An hour’s drive from airport, takes me through the city to the busy Sarkhej-Sanand Highway, off which is the lush green 75-acre property, which houses the Golf & Country Club with all its facilities. I am given a warm welcome by Dr. Manish Patwardhan, CEO, Spa Consultants, who‘s company has been working from the beginning to set up the spa, and now operates it under their Urban Nirvana brand.
When avid spa buff Alpesh Parikh, owner and M.D, Gulmohar Greens – Golf and Country Club developed it in 2006, his idea was to create an integrated resort and a classy spa destination on the outskirts of the city where members of all ages would enjoy its superb sports and leisure facilities. Having visited some exceptional spas in India and Asia, he wanted to offer a similar ambience and experiences in his spa. But it was early days yet, and the concept and awareness of ‘spa’ was almost non-existent then. So it was only in 2010 that the spa project took off, and Spa Buddha was launched on 3rd March, 2013. Built with great passion, the spa will attract the local Ahmedawadis who will make up its prime clientele.
Concept
“We wanted to create a world class spa with the luxury of ‘space’. Being a part of a golf property gave us spectacular views of the vast greens and this is indeed luxury in an urban environment like Ahmedabad” says Parikh. The idea was to create a feeling of being ‘close to nature’ and give the guests a feel of being in a villa surrounded by trees and plants.
Even though Spa Buddha is located on the first floor, the presence of fragrant flowering white frangipani (champa) and several open to sky areas in the spa bring the outside in. Moreover, the spa has vantage views of the lush green golf course from most rooms and is surrounded by pools and water bodies with fountains, adding to the ambience. A conscious effort to try and bring nature inside the spa as much as possible is very clear from the way the entrance lobby, heated pool area, foot massage area, spa suite as well as the way the wet area in each treatment room has been designed.
Architecture
Located in a standalone semi-circular building on the first floor, the spa occupies an expansive 35,000 sq.ft. of space.“We had also clear idea that we wanted the space to be designed organically and not to make it geometric in nature or bound by corners,” says Dr. Manish Patwardhan. This is evident in the curvilinear shape of rooms, walls and passages. Textured white walls have rounded corners and are etched with stylized trees in relief, while the white and beige colour scheme which dominates the spa adds to its cool and pristine look-feel. Ample use of pebbles, sand, stone and plants makes for a predominantly natural look.
Designed by husband and wife architect team Nimish Patel and Parul Zaveri, with architect Jayshil Patel doing the interior design, the spa boasts of a stunning deck with a heated pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the golf course. The concept revolves around Buddha, which is very clear once you take a quick round of the Spa. The reception entrance is flanked on either side by a Buddha head etched in mirrors while a benign full length reclining Buddha statue presides over the luxurious foot spa/reflexology area. Spa Consultants agreed that the spa would be called ‘Spa Buddha’ by ‘Urban Nirvana’ as they would be operating the spa.
Spaciously designed with eight treatment rooms, eight foot spa/reflexology stations, independent ladies and men’s changing rooms, besides the reception and the relaxation areas reflects the well thought out concept, keeping financial viability in mind. The initial plan was double the size it is now, but it was reduced, purely looking at the project viability. In fact a Salon and Nail bar was also planned, which was also cancelled later, for the same reason.
Most importantly, the Spa has a separate admin office and a relaxation area for the spa therapists with two comfortable bunk beds, a pantry and a sit out, which is essential but not always found in Day Spas.
Challenges
“I wanted to do the spa in the best way possible, most luxuriously. But sometimes things can be very expensive, especially in terms of controlling costs to keep the project viable. So we decided to do reverse integration so as to create economical versions. I, my team, my consultants and engineers were absolutely clear that we wanted to develop the spa indigenously so that the project would make money” Parikh tells me.
So the luxurious wooden flooring for the treatment rooms came from a ship breaking yard, and all the stone pieces including the opulent single piece carved marble bath tubs, the stone wash basins and the two magnificent reclining Buddhas were customized and made to order from Udaipur in Rajasthan.
However, having such a huge space in itself was a challenge in terms of maintenance and housekeeping avers Dr. Patwardhan, who doesn’t see generating business a huge challenge. “We may take time to generate business, but looking at the residential blocks developing around this area, I am sure that it will not be a big challenge.”
Products & Treatments
All products being used in the Spa are International or very good Indian brands such as Forest Essentials for facials. The Spa uses some unique Clay based products for the Golfers Menu to help them reduce the chances of muscle injuries and also recuperate faster and retails Aloe Derma (Retail line).
Treatments include Fulll Body Massages as well as Express Massages; Body Scrubs, Wraps and Baths; Facials; Men’s Essentials; and in keeping with the location, a unique menu created for Golfers.
Dr. Patwardhan feels that ‘service’ will be their winning card given his experienced and highly trained team with an experience of minimum 4 years in the industry, and feels this Spa will become one of the best spas in India in coming years.
Marketing Strategy
Parikh feels that biggest USP of Spa Buddha is that it is at the Gulmohar Greens – Golf and Country Club, which is the closest golf course to the city, is just 9 km. away and already hosts several visiting golfers from other cities. “Of course we do have in house Golf members (about 3500 already) as well to cater to!”
It is clear that the marketing strategy will address Golfers, existing Club Members, the Residential complexes nearby, Loyalty Programs and Membership programs, and the strong use of Social Media by ‘Urban Nirvana’.
R&R
So, rest, relax and unwind at Spa Buddha by Urban Nirvana…..its DNA will ensure that you do.
