Just over a year ago, the royal city of Udaipur shone with another jewel in its vintage crown. The Leela Palace opened its magnificent doors at the edge of the picturesque Lake Pichola. And now, the world famous ESPA spa has sprinkled its special essence on this luscious retreat. In fact, spa guru and founder of ESPA International, Susan Harmsworth, has flown down for the launch of her brand in India. And though she is in the business of helping people seriously unwind, she herself hardly gets time to chill with her jet-setting schedules. She admits she makes a terrible client since she is such a perfectionist but gives an enthusiastic thumbs up to the nervous masseuse who has just given her a good scrub down.

The ESPA spa at the Leela is housed in two vintage buildings at the far end of the courtyard gardens. There are Rajasthan-style domed tents swathed in silk and mirrors and a solid structure where cool steps lead you into the quiet, fragrant space where ESPA signature treatments are inspired by the local culture and Ayurvedic principles and practices. In a spine-tingling prelude, I experience a warm gush of steam in the Aroma Steam Room, embellished with amethyst crystals and glass tiles, and then patter forth in my towelled robe into the massage sanctum where I succumb to the gentle hand movements of my Tibetan masseuse.

As the sweet smell of lavender dulls my senses, mineral-rich, exfoliating sea salts blended with oils of rosemary, cinnamon, almond, sunflower and coconut are massaged into my skin, locking in moisture. And all the while, soft pads soaked in a cooling lotion of cucumber and cornflour soothe my computer-jaded eyes. When I emerge, refreshed, post a lovely cup of jasmine tea, I am totally ready for the slinky black dress and silver heels for the special cocktail do being hosted for Susan on the spa terrace!

The Leela Palace, Udaipur
Tel : 294 6701230. Fax: 294 6701212.
Email: thespa.udaipur@theleela.com

FISH AT YOUR HEELS!
Indulge in some natural exfoliation at the city’s Thai Spa

When you think about it, fish nibbling at your toes sounds off putting. But when you actually dip your feet, albeit hesitatingly, into the square water tank and the little fish go straight for your pieds, it is yes, disconcerting at first, then hugely relaxing. Nibbling away at basic acupressure points to release fatigue, the tiny Doctor fish as they are called, give you the benefits of a chemical peel without the chemical. Brought all the way from the hot springs of Turkey the little fish exfoliate scaly dead skin promoting blood circulation. Fifteen minutes of water therapy and towelled feet later, the diminutive masseuse begins a reflexology massage that gets elevated to a lovely neck and shoulder press. My next chair neighbour has blissfully fallen asleep, snoring gently against the warm herbal compress resting under her neck. For those who are ticklish or squeamish and may just scare away the fish and other humans with loud squeals, the spa is also known for lunchtime body wraps, girly afternoons of volcanic hot stone therapy and body polishing sessions just before that big society do.

The Thai Spa, Skyzone, Level 1,
High Street Phoenix, Mumbai.
Tel: 022 30404529.

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