The Best Luxury Spa Resorts in India for a Rejuvenating Vacation: VOL. I

Location: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Best Service: 7 Nights Detox Program

Why?

Ananda is one of the first & highly regarded spas in India and one of Touch Down India’s favourites too. Apart from the location that is beautifully tucked in between the mountains of Rishikesh, the spa in itself is constantly evolving and renewing the therapeutic services the offer. Another very strong reason is their spa cuisine, which takes care of your balancing of your body.

Touch Down India’s Tip: They have an app so that you can work on your food habits & follow a healthy Sattvic diet. Download it.

Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Best Service: Passage to India; Guided Meditation with Ayurvedic Treatments

Why?

We love Kaya Kalp for while you are amidst Mughal Dynasty inspired architecture, adorned in red and gold hues and surrounded by fragrant frangipani and pomegranate (they were favourites of the Mughals) trees, you get a magnificent couples suite, hammam, steam room, sauna, whirlpool bath, chill shower and its own outdoor full-size pool. They specialise in indigenous treatments along with Eastern techniques; and lavish use of herbs and oils.

Touch Down India’s Tip: Sip tea in the evening, right before their sunset on their rooftop that has an outstanding view of the iconic Taj Mahal.

Location: New Delhi

Best Service: Traditional Hammam Treatment

Why?

With eight acre of garden and the longest swimming pool in Delhi, Aheli Spa at the Roseate, New Delhi is not your regular luxury spa. Arriving here is like entering into a modern fortress. You walk criss-cross between water, high ceilings, looming pillars and garden. The spa offers an extensive menu of treatments including the signature massage that is a mix of Swedish, aromatherapy, shiatsu and Thai.

Touch Down India’s Tip: Book a 2 day stay in their premium rooms overlooking either the landscaped gardens or the shimmering water bodies. You choose.

Location: Surya Samudra, Kovalam, Kerala

Best Service: For Ayurvedic Spa Treatments

Why?

This is an awarding Best Ayurveda resort chain in Kerala set on a cliff-top luxury in Kerala-style villas, along with an access to a secluded beach. Apart from indulging in their signature Ayurveda Stress and Strain Buster that includes shirodhara, abhyanga snana, nasyam and pizchil; go for long secluded walks and take a dip in their rock-cut infinity pool.

Touch Down India’s Tip: After the session, book an exclusive backwater cruise that takes you Poovar Sanctuary and enjoy a sunset meal there.

Location: Goa, India

Best Service: Custom Ayurvedic Body Treatments include specialised Abhyangams

Why?

This hotel occupies a private beach area, a whopping 36,000 square feet that automatically makes it the largest luxury spa resort in Goa. With breathtaking surreal views of the vast Arabian Ocean, enjoy their specialised restorative spa therapies at Serano Spa.

Touch Down India’s Tip: Sit with one of the experts to know about asanas that would help your specific problems, and a nutrition and fitness plan.

Location: Udaipur, Rajasthan

Best Service: Kiss of an Angel, a two hour long spa ritual

Why?

For time travelling to a restored 18th-century fort where you can unwind and relax in uber luxury when you are not exploring Udaipur. Just sit and try the Kiss of an Angel or Kaalratri, which is a two-hour-long spa ritual that focuses on your crown or seventh chakra. It also includes a Himalayan salt cave sauna to detoxify, a Palo Santo wood smudging purification and raindrop therapy on the spine.

Touch Down India’s Tip: Book a candle light romantic dinner date with your partner or even solo at the Sheesh Mahal.

Location: Jaisalmer

Best Service: Ayurvedic Therapy Session

Why?

A tented desert camp and spa in the middle of the Thar, with each tent suite has a private candlelit plunge pools, heated pool, spa, lounge and dining tent, is almost like floating in a dream. The Spa inside the walled garden was designed by Rosamund Freeman-Atwood, of the globally renowned Raison d’Etre. The spa is known for their stimulating reflexology, cleansing scrubs and tranquil massages, all blended with a fine selection of healing herbs to leave you feeling heavenly.

Touch Down India’s Tip: Take back home their Ayurvedic products that are made with ingredients from the Thar.

Location: Kochi, Kerala

Best Service: Pavithri, that detoxifies using a unique blend of oils – Tulsi, Ginger and Lime

Why Go?

At Jiva Spa in The Taj Malabar, each treatment suite has its own soak pool, while yoga rooms and ayurveda physicians are for all your physical, and metaphysical needs. They also specialise in Indian, Asian and Western cooking styles, for lighter, healthier meals.

Touch Down India’s Tip: Relax with a glass of champagne in their separate spa villa with an infinity pool that merges into the Arabian Sea.

Location: Pushkar, Rajasthan

Best Service: Oriental & India touch therapies

Why?

The location of the luxury resort keeps taking us back! Set in the lap of the beautiful Aravalli Hills, the Ananta Spa and Resorts offers a dream-like setting in the heart of the holy city. You will find some of the best spa treatments like Thai Massage, Balinese Massage, Swedish Massage amongst others, as well as baths Shirodhara, Kapal Ananda, Ananda Snan.

Touch Down India’s Tip: Book Mudra Signature Package that included steam, spiced body scrub, chocolate body wrap and 60-minute deep tissue massage.