tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29226021182734753672024-03-29T04:03:35.560-07:00Mystic-Asia Spa DiariesSpa reviews in India and the WorldMala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-40817492850383702322019-12-02T18:13:00.001-08:002019-12-02T18:13:05.443-08:00CARNOUSTIE MARARI BEACH KERALA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Carnoustie Ayurvedic Resort has constantly been receiving the Best Ayurvedic Resort in the Asiaspa and Globalspa magazine Awards over the years. Somehow it never came into my orbit even though I had the opportunity to visit all other luxury Ayurvedic Resorts in India.<br />
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Naturally I was very curious to experience the space and its offerings. Finally I had a chance to visit for a weekend.<br />
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The journey was long as there was only one direct flight from Deli-Kochi. I had to wake up at 3 am to catch the 6am flight. I caught up on my sleep on the flight as I wanted maximum waking time at the resort itself. I panicked for a moment when I landed and didnt see my name amongst the hotel chauffeurs waiting for their clients. I'd forgotten to slow down and accept the pace of suburban living. Delhi keeps you so on the ball.<br />
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The driver was having a snooze, he said, as my flight arrived 15 mins early!! Anyway we got in the comfortable Innova and there was box of sandwiches and drinks for my two hour journey to the Resort.<br />
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In Kerala there is no breathing space between villages. We drove non stop from the city airport through rural Kerala all the way to Marari Beach without seeing any breaks in the form of rice fields of coconut farms. The only stop was to drink some roadside coconut water, fresh from the trees.<br />
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On arrival, I was greeted by Sanjoy Ganguly, the GM ,who turned out to be a family friend. And I'm sure that's not why my room was upgraded but I nevertheless appreciated the gesture. It always makes you feel pampered.<br />
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I was given a luxurious Mallika Room/Villa with a private pool, outdoor shower and a very large bathroom with the softest, most gorgeous bed to sink into.<br />
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I could easily have slipped in to a slumber but the doctors had something else in mind!<br />
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I was introduced into their wellness Centre Aryavaidyashala and the programme by a very cheerful and smiling Dr Rejina. Since I was there only for 3 nights we were not able to do a formal 7 day detox or rejuvenation programme. Rather the doctor wanted to give me an experience of some of the more interesting options available on the spa menu. Meanwhile I opted to have the Ayurvedic food recommended for my dosha type, Vata/Pitta.<br />
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My first treatment started with a gentle full body Marma Massage by Dr Deepti. The Marma therapy here is a signature therapy given to all guests, every alternate day. This well known therapy integrates vital knowledge of the energy points within the specific techniques of Ayurvedic massage. A Marma point is a juncture on the body where two or more types of tissue meet, such as in muscles, veins, ligaments, joints or bones. By massaging such points the Prana (life force) in the body is allowed to move more freely. Lactic acid that accumulates through stress gets released in Marma therapy thus helping to detoxify the body thoroughly. It is often used in conjunction with yoga practices and meditation. I have to admit that I did fall asleep on the table after my early rise in the morning and left me very relaxed and supple as if my internal channels had been cleared. I guess thats what Marma massage is meant to do!<br />
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The resort is beautifully designed with private villas tucked in discreetly into a charming unmanicured garden. The footpaths weave their way through massage rooms, yoga rooms, restaurants, and villas. We had a bit of rain which also added to the monsoon/ayurveda vibe. The resort is dotted with charming outdoor pavilions to lounge read or meditate.<br />
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<img alt="Displaying IMG_9575.jpg" aria-hidden="true" class="aLF-aPX-J1-J3" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2?ui=2&ik=be8f4b57f0&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1651822134845057884&th=16ec737adb912b5c&view=fimg&disp=thd&attbid=ANGjdJ8FbzwwaxBSA-W9C3qYdG5bTVf4PIMXu-WRjbrgT9PPUXzRQTo3QnFjz4GuvI5Zm8_u7mawBJKynjgm_pVyA2HN6DUjOPsv6zJR7ml5gSNH_qaDy9W37MQV4qk&ats=2524608000000&sz=w1439-h686" /><img alt="Displaying IMG_9754.jpg" aria-hidden="true" class="aLF-aPX-J1-J3" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2?ui=2&ik=be8f4b57f0&attid=0.35&permmsgid=msg-f:1651822134845057884&th=16ec737adb912b5c&view=fimg&disp=thd&attbid=ANGjdJ-nUQLxcqeG3mvC8WIECJMCl54AoW8-2IFLWcXNLUUBh8hU2nJ86yvDnImiC9NlLefclD6Ta1mO9V1Roq96E4ZaSCUaa2NjRwtndDLk0HQARu1inBBXQTDZUEw&ats=2524608000000&sz=w1439-h686" /><br />
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A grand and tall circular indigenous Bamboo structure contains the Ida restaurant of the resort. I was starving but was given a restricted portion of soup and main course with a sugar free dessert. Like all regular Ayurvedic restaurants they also served warm herbal water to drink( I dont much care for, the flavour of this drink. I dont know why Ayurvedic centres don't modernise their warm tonic drinks).<br />
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<img alt="Displaying IMG_9721.jpg" aria-hidden="true" class="aLF-aPX-J1-J3" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2?ui=2&ik=be8f4b57f0&attid=0.25&permmsgid=msg-f:1651822134845057884&th=16ec737adb912b5c&view=fimg&disp=thd&attbid=ANGjdJ8u_gm7aEH_oxGKdR2I4RyKMD1IdDdrXPAUSBOqDuSlVXcYXWUV4LgAN4KcL5QhTtkKTrnqZHLO2WbdaoAEe6E1Q9QyMqd4XO8CxLN09Qt-lEYPpq4c3HcINM4&ats=2524608000000&sz=w1439-h686" /><img alt="Displaying IMG_9722.jpg" aria-hidden="true" class="aLF-aPX-J1-J3" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2?ui=2&ik=be8f4b57f0&attid=0.27&permmsgid=msg-f:1651822134845057884&th=16ec737adb912b5c&view=fimg&disp=thd&attbid=ANGjdJ_tBZq7WEDEr-dSvUYHdzCwgz7JyPpSYOXeb_LwJWWhzCiNNpBA0i2vWuxZBkkhA-PqQWItrPOObd0evLaYR5HJPazQkwtC2WxQy7mYnRnnU7WS9NFalW-Sapc&ats=2524608000000&sz=w1439-h686" /><br />
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I had two beautiful treatments during my stay. The Elakizhi and the Podikizhi. Both were poultice massages but of different techniques and benefits. The first was a herb poultice dipped in warm herbal oil that was rubbed over my body to treat my joints, muscles and body ache. The latter was a dry herbal pouch which the therapists pounded on my body to stimulate my blood supply and to instigate sweating, while at he same time, taking care of my bones and joints. Both these treatments were preceded by an Abhyangam massage.<br />
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<br />
Post the massage I had a lovely barefoot walk on the beach and sat on the lounger to watch the vast monsoon sky at sunset. I stayed there mesmerised unable to bring myself back to my room. There was a gentle breeze as well as a drizzle!<br />
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<img alt="Displaying IMG_9485.jpg" aria-hidden="true" class="aLF-aPX-J1-J3" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2?ui=2&ik=be8f4b57f0&attid=0.9&permmsgid=msg-f:1651821899901469237&th=16ec734427d68235&view=fimg&disp=thd&attbid=ANGjdJ_C6JQpEQUmztMynf157qCbh_vj2uAfrfDCJrv9Ejz3quSAwQ0D5aV5aFQBn44X3Pw5hTA-bFHnA6OdnwUC7vB3UZ5TXfbJoeyvmU7i2tI-dwLsmv89QUmGTJE&ats=2524608000000&sz=w1439-h686" /><img alt="Displaying IMG_9498.jpg" aria-hidden="true" class="aLF-aPX-J1-J3" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2?ui=2&ik=be8f4b57f0&attid=0.11&permmsgid=msg-f:1651821899901469237&th=16ec734427d68235&view=fimg&disp=thd&attbid=ANGjdJ8a1O43-LEwPQ14qIwHbzSvUFZ5vKK5r84qwees_NumlAf4zmYqqPTy3fK8kUAtvbyaClOOqN0EXPvTZqyw50PySMcZ9mv5BHPIy3nKjmGcIiiURKeNGOLD5Bc&ats=2524608000000&sz=w1439-h686" /><img alt="Displaying IMG_9511.jpg" aria-hidden="true" class="aLF-aPX-J1-J3" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2?ui=2&ik=be8f4b57f0&attid=0.13&permmsgid=msg-f:1651821899901469237&th=16ec734427d68235&view=fimg&disp=thd&attbid=ANGjdJ9TkQOxxG7wwm9i-uKCHvESLczOkKznDI5W-F54_xTOYsuF4p_ntF7--64oFWoQadrkV9w2DEh_WUD_3IeJyNLmiEjyFojVTIvCXmf-H0BCxqX2SDehJere_ww&ats=2524608000000&sz=w1439-h686" /><img alt="Displaying IMG_9518.jpg" aria-hidden="true" class="aLF-aPX-J1-J3" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2?ui=2&ik=be8f4b57f0&attid=0.15&permmsgid=msg-f:1651821899901469237&th=16ec734427d68235&view=fimg&disp=thd&attbid=ANGjdJ9TXXy94SBHXUCQkHDLdzfXv2vWTgJ-eIF8dJgoeRAP7fZNO0I52E--O3mR_uZuTHnk3Bvk17a-_413adLmL2DeOwcNoQq2-J-3XvKRfFyzeFzwlwxIPgfj5-8&ats=2524608000000&sz=w1439-h686" /><br />
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I was happy to retire to bed early so that I could walk the beach in the morning.<br />
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It was 6am when my eyes opened and I immediately jumped out of bed not to miss even a moment of the sunrise. The fisherman were just returning with their catch. The haul was of small scanty fish, probably for the local village market. I was told that the big ships went out further into the sea to catch the big fish. The thought of David Attenborough's comments on the state of the depleting fish came to mind. Soon he said, we would not have any fish left in our seas if the human race consumes them all. Ah well, conscious living has still a long way to go.<br />
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After the first day I switched form the Ayurvedic food menu to the extensive normal Kerala food menu. It was all delicious but not sure it was very healthy.<br />
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<img alt="Displaying 9322099A-456A-4B5B-98B6-D75731CF14BA.JPG" aria-hidden="true" class="aLF-aPX-J1-J3" height="400" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2?ui=2&ik=be8f4b57f0&attid=0.7&permmsgid=msg-f:1651822453839067229&th=16ec73c52117785d&view=fimg&disp=thd&attbid=ANGjdJ8l7x2j19QMEjiffwNpc8DGnvRTAoPtDPy789-PWU2qG18QGIIEH7WmqB9o6WpaY1saxWQ6h72I2yJiX1c4INhG14Xl0CeUiFwdQ5mQux4cN_FQ3veIyt_w8Y8&ats=2524608000000&sz=w1439-h686" width="400" /><br />
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I took a refreshing barefoot walk on the beach, and headed off for the morning Yoga class. Mr Gopal was our teacher. It was a full class with about 16 yoga enthusiasts. After some stretches, inversions and moolabandhas, Mr Gopal gave us a demonstration of Nauil kriya<br />
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Pranic Healing is also part of Carnousite's recommended healing treatments. All guests get marma massage and pranic healing every alternate day.<br />
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On day 3, I was treated to my favourite Ayurvedic treatment, the Srirodhara.<br />
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<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2?ui=2&ik=be8f4b57f0&attid=0.3&permmsgid=msg-f:1651822453839067229&th=16ec73c52117785d&view=fimg&disp=thd&attbid=ANGjdJ-ZIlKRkGt04FKTA5rsAzJJ3gvMrhMM_Sz89noEHTqJrSIocVU6BiBmeYyeMHrxF-2fOddHJVkiYUAWOuzh4XT9hWzVIrXa55kkqBeZYEsvqVYbC9aO1SwJCeE&ats=2524608000000&sz=w1439-h686" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Displaying IMG_9819.jpg" aria-hidden="true" border="0" class="aLF-aPX-J1-J3" height="400" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2?ui=2&ik=be8f4b57f0&attid=0.3&permmsgid=msg-f:1651822453839067229&th=16ec73c52117785d&view=fimg&disp=thd&attbid=ANGjdJ-ZIlKRkGt04FKTA5rsAzJJ3gvMrhMM_Sz89noEHTqJrSIocVU6BiBmeYyeMHrxF-2fOddHJVkiYUAWOuzh4XT9hWzVIrXa55kkqBeZYEsvqVYbC9aO1SwJCeE&ats=2524608000000&sz=w1439-h686" width="300" /></a>This iconic massage never fails to get me into an alpha state. For 30 mins warm oil was gently poured on my forehead from a beautiful brass pot hanging over my head. This treatment is great for the reducing stress, anxiety and improving the Vata dosha and sleep. Not to mention that it puts you in a really relaxed state of mind.<br />
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After that I was invited to the hotel boat ride across the Kerala backwaters into Lake Vembanad, India's longest lake.<br />
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This was a sheer delight, as the boat was superbly comfortable and luxurious. We were treated with kids gloves and my lunch was even laid out in a beautiful dining room, all set with white table cloths and rose bowls!!! The dining room had glass windows so I could watch the waters as we sailed past the paddy and little villages along the river.<br />
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The last day, Dr Regina wanted me to try one of their signature wraps. So the treatment started with a scrub made of papaya and Navara rice. After which they wrapped my body up like a cocoon with a fruit paste made of mint, apple, cucumber, oats, eggwhite and lemon.<br />
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This was a perfect send off from this magical place.<br />
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Carnoustie grew on me over the days. The ambience and setting was magical. There was no pressure to get involved in hundreds of activities, like most other wellness centres. There was enough time to enjoy the beach, the gardens and the several outdoor pavillions that are set up for lounging and reading.<br />
