Waiting for the perfect spa therapy amidst piped classical music in the spacious sitting area dotted with ethnic furniture, I check out the extensive spa menu. The choice is varied – from signature treatments to specia-lised therapies from the exotic Orient (with a masseuse from Bali), Swedish and Himalayan Deep Tissue massage to Aromatherapy, I am floored with options. While a stress relieving Aromatherapy is tempting, the signature Rudra Ananda is famous for an experiential and sensory feeling.

Replete with private boudoirs that open into their own bathrooms, with an exclusive steam, Jacuzzi and shower facility, to specialised rooms for Ayurvedic therapy (with personalised consultation by doctors) – the full-service spa tucked away in bustling Kemps Corner is a perfect respite for those who wish to pop in for a quick salon visit, amid dark wood and tapered skylights.

With a choice of six essential oils, rubbed in with soothing, integrated massage techniques, the Rudra Aromatherapy massage leaves you completely refreshed and with a sense of internal balance. You can pick from Deep Trance and Lovers’ Paradise to Spiritual Contemplation. After a long day, my personal choice is the Stress Relief, which I suspect may just be terminology!

The Balinese massage is a strong deep-tissue one involving thumb and palm pressure with firm strokes. Undertaken by a gentle therapist, it is the perfect rejuvenating combination of improving blood circulation and calming the body. A gentle exfoliating scrub makes this a complete experience.

I settle in for the signature Rudra Ananda treatment – a much longer and worthy exercise in relaxation, starting with a light massage with grated coconut and honey. As I cleanse the scrub off my body, I am astonished to feel the baby-like softness and the refreshing glow on my skin. Next is the actual massage with lavender, mint and olive oil, with ancient Tibetan Himalyan strokes to loosen and relax the muscles. It is said to open up your body’s chakras. I quite believe it – the free flow of energy is a truly amazing experience – every inch feels relaxed and completely reborn.

As I leave by the private elevator, I note the attentiveness of the staff: even for those coming for the very first time, the ambience, setting, mood and therapists make you feel completely at home, extremely comfortable and pampered, as the A-list clientele is frequently wont to say.