impending sense of enchantment at the Taj Lake Palace. Accommodations at Taj Lake Palace are as delightful as the exterior. The decorative gilt moldings, sculpted marble columns, and fine fretwork screens impressed even the Maharaja who held court in this very room in the 1930s. Just like its magnificent exterior and stunning interiors the palace also boasts about its beautiful Jiva Spa.
The ethos of the spa’s carefully created treatments is drawn on the rich and ancient wellness heritage of India, the fabled lifestyle and culture of Indian Royalty and the healing therapies that embrace Indian spirituality. The spa’s experiences are offered by trained experts, using exclusive natural products in a fresh and harmonious setting. The Jiva Spa assures to undertake the journey within, through an array of rejuvenating holistic treatments, meaningful rituals and ceremonies for a truly calming experience.
Choose from among signature treatments, Indian therapies, aromatherapy, scrubs and wraps and Beauty services. Two individual and one couple’s treatment room are available. Treatments are also given in the Royal Spa Suite and Jiva Spa Boat.
Contact; P.O. Box 5, Lake Pichola, Udaipur – 313001, Rajasthan, India Tel: +91 294 2428800
Devi Spa by L’Occitane, Devi Garh Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan
The Devi Spa by L’Occitane at Devi Garh Palace is one of India’s most luxurious wellness retreats providing a holistic wellbeing experience. What’s unique about this spa is that guests are encouraged to pluck fresh flowers and herbs they would like mixed with natural L’Occitane products to create recipes prepared a-la minute for their treatments while the protocols incorporate the best of the west and east, with Swedish, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Balinese, Shiatsu and Ayurveda combined with exclusive L’Occitane sequences.
Harmonizing the indoor treatment rooms are the picturesque outdoor spa cabanas which offer a choice of view of the majestic 18th century palace. Crafted tactfully to incorporate warm sunrises and splendid sunsets into the spa experience, the spa truly provides a unique visual spectacle. Light orange hues comprise of the spa’s colour palette. Immortelle and Lavender bunches are scattered tastefully across 5 indoor treatment rooms overlooking a colorful herb garden. Each treatment room offers a private steam and shower.
Contact: Devi Garh Palace, Udaipur, Delwara, NH-8, near Eklingji Udaipur, Udaipur, 313202
Sansha Spa, Neemrana Fort-Palace, Alwar, Rajasthan
Neemrana Fort-Palace is a15th century property, one of the oldest heritage resorts of India, sprawled over 25 acres of land, with a backdrop of the Aravalli Ranges. One of the splendid sites to experience is the Sansha Spa that is spread over 10,000 square feet. It offers exclusive Ayurvedic therapies performed by fully-trained therapists to ensure that recipients detox and de-stress themselves amidst a luxurious and pampering setup. At Neemrana, Sansha Spa’s signature therapy is the ‘Shirodhara Abhyangam’ that helps discover the innate healing power.
The spa boasts five fully-equipped treatment rooms, three steam rooms, a huge Yoga hall, a live demonstration hall, fountain showers and large swimming pools surrounded by hills. The swanky Jacuzzis, fitness centre and expert counseling by trainers and beauty consultants definitely add to the rejuvenation process.
Contact: Neemrana Fort-Palace, Village Neemrana (Delhi-Jaipur highway), Alwar, Rajasthan, 301705, India
Panghat Spa By Zivaya, Gorbandh Palace, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Gorbandh Palace, an edifice of yellow sandstone with intricately carved balconies is characteristic of the ‘Golden City’ of Jaisalmer. The Gorbandh Palace hotel is enroute to the Sam Sand Dunes, offers contemporary luxuries in peaceful surroundings within proximity to the world famous ‘Havelies’ and the Jaisalmer. Hotel Gorbandh Palace built for comfort and leisure in desert and so is the Panghat Spa too.
The spa is managed by Zivaya meaning radiance. Zivaya, just like their motto is to bring out our inner radiance through pampering treatments, rituals and therapies. Zivaya spa personifies splendor by perfecting the lost art of making clients feel special, from the moment they associate with the brand. It is a beautiful spa spread across 600-700 sq. ft. area. Interiors have hues of yellows and blues contributing the feel of Indian traditional space. The spa offers ayurvedic and Eurpoean treatments with facilities of 4 treatment rooms and 2 wet rooms.
Contact: Gorbandh Palace, Ram Kund Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Tel: 02992 253801
The Spa, The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, Rajasthan
The Oberoi Spa and Fitness Centre at The Oberoi Udaivilas encompass two floors with a circular balcony looking onto an atrium with a central dome from which hangs a crystal chandelier. The second floor of the Oberoi Spa includes eight therapy suites ideally suited for couples or guests who would like to share their experience. Some suites offer magnificent views of Lake Pichola, the City Palace and beyond. The Oberoi Spa also includes individual treatment rooms for manicure and pedicure, and a Spa Pool overlooking the Lake and the dramatic Aravalli mountain range.
Expert therapists provide a variety of professionally administered therapies and programmes ranging from the best in traditional Ayurveda to Aromatherapy. Holistic, non-clinical therapies are designed to relax, rejuvenate and pamper. Extended personalized programmes are also available. The Oberoi Udaivilas also offers private yoga sessions conducted by the hotel Yogacharya.
Contact: Haridasji Ki Magri, Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001. Phone: 0294 243 3300
Tags: Ayurveda, heritage, India, Resorts, spa, spa spaces, yoga