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<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2?ui=2&ik=be8f4b57f0&attid=0.11&permmsgid=msg-f:1651822453839067229&th=16ec73c52117785d&view=fimg&disp=thd&attbid=ANGjdJ-O2_8I3I1nbwz2A-v-wJiYbzQO1FCWbHQGjJdSeMFR3ctAIjJH7H5vgLqjhr5tc7dgcbqOvK29AhC01WmZu2t2jQhBg5vZr-q4Kj4O1gOSDQZkv2FQmYR-dsA&ats=2524608000000&sz=w1439-h686" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Displaying IMG_9845.jpg" aria-hidden="true" border="0" class="aLF-aPX-J1-J3" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2?ui=2&ik=be8f4b57f0&attid=0.11&permmsgid=msg-f:1651822453839067229&th=16ec73c52117785d&view=fimg&disp=thd&attbid=ANGjdJ-O2_8I3I1nbwz2A-v-wJiYbzQO1FCWbHQGjJdSeMFR3ctAIjJH7H5vgLqjhr5tc7dgcbqOvK29AhC01WmZu2t2jQhBg5vZr-q4Kj4O1gOSDQZkv2FQmYR-dsA&ats=2524608000000&sz=w1439-h686" /></a><br />
The pool was also of a decent length to get my laps in for the days exercise.<br />
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Recomendation: The cuisine although delicious, needs to be updated to the latest wellness trends for conscious and healthy food.<br />
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Thank you Sandra and Urvashi for the lovely weekend!<br />
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Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-2419818670297224372017-10-02T08:10:00.000-07:002017-10-02T08:14:02.327-07:00TIJARA FORT PALACE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>"Long before one can enjoy the Neemrana Experience, it is vital to humble oneself before the vast and continuous sprawl of history. Humans come later."- a quote from their website.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yRR4PB2Vhae4mkauNAQcdRdZP3ckpdZILW1fMjGsh5Mjxn0qOHZLCq3V4Q2EjHEPrJmONUo8LM7LqpnkUZbc3x9LopYaCBrbYU7vfoffrc9-g3mF-0xXnn3u1bIVQX-4CzQY5en597s/s1600/IMG_3477.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yRR4PB2Vhae4mkauNAQcdRdZP3ckpdZILW1fMjGsh5Mjxn0qOHZLCq3V4Q2EjHEPrJmONUo8LM7LqpnkUZbc3x9LopYaCBrbYU7vfoffrc9-g3mF-0xXnn3u1bIVQX-4CzQY5en597s/s640/IMG_3477.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Tijara Fort Palace stands tall and foreboding on a hilltop. As you approach this new addition to the Neemrana Group of Hotels, the tall grasslands play hide and seek with the view of the Fort. A wide but steep entrance through the palace gates reminds me of the established Neemrana Fort in Delhi.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaymTjjckPOFeRIZvyoZYYQ7zraLAq8SEOzbm6Wzv8HEcC6Uf7MRE1JxdwE7ZIj-9DyJaDnbRoQ-F325_XQ_hW28l8hAP0FwyMdPxEMHefiOyMDT-MWmHLnPKtsZRZCuBPaDlWYwY_zGo/s1600/IMG_3883.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApL0MZwSjZM1MGtSRW8X9NmYv7RTeAzuCr9CCe5Igug8I2KhV1iudCObn4HTsjtitpYXGr8nOqEAO1qBkAmhlkc6e3qR7Wrm4URJstJPlCrUES1hjHQ3_gGxa2sF3qaKveqyDkP41w6M/s1600/IMG_3886.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApL0MZwSjZM1MGtSRW8X9NmYv7RTeAzuCr9CCe5Igug8I2KhV1iudCObn4HTsjtitpYXGr8nOqEAO1qBkAmhlkc6e3qR7Wrm4URJstJPlCrUES1hjHQ3_gGxa2sF3qaKveqyDkP41w6M/s640/IMG_3886.JPG" width="640" /></a><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaymTjjckPOFeRIZvyoZYYQ7zraLAq8SEOzbm6Wzv8HEcC6Uf7MRE1JxdwE7ZIj-9DyJaDnbRoQ-F325_XQ_hW28l8hAP0FwyMdPxEMHefiOyMDT-MWmHLnPKtsZRZCuBPaDlWYwY_zGo/s640/IMG_3883.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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I have known the owner of Neemrana Group, Aman Nath, for the last 17 years. He is a neighbour and a friend. We recently connected through work at the Indian Heritage Hotels Association, and I was almost embarrassed that I had not accepted his many invitations to visit his new "baby." So when I had some time this autumn, I jumped into my car and drove off into the wilderness, only to be surprised by the sheer enormity of the Fort and what Aman has done to convert the old 19th century ruins into a grand palace hotel. I cannot even begin to imagine what a mammoth task it must have been to renovate the old ruins of the Fort and transform it into this splendid Palace Hotel. Keeping to traditional architectural guidelines, getting licenses from the Government and even building the roads to access the Fort could not have been an easy task. Yet this is exactly why these boutique hotels of the IHHA are charming and unique - they are more a labour of love put together with all historic details in place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3fzXVS23qFY30rx0gm7SuWUBKkzSjV8TRmiB8Lm2VtL0gW77n64GiZUwJuPqgZGXsxnyK38Rx7Wf6Hg61185s4BQ1I-rbgFCOdm-AnOI9-1COD014wdBLlv5npTuKM30v9fWUESuQio/s1600/IMG_3891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3fzXVS23qFY30rx0gm7SuWUBKkzSjV8TRmiB8Lm2VtL0gW77n64GiZUwJuPqgZGXsxnyK38Rx7Wf6Hg61185s4BQ1I-rbgFCOdm-AnOI9-1COD014wdBLlv5npTuKM30v9fWUESuQio/s320/IMG_3891.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
Located only 2.5 hours away from Delhi, Tijara Fort makes an easy getaway for weekends from Delhi. My friend Meg Lambert a.k.a. "an english woman abroad" joined me on the trip. We were on a Mystic Asia journey into the heart of Indian heritage.<br />
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We arrived at lunchtime and were given a very elaborate Thali lunch of Rajasthani food. I indulged in some "normal" food after a long time!Aman told me they would be starting a new restaurant with "sattvik" food! I shall look forward to it! Food was delicious although a little oily for my liking.<br />
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We strolled around the huge property comprising of the three main buildings, the Mardana Mahal, the Rani Mahal and the Hawa Mahal. Seven terraced gardens connecting these Mahals command a magnificent view above the tall ramparts that have now been lovingly completed and restored.<br />
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My favourite spot was the stunning Ikkat floor tiles that formed a carpet in the main hall of Mardana Mahal.<br />
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The rooms have been designed by well known personalities of the art world and painted murals adorn the walls and ceilings of several of the rooms. I was pleasantly surprised to find that "Anjolie Mahal"<br />
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which was allocated to me, had walls painted by one of Indias most talented artists, Anjolie Ela Menon.<br />
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Her signature was inscribed on the walls for posterity. Beautiful!<br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">In the evening, Meg and I got down to do some much needed stretches and Yoga after the long drive from Delhi. </span></div>
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The sunset lit up the radiant hues of the red sandstone of the Fort. Ending with some meditation we headed straight to the spa.<br />
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Oh yes ! and on the way I spotted something that was interesting.......<br />
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The double OM!!<br />
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Raja Sitlhou was warm and welcoming to the Oriental Senses Spa that he runs at Tijara Fort. He was almost apologetic that the new spa premises were not yet ready for use. Never mind, I said, we will be back!</div>
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The Oriental Senses spa is run by husband and wife (Raja and Ahoi) team with what seems like a hands on, personal attention, vibe.<br />
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They seemed very sincere, very caring, very eager that we have a good experience. The temporary spa was set up in one of the rooms and the two therapy beds were separated by a makeshift screen for our purpose. I understood that special therapists were brought in for us too, which was very touching indeed. They had only one gown so we couldnt pose in "white"! I always have an immediate rapport with North Eastern staff so it was easy for me to feel at home. My therapist Mesavino or Avi, for short, was of Naga origin. I amused her with some of my Nagamese knowledge and then we got down to business. I opted for a deep tissue massage.<br />
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The spa menu was non fussy, compact and to the point with the standard therapies on offer. </div>
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We started off with a foot soak in lukewarm water and rose petals, Thai style. </div>
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Avi gave me an unusually large disposable underwear to change into and began kneading my body with a sensitive touch. She was petit girl so I almost felt bad to ask her to go deeper into my tissues and muscles. (I like my massage to be quite painful, nicely I mean!). I think I reached her limits, poor girl, as I continued to ask her to go deeper! The oil smelt nice with a combination of lavender and lemon, homemade by Ahoi herself. I think the base oil was sesame, I was not sure.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4BGk8RMeLJ4k4lt10xstObNkXd4zbvKsd_cq01FtO-ohepxmOSr5crEiOned8T6ZDv8mUM7xM9nvFWyRhcnQzFn562KWHhhh63BsdijzzR9MZBU67WZ6hrtk1ilpOqTUx3iEL12CHms/s1600/IMG_3652.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWglxQzzcOwq0kZGSJm88aUrPIPkktqmuUxmSG4TyPh1cZSut40R7OeFhcYrfuLcOsnvSnale-brJWIyuqn5LhgvyHwZNZ-T-VCRQgBNNchhpXfXBETqKeWXy-q3__ud1w-WRrdV2JwfA/s1600/IMG_3653.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWglxQzzcOwq0kZGSJm88aUrPIPkktqmuUxmSG4TyPh1cZSut40R7OeFhcYrfuLcOsnvSnale-brJWIyuqn5LhgvyHwZNZ-T-VCRQgBNNchhpXfXBETqKeWXy-q3__ud1w-WRrdV2JwfA/s400/IMG_3653.JPG" width="300" /></a><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4BGk8RMeLJ4k4lt10xstObNkXd4zbvKsd_cq01FtO-ohepxmOSr5crEiOned8T6ZDv8mUM7xM9nvFWyRhcnQzFn562KWHhhh63BsdijzzR9MZBU67WZ6hrtk1ilpOqTUx3iEL12CHms/s400/IMG_3652.JPG" width="300" /></div>
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I have to say here that the hospitality shown by Raj and Ahoi was refreshingly personal and caring and I think what most spas dont realise is that a customer comes to a spa to be spoilt, to receive some TLC. So being caring, sincere and some kind words can always touch a soul. This was the best part of my experience with them- the warmth with which I was welcomed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sIwbvaXunME6Zo0O12Yh_sgPbzDPqsCT0TtXpyY2gFShBGHGx78OL-FxvB2qS8c62ih88mZFlvKl_Lds-cEAwoh7jMQaS8fYVvMzfWzOnX7HMRGTGTqjwik3fJENJP79p7eb6x2iMmk/s1600/IMG_3644.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPqT7xu2QDJ__hZnnZzVSD6qhe7I-5Qp0gDvGGkdGO2gIM_YZgF1A-vSlu2rjnELp8GcTaYbxV9tIs0gnpR9Hchr9ETP1EiU2w3bAdqtKhrHqJ5e2AwDWjvt0_BazI3QfBrjzQy_y00s/s1600/IMG_3650.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPqT7xu2QDJ__hZnnZzVSD6qhe7I-5Qp0gDvGGkdGO2gIM_YZgF1A-vSlu2rjnELp8GcTaYbxV9tIs0gnpR9Hchr9ETP1EiU2w3bAdqtKhrHqJ5e2AwDWjvt0_BazI3QfBrjzQy_y00s/s400/IMG_3650.JPG" width="300" /></a><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sIwbvaXunME6Zo0O12Yh_sgPbzDPqsCT0TtXpyY2gFShBGHGx78OL-FxvB2qS8c62ih88mZFlvKl_Lds-cEAwoh7jMQaS8fYVvMzfWzOnX7HMRGTGTqjwik3fJENJP79p7eb6x2iMmk/s400/IMG_3644.JPG" width="300" /><br />
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As the massage relaxed me into a state of sleep, an hour later, I was woken up on my table. Meg was almost asleep too. We yawned, stretched and filled ourselves with gratitude for this amazing journey that we were on.</div>
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We sauntered off to dinner soon after that and decided to have an early night so we could catch the morning light at sunrise the next day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCo41lNSUUQbSfp7ae3Eoqwn-l0vynJg8UhzvQVnouz2tUlzQo3vwLjZq2L4ZXtQDHrF4vvaFJYeuKK2Xpy0eb4-Ml6MOVzuHGH3QJI8P68gW7BVMrbjC7aZbqrVuvWqtrbE1Qr_RaIE/s1600/IMG_3661.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVsBpWfLdpwEHz-tgq81Gx8NBD71blwJAbs_x4Vv9gO4CLY9E53mrqNb2xNHrr-VM1UxG6jRZqenXLM4grHMRYHVJ9n-OSz9Wh0sli8GRbVkqfFpfAi8NjqDXmjyGNWvZUitj-GxPuxw/s1600/IMG_3658.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVsBpWfLdpwEHz-tgq81Gx8NBD71blwJAbs_x4Vv9gO4CLY9E53mrqNb2xNHrr-VM1UxG6jRZqenXLM4grHMRYHVJ9n-OSz9Wh0sli8GRbVkqfFpfAi8NjqDXmjyGNWvZUitj-GxPuxw/s400/IMG_3658.JPG" width="300" /></a><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCo41lNSUUQbSfp7ae3Eoqwn-l0vynJg8UhzvQVnouz2tUlzQo3vwLjZq2L4ZXtQDHrF4vvaFJYeuKK2Xpy0eb4-Ml6MOVzuHGH3QJI8P68gW7BVMrbjC7aZbqrVuvWqtrbE1Qr_RaIE/s400/IMG_3661.JPG" width="300" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzkAhJm4lDS6nEkpnuDuLnuQVTFQ5LhTN_LuBlf-b3M_PPs5n-xfqsE3R1ntxjPZGXEVD_1Wjd-Nn-Nc8mLlCKlw-Oy-yaWchmxfdstJlYk5FoxwdENBzkhMmFuBqd3mtua6t4tmZ6TU/s1600/IMG_3666.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzkAhJm4lDS6nEkpnuDuLnuQVTFQ5LhTN_LuBlf-b3M_PPs5n-xfqsE3R1ntxjPZGXEVD_1Wjd-Nn-Nc8mLlCKlw-Oy-yaWchmxfdstJlYk5FoxwdENBzkhMmFuBqd3mtua6t4tmZ6TU/s640/IMG_3666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sure enough, at 5.45 am we were up<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYf2GdlbIcZO6zdLqtq44MAbw2jBO7DcP8D9ZsBKN7pvtr3LtP72ZJO974YhLsxG6ODjJekr2W_MFQaAbkPPSu13UGLanjG1tXJLn6isfRu-I-Zqt4PvPmWbRsukzhifBOPe0BTI1fxiU/s1600/IMG_3770.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYf2GdlbIcZO6zdLqtq44MAbw2jBO7DcP8D9ZsBKN7pvtr3LtP72ZJO974YhLsxG6ODjJekr2W_MFQaAbkPPSu13UGLanjG1tXJLn6isfRu-I-Zqt4PvPmWbRsukzhifBOPe0BTI1fxiU/s640/IMG_3770.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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at the Hawa Mahal to watch the sun rise and I was treated to a fabulous sun "wash" through my Sahasara (crown) Chakra !!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaePqywgE75xYRlcL96oCU7timq-g2o_gmECD6_uz1ta07_NN9o_gpd1Ix_CcYZzFBCeGD2koSTLJReHEUXXBvd2N4S3PB59G5P2aOj8BZp5jQfuv6djxupJKPLdpDZhyEk25lay8Z1Ww/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaePqywgE75xYRlcL96oCU7timq-g2o_gmECD6_uz1ta07_NN9o_gpd1Ix_CcYZzFBCeGD2koSTLJReHEUXXBvd2N4S3PB59G5P2aOj8BZp5jQfuv6djxupJKPLdpDZhyEk25lay8Z1Ww/s640/IMG_3707.