It started out as a way for battle-weary Roman soldiers to cure wounds and ailments. The hot wells they found were called aquae and the treatments they underwent here were known as sanus per aquam, or spa. The famed spa town in Belgium was founded at this time. Today spas across the globe are synonymous with indulgence and relaxation. Read on to discover 10 spa surprises that offer something special.

SIN IN STYLE
You probably don't associate the original sin with tranquility. But the Adam and Eve Serenity Massage at Rajasthan's Devi Garh Fort Palace connects the two rather effectively. This deeply relaxing massage is performed in a chamber where the therapists use a special blend of oil called bliss created to enhance romance and closeness. The sensual music in the background helps transport you and your partner to a state of beatific togetherness. Devi Garh - recently showcased in Eklavya - is the perfect romantic get away for two. Nestled in the Aravalli Hills, this luxury hotel comprises 39 suites. Choose from the Devi Garh Suite Complex where the design philosophy embodies Shiv and Shakti - the male and female energies, embodied in Shiva, the Hindu God of destruction in conjunction with his consort Shakti who personifies the divine power of femininity. You can also book into the Palace Suite with its marble flooring and décor inlayed with semi-precious stone or an Aravalli Suite which lets you enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding hills.
Devi Garh Resort, Udaipur, Delwara, Near Eklingji, NH - 8, Nathdwara, District Rajsamand, Udaipur, Rajasthan - 313202
Tel : 0091 2953 289211 Fax : 0091 2953 289357
devigarh@deviresorts.com & sales@deviresorts.com

SOAK IN PLEASURE
Walk into the Spa Reception at Quan and the first thing that you will see is a sculpture of a person immersed in water, a precursor of the ecstasy in store. Quan, Chinese for the source of pure water, blends Oriental wisdom and ancient Indian knowledge to offer rejuvenating therapies that use the healing power of water. The pristine white décor with aqua tints infuses a sense of calmness while the treatment rooms are done up in shades of lime green, sky blue or warm orange based on the seven charka system. Bamboo flooring, candles, warm natural woods and natural stone and pebbles completes the rustic interiors. Sign up for the Ocean Rainshower Body Treatment which involves a full body exfoliation and spinal massage with spirulina and pure sea salts. The soothing water jets of their Vichy rainshower completes the treatment and leaves you thoroughly revitalised. Or try the relaxing foot ritual comprising a footbath with Himalayan bath salts, tangerine and rose followed by an exfoliation with wild organic thyme and peppermint oil. A massage finishes this sublime treatment. Their tagline, 'where words end and bliss begins', rings literally true.
Quan Spa - JW Marriott, Mumbai, Juhu Tara Road,Juhu Beach, Mumbai - 4000 49 India.
Tel:022 66933610.
quanspamumbai@marriotthotels.com

REGALE YOUR SENSES
Taj Spa at Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior, former residence of the late Maharaja Jiwajirao Scindia, is set amid acres of lush landscapes and the surrounding fruit and flowering trees, vast lawns, arched bridges and coloured fountain smacks of luxury. The spa abode is the heritage Royal Zenana Chambers, surrounded by sacred trees and pools. The royal treatment is not complete until you try their signature luxurious bathing ceremony. Undertaken before a coronation or wedding ceremony in earlier times, the Mangal Snan or auspicious bath involves an elaborate anointing ceremony and bathing rituals among swaying chanderi drapes. First the body is pampered with spices, herbs and oils to cleanse and exfoliate. This is followed by an imperial saffron bath using an exotic oil blend of mogra and gulheena to promote sensuality, spirituality and inner clarity. But the pampering doesn’t end here. Music therapy is known to have subtle effects on the nervous system, so the spa plays live Indian music ragas to complement this auspicious bath. Musicians serenade you from behind delicate filigree screens to protect privacy. A henna hand design completes this lavish soak.
Taj Spa, Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior, Jayendraganj Lashkar, Gwalior 474 009, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Tel.: 91 751 2444 000 Fax: 91 751 2444 018
ushakiran.gwalior@tajhotels.com

REVEL IN LANGUOR
Get glowing with exotic sea mineral therapies with the Samudra ritual at Sereno. This luxurious three-hour spa ritual starts with a purifying welcome ritual that involves soaking your feet in rose petals followed by exfoliation with rock salt. Next, head to the treatment rooms where the warm décor, soft lighting, soothing aroma oils and candles create a zen-like allure. Vetiver roots are used as a natural loofah to soothe the nerves. A warm marine algae mix is smeared all over your body to detoxify and cleanse. Traditional Marma massage and a marine facial hydrates and enriches the skin. Complete the calming ritual with a saffron-infused milk bath soak in their plunge pool. Evoking the ambience of a Goan village, the Sereno Spa offers other holistic treatments inspired by Ayurveda and yogic traditions. The interiors of this tranquil beach resort and spa are designed to be as close to nature as possible. And the quintessential bamboo and cane accessories, thatched roofs and open spaces overlooking the sea make it an ideal setting to enjoy a holiday and come away refreshed and serene.
Sereno Spa, Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa, Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa, Arossim Beach, Cansaulim, South Goa - 403712.
Tel: 0832 - 2721234 Fax: 0832 - 2721235

