Spas & Yoga

Never have candles been burned at quite such an intensity as in modern times and never has there been a greater need for pampered relaxation to de-stress, de-tox and work the kinks out of body, mind and spirit. Recognising and reacting to these trends, a number of hotels and resorts have added spas and yoga classes to their establishments. Whether it’s a treat for the girlies or just making the most of some precious time off as a busy Mum or Dad, we have come up with some of the finest spas and their attendant facilities throughout the subcontinent. We can recommend any combination of activity to mix in with a dedicated spa break or base a holiday incorporating hotels or resorts where spas, yoga and Ayurvedic treatment are part of the “activities”. The one spa that we absolutely recommend in India is based in the Himalayas, near Rishikesh the birthplace of yoga. Called “Ananda” it was voted the top spa of the world in 2005. In Bangalore is another world class spa called Shreyas. Pawan Malik, an Indian who had been working abroad in the world of finance returned to India and created his dream: a stylish retreat set in 25 acres of stunning gardens. Here they apply the eternal Vedic instruction – Athithi Devo Bhava – Treat thy guest as an embodiment of the Divine. Shreyas offers both traditional and Ashthanga Yoga. As well as Yoga, guests can work in the enormous herb and vegetable gardens and really get away as far as possible from the stresses and strains of modern life. This is a true retreat geared to self-discovery, where the aim is to bring the best of Indian Spiritual wisdom and philosophical tradition regardless of religious beliefs.

In addition to spas, India is the birthplaces of the increasingly well-known Ayurveda treatments for those who have ailments they are seeking to cure. Somatheeram in Kerala remains the professional in beautiful surroundings on the beach.

In the Maldives and the Seychelles The Banyan Hotel and Spa must rank amongst the finest as does Christina Ong’s beautiful hotel and spa at Cocoa Island in the Maldives. She has also opened the superb Uma Paro in the enchanted Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan which literally and figuratively is close to Heaven!