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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We found a nice spot amongst the corridor of pillars to do our yoga </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1D_9VNuIf_2HyJ0d5ecMnd68SiYwh1eH9M6BgUxwkdQivinAXrhwLgzI7RxNYSLyAgqCPsc0o0TwpG-c-qf22V1s6pfGYgv5ng542XVYBKQft7nvfVBZR8_R3AT4Z4e-cZTFfaTc3Pw/s1600/IMG_3755.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1D_9VNuIf_2HyJ0d5ecMnd68SiYwh1eH9M6BgUxwkdQivinAXrhwLgzI7RxNYSLyAgqCPsc0o0TwpG-c-qf22V1s6pfGYgv5ng542XVYBKQft7nvfVBZR8_R3AT4Z4e-cZTFfaTc3Pw/s400/IMG_3755.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5Tif_DpSbomg_GumCuk5klpx0l2yVewlebm2MolE9PmasG6iJTCKLzCQhsCyIuLKkRnksDXIjYyU8PI7kZhsXN2G3MCAWpq7Cb7H49QlgfSjyslzvp8pbgMLW0W3-L95EmJ3BVZIYAY/s1600/IMG_3735.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5Tif_DpSbomg_GumCuk5klpx0l2yVewlebm2MolE9PmasG6iJTCKLzCQhsCyIuLKkRnksDXIjYyU8PI7kZhsXN2G3MCAWpq7Cb7H49QlgfSjyslzvp8pbgMLW0W3-L95EmJ3BVZIYAY/s400/IMG_3735.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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and then moved to the edge of the building for some meditation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYwN77lGtN-f2Jaf38GE7zw_bxAitfmGqbUG5qeY41Pq3ci8DTvq6Q8zGvePKwnCI5-wVdCw3GAlqv-7FAy2wu30N-ReefdcVATAWmkMXl90cKJd_6J3VaV7Wz2s0bopdCnFx5JveuVM/s1600/IMG_3724.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYwN77lGtN-f2Jaf38GE7zw_bxAitfmGqbUG5qeY41Pq3ci8DTvq6Q8zGvePKwnCI5-wVdCw3GAlqv-7FAy2wu30N-ReefdcVATAWmkMXl90cKJd_6J3VaV7Wz2s0bopdCnFx5JveuVM/s640/IMG_3724.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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A hearty breakfast of yummy Poha and an hour of swimming is how we spent the morning. The enormous open air pool is set at a lower level.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUO-RVIw6_J30pRFIdMpdeobgk_i9D-dVNNG4YURDouyllgY8VjyTDZ08k2xsxI7BBzSM6MMH0oVxVmjZT19-mVztBRjVk9geh39FaRAb661MBI-ztZ0KVxTdm9dcJ0z5FZtG9U_DbKI/s1600/IMG_3853.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_39G_v59zdsUI0Wbl5VK_6HZij2aHM5TYnygCN2nNUc9ggErOu4q6bt3jwtLlHvqZgv5Qck01lItaAc6KolG6_BdXv3A0FvFEZPNkTKAEFFq1WCEf-T3O4u1ErWkOSrU57oetDmXhUCs/s1600/IMG_3863.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_39G_v59zdsUI0Wbl5VK_6HZij2aHM5TYnygCN2nNUc9ggErOu4q6bt3jwtLlHvqZgv5Qck01lItaAc6KolG6_BdXv3A0FvFEZPNkTKAEFFq1WCEf-T3O4u1ErWkOSrU57oetDmXhUCs/s640/IMG_3863.JPG" width="480" /></a><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUO-RVIw6_J30pRFIdMpdeobgk_i9D-dVNNG4YURDouyllgY8VjyTDZ08k2xsxI7BBzSM6MMH0oVxVmjZT19-mVztBRjVk9geh39FaRAb661MBI-ztZ0KVxTdm9dcJ0z5FZtG9U_DbKI/s640/IMG_3853.JPG" width="480" /><br />
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The water was cool and inviting. Am sure it would be stunning to swim in the night and watch the stars while on a backstroke!</div>
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I spent the rest of the morning enjoying the balcony outside my room,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHQ6Lm5BlRZWhyphenhyphen3Nu7XEuXmoywDPjTQlTuk966uKyVEJPpVOL8Cn3_1Dx_IwB6KUvpy34DeUpGO4vO3dTauD4Kx0oiji5IFEjaIu1UWomS5i683kC5M3HghPjy5XJ0lwhzlH8b_OhCvE/s1600/IMG_3877.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHQ6Lm5BlRZWhyphenhyphen3Nu7XEuXmoywDPjTQlTuk966uKyVEJPpVOL8Cn3_1Dx_IwB6KUvpy34DeUpGO4vO3dTauD4Kx0oiji5IFEjaIu1UWomS5i683kC5M3HghPjy5XJ0lwhzlH8b_OhCvE/s640/IMG_3877.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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feeling the gentle breeze while I caught up with my reading on Devdutt Patnaiks interpretation of the Devi (in keeping to the theme of Navratri and Durga Puja!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC17XRctgCeV8fmo4MDMnwRcfLAhr5JLVT9bgt4oUlfb_MOHC-nt3x_AGLbL6hlpQDHHXifUH9n6y_jT-THbj-lMIrO2CSjz-O_ELVF98esDMEaSuIFaUDVqLCAj1smOwd_GvawPWCBtU/s1600/IMG_3399.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC17XRctgCeV8fmo4MDMnwRcfLAhr5JLVT9bgt4oUlfb_MOHC-nt3x_AGLbL6hlpQDHHXifUH9n6y_jT-THbj-lMIrO2CSjz-O_ELVF98esDMEaSuIFaUDVqLCAj1smOwd_GvawPWCBtU/s640/IMG_3399.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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We quickly grabbed some lunch and with heavy hearts said bye to our short sojourn in "Wonderland"!<br />
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It felt like a dream.<br />
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I am so grateful for every moment that comes my way in this wonderful world of travel, specially moments like these that are precious and unforgettable. Little sparks of magic that make life very worth living.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bm2r5Bxx_bVrbpePrqhSNoLRztB7m7xrFF81lsy-xta_tOxH0W3FqR5mYuYYZJaM5jqhqO5_DN8aUul_OUESimzqzdWcRyup2-qMSGZgqAJyjHrgSBmlYrwXuVcQ4OI18jSJfAKqNuA/s1600/IMG_3671.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bm2r5Bxx_bVrbpePrqhSNoLRztB7m7xrFF81lsy-xta_tOxH0W3FqR5mYuYYZJaM5jqhqO5_DN8aUul_OUESimzqzdWcRyup2-qMSGZgqAJyjHrgSBmlYrwXuVcQ4OI18jSJfAKqNuA/s640/IMG_3671.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Thank you Aman, Vivek and Raja and Ahoi.<br />
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Recommendation: Im sure the new spa will have a more aesthetic space than the one we experienced and I wish them luck with that. I hope to visit again soon. The collaterals could also be brought in line with a definite brand image. </div>
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Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-92147606996442273932017-08-10T05:58:00.003-07:002017-10-01T22:01:49.901-07:00AASHYANA LAKHANPAL GOA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtzt3XhrxW_sszB8BmHgWBsNmxbNzEkdZFeMgAWD8c8WyWXOzVrzjwW-ZlibzmrO1vweSOTunvF17RJrqCpRYWA4c0YonHMAygxbwyLRGPbx163n7FqC154K6OsDOLGZFWoPMRPukoaA/s1600/IMG_0730.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtzt3XhrxW_sszB8BmHgWBsNmxbNzEkdZFeMgAWD8c8WyWXOzVrzjwW-ZlibzmrO1vweSOTunvF17RJrqCpRYWA4c0YonHMAygxbwyLRGPbx163n7FqC154K6OsDOLGZFWoPMRPukoaA/s640/IMG_0730.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Ive seen Aashyana Lakhanpal grow from its inception to this beautiful sprawling property that is cared for, yet looks uncared for. <b>That is the unique magic of this place</b>. Owner Ajai Lakhanpal has been a dear friend over the years and has often invited me to enjoy his home -turned -resort on one of Goa's most popular beaches, Candolim. He is a man of good taste and little fuss. He wisely decided that instead of having a manicured garden he would allow the garden to be natural and grow organically. The concept has worked incredibly well and hidden amongst the grounds are his commitments to the environment in the form of rainwater harvesting, composting, organic garden etc.<br />
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Firstly, the entrance to the property is archaically narrow, and requires us to switch over to smaller cars at a certain point, in order navigate through the lanes. After a short drive the majestic gate suddenly appears and as we drive in to the property, we are greeted with tall coconut palms and a beautiful entrance hall with a grand spiral staircase.<br />
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I am here this time, to shoot my second Indian healthy cookbook with my co author Nandini Gulati, our stylist Vidhi Jain and two photographers. Our book is whole plant based and uses no oil, sugar, gluten or animal products!<br />
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We arrived in Goa with bags and bags of styling crockery and food ingredients which we knew we would not find easily if Goa.<br />
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We were here to cook, style and shoot 118 recipes in 10 days. It was going to be intense work and I was sure I would need some good relaxing spa treatments!<br />
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Ajai very kindly opened up his property for us to capture some of the magic of his gardens and incorporate it into our book. And so it was. Every leaf, every corner, every wall, provided us with unique surfaces to place our dishes on.<br />
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We would start early in the morning to capture the light.<br />
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But wait!<br />
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My morning doesn't start until Ive done my practice! The beach was only a stones throw away. <br />
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A good morning walk allowing the wet sand to massage the soles of my feet is a great therapy.<br />
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I believe its now also been given the name "earthing" and often included as a spa therapy!! It certainly helps to ground me and absorb the energy of the earth! We had spectacular sunrises as it was the monsoon season . I dragged Nandini out to do some Yoga and meditation on the beach.<br />
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Our cottages were set amidst a lot of greenery and the birds made sure they woke us up in the morning. I also noticed a new resident here- the peacock. But was not able to capture him in my camera. These cottages have been gradually added to the property and they are soooooo close to the beach that you can hear the ocean as you sleep.<br />
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After a hearty and healthy breakfast of fruit, smoothies, brown rice poha and badam milk we set to work.<br />
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We scouted the property for interesting spaces to photograph our dishes on. So while I paid attention to producing the dishes,Vidhi and the photographers went hunting for surfaces. We did so want to capture the cottages and villas of the property but with food shots we needed to have close ups. Nevertheless, what we found was amazing.<br />
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Sometimes some moss..........<br />
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Sometimes a Buddha Statue<br />
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sometimes on the rooftop<br />
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and sometimes in the pond!</div>
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Day after day we worked non stop for 12 hours a day taking breaks to review the work. Sitting out in the verandah of our cottages till dusk dawned and the mosquitoes decided to descend upon us. The cottages inside were very comfortable, fully air conditioned and a great tea making service!<br />
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We even went to Mapusa vegetable market to get fresh veggies for the book. (Yes, it was avocado season!!)<br />
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And got to taste our own haul from Mapusa!<br />
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But most of all, I would be on my feet all day. My tired soles were aching. I tried to relax in the picturesque pool.<br />
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Nothing worked. My feet needed a workout.<br />
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I finally decided that the only remedy would be to take a walk down to the spa.</div>
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Shobha and Biju are a husband wife couple that take care of the spa at Aashyana. The spa, if I remeber right, was once an exclusive Ayurvedic spa but has now been converted to a general spa with both Ayurvedic and Western therapies. The couple are from Kerala and are able to handle both forms of therapies. I opted to have a deep tissue on the first day for my aching body (after so much hard work!!)</div>
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It was Shobha who took care of me, gently digging into my muscles and soles. </div>
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The spa was very simple and basic. No frills and no fuss (just like the owner likes it). It has a feel of au naturalle about it. I asked for a deep tissue massage and she did a good job using her lower arm and elbow to dig deep into my back and soles as required. They use mainly Ayurvedic oils at the spa and dont give you much information unless you ask. I think what she used on me had a sesame base.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjhCmGm3B6CrgfCclHAXk_lHOV3xMgUMXEeIEzc4O7voiNOFnFUV0KnttDud8hrUlhvfpTGLsfi3O3SDDgz8wYk1MxLLP2sG5LWVtdzeSQE_U6YQByACFl3pWNVNQ-6YbL9ZZKcg7JQQ/s1600/IMG_1245.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0h72d6qzsaEnkbiFDnrqUnIpxa9S2XnJIzh1E9zG7LXtPUZ0ZOzFY38LkwVLIwb7cxxa9od9bqjwb3QGn4jEhyphenhyphenJNMokSRjuTAa_h9UxxyCrqFz9TWOHwtSgVE6x0Q_k_Xi341XZBcnWY/s1600/IMG_0808.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0h72d6qzsaEnkbiFDnrqUnIpxa9S2XnJIzh1E9zG7LXtPUZ0ZOzFY38LkwVLIwb7cxxa9od9bqjwb3QGn4jEhyphenhyphenJNMokSRjuTAa_h9UxxyCrqFz9TWOHwtSgVE6x0Q_k_Xi341XZBcnWY/s400/IMG_0808.JPG" width="300" /></a><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjhCmGm3B6CrgfCclHAXk_lHOV3xMgUMXEeIEzc4O7voiNOFnFUV0KnttDud8hrUlhvfpTGLsfi3O3SDDgz8wYk1MxLLP2sG5LWVtdzeSQE_U6YQByACFl3pWNVNQ-6YbL9ZZKcg7JQQ/s400/IMG_1245.JPG" width="300" /></div>
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After a weeks gap I chose to have the Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy as well, on the wooden massage table.</div>
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I dont know about you but I always have a fear that Ill slip down from the table!! I usually hold on tight when I need to turn over. The two hands Abhyanga treatment was given using a Tridoshic oil combination call the Dhanwanthaila (the Hindu God of Health Dhanwantari and Thaila meaning oil). Shobha is an experienced therapist and explained to me thats its a myth to say that Ayurvedic massages are given only under the instruction of doctors. I think what she meant was there is a difference between <b>massages</b> with tridoshic oils (which would be suitable to all dosha types) and those that are prescribed by doctors as Ayurvedic <b>treatments</b> with specific dosha oils.<br />