CELEBRATE THE FLESH
Experience an elaborate ritual formerly used by Indian wrestlers to provide relief to aching and tense muscles at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower. For the 55 minutes it lasts, you lie back and enjoy a powerful massage that uses pungent mustard oil, the conventional oil used in Gwalior, to soothe and pamper the skin. Unique oil blends of cardamom, betel leaf and rosewood are combined to stimulate your senses and leave you with supple, silky skin. If you are in the mood for something softer, try the sensual Kama scrub and wrap which combines ingredients like honey, sea-salt and essential oils of sesame, palmarosa and patchouli to smooth and nourish the skin. A warm blanket in the hydrotherapy room ensures that the ingredients are properly absorbed and you are transported to a state of nirvana. Adjoining a magnificent swimming pool and overlooking lush gardens, the Taj spa also has aromatherapy massages, body scrubs and wraps and a range of holistic healing therapies.
The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai, Apollo Bunder, Mumbai 400 001 India
Tel: (91-22) 6665 3366 Fax : (91-22) 66650323 /24
tmhresv.bom@tajhotels.com

DROWN IN BROWN
Pure indulgence, the chocolate and coffee therapies are the signature treatments at the Rejuvenation Centre at Shreyas. The 90-minute Chocolate Indulgence Exfoliating scrub uses rich dark cocoa, oats, rice powder and rose water to calm the senses and also provide anti-ageing benefits. This is followed by a cocoa and honey body mask and a cocoa butter massage to leave you with skin as smooth as dark chocolate. End your treatment with a steaming cup of hot chocolate to leave you thoroughly satiated. Alternatively try the Coffee Scrub to invigorate, stimulate and get rid of cellulite. An exfoliating scrub of ground coffee beans is applied, followed by a coffee mask and a relaxing massage to knead away aches and stress. A steaming cup of coffee frappe completes the treatment. A restorative programme, this spa uses ingredients grown in its own sprawling acres of foliage and are picked fresh when you choose a particular treatment. Besides chocolate and coffee scrubs, you can indulge in yogurt, honey, sandalwood or coconut cream treatments. Or simply pick organically grown ingredients from the gardens and create your own scrubs and masks.
Shreyas Yoga Retreat, Santoshima Farm, Gollahalli Gate, Nelamangala, Bangalore-562 123.
Tel: +91 80 2773 7102/103/183
reservations@shreyasretreat.com

LIVE LIFE QUEEN SIZE
Be a Mughal queen for a day with the Noor-E-Taj treatment. This holistic three-hour treatment was created as a tribute to the beauty traditions from the royal Mughal palaces. An almond cleansing scrub gently refines and moisturises, and a refreshing honey citrus wrap awakens the senses while softening and toning. A deep pressure Balinese massage helps balance the energy centers. Finish off with a soothing lavender milk bath.
Spread over nine acres of gardens, fountains, terraced lawns, pavilions and Moorish and Mughal architecture, this luxury hotel offers a spectacular view of the Taj Mahal as its situated just 600 meters from the mausoleum.
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, Taj East Gate, Uttar Pradesh, Agra, India - 282 001
Tel: 91 562 223 1515
reservations@eih-india.com

LOSE YOUR MIND
For the ultimate in relaxation, try the ‘Dry Floatation’ therapy at Delhi’s Amatrra. A new concept in wellness, the floterium is a small tank containing warm saline water which guarantees buoyancy. It’s designed to look like a mother’s womb and you lie on a bed while floating on water. Gaze at the twinkling stars above – and effect achieved through optic fibre lighting. Chanting mantras complete the warm, secure, transcendental experience. One hour on this equals four hours of sleep. Another treatment is the Tan Lepam herbal wrap to revitalise energy flows and leave skin glowing. It starts with a fragrant oil dripped onto the spine base, followed by a Tan lepa paste made of milk, cream and flower water. A cocoon of banana leaves, a warm shower and application of a flower lotion finishes the treatment. Based on the principles of Ayurveda and astrology, this spa provides a cosmic sense of serenity, health, peace and harmony.
Amatrra Spa, 50 B Diplomatic Enclav, Chankayapuri Hotel Ashok, New Delhi 110021
Phone: +91-11-24122921-25 extn 132
contact@amatrraspa.com

WORSHIP YOUR BODY
Spirituality is an important aspect of all the treatments offered at Ananda. And the principles of Ayurveda form the core of each treatment especially personalised for the user. Once the kapha, vata or pita personality types are decided, each therapy is accordingly individualised. For instance, a Swedish massage would be done briskly for a kapha type while a pita type would need a soothing, calming massage. Also, prior to any massage, a welcome ritual which involves washing the feet in water from the Ganges and Himalayan spring water, hand picked stones from the Ganges and a chanting ceremony adds a deeply spiritual touch to the therapies offered. Not just a destination spa, Ananda tries to incorporate all elements needed for a happy and stress-free lifestyle. The tranquil Himalayan slopes, serene landscape and surrounding forest make this the perfect place to achieve a holistic balance.
Ananda-In The Himalayas, The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar, Dist. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttaranchal – 249175 India
Tel: 91 - 1378- 227500
Fax: 91 - 1378- 227550
pushpan@anandaspa.com

INDULGE IN TEMPTATION
Let the magic of the Himalayas take over and indulge in their luxurious three-hour Himalayan Mysteries treat at Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas. A 30-minute wild lavender-scented scrub with essential oils of lavender, orange and anise soothes and tightens. Then let stress melt away with a graceful Hawaiian massage. A cleansing facial induces relaxation while a fragrant jasmine bath ends the session, leaving you fresh and lulled into a state of total relaxation. Located 8,350 feet above sea level, this fairy tale luxury resort is set in acres of pine and cedar virgin woods. Enhancing its old-world charm, the interiors are replete with fire places, wood paneling and original works of art.
Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas, Chharabra, Shimla -171012
Tel: 91 177 264 8585
reservations@eih-india.com