Ananda - In The Himalayas
A fashionable spot in which to unwind and literally get high. This wellness sanctuary situated in a restored royal palace in the Himalayan foothill claims, among other things, to have the world's oldest billiards table. It offers a blend of therapeutic treatments based on traditional Ayurveda, yoga and meditation. The spa also offers the latest European and Thai treatments to purify the body and soothe the senses. There are 20 therapy rooms along with yoga venues, and hydrotherapy, relaxation and fitness areas. Perched in the hills above the holy city of Rishikesh on the Ganges, Ananda is a short day's drive, 260km from Delhi. If your wallet is up to it, charter a helicopter, or fly to Dehradun and do the one-hour scenic drive up. Among the treatment options are the signature "Ananda Touch" focusing on the shoulders, neck and upper back, and the ayurvedic "Panchkarma", a five-way therapy to correct imbalances.

Wildflower Hall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Back in the rarefied environs of the Himalayas, near the one-time summer capital of British India, Shimla, is Oberoi's Wildflower Hall. Here, pine-scented mountain air and nature take charge of your senses. While wild lavender scrubs and geranium cream wraps are a must, or try out the chakra head and shoulder massage to "center yourself". Then dive into "Himalayan Mysteries" - lavender-scented scrub, Hawaiian massage, cleansing facial and a fragrant jasmine bath.

The Oberoi, New Delhi
In busy New Delhi, The Oberoi will work off your stress with a range of 60-minute breaks employing aromatic, Balinese, Hawaiian, and Thai massages. Or take a shorter break with a half-hour marma point facial, which is adapted from a traditional Indian natural healing system. This facial stimulates vital energy points on the head, face and ears with aromatic oils and herbal products.

Amarvilas, Agra
If you're heading on to the home of the Taj Mahal, pamper yourself at Amarvilas, where every suite has a view of this magnificent Mughal monument to love. The spa menu includes an extravagant essence of rice massage where rice, warm buttermilk, herbal and aromatic lotions are used to compelling effect. The "Noor-e-Taj" is right royal three-hour experience that includes an almond cleansing scrub, honey citrus wrap, Balinese massage and an old-fashioned lavender milk bath.

Rajvilas, Jaipur, Rajasthan
In the pink city Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, is Rajvilas where you can delight in a turmeric skin purifier or rose sandalwood wrap - luxurious recipes used widely by the royals of this desert state. After a day of storming through Jaipur's fabulous sightseeing, don't miss out on the "Spirit of Ayurveda" treatment, which includes a sand bundle massage, shirodhara - an ancient Ayurvedic practice, where a stream of sesame oil is poured over your third eye, and a flower bath

Vanyavilas, Ranthambore, Rajasthan
In Rajasthan, the Oberoi Group has two other resorts - in the Ranthambore tiger reserve and in the haunting lake city of Udaipur. In Ranthambore, the Vanyavilas signature treatment is the guava scrub followed by a luscious orange wrap, aromatic massage and a delicious mint bath.

Udaivilas, Udaipur, Rajasthan
And in the spa suites at Udaivilas in Udaipur, rejuvenation and relaxation is on a royal scale. There are spectacular views of Picchola Lake and the City Palace outside, while inside, the awesomely-named "Royal Treasures" will assail you with sandalwood and turmeric scrubs, tomato body wraps, and a massage capped by a milk and rose bath. Udaivilas, Udaipur.

Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa, Goa
An upscale "new" entrant in Goa is the rebranded Hyatt Regency Goa Resort and Spa, which is now an upscale Park Hyatt. The Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa is a 251-room resort designed to mirror Goa's diverse cultural heritage.

The resort offers a laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere, imitating the ambience of a Goan village with its series of "pousadas". Rooms are contemporary with verandahs or balconies and bathrooms feature sunken baths and "rain showers". Some rooms have their own private patch of garden. The Regency Club is a tad more exclusive with butlers in attendance. The resort's Sereno Spa offering ayurvedic and international fare has its therapy pavilions arrayed around an inner courtyard. And for kids there's Camp Hyatt and one of the largest swimming pools in the country.

The Leela, Goa
On the banks of the River Sal, The Leela Goa is set on 75 luxurious acres along prime Arabian Sea beachfront. All rooms face water and range from the Pavilions to 93sq m Lagoon Suites and four sumptuous 133sq m Royal Villas. The Spa specializes in ayurvedic treatments but also offers a buffet of yoga, Western spa therapies, sauna, steam, a gym and massage. The resort is managed by the Singapore-based General Hotels Management, which also operates top-drawer properties like the Datai, Langkawi.

Taj Fort Aguada Beach Resort, Goa
Built on the ramparts of a 16th Century Portuguese fortress, the resort is part of a sprawling 88-acre complex overlooking the Arabian Sea. Situated right on the beach, the resort offers guests a unique opportunity to relax in elegantly appointed villas and cottages, serenaded by lapping waves.

Taj Exotica, Goa
There are two other Taj hotels to choose from in Goa. The Taj Exotica is perched on the southwest coast of Goa, overlooking the Arabian Sea. It is situated on 56 acres of landscaped lawns, complete with tropical plants and graceful palms.

