Search Results for: wellness

Vivanta by Taj Bentota – Sri Lanka, Reopens after an extensive renovation

July 31, 2013

Surrounded by the whispers of rustling palms, near-virgin sands, the music of the waves, glorious pink and orange sunsets and undisturbed hours lies Vivanta by Taj –Bentota, Sri Lanka, an exclusive beach and spa resort on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The hotel announced the completion of its USD 12.5 million ( Rs 65 Crore ) extensive renovation.

“With its unparalleled natural surroundings, Sri Lanka has become one of the world’s most coveted destinations. The recent investment in Vivanta by Taj – Bentota, Sri Lanka has enhanced a resort that is widely appreciated for its Indian Ocean views, pristine beach, wide-ranging culinary offerings and Ayurveda Jiva Spa” said Mr Manoj Mathew General Manager.

Located on the island’s south west coast, the resorts new design is a perfect blend of contemporary style with colonial charm. Nic Proud is the interior designer. Each of the stylish 160 rooms offer stunning ocean views or the beautifully landscaped gardens with private sit-outs or terraces. The look and feel of the rooms was inspired by the adjacent beaches and the rich colors and heritage of the Bentota region.

The cerulean waters, cinnamon spices and carved elements of the local architectural traditions are combined together to give a sense of place. Locally sourced finishes and workmanship contribute to the eco friendliness of the resort. Amidst lush gardens and swinging palms, the hotel’s dining options include al fresco grilled seafood at S.H.A.C.K., fine dining at Sea View and international cuisine served

24/7 at The Palms. The extensive buffet available at The Palms wraps around a central seawater aquarium and creates a dramatic contrast to the feature wall, which is made of trays, filled with red seeds from a local tree. Fish trap pendant lights, coconut husk ceilings, river stone walls and other natural local materials add drama to the interiors.In addition, The Oriental Pavilion, the only authentic Chinese restaurant in Bentota, can inspire guests with its flavours of the Far East.

For those seeking a secluded retreat away from the main resort, the 7,500 sq. ft. six-treatment room Jiva Spa celebrates ancient Indian wellness traditions and Ayurveda. The spa celebrates Sri Lanka’s heritage with open verandahs wrapped around a central courtyard dotted with sacred temple trees and a reflecting pool. Each treatment room has a private garden and an outdoor Jacuzzi.

Vivanta by Taj – Bentota, Sri Lanka has over 6500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space for meetings and conferences. Each Vivanta by Taj hotel presents ‘Vivanta Motifs’, signature experiences rooted in the local culture. AtVivanta by Taj – Bentota, Sri Lanka guests can take a boat safari on Madu River to learn about the traditional lifestyle of the locals or delight in whale and dolphin watching in nearby Port of Galle. Animal lovers can get involved in the Kosgoda Turtle conservation project and visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

Vivanta by Taj –

Bentota, Sri Lanka is a 2 Hours & 30 minute drive from the Colombo

International Airport. For reservations email reservations@tajhotels.com or call 00 800 4588 1825.

Tags: lifestyle, luxury hotels, Sri lanka, travel

The 6th GeoSpa asiaSpa India Awards Nite

May 6, 2013

1,324 Comments

Glitz and glamour at the recently
held 6th GeoSpa
asiaSpa India Awards ceremony at The Kingdom of Dreams, Gurgaon
made the award night a memorable event. Setting a benchmark in quality and
innovation, these awards are held every year to encourage the rapidly growing
spa and wellness industry in the country.

The esteemed signature event
showcased various categories in the Best Spas and Spa products across the
country.GeoSpa, Title partner to the
Awards for the second year brings forward a unique experience in unsurpassed
Spa & Wellness facilities worldwide that gives their clients stunning
and innovative Spa experience zones to complete the Spa journey. The
high-level of support services that it provides, give the spa wellness facility
a creative edge and add extraordinary value. At GeoSpa fitness, the team of
experts marries experience with talent.

Parineeti, Editor-in-chief and
publisher of Asia Spa welcomed the guests seated in the auditorium of Kingdome
of Dreams. Delighted by the journey of Asia Spa, she said “I am very excited to
see the support and acknowledgment by our efforts to bring the best of Spa
industry to you.

Being an avid promoter of the wellness segment in India,
we at asiaSpa believe in the wellness industry to its fullest potential.
These awards continue to set a benchmark for originality and acknowledge the
finest contributions made to the budding wellness industry. Year by year we
will ensure to bring the best to you.

Niqi Kundhi, Director, GeoSpa
further added, “The Indian spa industry continues to be a hot spot for
those who seek travel services that incorporate diverse wellness packages,
including people who collaborate medical procedures with spa indulgences or
Ayurvedic treatments. India is poised to attract significantly more
western tourists (particularly on the wellness/travel/medical front) as well as
continue to develop its own vibrant, indigenous spa market at a heady
pace.”

Mr. Pankaj Arora, MD, GeoSpa
Fitness said “Today we are becoming conscious about our health & taking
various steps to lead a healthy life. It is a matter of great delight &
pride to give away the awards to the most deserving achievers of the Spa
industry who have made a mark in this sector to promote healthy living and
helped project India as one of the most popular spa destinations across the
world. GeoSpa stands committed in supporting awareness on good health and
importance of Spa.”

