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As the birthplace of Ayurveda – a Hindu holistic therapy focused
on prolonging life and promoting physical and spiritual
an
equilibrium – India is already well-established for retreats.
But as it grows in popularity, so Ayurveda has been discovering
a foothold in other Indian Ocean destinations too. Ananda in the
Himalayas (see below) built its second home not in India, but in
Mauritius, launching the Shanti Ananda there in 2006. Other
resorts such as Taj Exotica Maldives have also embraced the
Ayurvedic phenomenon and there more options available in the
Maldives, including One&Only Reethi Rah.
Meanwhile The Seychelles, some 1,400 miles away, now boasts
more spas than ever before, including those at Banyan Tree and the
new Four Seasons, as well as the La Prairie spa at Maia.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT LANDAA
GIRAAVARU
Where is it: One of two Four Seasons Resorts in the Maldives,
india & the
Landaa Giraavaru is a blissful paradise island in the Baa Atoll, 30
minutes by seaplane from the Maldivian capital of Male.
What’s it like: The resort’s Spa and Ayurvedic Retreat provides
the best of both worlds, stretching from the lush tropical gardens
that reside at the heart of the island down to the sea, where four of
indian oce
the 10 individual thatched treatment pavilions are situated on
stilts over the ocean. Three of the pavilions are dedicated to
Ayurvedic therapy and there is even a “floating” yoga pavilion
designed to provide the ultimate in calm for those who want to
participate in morning or evening meditation.
Who’s it for: Honeymooners who are looking for an exceptional
spa alongside their five-star, sand-fringed Maldivian sanctuary;
regarded as one of the best spas in the Four Seasons portfolio, it’s
one for serious spa-goers.
Wow factor: The Himalayan crystal facial is a real anti-aging treat.
Blended with luxury ingredients such as honey, gotu kola, neem
and Omega 3s, this warm and deeply sensuous massage promises
three of the best
to melt away stress lines and relax the face completely. clockwise from main rooms offering holistic treatments
The Rock Spa, such as powder massages and
ANANDA Fregate Private Island medicated oil therapy. There are
Where is it: Once the Thanks to its own natural onsite also one to three-day relaxation
private residence of apothecary, this impressive programmes available for guests.
Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, 48,000sq ft cliff-top spa prepares kempinski-kovalam.com
this exquisite property its own botanical treatments using
nestles in the foothills of 100% organic, fresh and seasonal Huvafen Fushi, The Maldives
the Himalaya – about island-grown ingredients. Entered Clients that want to sample the
260km north east of the through a granite canyon edged by world’s first underwater spa should
Indian capital of Delhi – tumbling waterfalls and glistening visit Huvafen Fushi, which features
surrounded by lush Sal pools, the Creole-style spa is two double treatment rooms and
forests and overlooking the perfect for guests that want to be a separate relaxation area that
meandering River Ganges. at one with nature. fregate.com/en provides unique views over the
anandaspa.com surrounding seascape. Treatments
What’s it like: Although Divya at The Leela Kempinski from the Anne Semonin brand are
this 24,000sq ft spa is best known for its Ayurvedic treatments Kovalam Beach available both here and in the six
and yoga facilities, its 24 treatment rooms also offer a comprehen- This 8,000sq ft sea-facing spa and over-water treatment rooms.
sive collection of international therapies, including Swedish and yoga studio has eight treatments huvafenfushimaldives.co.uk
Thai massage, reflexology and Dead Sea mud wraps. Natural oils
feature heavily on the menu of treatments.
Who’s it for: Those seeking complete
solitude in one of the world’s most
celebrated spas; Ananda in the Himalayas
HOW TO BOOK IT
was voted the number one destination spa
Wellbeing Escapes offers a
for three years running by Conde Nast
five-night “Ananda Active”
Traveller magazine.
programme from £1,850pp
Wow factor: The 75-minute Pizhichil
based on two sharing a Palace
treatment is one of Ayurveda’s most
View room. The package
indulgent therapies. At one time only
includes full board, UK
return flights and transfers,
made available to Indian royalty, the
a wellness consultation,
treatment consists of the recipient’s entire
four treatments and several
body being slowly and rhythmically
excursions. anointed in rich, lukewarm herbal oils
Tel: 0845 602 6202, which are gently massaged in to dissolve
wellbeingescapes.co.uk
toxins, increase flexibility and
strengthen natural immunity.
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