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And so be it.<br />
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I would say then that this could only be considered a "massage" rather than an Ayurvedic treatment! Still it was nice and relaxing. I bathed after, with the home-made moong dal paste that she had made.</div>
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I left the spa feeling rejuvenated and ready for another days work!</div>
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Our time in Aashyana seemed to have gone my very fast. We wrapped up the shooting by taking some portrait pictures for the book. Aashyana Lakhanpal is the kind of place that grows and grows on you. You just dont want to leave it. However we celebrated by having a nice meal made by Jagat Singh and Lakhan, our two chefs and eventually we had to say byeeeee!!<br />
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Recommendation: I would definitely recommend improving the aesthetics of the spa and also work on spa etiquette. It could be much more charming set in those beautiful grounds.<br />
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I'd like to thank Ajai Lakhanpal, Priya Shaikh. Pradeep Sethi and Rajendra Tiwari for the support they gave me and my team during our stay at Aashyana Lakhanpal. It was memorable.</div>
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Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-63590561386500030832015-07-25T21:38:00.001-07:002015-07-25T21:38:59.215-07:00SRI SRI AYURVEDA PANCHAKARMA CENTRE, BANGALORE, INDIA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jai Gurudev!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys at the Gurukul</td></tr>
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When you visit Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Art of Living International Center in Bangalore, India, you cant miss the many good looking young Jesus looking boys mystically floating around in their white kurta pyjamas with their long locks draping over their shoulders. This is the trademark look of the Guru and his disciples. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (or Gurudev as he is fondly called) is one of India's foremost Gurus with probably the largest span of international devotees. I first experienced him in Singapore in 1997 when he stayed with my friends Rafiq and Lubu Jhumabhoy. He was lesser known then.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vishalakshmi Mandap the main Hall</td></tr>
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Since then I visited this Ashram/Centre in 2007 to do his basic Happiness course which was then called the Sudarshan Kriya. The Centre has now grown a multiple times. The course is basically a set of breathing techniques to simulate a high with calming effects which in turn prepares you for meditation. The classes are now systematically conducted within the Ashram and also by a large number of trained teachers all over the world. In Delhi itself there are several Art of Living teachers mushrooming in every community backyard. The basic course that I did, now has several levels of progression from Silence Retreats to physically and mentally challenging courses on personal development.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZL1hk5CQH8rZYkmnwLl-OgA6z3v8a6zw5gEoiIV0n17uZRl-gCjQr5ZTvuclgUazeGnyuJckRBc-8bZVpxQrpb4jJvcXRffk7JZU89dXG8PYNhg8Q0lnHNMduqLn0K2YeFHoShSbDax8/s1600/DSCN3368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZL1hk5CQH8rZYkmnwLl-OgA6z3v8a6zw5gEoiIV0n17uZRl-gCjQr5ZTvuclgUazeGnyuJckRBc-8bZVpxQrpb4jJvcXRffk7JZU89dXG8PYNhg8Q0lnHNMduqLn0K2YeFHoShSbDax8/s640/DSCN3368.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daily discourse</td></tr>
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Guruji's intention for the Ahsram was to preserve the spiritual heritage of India. He started Yoga and Pranayama classes, Satsangs (spiritual discourses) and Seva (service) which all rolled into one, came to be his USP. His simple teachings of oneness, joy, service, authenticity and love have pierced the hearts of a huge number of youngsters across the globe. They have flocked towards him expanding the activities of the Ashram to organic farming, raising sacred cows, an old style "Gurukul" for spiritual teaching, an Ayurveda Centre and International spa and much much more that I could not unravel in just one trip of 4 days!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECdK4T3e7Q5SdJk0c22ztUDNUDLiWmt9gZG6OeM7MV0gtpOZFPhfh3C7PRWEfQICuh2YCxjftufjwgq7agGjYzNp_XPsiyaRwVD0nJZNLckfZXG_mO0Qo3CG0CzRg2w7UA_V9h4_whKU/s1600/DSCN3478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqS_KMNmB1dk1eoR9jaobelpwCcm7xgASzMGFfzfkvzngmqU1NgionKVOE5HAK56p7s1T4yHUVNHWDDthqMAzh5PnA6LYt35unlnZ8lhfDBPp6WD34ADoBCi2dCejvJjV6HJZ-V_i9qI/s1600/DSCN3472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqS_KMNmB1dk1eoR9jaobelpwCcm7xgASzMGFfzfkvzngmqU1NgionKVOE5HAK56p7s1T4yHUVNHWDDthqMAzh5PnA6LYt35unlnZ8lhfDBPp6WD34ADoBCi2dCejvJjV6HJZ-V_i9qI/s640/DSCN3472.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGF-W-rQY8VdtRcW7gH3DslucrrLM2iJ7O-Uv9tpdQ1vKkgbeBgmDhDYyBSDtcw5LPlhM0K5ksmZMAkthAC6xT2QzhEDNa8N39yTv01xdug9y6cZmGPTkzgl4Q5ha2DxVZFNq6KTtS24/s1600/DSCN3477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGF-W-rQY8VdtRcW7gH3DslucrrLM2iJ7O-Uv9tpdQ1vKkgbeBgmDhDYyBSDtcw5LPlhM0K5ksmZMAkthAC6xT2QzhEDNa8N39yTv01xdug9y6cZmGPTkzgl4Q5ha2DxVZFNq6KTtS24/s640/DSCN3477.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous Gir cows. Note the beautiful long ears.</td></tr>
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It has therefore been a great honor for me to be invited to consult at the Sri Sri Ayurveda Panchakarma Spa and the Panchamrut Restaurant by my friend Neha Ahuja.<br />
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I wasnt sure what to expect, but LOVE flows out of everyone in the Ashram. They all have a great sense of Seva, a sense that they are doing every and anything for the <b>benefit of others</b>. Gurujis presence permeates every action and every thought in the environment. Its hard to explain the energy without physically experiencing. HE IS OMNIPRESENT.<br />
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My friend Seema who accompanied me, gorgeous Aman who was deputed to take care of me in the Ashram and Poornashree from the spa, made sure my work and stay in the Ashram was smooth and without any hitches. We were given the VIP rooms (thats a luxury in an ashram!) and had a car available to us for easier access to certain areas of the expansive ashram.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aman Seema and Poornashree, my companions at the Ashram</td></tr>
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Incredibly calm and charming Mr Sreejith BS, the CEO of the spa welcomed me graciously into their fold. I had already sent them the Be Free menus that I wanted to implement and we chatted on how we could improve the operating system of the entire wellness centre.<br />
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My work unfolded from the kitchen to the service centre to the ayurvedic spa and then to the International spa. The spa had grown very fast as international clientele were beginning to come in big numbers and Sreejith was keen to keep up with their demands.<br />
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I spent 3 days training the chefs in Be Free oil free, sugar free and gluten free vegan cooking. It was very interesting to intertwine my cooking with Sattvic (ie no onion and no garlic, both being "rajasic" and therefore high emotion producing foods) and Ayurvedic principles according to the doshas. I thought Be Free cooking was pure enough but when I combined other traditions it took it one notch higher. For example I created a gluten free unbaked pizza and instead of a tomato base I gave it an avocado base. Avocados, rare in other parts of India , is abundant in the South! And I got the thumbs up from the Directors!!! Those who know me well, know that I never intended to be a Vegan Chef but I like creating food as colours and combinations come easily to me ( probably because of my design background). Besides, it falls beautifully under the umbrella of Wellness that I am so committed to!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLv3i1MSzDMNbX9CfXNvMO3trTU3VwNsAXYwCtNboMImHKr5OpT-qiAY05IsaJEbViSFTi3TZkxB-R3XkpkNOliS8qP5npRxR-LpNnf43q2tKFUEBUDp1wFGn62UD-KLvOg7ilnRHGhY/s1600/DSCN3503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLv3i1MSzDMNbX9CfXNvMO3trTU3VwNsAXYwCtNboMImHKr5OpT-qiAY05IsaJEbViSFTi3TZkxB-R3XkpkNOliS8qP5npRxR-LpNnf43q2tKFUEBUDp1wFGn62UD-KLvOg7ilnRHGhY/s640/DSCN3503.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Briefing the team</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the favourite beetroot and orange sald</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef Indira and me</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting the lasagne</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thumbs up from Chef Srinivasan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNsdJQc0tWh0CB4BfMCugMhRCQvfJBnMj2JqqKvshmknCzqyXiXG_tnLa0MTtYkkPOZYUq6ZRUroht8fHCpP7hPZACBGioirb9Cm98O-vOTYhDRgBRV7cQHCPYz41nK9OjVj_WYxOmMs/s1600/DSCN3358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNsdJQc0tWh0CB4BfMCugMhRCQvfJBnMj2JqqKvshmknCzqyXiXG_tnLa0MTtYkkPOZYUq6ZRUroht8fHCpP7hPZACBGioirb9Cm98O-vOTYhDRgBRV7cQHCPYz41nK9OjVj_WYxOmMs/s640/DSCN3358.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krishna Kutir</td></tr>
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In the afternoons I was invited to try out some of the interesting spa treatments that the Centre had to offer. Krishna Kutir, the spa centre is a serene block of treatment rooms. Everyone was excited for me to try their exotic Japanese Rakkenho. It seems Japanese Zen monk Yugen Yamannauchi, wrote the Rakkenho Sutra to describe a sacred way of giving and receiving a massage.When Gurudev visited Japan and taught the Sudarshan Kriya in Togochi Temple in Nara Japan, the head priest was so touched that he offered to share this ancient knowledge for the first time outside Japan. Consequently two teams arrived in Bangalore to train the staff here, on synchronised breathing, giving and taking the massage, how to open up the hearts in the exchange of this massage and rid ourselves of aches pains and accumulated fatigue. It is said that the feet shine bright after this exchange of love. Those who practice Rakkenho are called "Shining Rakken Bodhisattvas"!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shining Rakken Bodhisattva!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilling</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen team</td></tr>
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My therapist Shama, was from the Himachal, North India and she used her feet skillfully on my body to give me a thorough kneading on all my pressure points. This is a no-oil treatment. All my muscles and bones were accessed from all sides with full body pressure coming in from the soles of her feet. The pressure was applied systematically along my limbs ( inner, outer and middle). Traditionally giver and receiver exchange places so that both get both roles . It is therefore also called Altruistic Yoga or Yoga for Two (not sure what Yoga has to do with this, but never mind!) Thus by massaging my tightened muscles and accumulated fatigue, after 90 mins of bliss I came out of the treatment room shining like a Bodhisattva! (And I was not asked to exchange roles with Shama either!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Therapist Shama sharing her light through her feet.</td></tr>
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The next day Sreejith recommended that I try another exotic treatment called the Hilot. Again Gurudevs visit to The Farm (see my short blog on The Farm) in the Philippines, a great wellness and detox centre located just outside Manila, was appreciated so much that the owners offered to train and share a traditional Philippino massage with the Centre. My therapist this time was a young girl from Arunachal called Anam.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anam and me</td></tr>
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We connected immediately, of course because I am also from the North East. We spoke in Assamese making each other comfortable and she shared with me that she was most grateful to Guruji for bringing her and about 14 of her friends to train in spa treatments thus giving them a career for the future.<br />
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The Hilot treatment works in 12 steps starting with cleaning of the feet, a thumb technique on my back, moving on to pressure points, and long effleurage strokes across my whole body. The whole procedure was geared to stimulate the nerves, increase lung activity, soothe the nervous system, as well as break up deposits found in the joints<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">. It </span>took 120 minutes and after my hard work in the kitchen I really appreciated this great relaxing treatment. The oil they used was pure almond oil.<br />
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Sreejith then drove me around and showed Meera Vanam, the Ayurveda Centre's residential accomodation, which is open not only to Ashramites but also to outsiders wanting to come in for the treatments, and the cream of their suites, The Maharaja Villa, for VVIPS where treatments are brought to the villa (oh how Indians LOVE to be spoilt like this)!!!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meditating in Meera Vanam</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Maharaja Villa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes always remember to smile</td></tr>