Taj Holiday Village, Goa
The Taj Holiday Village is a complex of terracotta-roof Portuguese-Goan cottages, set amidst acres of palm-fringed landscaped gardens just 45-minutes from the airport.

All three offer a range of treatments inspired by the ocean. Try out bio-algae which is actually a detoxifying treatment comprising skin brushing and gentle exfoliation followed by a body wrap of warm seaweed algae gel, rich in minerals and enzymes. This is claimed to be just the recipe to boost metabolism and to eliminate toxins. Or do a plantain leaf wrap. This helps to open pores, induce perspiration, and eliminate toxins. "Body Food" is a treatment to nourish your skin with jojoba, calendula and sweet almond oil. "Awakening" is a luscious 50-minute massage using a blend of essential oils - rose, geranium, clove, lavender and even peppermint.

Golden Palms Spa & Resort
The Golden Palms Spa & Resort is located on the outskirts of the city in several acres of lush garden. Accommodation features include a hypoallergenic pillow, safety deposit boxes, minibar, and rooms with wheelchair access. There's an extensive gym (with a ladies-only area), a "cardio-theatre", aerobic studio, Turkish hammams, steam rooms and Jacuzzi.

The Angasana BangaloreHighly acclaimed, the Angasana Bangalore (managed by Singapore-based Banyan Tree) is located outside town and offers a variety of holistic, therapeutic and customised spa programmes. These include the Tomato Body Wrap for rejuvenating dry skin, the Tangerine Body Wrap for soothing and smoothening skin, the Honey and Sesame Scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells, and the Blended Brush Scrub where exfoliation is carried out with a combination of fresh milk, oatmeal, tamarind and watermelon.

There are six massage pavilions, shielded from the elements by bamboo screens, and adjoining alfresco showers. The Roman pools (for hydrotherapy) are encased in one-way glass windows that afford a splendid view of the landscaped gardens and green lawns. We presume it's one-way. The Angasana Spa treatments come with a hefty price tag, but there are attractive spa and ayurvedic packages that include room tariff, vegetarian meals, and a couple of massages and spa treatments thrown in.

Malabar House
The two-century-old Malabar House, with its 12 quaint rooms featuring antique furniture and propah four-poster beds, also offers serves up lip-smacking Italian dishes. The house speciality is kalari, which involves medicinal oils. These improve circulation and can alleviate headaches, back pain and arthritis.

Taj Malabar, Willingdon Island, Cochin
The Taj Malabar on Willingdon Island, Cochin, runs dedicated ayurvedic treatments at its stylish Tamara Spa. On offer are three to seven-day rejuvenation packages. Or choose from the extensive menu a la carte. It includes, treatments, yoga, and time for shopping and sightseeing.

Coconut Lagoon
At the private and upscale Coconut Lagoon (accessible only by boats), run by the same group at Kumarakom, there's a sense of style and tradition in the construction of the Heritage Bungalows and Heritage Mansions set in verdant lawns criss-crossed by canals and waterways. The resort has fine spa facilities and treatments and is an excellent jump-off point for backwater cruises. This is a resort that has very much set the pace.

Karaleeyam
Kerala is one of the greenest stretches of land in the world situated in the South Western tip of India in Asia. Kerala can boast of bright and sunny weather and refreshing rain. Alappuzha (Alleppey) is the gateway to the famed backwaters of Kerala, one of the largest and most picturesque water lagoons in the world.

Alappuzha (Alleppey) is 1 hours drive by road from Cochin Airport or 3 hours from Trivandrum International Airport. A 15-minute boat-cruise from Alappuzha (Alleppey) boat-jetty takes you to Keraleeyam.

Keraleeyam is a Heritage Home and Ayurvedic Resort, located at a breathtakingly beautiful spot facing the backwaters.Keraleeyam is housed in a traditional, tiled Kerala home built 70 years back. The environment is green, healthy with dense vegetation making the air Oxygen rich.The calm and quiet atmosphere at Keraleeyam is ideal place to unwind , rest and relax.

Spice Village
Further up the hills in the green tea estates and jungles surrounding Periyar Lake and its elephants is Casino's Spice Village. It's back to basics here but in comfort. As the hotel likes to point out, "Air conditioning? Unnecessary? Piped music is no substitute for birdsong." There are 52 cottages set in eight generous acres of hillside.

Somatheeram
The award-winning Somatheeram near Kovalam is a popular name for ayurvedic treatment. The resort comprises 60 cottages constructed on 18 acres of landscaped hillside. There are pleasant views out over the sea. Somatheeram is a dedicated Ayurveda sanctuary with several treatment rooms and an army of skilled therapists.

Taj Fisherman's Cove, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Across on the east coast, fringing the Bay of Bengal, the chic Spa Vyana at the plush Taj Fisherman's Cove, Chennai (formerly Madras) is a superb choice. Rooms have views of the sea and there are cottages as well. The spa offers a vast array of therapies and options from thalassotherapy (utilising seawater) and hydrotherapy to hot stones, massage, wraps and facials. There is a suite for couples to enjoy their treatments together followed by a long soak surrounded by scented candles. The Spa Vyana also offers video games and movies for children to help you plunge into the oils and unguents, undistracted.

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