India Wellness Travel
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Situated in the heart of the countryside, a little way north of Udaipur, RAAS Devigarh is a romantic hill-top palace that has been sensitively transformed into a luxurious boutique retreat. The dramatic rural setting and ornate 250-year-old architecture have been allowed to take centre stage as interiors were renovated in a minimalist style, a unique blend of traditional Indian craftsmanship and subtle modern touches. There are 39 suites, all large and light with mother-of-pearl headboards and marble-based beds. Some have balconies and window seats – perfect nooks to spend a little time with a book from the library – and others with particularly impressive bathrooms and private sun decks. Start your days here with a rooftop yoga session as the sun rises over the Aravalli Hills before a day out exploring the surrounding countryside by horse, mountain bike or on foot. There are also excursions to nearby villages and ancient Jain temples as well as into Udaipur itself. Return to the pampering spa, then enjoy a sunset from the bar, ending the day with wonderfully fresh Indian and international cuisine at the restaurant.

Serenely sat in the middle of Lake Pichola, the gorgeous Taj Lake Palace is among the most iconic and romantic hotels in India. Built as a pleasure palace by a young prince in 1746, it has since been tactfully restored to its former glory, its fine white marble walls glowing orange at sunrise and purple at dusk 66 rooms and 17 suites are designed to capture a different mood and period from the palace’s long history, each with stunning views across the lake to the surrounding hills and Udaipur or into the lush courtyard gardens. This spectacular setting is best enjoyed in its panoramic glory from the rooftop Bhairo restaurant. Neel Kamal is the place for authentic Indian specialities, or Jarokha if you’re after a more informal spot to eat throughout the day. Unforgettable private dining experiences – such as out on the lake aboard a 150-year-old boat – can also be arranged. During the day, find secluded spots around the palace to relax, bathe in the swimming pool, treat yourself on the Jiva Spa Boat or spend some time at handsome Amrit Sagar bar. Across the lake’s waters, explore Udaipur on city tours, heritage walks and even hire a vintage car for the day.

Sat on a little peninsula on the western banks of Lake Vembanad, Vismaya is a historic timber house that dates back over three centuries. Painstaking restored with contemporary luxuries subtly introduced, it is now an exclusive use villa with two bedrooms, a double and a twin, each air conditioned with en suite bathrooms. The property is surrounded by typically lush Keralan gardens and features an expansive granite swimming pool and peaceful coconut grove with hammocks to soak up serene views across the lake. Meals – with freshly caught fish bought straight from local fishermen – can be served wherever takes your fancy, be it out on the veranda, in the lounge, poolside or in the gazebo. From the villa’s private jetty embark on meandering boat tours of the backwaters, or borrow bicycles to explore the surrounding countryside. Village walks can also be arranged as can visits to nearby temples, churches and Alleppey town.

One of Rajasthan’s most glorious architectural wonders is the meticulously restored 14th-century Fort Barwara. What once belonged to a Rajasthani Royal Family has been transformed into a Six Senses sanctuary of well-being. Six Senses Fort Barwara is located a three-hour drive from Jaipur and a 30-minute drive from Ranthambore National Park, where you can go in search of the region’s wild tigers. It houses 48 luxury suites where the essence of royalty has been kept intact. The East Wing overlooks the countryside and the West Wing offers views to Barwara village and beyond. Each accommodation is designed in contemporary Rajasthani style, reinterpreting the fort’s rich history while subtly incorporating state-of-the-art technology. Here, dining is a royal affair. The on-site restaurants combine the best of regional Rajasthani and pan-Indian cuisine with a sprinkling of international influences while embracing the Eat With Six Senses philosophy of local, fresh and seasonal produce. Where possible, they harvest ingredients from the resort’s very own organic gardens and carefully selected farmers from the villages and townships nearby. As the sun begins to set over the Chauth ka Barwara Mandir Temple, come and find the wine sommelier to tour their vintages, or start your evening as you mean to go on with a pre-dinner cocktail at The Viewing Gallery. There is also an immense focus on personalised wellness. The resort is home to a 30,000-square-foot (2,800-square-meter) spa and fitness centre where an extensive menu of Ayurvedic treatments awaits. You can even blend your own skincare products at their Alchemy Bar. Six Senses Barwara is a royal base for exploring Rajasthan’s regional delights. Activities can be customized based on your preferences, whether it’s enjoying a sunset drive through the Rajasthani countryside or discovering the wildlife of nearby Ranthambore National Park. With visits to the temple and guided heritage walks, you will find endless possibilities to immerse in local history and culture.

On the shores of the Arabian Sea and close to the famed backwaters of Alleppey, this verdant resort is beautifully placed to explore the best of Kerala. There are 30 villas set in the sprawling gardens, each a luxurious blend of modern and traditional Keralan design with private pools, lavish bathrooms and walk-in dressing rooms. A major draw here is the stunning Ayurveda spa which offers a huge range of treatments and tailored wellness programs using age-old practices, with a focus on rejuvenation, stress management and detoxing combined with personalised Ayurveda diets. For those seeking to explore, take bicycle rides around local villages for a glimpse into rural lifestyles in this beautiful corner of India, discover the Jewish and colonial history of the region on historical excursions, explore sacred temples or visit the nearby Kumarakom bird sanctuary. There are also daily yoga sessions, the peaceful Marari beach and the Carnoustie’s own wonderful houseboat for private lunch and evening cruises along the backwaters. Making the most of the surrounding water and its bounty, the Chimaera restaurant serves up the freshest seafood while Ida has something for everyone. Being a resort dedicated to body and mind, there’s no alcohol available.

Surrounded by the rugged Aravalli Mountain range, Amanbagh is an oasis of calm, a modern day Mughal retreat 90 minutes northeast of Jaipur yet a world away from the thronging cities of Rajasthan. Invoking the grandeur of vernacular palaces, 40 elegant suites and pavilions are spread throughout the palm gardens, each with a private courtyard or terrace, lofty ceilings within domed cupolas and a deep soaking bathtub carved from green Udaipur marble. A selection of pavilions feature their own private pools. There’s an incredible array of activities from the resort, such as safaris into nearby Sariska Tiger Reserve, walks and camel rides around historic forts and temples, and cultural excursions to local villages. Dining here is a memorable experience, whether savouring Rajasthani favourites at the regal restaurant overlooking the pool, or with something a little more private such as a picnic in the splendid wilderness or under a lakeside chhatri pavilion. No matter where you eat, you can be assured of a seasonal menu made with produce from the resort’s organic gardens or sourced locally. Wellness is a central theme at Amanbagh and the holistic spa provides a range of therapies and treatments that soothe body and mind after a long day of exploration. For those truly seeking an escape, personalised Ayurvedic Immersions programmes from four nights to three weeks can be created, with an in-house Ayurvedic physician overseeing every detail of your experience of this 5,000-year-old system of preventive medicine.