A trip to India wouldn’t be complete without a day at one of the fabulous spas and retreats dotted around the country. Whether you spend an hour on a chilled out foot massage or facial to a whole week rejuvenating yourself with Ayurveda, yoga and massage, we’ve picked out some of the best spas for you to indulge.
Ananda in the Himalayas, Uttranchal
This fashionable wellness sanctuary is located in a restored royal palace in the Himalayan foothills and claims, among other things, to have the world’s oldest billiards table. Ananda offers a blend of therapeutic treatments based on Ayurveda, yoga and meditation, as well as the European and Thai treatments to purify and soothe the body. Perched above the holy city of Rikikesh on the Ganges, it’s a short day’s drive or helicopter hop from New Delhi.
The Angsana, Bangalore
The highly acclaimed Angsana Bangalore (which is managed by the Singapore-based Banyan Tree group) is located out of town and offers a variety of holistic, therapeutic, and customized spa programmes. These include the rejuvenating Tomato Body Wrap, the soothing Tangerine Body Wrap, the exfoliating Honey and Sesame Scrub.
Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
The spa suites at Udavilas offer rejuvenation and relaxation on a royal scale. There are spectacular views of Picchola Lake and the City Palace outside, while inside the ‘Royal Treasures’ will overwhelm you with sandalwood and turmeric scrubs, tomato wraps and massages capped by a milk and rose bath.
The Leela, Goa
The Leela Goa is set beside the banks of the River Sal on 75 acres of prime Arabian Sea beachfront. All rooms face the water and the spa specialises in Ayurvedic treatments, but also offers yoga, western spa therapies, sauna, steam and massage.
Taj Fisherman’s Cove, Chennai
The chic Spa Vyana at the smart Taj Fisherman’s Cove is a superb choice. Fringing the Bay of Bengal, all rooms have views of the sea and the spa offers a vast array of therapies, from Thalassotherapy and hydrotherapy to hot stones, massage, wraps and facials. There’s also a suite for couples to enjoy treatments together before a long soak surrounded by scented candles.
