5 spa therapies in India that are sure to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul

BUTTERY SMOOTH
Shea Fabulous Massage, The Khyber Spa

Exclusivity is the mark of luxury, and what better way to indulge than in the lap of "paradise'' to quote a cliche. Far from obsequious platitudes, Gulmarg, and in particular, its most recent jewel, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, is a must-stay, must-do. While there, be sure to try the shea massage; this Swedish and long kneading Balinese spa treatment is available exclusively at The Khyber Spa by L'OCCITANE. The comforting movements of Balinese and Swedish techniques coupled with the generous indulgence of the formula of 5 per cent pure shea oils (sunflower, baobab, carrot), this massage nourishes, repairs and protects the skin.

Truly holistic in every sense, it is a treat for the entire body and face. Shea butter is nature's finest skin food so lavish your skin with its healing and rejuvenating properties. Transformed skin is just one of the benefits, the relaxed body and sweet smells will go a long way. It isn't just for the narcissist either, it is ideal for the hyperactive mind for whom stress is a necessary evil. Duration 90 minutes Price Rs 5,500 plus taxes Tel +91-9906603272 Address The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg, Kashmir Website www.khyberhotels.com

By Chumki Bharadwaj

GRAPEVINE BUZZ
Vino Therapy, Woo Wellness & Spa

The Armenians discovered it, the Greeks glorified it and the French glamourised it. But wine's glorious journey now makes its way from ingestation to indulgence via the wellness route. Drink a glass of red wine for antioxidant goodness, but sink your trivial pursuits in a bath tub full of wine. To get into the mood for the 90-minute session, the wrap of the grapes begins with a refreshing glass of grape juice, following which, the well-trained therapist kneads the body into submission with an effleurage massage to warm the tissues. After the body has been oiled, warmed, prepped and readied, a grainy, exfoliating sludge of red wine mixed with warm water, grapes, sea salt, honey, rice powder and grape seed oil is rubbed all over.

Once you've been exfoliated and polished, it's time for a hot shower, after which the therapist slathers on cold lavender moisturiser to quench the skin. The advantages of the therapy include defending the skin from free radicals and promoting tissue elasticity. Duration 90 minutes Price Rs 5,999 plus taxes Tel 011-46080808 Address Hotel Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, Asset No 02 GMR Hospitality District, Delhi Website pullmanhotels.com

By Chumki Bharadwaj

BALANCING ACT
Kalari Massage, NeoVeda Spa

If your idea of spa time involves mellow elevator music, lemongrass aroma wafting through the vents and a slightly built, soft-spoken therapist with soft hands gently kneading your troubles away, you need a rethink if you opt for the more vigorous Kalari massage-a therapy based on the body's energetic channels (nadis) and vital spots (marmas).

A massage that harmonises the body, mind and spirit, Kalari synchronises the entire biological system; enhances circulation; activates the lymphatic system of the body, and helps to purify it. The therapist uses both hands and feet to apply pressure to the vital points of the body. At NeoVeda Spa, this treatment uses a special herb infusion of ayurvedic oils that also helps to relax the body. Duration 90 minutes Price Rs 5,500 plus taxes Tel 011-42500200 Address The Metropolitan Hotel and Spa, Bangla Sahib Road, Connaught Place, Delhi Website www.hotelmetdelhi.com

By Chumki Bharadwaj

COOL UNDER PRESSURE
Tibetan Massage, Ananda Spa

The core of all the Tibetan experiences by Ila, is healing. The higher energy or vibration, which is central to the therapy, is present in Ila's unique products such as Himalayan salt poultices, cardamom, lavender and jatamansi based essential oil. The massage focuses on lymphatic drainage, acupressure and meridian work over the back, legs, chest and culminates in a soothing head massage.

The treatment aims to restore the nervous system and stimulate a free flow of energy within the body, eliminate stress and tension, insomnia, depression, nerve system dysfunctions and bring balance to the internal elements of the body. Duration 115 minutes Price Rs 8,800 plus taxes Tel 01378227500 Address Anand in the Himalayas, The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar Tehri, Garhwal Website anandaspa.com

By Asmita Bakshi

CRYSTAL CLEAR
Halotherapy, Salt Escape

Owners Lyla and Jamsheed Mehta recommend relaxing in one of the salt rooms for an hour at a time, inhaling the micro-particles of salt disseminated gently through the room. At the end of the hour, you've inhaled approximately 60 mg of salt, which unlike the salty air by the seaside, is low on moisture and helps clear the mucous in the respiratory tracts.

Those with skin problems such as eczema and acne must expose the affected area for the salt's anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to work. Patrons are encouraged to meditate, do yoga or pilates in the salt room. Duration 60 minutes Price Rs 1,600 onwards Tel 022-22690034 Address Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt. Ltd, Hanuman Building, Ground Floor, 300, Perin Nariman Street, Fort Website saltescape.in

By Moeena Halim