Spa of the Month

Sprawled across the grounds of a maharaja’s palace, in the foothills of the Himalayas and overlooking the sacred Ganges, lies a truly authentic spiritual retreat: Ananda - in the Himalayas - where ancient Indian yoga and Ayurvedic philosophies meet and even hardcore workaholics switch off their Blackberrys.

The heavenly spa believes on treating the body from the inside out, teaching that thoughts, habits, meals, and stress levels are all important. Ayurvedic doctors are on hand to assess your 'doshas', a unique mix of three mind/body principles that create specific mental and physical characteristics, and prescribe the appropriate holistic treatments to bring them, and ultimately you, back into balance.

There are 22 serene treatment rooms in this 21,000 square foot haven, where seasoned therapists practice the art of Ayurveda, yoga and meditation therapies, virtually numbing your mind and body from the everyday trappings of the modern world. Long days spent sitting desk-side are easily pummelled away with the integration of European and Thai massage therapies on offer.

Particularly sublime is the Sirodhara treatment. Your forehead is gently massaged while luke warm herbal oil is poured overtop, ultimately relieving stress and strain and aiming to improve your memory and slow down your body’s ageing process.

Yoga enthusiasts will be sure to get their daily dose of inner calm. All three branches of Yoga, Hatha, Kriya and Raja are experienced in the majestic open-air yoga pavilion, with its marble floor and gold leaf frescoed ceiling. Ranging from beginner to advanced levels, all sessions encourage any yogi to experience a higher level of mind and body contentment in this intimate outdoor setting.

At this time of year, and through until October, the region experiences Monsoon season, which is in fact thought to be the best time to experience Ayurvedic treatments, as the cool, moist and dust-free weather opens up the body’s pores and makes them more receptive to the therapeutic and restorative powers of herbal oils. The extra benefit being that with holidays themselves slightly less popular at this time of year, discounts of up to 30% are offered on all wellness programmes during the season.

For more information on the spa and how to get there, visit www.anandaspa.com