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The next day I tried the Haritakalepam. The base of this chlorophyll wrap is the Moringa Oleifera leaf of newly discovered superfood, our own grown drumsticks. Moringa is used for "tired" blood (anemia), arthiritis/rheumatism. asthma, cancer, constipation,diabetes, diarrhea, epilepsy, intestinal ulcers, heart problems, high blood pressure, kidney stones, fluid retention, thyroid disorders and bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!!!! </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Whew, no wonder its a superfood.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Today I had two therapists working on my body. Anam from yesterday and another sweet girl from Arunachal called Thutan Lhamu. They started with a prayer to Dhanwantari, the God of Health, and proceeded to clean my feet and set me up for a four hands synchronised Abhyanga massage. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I must admit, that I usually find four hand massages distracting because most of the time the difference in each therapists pressure and speed can cause me disturbance energetically. Here, however, I found the synchronisation very thorough. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">This wrap includes a five step process so the massage</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"> was followed by an application of "chana"(chickpea) paste over my entire body. For the first time in my spa experience history I was then asked to lie down inside this gorgeous wooden steam box and allow my body to absorb the oil and the nutrients of the chana paste. It was most relaxing. </span></div>
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Steaming the Ayurveda way</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">After 10 mins of steaming my body was cleaned of the paste and I was asked to lie down while the chlorophyll wrap was gently applied to my body. I was delighted to know that the leaves for this wrap were handpicked from the Ashrams organic garden and freshly ground with pavitra sukhoshan jal into an aromatic paste. With a rich array of vitamins, protiens and minerals. Haritakalepa delivers powerful antioxidants to the skin cells as well as moisturises, nourishes and cleanses the skin. After the application my body was warmly wrapped around and I was asked to relax for another 15 mins with the lights dimmed and soothing music to keep me company.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was hard to get up after such pampering but the wrap HAD to be washed down and the final step of this beautiful treatment involved a gentle massage on my facial muscles with my favourite Kumkumadi oil. This oil is a concoction of highly valuable herbs including saffron and I absolutely love the smell as it takes me into my own journey of the vast number of Ayurvedic treatments I have experienced in some of the most beautiful resorts of the wolrd, amongst coconut palms, monsoon rain, outdooor showers, oceanside treatment rooms, humidity of South India, surrendering to the oily body and hair, listening to the sweet voices of the therapists singing the prayer to Dhanwantari. and, usually, birds chirping in the trees in this commonly outdoor experience.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The girls topped the treatment off with some small rubbings of herbs on my head and forehead to prevent me from catching a cold!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Id like to thank Neha Ahuja, Sreejith BS and Poornashree for </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">this great experience at the SSAP.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">krishna radha art murals in the spa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rudra Puja on Monday</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Recommendation: Some open windows and balconies to bring in the sounds and light of nature would definitely enhance the experience.</span><br />
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Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-63012402158247494712015-05-18T10:02:00.000-07:002015-05-18T17:42:04.188-07:00UBER UK BANGALORE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neha and her team</td></tr>
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When my friend Neha Ahuja told me she was bringing in a new brand of natural hair and beauty products called Uber Uk to India, I was curious. In India Im used to Dabur, Himalaya, Biotique, Kama and Forest Essentials. But none of them run their own hair and beauty spa. It would be great if they did.<br />
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Neha says that they try to be "UBER" in everything they do. Their vision is to be the the most sought after natural hair and beauty brand. To provide affordable luxury across the entire hair and skin range. They are committed to sourcing the best ingredients, highly knowledgeable and trained staff providing affordable luxury for an Ubernatural experience. And so it was!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neha </td></tr>
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While I was in Bangalore for the showing of Zorawars film Sul he Khul (Peace to All) on Sufi Saint Garib Nawaz of Ajmer Dargah, Indias most important Sufi Saint. I took some time the next day to meet with Neha and explore her new venture Uber UK in Bangalore.<br />
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What I saw was very impressive. Neha set up the entire salon on her own. Its small, neat and modern. The interiors had a freshness to it, being white and green. No fuss and to the point.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green and White</td></tr>
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We were ushered in by very gracious staff and I had a short wait until Neha arrived. My friend Sue Healey chose to have a facial treatment including a short head massage and I opted for a hair spa. Hair spa always sounds glamorous to me. I'd never had one before and was curious to experience it. So here was my chance!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hair spa</td></tr>
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Surajit my therapist, sat me down in one of those beautiful comfortable chairs that you can sink into and analysed the condition of my hair. He recommended I do the SP Alchemy treatment to my dry and damaged hair (too much hair colour! gotta stop it soon). He applied the soft foamy treatment gently over the full length of my hair section by section and allowed it to rest for a while for full absorbtion. With gentle circular motions with his fingers he massaged my hair nearly putting me to sleep!<br />
Luckily Neha suggested that while I wait for the treatment to take effect, I move over to the pedicure section and have my feet taken care of. I got seated into another amazing chair that contoured my whole body and was also able to give me a massage while seated . It had a special section for soaking the feet in hot water while being worked on.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The amazing pedi chair!</td></tr>
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My therapist gently treated my feet to a soak, scrub and cleaning.<br />
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After spoiling me in the pedi-chair, my hair was shampooed and blow dried. Uber intensive treatment for the hair has a deep penetrating rinse-out creme that gives increased moisture retention to improve the hairs softness as it protects and hydrates the scalp with its calming properties. After the treatment my hair felt different. It was silky yet full. Suddenly it seemed as if my hair had become thicker and more lush. It felt smooth and luscious.<br />
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At the end, I wandered through their products and decided to pick up the Uber Face Anti-Ageing Serum.<br />
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Ive been using the serum since then and I must say my skin feels amazing and if they were in Delhi I would most likely be addicted to their products. The serums main ingredient is soluble collagen but also contains argaan oil (which is rich in vitamin E essential fatty acids and is a good anti-oxidant to revitalise and hydrate dull dry skin), green tea, grapefruit seed extract, seaweed extract, frankincense, and mandarin! WIth ingredients like that what can you expect!!</div>
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I wonder if they deliver to Delhi?</div>
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Thank you Neha for such an inspiring and invigorating experience in your salon. Congratulations and wish you all the luck!</div>
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Recommendation: None, all good! Just advertise more get yourself known........</div>
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Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-48766114390139366632014-10-13T06:10:00.000-07:002014-10-13T06:10:36.112-07:00AMANKORA BHUTAN UPDATE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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THE LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON</div>
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The Inner Silence Meditation retreat in Bhutan with Amankora took me to this exotic country once again. I was surprised to see so much new construction in the cities. Although the forward-thinking Government in Bhutan has stipulated that all construction should be in the traditional architectural style, it hurt my creative eye to see the wannabe colours and new carvings on the buildings.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amankora</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQ-z_7V2DN5mEVAIoWYVFAhUP0X_4rNvXRUnUDe4SJgo8uaHt6_MsE9_AdatWDjyfyKf_zokKMoJiM8u83MnEawsw-kqlW2IKPbQ2j3tR_p6nyicdSY1uTR9_FYYTTk-DMkyixePJcgA/s1600/DSCN6172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQ-z_7V2DN5mEVAIoWYVFAhUP0X_4rNvXRUnUDe4SJgo8uaHt6_MsE9_AdatWDjyfyKf_zokKMoJiM8u83MnEawsw-kqlW2IKPbQ2j3tR_p6nyicdSY1uTR9_FYYTTk-DMkyixePJcgA/s1600/DSCN6172.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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Amankora, however remains the same. Despite the fire in the Thimpu lodge everything was as beautiful and as peaceful as it has always been.<br />
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Their young dynamic new Spa Manager, Alexander Ivanov, had already very kindly prepared the logistics for my arrival and has given the spa a new face.<br />
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As usual we started our journey in Thimpu where a couple of my guests had arrived a day earlier. Every morning we started with Zen Walking and Inner Silence Meditations. The meditations were designed to take us progressively deeper into ourselves to discover our Inner Silence, and going beyond our physical bodies, our breath and our minds.<br />
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The first night Rinpoche Mynak gave us a broad overview of Buddhism and The Four Noble Truths. He spoke to us about the lineage of the Shabdrung, Bhutan's first pioneering monk, who gave the country a structural educational system together with a spiritual tradition, that would withhold values into their daily lives. He was responsible for building the beautiful Dzongs that are strategically placed on cliff tops and riversides, standing tall and foreboding in their architectural beauty.<br />
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At the Thimpu lodge, Thayl was the visiting Therapist at the Spa for the month of May.<br />
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Amankora have unique way of offering spa services in their five lodges. For example, if I liked Thayl's treatment, I could call for him to any of their lodges. He would travel between 2-4 hours across the country just for me! This is why I love Amankora style. Nothing is too much of a problem to keep their guests happy. It makes them so special.<br />
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The way Thayl treated my body was unique. It required me to receive it whole heartedly with total abandon. His long effleurage strokes embraced the length of my whole body as never before. He then moved to a deeper tissue massage using his elbow in strategic places along the sides of my spine. He told me he worked intuitively and listened to what the clients body was telling him through the movements. He sure listened to my body and claimed it with great confidence. He left me longing for more!<br />
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In Thimpu we spent a morning walking up to Cherie Monastery, where local monks go for study before they are ordained. This is always a nice hike up to the mountains in preparation for the final pilgrimage to Tigers Nest in Paro.<br />
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At the Thimpu spa Alex was just finishing a training session for a group of blind therapists. Every country that I have been with Aman, I have always been impressed with the way they embrace the local culture into their CSR. I watched the training for a while and continued on for my relaxing hot stone massage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CBwLuDkymNEIxZgP7Sdw_1xzzj9tmlMsP7Svx_VxiOl0DJ2OKcENmBjBZ9kdEmcFUPyQrucadEr7Lvt9d0Yowa_O47xwU79pHt048WPY2QkJRW4hw2m_g5CvvecICBSUfIvY6b3hwCA/s1600/DSCN6370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CBwLuDkymNEIxZgP7Sdw_1xzzj9tmlMsP7Svx_VxiOl0DJ2OKcENmBjBZ9kdEmcFUPyQrucadEr7Lvt9d0Yowa_O47xwU79pHt048WPY2QkJRW4hw2m_g5CvvecICBSUfIvY6b3hwCA/s1600/DSCN6370.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
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Aman spas have their own signature treatments at every lodge as well as a choice of fragraces to suit your mood. I opted for the relaxing lavender bergamot and cedarwood. It was gorgeous.<br />
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After two nights in Thimpu we were on our way to my favourite Aman lodge in Gangtey Valley. A very luxurious picnic was laid out for us on the way.<br />