The event kicked off with some
spectacular bollywood dance numbers with an added fun element by stand up
comedians, Saurabh Pant and Kunal who tickled the funny bones of guests present
at the occasion.Bolywood cebebrites were honored for being the fitness icons in
the industry. The ever enchanting Dia Mirza was honored Eco Crusader of the
year award; Timeless Diva Hema Malini received the Evergreen Wellness Diva
Award. Actor Arjun Kapoor was honored Wellness icon of the year and Malaika
Arora Khan was presented as Spalicious Mom.

The list of the awardees is as below:

Winner for the best new Spa resort – Shamana Spa , Grand Hyatt Goa & Vivanta
by Taj, Bekal
The most luxurious spa resort – Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, Noida
Spa Manager of the year award – Shekhar
Malkhotia
Readers choice awards The Claridges Spa,
Surajkund
Reader’s Choice Favorite Spa (India) – Aura Thai
Spa.
Readers Choice Favorite Spa Destination (Asia) –
Thailand
Readers Choice Favorite Spa Destination (Europe)
– Turkey
Partners to the 6th GeoSpa asiaSpa India
Awards were Lufthansa ,Austrian Airlines ,Grant Thornton,
Kingdom of Dreams , NDTV GoodTimes, Episode and Audi.

Tags: Entertainment Buzz

The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa

February 27, 2013

2,533 Comments

The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa in association with Kairali Ayurvedic Group bring forward the wealth of Ayurveda at Heavenly Spa. The Westin property in Sohna road offers a gamut of services to lure anyone looking for a relaxing weekend.
Approximately an hours drive from the bustling sub-city Gurgao, this property amazes the visitor with its sprawling gardens and exotic villas. However, the main attraction to visit this picturesque place is the Heavenly spa that promises an authentic Ayurveda experience.

The meditation pyramid, Peace surrounded by water on all sides, looks mesmerizing that facilitates concentration and stillness of the mind. The Yoga room has a sublime Buddha that instills peace and calm. The spa area has six treatment rooms that offer a tranquil setting for spa which are designed to rejuvenate and relieve stress. The spa menu at the Westin has a plethora of spa services like aromatherapy massages, Balinese and Chinese therapies and Ayurveda massages. Soulful music selections are customized for every area within the spa to relax and rejuvenate your senses. Separate areas for men and women include steam, sauna and Jacuzzi that has a little pool outside and sunlight that peeps inside the rooms where you get your heavenly treatment. The villas at Westin Sohna come complete with a special wooden bed for Ayurveda treatments and a traditional sauna box.

The Pyramid healing centre – Westin Sohna

Ayurveda is all about de-toxyfying the mind, body and soul. The most preferred treatment – Abhayangam is a preventive therapy which rejuvenates the body after a tiring day, Shirodhara – involves medicated oil poured over the forehead, Navarkizhi – a distinct massage with small linen bundles filled with Navara rice, cooked in a herbal base and milk, Udavarthanam -A dry powder massage and Podikizhi -Unique therapy performed using linen bundles for body massage.

The therapists have a session with the visitor that comprises a questionnaire. The results determine the Doshas / prakriti that a person belongs to which is followed by the specific treatment. Abhyanga, a traditional Ayurveda is usually recommended for people who are looking for full body treatment. The treatment is done in the Chakra room that has a wooden Ayurveda bed with a brass pot over it. The procedure starts with a head massage with traditional oil made from herbs and medicinal plants that balances and calms the mind, and pacifies the aggravated dosha.

Using warm Ayurvedic oil, the therapist administers strong, powerful strokes with medium pressure that is necessary to detoxify the body, nourish it and promote healthy blood circulation and joints. The oil is slathered in a thick layer of 150ml oil, followed by a steam and sauna that is eventually removed with a warm shower. Traditional, Ayurvedic concoctions of body scrub and shampoo are placed to aid in removing all the excess oil. The body scrub, contains Vetiveria, a green gram powder and Vigna radiate while the shampoo contains Gooseberry, Henna, Albizia Lebbeck and Bhringraja.

The Spa Manager, Mr. Ankit says, “Ayurveda is extremely popular, amongst Indians as well as expats. We are certain that the demand will only grow further. The Indian spa industry is annually growing at a steady 20-30 per cent and currently stands at INR 1,500 crores with Ayurveda being one of the fastest growing verticals.” He further says, “Through our association with the Westin Gurgaon and Sohna , there has been an immense growth in tourists from Delhi and NCR. Kairali’s strong foundation in Ayurveda in its purest form has attracted people from affluent groups to enjoy holistic well being in the lap of luxury. We usually have couples who prefer to celebrate their anniversary in solace and privacy while enjoying each other’s company. They do not have to fly to far-flung places due to shortage of time. So, they prefer to choose Westin because of the comforts within a shorter distance.”

Speaking about the association, Abhilash K. R, Kairali Ayurveda Group said “Our first Ayurvedic Centre was launched in late eighties with an intention to provide holistic Ayurvedic experience for our guests and in a short span of time we have successfully carved a niche for Kairali.”

Commenting on the association, Mr. Sanjay Sharma Complex General Manager, The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi and The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa said “We found the perfect partner in Kairali Ayurvedic Group as they share our vision of preserving wellness in travel and are a celebrated name globally. In addition to our signature treatment offerings, Ayurvedic therapies provide a transformative wellness experience to our guests at the Heavenly Spa by Westin.”

Tags: lifestyle, luxury hotels, spa, wellness