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Ready to go!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhggYgM6YNLDsE3RG6q5T50GZLFNK6wSmwVuWWbGg7W4P0UJZCtzJ9UagBN0AA3ikB9WjXycQhImBOYpNbb7KDn8hIV4SYkoD2y8Mz0cxHLE1EULt71k3cYZ_4diqTkeebOVQpOXCla1s/s1600/DSCN6398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhggYgM6YNLDsE3RG6q5T50GZLFNK6wSmwVuWWbGg7W4P0UJZCtzJ9UagBN0AA3ikB9WjXycQhImBOYpNbb7KDn8hIV4SYkoD2y8Mz0cxHLE1EULt71k3cYZ_4diqTkeebOVQpOXCla1s/s1600/DSCN6398.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic on the way to Gangtey</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dochu La Pass on the way to Gangtey</td></tr>
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Arriving in Gangtey always takes my breath away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYUIx604nD7NyY467wqjuWcB08xLGXYefIHhkLZWhmby2gIbFvCFLGzAXfIqRem7M7RlyLizbAm49y85Oq0OO_aXyGjQJzChKo0xfSHNS3KkliLE2vozKq-rmvn390-hjHGlJ_8hYpXE/s1600/DSCN6706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYUIx604nD7NyY467wqjuWcB08xLGXYefIHhkLZWhmby2gIbFvCFLGzAXfIqRem7M7RlyLizbAm49y85Oq0OO_aXyGjQJzChKo0xfSHNS3KkliLE2vozKq-rmvn390-hjHGlJ_8hYpXE/s1600/DSCN6706.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gangtey Lodge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoga in the morning overlooking the Valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making our own Tsa Tsas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJ61-5bGVBgZ0LA_WQSgQZ05rSmFzgGp5n9BrjElDXOVpe8BHalpI4XN8WmejMQzfuip_wGKj0NQYJGfYRdPVqyJ2JKM2H6o7blLznFmfSITXhCozVqFgb50ssDuUH50Js54E2wtYhlk/s1600/DSCN6601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJ61-5bGVBgZ0LA_WQSgQZ05rSmFzgGp5n9BrjElDXOVpe8BHalpI4XN8WmejMQzfuip_wGKj0NQYJGfYRdPVqyJ2JKM2H6o7blLznFmfSITXhCozVqFgb50ssDuUH50Js54E2wtYhlk/s1600/DSCN6601.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cow jumped over the moon!</td></tr>
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The vastness of the valley, watching the stoic Dzong atop a cliff, Aman's charming little lodge with firewood stacked in every corner it seems like the right place for our Inner Silence Meditations<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gangtey Monastery</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDfcFqddwK_GJ1H7QT2jeizOxBJX00jlUQ9IRWft0qseOu3jLu1jvgsNPJN3jtHufLGvnkEMM_jmTKgidr3YPjgBhNwepV8PVKq3A5Lrr0OwKhcM4y7yEjwxTF_1V0bVfe3yPmUW0-Hg/s1600/DSCN6503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDfcFqddwK_GJ1H7QT2jeizOxBJX00jlUQ9IRWft0qseOu3jLu1jvgsNPJN3jtHufLGvnkEMM_jmTKgidr3YPjgBhNwepV8PVKq3A5Lrr0OwKhcM4y7yEjwxTF_1V0bVfe3yPmUW0-Hg/s1600/DSCN6503.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice set up by Alex for our meditations!</td></tr>
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During our meditations here, the Tibetan singing bowls seemed to resonate more loudly. Zen walking in the valley amidst the wildflowers and making our own clay casted Tsa Tsas helped to go inward more. Nature has its own ability to silence us. A day in Gangtey was spent walking mindfully through the entire valley.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YUMQ9Fse1G3mIc7iyg06oRQQbLu9CLElFDQrbouqfbTgQZf51VxEtrOWr7khuJaGlH7yNE2t46iwUwWxcQ80nKjM6WJowLeKpt2cvc35-zAd0F6jJCkWDjigiyDZv_GvUIwoYMQJyUQ/s1600/DSCN6582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YUMQ9Fse1G3mIc7iyg06oRQQbLu9CLElFDQrbouqfbTgQZf51VxEtrOWr7khuJaGlH7yNE2t46iwUwWxcQ80nKjM6WJowLeKpt2cvc35-zAd0F6jJCkWDjigiyDZv_GvUIwoYMQJyUQ/s1600/DSCN6582.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the wildflowers in this valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hot stone bath in the potato shed</td></tr>
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And here is also my favourite Himalayan Hot Stone bath in the potato shed. The hot stone bath is a traditional Bhutanese healing treatment where natural river stones are heated and lowered into the bath to release beneficial minerals while local Khempa herb infuses the water with its healing properties. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4e7ALtZeG5Co2gRkiPk_4gaZm9dkvt4GSX55Af5irZpCa5ZsYqgNuS0B9j5jeQq5ADiU08w3-H_FV7erDca2X7qBcz6cmXUhSC6Agp-i9Ge5n7S3M0zE5OoPqRn2KX9T5EBT8FfvYJo/s1600/DSCN6660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4e7ALtZeG5Co2gRkiPk_4gaZm9dkvt4GSX55Af5irZpCa5ZsYqgNuS0B9j5jeQq5ADiU08w3-H_FV7erDca2X7qBcz6cmXUhSC6Agp-i9Ge5n7S3M0zE5OoPqRn2KX9T5EBT8FfvYJo/s1600/DSCN6660.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shed owner preparing the stones for my bath</td></tr>
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The bath is followed by an invigorating Himalayan Salt scrub to remove the dead skin cells and re-energise your body and 60 minutes oil massage concentrating on tired muscles and joints<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 12pt;">. </span>You cant get more </div>
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authentic than that. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjfoflSItAgnbYUKs_ZpbG0EN_H7VB3h-qSnhnvzKcitZsrA8lOmQDop7cA3BvkpriuF4I1ZVYNfrIxrnXsioWWa2kNFXZ3ABJ7GWMFiy9dm6POI2sx6EdctFt5MHSHHSPSwXC6iHZEM/s1600/DSCN6639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjfoflSItAgnbYUKs_ZpbG0EN_H7VB3h-qSnhnvzKcitZsrA8lOmQDop7cA3BvkpriuF4I1ZVYNfrIxrnXsioWWa2kNFXZ3ABJ7GWMFiy9dm6POI2sx6EdctFt5MHSHHSPSwXC6iHZEM/s1600/DSCN6639.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing my bath</td></tr>
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The same old lady, owner of the shed, personally lifts the red hot stones and drops them in my bath water. The water temperatue is controlled by the number of hot stones in the bath. </div>
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This is my most favourite spa treatment in the world. I love sitting in my tub looking out into the vast valley. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYvJs9rn1Lh12_TkzKJgeXP7pRU8MasbU59J0VLfcwlAEu8dcBMRopGzf7U70NUaSg-o9V4r-pG9hYvT8snXDu8pvfPV3BVBvbftnIhYW87V3bUZAHnQrfRhy_GszswfHQmfPnX2e5a8/s1600/DSCN6655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYvJs9rn1Lh12_TkzKJgeXP7pRU8MasbU59J0VLfcwlAEu8dcBMRopGzf7U70NUaSg-o9V4r-pG9hYvT8snXDu8pvfPV3BVBvbftnIhYW87V3bUZAHnQrfRhy_GszswfHQmfPnX2e5a8/s1600/DSCN6655.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup thats me</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYfOp9P6rt1QH7dxDSawihNx3zckRUea5N9wyJAVJNmVEnFmrnjcBImRy7Z6DnLsL4L4xK7GZ9iYHPJ7tJ9TYz1ZO7Qotd70wJh08R0Yb_RPIzPXy_FfRDPTRGh7BKHQPZNFH5M1qgG8/s1600/DSCN6828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxT1DWDazDUL6U1lJw1j8BJFA_RC7OtuE23u5sRyL3qp6gTYXtreLW-wEv0KzKDpBJB3b7X4zjsLC76E9bTrrVeszKosKmIH1i2DGnudsvP20iqzmiEE9JLTZF1rxjmI9iwyz4KNEJ3w/s1600/DSCN6750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxT1DWDazDUL6U1lJw1j8BJFA_RC7OtuE23u5sRyL3qp6gTYXtreLW-wEv0KzKDpBJB3b7X4zjsLC76E9bTrrVeszKosKmIH1i2DGnudsvP20iqzmiEE9JLTZF1rxjmI9iwyz4KNEJ3w/s1600/DSCN6750.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYfOp9P6rt1QH7dxDSawihNx3zckRUea5N9wyJAVJNmVEnFmrnjcBImRy7Z6DnLsL4L4xK7GZ9iYHPJ7tJ9TYz1ZO7Qotd70wJh08R0Yb_RPIzPXy_FfRDPTRGh7BKHQPZNFH5M1qgG8/s1600/DSCN6828.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></div>
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Soon its time for us to leave for Punakha.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9DRhmnT37mWfLljkjLUlZ9AZ6kvVMTEj8TnWTARFez3d_IEMw_DG8SB04j8jDDVdHTx2i4BkpkuATXuINf9dMpPDkEXXjX96Q5ZXCYlcJglnZ5hIwZGjz8aDeGRvhLuWYecw8bP9ZSs/s1600/DSCN6781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9DRhmnT37mWfLljkjLUlZ9AZ6kvVMTEj8TnWTARFez3d_IEMw_DG8SB04j8jDDVdHTx2i4BkpkuATXuINf9dMpPDkEXXjX96Q5ZXCYlcJglnZ5hIwZGjz8aDeGRvhLuWYecw8bP9ZSs/s1600/DSCN6781.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stunning Punakha Dzong</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wish fulfilling bridge</td></tr>
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As we travel through the mountains and valleys of this beautiful country, our Inner work is helping us to go more silent. To reflect, to change and to make some resolutions going forward. The Inner Silence begins to set in and a good therapy in their spa is much appreciated after the long walk to the temple of the Divine Madman.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2mrGfHwR5B_FOnVefyvbn5MIBTGWjHhzZvmfS711CL1rH1TaSUIdoEIHPL36dm7ewTT0GCUrLtGurNRtQ6pn_HNbpyCPbrUJohyphenhyphenwFLfrPa-pT_gsyqLRIqiJme4oK5w_VVyunu0CxIY/s1600/DSCN6892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2mrGfHwR5B_FOnVefyvbn5MIBTGWjHhzZvmfS711CL1rH1TaSUIdoEIHPL36dm7ewTT0GCUrLtGurNRtQ6pn_HNbpyCPbrUJohyphenhyphenwFLfrPa-pT_gsyqLRIqiJme4oK5w_VVyunu0CxIY/s1600/DSCN6892.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playful monks</td></tr>
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The Aman lodge in Punakha is specially charming because it is a traditional farmhouse that has been converted with extensions for the living and accommodation areas.<br />
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The spa is part of this old farmhouse. The little outdoor courtyard is a great place to watch the fireflies at night. Next day we signed in for a picnic by the river . But it started to rain so hard we had to picnic under the umbrellas!! But Aman style anything is possible and stylish!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnm-v7IvpIkoiLjA8kk3P7-ySDNCdCoMwx5RR5Et783PwlHpOp9gZshjeypw9U6PdS9w170eTVLDLjCRpLQJwXn6MLws7FKHtzBkIt4RnPs6bak0TwI6hCMkjvWte71pAUoJmvLX6Q3Ys/s1600/DSCN6915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnm-v7IvpIkoiLjA8kk3P7-ySDNCdCoMwx5RR5Et783PwlHpOp9gZshjeypw9U6PdS9w170eTVLDLjCRpLQJwXn6MLws7FKHtzBkIt4RnPs6bak0TwI6hCMkjvWte71pAUoJmvLX6Q3Ys/s1600/DSCN6915.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most unusal picnic!</td></tr>
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I like keeping the visit to Chimi Lakhang as a surprise. It bowls people over so Im not going to write too much about it but here is a peek!!<br />
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Finally on our last leg at Paro. I was happy to see Thayl and Alex again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSx-F8x-dp5dkeZqI6MJ0Gt8ZLu4VXwfVnKIk3QoIXnxCfLtZo1hILrxLkoJc9wpMcJAayqKwEln6eXFT4QmUHgqDmQIdoOGXGnlm_7GY5Hc3j3OosBa2jcu0iLyO8rf3nDUik-Uqc43s/s1600/DSCN7312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSx-F8x-dp5dkeZqI6MJ0Gt8ZLu4VXwfVnKIk3QoIXnxCfLtZo1hILrxLkoJc9wpMcJAayqKwEln6eXFT4QmUHgqDmQIdoOGXGnlm_7GY5Hc3j3OosBa2jcu0iLyO8rf3nDUik-Uqc43s/s1600/DSCN7312.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys- Alex, Bradlie and Thayl</td></tr>
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Our pilgrimage to Tiger's Nest on the final day was the highlight of our stay in Aman Paro.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZv97HuVrgyRF8SxTtJcfa7YyXvRlCPs868DHsZZm0QgOBHifkozsGrq2vJkkdH9HCrTG3zQdjEnNqGQRjxkxLhtU6wrCZRD-0kUumMOM82XftYw4qOgPgGkPuPJcmojwBj-zp_fqhxw/s1600/DSCN7086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZv97HuVrgyRF8SxTtJcfa7YyXvRlCPs868DHsZZm0QgOBHifkozsGrq2vJkkdH9HCrTG3zQdjEnNqGQRjxkxLhtU6wrCZRD-0kUumMOM82XftYw4qOgPgGkPuPJcmojwBj-zp_fqhxw/s1600/DSCN7086.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off we go!</td></tr>
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Rain was threatening to prevent us from going to the top but with all our prayers put together, the clouds parted and not only did we get to the top, we even caught a beautiful sighting of Bhutan's highest snow-capped mountain Jomolhari.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A thousand butter lamps</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Jomolhari</td></tr>
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In between our Inner Silence Meditations, I had promised Alex I would give the entire spa staff an hour of Sound healing with my Tibetan Singing Bowls. The staff had been so supportive all through our journey and this was definitely a way to thank them for all their hard work with my group. His best Therapist ,Wang, also gave me a Trekkers Massage, a final complement to a long day of walking, using stimulating peppermint and rosemary oils to soothe and uplift my tired body!<br />
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Our final days in Bhutan were spent understanding the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Verses of Mind Transformation and recapping on how to reach and access our Inner Silence through the buzz and activities of the "monkey mind." Lots of tools were given to continue the practice at home.<br />
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Bradlie, the general Manager at the hotel miraculously got us a permit to host a dinner for us within the "haunted" ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong which made a great farewell to our Inner Silence Meditation Journey in the Land of the Thunder Dragon!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drukyel Dzong</td></tr>
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And now getting ready for the next journey. Coming anyone??<br />
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Recommendation: None . It was perfect!<br />
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Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-10551457668863849072014-07-19T08:33:00.001-07:002015-04-10T05:34:30.519-07:00SWASWARA, GOKARNA UPDATE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My friend Dr Nandita Shah on SHARAN, sometimes invites me down to
Swaswara (<a href="http://www.swaswara.com/">www.swaswara.com</a>) to help her
with her 21 day retreat on health and disease reversal. My work is to help her plan the meals plus facilitate to maintain the very stringent rules
she has on the quality and combination of the whole plant based food diet that
she presents to the participants. She also enjoys me tweaking some of my
international recipes to make them vegan and to give the menus a “Wow!” factor.
Everyone LOVES the vegan pizza!! I dont complain as I have the help of so many chefs!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swaswara Chefs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegan Pizza</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy "Be Free"food</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papaya and Mango Parfait</td></tr>
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The food at this event is the main focus as the reversal of disease is achieved through a combination of whole plant based foods and a thorough education on the root causes of lifestyle diseases. This is presented by a faculty of 3-4 teachers of which Nandini Gulati is also my co-author for our Be Free cook based on this style of cooking and eating. Its totally oilfree, sugarfree, lactose free and gluten free( hence the name Be Free)<br />
In the evenings sometimes I take the participants on an
Inner Journey through the Inner Silence meditation.<o:p></o:p><br />
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So this year, immediately after my return from Bhutan, I was
glad to leave the unbearable heat of Delhi and take a straight flight to Goa.
Swaswara’s vehicle was waiting for me as I set off along the Western Ghats, 3
hours south of Goa to the spiritual town of Gokarna.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAs-CElSzuhKxuIoGpweRd6H1L5q7ZA0O_WZzHi1tfcKbsZe4a0V9yiCS8Yh6Gtsgw2zYds712fi75MZDkyoVmoETJ6nxPKRqd7_80hMMHJzuNmlNebriG0ucFUoDgD74ONqhf-p-bm8/s1600/DSCN7685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAs-CElSzuhKxuIoGpweRd6H1L5q7ZA0O_WZzHi1tfcKbsZe4a0V9yiCS8Yh6Gtsgw2zYds712fi75MZDkyoVmoETJ6nxPKRqd7_80hMMHJzuNmlNebriG0ucFUoDgD74ONqhf-p-bm8/s1600/DSCN7685.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gokarna shop merchandise</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brahmins people-watching from their home</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cows and priests make up most of the population here</td></tr>
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Something about this 3 hour ride I love. I put my ipod on, took out
my tiffin that Lakhan had so lovingly packed for me (as I find it hard to eat
airport or airplane food!) and there I was ready for a new experience. I love rural India. Each state, each region, is full of its own unique flavor. Suddenly as
the the terrain changes, so does the architecture, the village homes, the language,
the street food and even the animals on the roads. The cultural uniqueness of each
State is so exciting………</div>
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Drivng along the Western Ghats, the rain was pelting down on
the thick and lush vegetation of the region. With mountains combined with coconut palms,
it was a very verdant journey. Here and there I got glimpses of the sea and
passed by several villages with bright coloured churches, mosques and Hindu
temples, a statement of our spiritual melting pot and integration.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOeNUHyo6F4MFWl0tFUKMRHbu4eYnXI3YmDnS0iEWldvPsCi-FeZ2RsCA6hNRi4MPa2MFJQLRzEo6_l1IaMZtblxjXqAbx-XgbJ-fRLERvSW-auzf6mXgBZhHllnvLJE-FksNHcqiRwM/s1600/DSCN7359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOeNUHyo6F4MFWl0tFUKMRHbu4eYnXI3YmDnS0iEWldvPsCi-FeZ2RsCA6hNRi4MPa2MFJQLRzEo6_l1IaMZtblxjXqAbx-XgbJ-fRLERvSW-auzf6mXgBZhHllnvLJE-FksNHcqiRwM/s1600/DSCN7359.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghat flora</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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This time there were 27 participants and Nandita and Mini Chandran
(the GM) were waiting at the reception to greet me with a welcome drink . It was good to be back. Nandita was happy to see Id lost weight which meant I was following her diet principles!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Swaswara has really evolved into a very authentic Wellness
Resort in India since I first came to visit during its inception. Without
compromising on its offerings, it prides itself for sticking to traditional
Indian methods of healing and is definitely not into compromising for the sake of commercialization.
Being a traditionalist and a purist myself, it really speaks to me. Going
through their naturopathy and Ayurvedic packages I got tempted to treat myself and
signed in for their “Prana” Ayurvedic package for 14 days.<br />
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Dr Dayanand, the resident Ayurvedic doctor here, seems to have been here forever. We caught up on our news and I asked if he could help me with my bones and muscles!!! And bingo he
knew exactly what I needed. A relaxation first, then a boost to my circulation, he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that he would look at
rejuvenation and the opening and flexing of my joints and cells and finally a
strengthening of my bones and muscles. Sounded good. I had a fracture sometime
ago as well some minor aches and pains, from sitting long hours in transatlantic flights, which needed attention!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4ymkSVM_tAro1qnpYs-EUaHwz8haYEhCIpRuvVxfR4RCzuDWqwqg7Uycl9ZakLnlj1TqX7vhIWCwLlP0g6k0gHufYVtF6p7rUbtC-92q20zK4vhphFIHAereyUSjDQVBkZfOZXqqxJk/s1600/DSCN7514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4ymkSVM_tAro1qnpYs-EUaHwz8haYEhCIpRuvVxfR4RCzuDWqwqg7Uycl9ZakLnlj1TqX7vhIWCwLlP0g6k0gHufYVtF6p7rUbtC-92q20zK4vhphFIHAereyUSjDQVBkZfOZXqqxJk/s1600/DSCN7514.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr Dayanand and colleague</td></tr>
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Next morning I was given my package details and my weight,
blood pressure and pulse rate were established. Gentle and graceful Kerala
therapists Kesia and Mangala both recognized me from previous years and
welcomed me with a prayer to the God of Health, Dhanwantari which they sing
in very melodious sweet voices.</div>
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I started my first morning with a rejuvenating and relaxing
massage with hot medicated oil for an hour. At Swaswara I love their open air
bathrooms. This morning as I rubbed the channa scrub on my body to get the oil
off I noticed and tree/bush in my bathroom garden with full blown ripe chikoos
ready for the plucking.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZD19Lwi7sqic00lcJ75eQXMATc_30NfLu1OQ3nuK1AuoTsMdm333ypkS04FNJxuU5McKITiH_2a0ivulWhTzYBBR3wZoms8cG31ANawOu6pfbQXrIfXH8Z9nHQJcovgj-yTpbL50zEbM/s1600/DSCN7452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZD19Lwi7sqic00lcJ75eQXMATc_30NfLu1OQ3nuK1AuoTsMdm333ypkS04FNJxuU5McKITiH_2a0ivulWhTzYBBR3wZoms8cG31ANawOu6pfbQXrIfXH8Z9nHQJcovgj-yTpbL50zEbM/s1600/DSCN7452.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chikoos ripe for the plucking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The monsoon had brought with it earthworms, caterpillars
and centipedes that were crawling around everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was so beautiful to be so close to nature. Even my villa had its own
garden space with lemon grass and an orange tree growing in it.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5OSfdhLMRYb3oInXPQpp-ZGEpXCriG-d54PUroHHp9H1a0NL4AvwmhOL4zvRlMTy4NoxpKYoJy1KLS41GEPulz9BZAAVaIDkICJ7GPwSWPHia21eQMBlL47RxDOOD0dLfbh0PcfiznU/s1600/DSCN7612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5OSfdhLMRYb3oInXPQpp-ZGEpXCriG-d54PUroHHp9H1a0NL4AvwmhOL4zvRlMTy4NoxpKYoJy1KLS41GEPulz9BZAAVaIDkICJ7GPwSWPHia21eQMBlL47RxDOOD0dLfbh0PcfiznU/s1600/DSCN7612.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My villa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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My main treatment started on the second day with Dhanyamla Dhara which involved pouring hot medicinal water over my body for 1 1/2 hours to prepare my body for detoxification and relaxation. Two days of this treatment supposedly improved my lymphatic circulation and reduced swelling in different parts of my body and also liquified my adipose tissue!<br />
<br />
I also began really liking their closure ceremony to each session when they blessed me with a tika on my forehead and offered me some herbal saffron oil to apply over my face with anti-aging and fairness (YES!!) properties.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile Naditas programme was getting deeper into the subject of the benefits of adopting a whole plant based diet and also looking at the psychology of eating. Why we eat the way we do, what triggers our eating behaviours, raising our consciouness to be kinder to the environemnt and animals etc. The mornings were filled educational lectures with several references to Western teachers who have pioneered this movement and a very thorough understanding of lifestyle diseases. My co-author for our cookbook, Nandini Gulati dealt with interesting issues like the hunger scale and loving your body.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDist2qgqKu-Qhd_J55Ak8wDjfP9BZ5-ufEER_lVa0dipXnfKuS0eR4fFXVbNpU9Hkjm0PHrwzA6FE5hyphenhyphen55bZ3IcBNn9x1lR86e0myzqnWPB9qGpaBVytbLI9ZQ94dpYgddUwkIHRG89U/s1600/DSCN7431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDist2qgqKu-Qhd_J55Ak8wDjfP9BZ5-ufEER_lVa0dipXnfKuS0eR4fFXVbNpU9Hkjm0PHrwzA6FE5hyphenhyphen55bZ3IcBNn9x1lR86e0myzqnWPB9qGpaBVytbLI9ZQ94dpYgddUwkIHRG89U/s1600/DSCN7431.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66Hx5jU7mgBvf6pi-t3-RnSX-N-hcbUe9rIpVE6tUiYDRJg1G2Kt2P3aznjyu6oswyHvRAd05HMwZ9kB0spL-nINKalI7KET62wbJjavZ3nM1QTbjn1pJZ_QKcEkgDdtmgMH_S37sJew/s1600/DSCN7530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66Hx5jU7mgBvf6pi-t3-RnSX-N-hcbUe9rIpVE6tUiYDRJg1G2Kt2P3aznjyu6oswyHvRAd05HMwZ9kB0spL-nINKalI7KET62wbJjavZ3nM1QTbjn1pJZ_QKcEkgDdtmgMH_S37sJew/s1600/DSCN7530.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lots of cooking classes for the participants were held to help them tweak their favourite recipes to be oil <br />
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free vegan. The evenings were spent watching educational videos and expressing talent in a beautiful paltform of sharing.<br />
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The fourth day of my treatment started with Patra Pinda Sweda. This involved strong pounding all over my body
with large pouches filled with herbs and dipped in piping hot oil. My body
immediately went into shock at the strength of the pounding. I spoke to Dr
Dayanand to ask the therapists to reduce the strength of the pounding but he
assured me that I would be more comfortable with it the next day and that this
strength of pounding was necessary to allow the herbal and medicated oil to
open up my blood vessels<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in order to
increase circulation. I wanted to trust the doctor! He explained that this treatment helped all neurological disorders, paralysis, low back ache and that heat and pressure working together benefitted the skeletal muscles improving flexibility and mobility. And so be it!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBAlYlNsWj7K4AJsu3Hs7RzBQ-MWT_dq14vAo1tKlEF65CJ8miCNvZVxUr3LRgp9veKFZhR9WtocaN9MzDw40aD37NTNwQnmZdr7ruwv794iVNSktdITZuMIxwZM8rtkm9k9nRjW50Aw/s1600/DSCN7499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBAlYlNsWj7K4AJsu3Hs7RzBQ-MWT_dq14vAo1tKlEF65CJ8miCNvZVxUr3LRgp9veKFZhR9WtocaN9MzDw40aD37NTNwQnmZdr7ruwv794iVNSktdITZuMIxwZM8rtkm9k9nRjW50Aw/s1600/DSCN7499.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My herbal pouches</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
So for the next three days I surrendered to the table and
three therapists took over my body. He was right I got used to it and in fact
began to enjoy it. My body too felt the impact of this treatment in strange
ways. I felt a tingling sensation all over my body throughout the day, I felt
nauseous, slightly woozy and wanted to go into my cocoon and rest. I now
understood why during Ayurvedic treatments they don’t encourage physical
activity and recommend rest and relaxation<o:p></o:p></div>
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On the sixth day, my absolute favourite treatment started.-Thayladhara.
Those who are familiar with, and love Shirodhara, imagine your whole body being
treated to a hot oil pouring by two therapists on both sides of your body! It
is the most beautiful sensual feeling ever. Like a piece of warm silk flowing
over your body the treatment allows the oil to penetrate on its own rather than
through massage. A third therapist was responsible for keeping the oil at the
right temperature. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA77BTTyWLZpv8B0Xscli0p9m1bbBYF3wLVVfgOKL0_mo129Qy-ta8IuFBV8ZVYl9-SkYbMtBoOPc0AREJFShe0QqiWPoQZs4gyKLVz3yk4udWYZ6gsWioNM0AWG_AMaNso-Q5Niuw8BY/s1600/DSCN7545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA77BTTyWLZpv8B0Xscli0p9m1bbBYF3wLVVfgOKL0_mo129Qy-ta8IuFBV8ZVYl9-SkYbMtBoOPc0AREJFShe0QqiWPoQZs4gyKLVz3yk4udWYZ6gsWioNM0AWG_AMaNso-Q5Niuw8BY/s1600/DSCN7545.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Thayladhara treatment</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
This treatment brought my body back to balance and I began feeling normal again. I regained my energy and was totally available to the treatment. All my irritation and doubts about the treatment were gone. How I wouldve loved for this treatment to carry on.......! Dr Dayanand told me this part of the treatment improves circulation to muscles and lubricates the joints thus helping to relieve complaints of arthiritis, osteoarthiritis. Not that I suffer form any of this but at my age its nice to keep all our joints flexed and are circulation flowing.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Meanwhile Dr. Nanditas programme was getting into deeper space with participants reducing, and in some cases, dropping their insulin take, experiencing weight loss, and getting off their medication. The success of the programme was creating a high. Participants were so happy to see their own progress that unbelievable bonds were forming between them whilst sharing their experiences. Some started swimming after 15 years, others climbed hills during the walks. It was lovely to see such joy.<br />
<br />
After three days of Thayla Dhara, we started the Shastika Shali Pinda Sweda . This is a process of sudation where a special rice called Nyavara is cooked in herbal decoction and milk ( in my case fresh coconut milk was used) and the bolus was packed with this rice and further dipped in hot herbs and coconut milk before applying over the body.<br />
At this stage my body was ready for some physical emaciation and generally was ready to have my muscles and joints strengthened.<br />
<br />
This time the pouches were not hitting hard on me but rather slow long strokes were rubbing my body down creating a gooey "kheer" like decoction on the table which felt much like being treated with a creamy "payasam"!!!! Nonetheless the oil form the coconut milk lubricated my skin and left it feeling smooth and soft.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnaobdSqiPeD0JV-eYetkWDh_cIsne-R6-yHUyLXsdtllVLYTobIDpIYvodt5vetZDMgfeU4nvu_wWUw_Tqc3kACxsmFslFjtD4gGTwDEDDlZtW7AYjMkgATwC0bzOSNItup1hRStmH8/s1600/DSCN7616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnaobdSqiPeD0JV-eYetkWDh_cIsne-R6-yHUyLXsdtllVLYTobIDpIYvodt5vetZDMgfeU4nvu_wWUw_Tqc3kACxsmFslFjtD4gGTwDEDDlZtW7AYjMkgATwC0bzOSNItup1hRStmH8/s1600/DSCN7616.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I call it the "payasam"treatment!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After four days of SSPS I was all set to handle my busy travelling life again. My body felt totally rejuvenated, my skin felt well hydrated and soft and my energy level soared.<br />
<br />
Nandini and I created a "Swoscars" night for the participants as a farewell dinner celebration. I created a special vegan menu with chocolate ice cream as a dessert and Mini, of Swaswara decorated the place with beautiful greenery from the gardens of the resort.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikrGRAu_mZvS-cSCVaaGkqxH9UgPWkIzPGdq19pv0T365pPVFt0vhGIEH6ycDUDwnUe9pqn7_U69JP0mIqdzGcIq0wxmpmXPSTCHFKh77SENYZPk-q5Nk2qWkfUpO4UnVgvKhzbAiFoU/s1600/DSCN7377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikrGRAu_mZvS-cSCVaaGkqxH9UgPWkIzPGdq19pv0T365pPVFt0vhGIEH6ycDUDwnUe9pqn7_U69JP0mIqdzGcIq0wxmpmXPSTCHFKh77SENYZPk-q5Nk2qWkfUpO4UnVgvKhzbAiFoU/s1600/DSCN7377.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recheda Potatoes</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye Swaswara</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQr-MjJpqwRh5oDWFlNcPZYADFyrmGPxduGnMO2arqHIKh3NpIXWFlOGoCnST0tR9ucLaqsCKC_uBID7vPOFjHxDrwBU-Oqwda7rUyv_1qwlcrzxsTJ_3EOy-DRxcuHv8uonaZfBfun4/s1600/DSCN7673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQr-MjJpqwRh5oDWFlNcPZYADFyrmGPxduGnMO2arqHIKh3NpIXWFlOGoCnST0tR9ucLaqsCKC_uBID7vPOFjHxDrwBU-Oqwda7rUyv_1qwlcrzxsTJ_3EOy-DRxcuHv8uonaZfBfun4/s1600/DSCN7673.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was hard to leave this beautiful experience!<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Id like to thank Dr Nandita Shah, Mini Chandran and Shilendren M of Casino Group for all their support. And do I have any recommendations? None at all. Its a great place perfect for what it stands for.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
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Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-49487982870434950132013-10-30T09:26:00.000-07:002013-10-30T11:54:45.476-07:00TADRA BEACH, LAUCALA ISLAND, FIJI<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7UvpKMFktFFvm7NP2EoADvp-Y5RHQ5eGLgNdoZ3J4Y-GMZQG04AR07f4zUdJAqTI6awgv5VpJLPftKgbYKL-8riVakC00y_HPvnWolKxEF0TvO_tjZv7FGKDuM7Y1orM2e2jJWkxgos/s1600/DSCN3008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7UvpKMFktFFvm7NP2EoADvp-Y5RHQ5eGLgNdoZ3J4Y-GMZQG04AR07f4zUdJAqTI6awgv5VpJLPftKgbYKL-8riVakC00y_HPvnWolKxEF0TvO_tjZv7FGKDuM7Y1orM2e2jJWkxgos/s640/DSCN3008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bure" treatment room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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How would you like to be taken by private boat, to a secluded beach, in an island and have a spa treatment under the coconut trees listening to the waves crashing on the beach? Where you can run around like Eve (I am serious!), lie on the sand, have some champagne, with not a soul in sight, knowing you ARE NATURE?<br />
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Thats Tadra Beach for you.<br />
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So Jim came with his neon sunglasses and a fishing rod to pick me up from the guest jetty in Laucala Island's beautiful speedboat. Just him and me. He said he was going to drop me off at the beach and asked me to drive the boat while he set up his fishing gear!! We had fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JIm and me</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">As we anchored in to the beach, my favourite spa girl, Aloesi was waiting for me with a flower in her hair.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aloesi</td></tr>
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She was very patient with me while I played in the water, took some photos, posed for some magazine shots and finally succumbed to the massage table.<br />
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Under the "bure" Aloesi worked on my body like a fish to water. Id had enough kneading done over the last few weeks and she understood my body well.<br />
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I always enjoy a deep tissue to unblock my shoulder knots. We used the burnt coconut oil that we made in the spa kitchen and it is possible I was so relaxed, that I dozed off a bit! This was allowed, after all this was a leisure and pleasure spa treatment specially offered to me for working so hard for one whole month on the Island!!! Aloesi knew my time in the island was coming to an end so she was extremely loving, caring and kind. Just what a spa girl should be about. In my opinion, most clients come to spas to be pampered and loved...just for a little bit of TLC. Few understand the technicalities of the therapies but if the touch is gentle and the therapist is loving it goes a long way. Thats what I had from Aloesi. She is a true spa girl.<br />
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Unfortunately all good things have to come to an end and after an hour my treatment ended with a celebration of Laucala Islands own private label champagne!<br />
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Jim was already at the beach waiting to take me home! Probably the only time I was not happy to see him!<br />
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And finally we arrived at the jetty where I had parked my buggy!!<br />
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BULA VINAKA!</div>
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Recommendation: What can I recommend to a perfect experience?<br />
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My thanks to David, Risako and I LOVE YOU NOI AND ALOESI !!!<br />
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(Laucala Island resort is the second most expensive private resort in the world where I was there on a wellness consultancy for a month and a half. If you would like to read more about my experience in this paradise check the press page in www.mystic-asia.in)<br />
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Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-7239033480503866512013-10-22T04:09:00.001-07:002013-10-22T10:21:55.204-07:00AMAN-I-KHAS, RANTHAMBORE, INDIA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ive seen the spa world evolve and grow into a wellness industry. Ive been to city spas, hotel spas, beach spas, mountain spas, hot spas, thermal spas, but for the first time I had my experience in a jungle spa!<br />
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No dont worry they dont use tiger oil!!! But you could get invited to have tea with the tiger! I am serious.<br />
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The journey to Ranthambore, is short and sweet. That is if you get a good berth and equally good berth companions. If you dont then its only 6 hours way by train, you can sit through it with the ipod stuck in your ears and ignore everything else.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Journey</td></tr>
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I dont have to repeat here that I love the hospitality of Amanresorts. Its so personalised you feel you are at home. As we arrived at the station, our butler (or batman as they call it), Satish, was waiting for us with cold towels and drinks to escort us into a clean airconditioned car, a far cry from the insides of the train!!<br />
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A short ride later took us to Aman-I-Khas, the tented camp of the great Aman family.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The camp</td></tr>
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General Manager Dumisani Sakuinje greeted us into this beautiful 10 room/tented resort sprawling over acres and acres of land. Tree pies encounter you everywhere and the birdsong wakes you in the morning.<br />
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Its my kind of paradise.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treepie</td></tr>
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We didnt waste any time. A camel ride was organised for us around the Ranthambore National Park (by the way I was also celebrating my birthday with Zorawar!) and we had so much fun riding through this open vast terrain.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zorawar and me</td></tr>
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Until we arrived at a hillock. Dumi was waiting to surprise us there with a full fledged afternoon tea setup with pakoras and all!! A small plateau that gave a birds eye view of the Aravalli hills, I had never seen so many plum headed parakeets fly me by. Breathtaking!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zorawar me and Dumi</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Satish</td></tr>
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A jeep safari to spot the tigers was next on the agenda. RK, our guide was hyped up. It seemed like he could smell a tiger. Dumi, an attratctive man of few words, I was told, is also known as a tiger magnet. We were in very good company, I thought.<br />
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RK in the centre-Always tiger hungry!</div>
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And Voila!! They did it. They showed us a tiger!<br />
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Ive seen tigers in the wild before but what was unique about this experience was that the tiger lay on the road for over an hour, rolling and playing in the sand like a little pussycat.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T 24</td></tr>
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We enjoyed a cup of hot tea while soaking in the experience. RK was completely satisfied, Dumi was practising his photography skills, Zorawar was enthralled and I was just happy.......until Priyanka Gandhi came along in her two jeeps and ousted us off our prime view and hogged the front seats, without any apology or shame.<br />
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All of us agreed to bow out gracefully instead of losing our peace of mind over this arrogant behaviour, and that suited me fine as I had to go and unwind in the spa soon.<br />
Oh what a life!<br />
My tired and aching bones from camel rides, jeep safaris and the adrenelin rush from encountering the tiger all needed to be taken care of.<br />
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The spa is located in one of the tents. Its a simple two room set up with three therapists on duty.<br />
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My therapist Thangyi was from Mizoram.<br />
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We decided to go for the full body massage adjusting my pressure as we go along. Thyangi's touch was soothing and her pressure was as good as I asked. She combined a swedish with a deep tissue to cater to my needs. Their essential and body oils are from Moksha. It was not just the spa but the idea of being out there in the jungle, in a tent, being pampered after a hards days work(?) that is so exotic and exciting.<br />
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After a long realxing treatment, We dined under the stars, by the pool where the trees reflected as if the pool were a mirror. Stunning Dumi . Thank You!<br />
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Recommendation: Amanresorts could make their spa treatments more bespoke to fit with their philosophy. A generic spa menu does not befit this super brand of hospitality.<br />
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My thanks to Anjali, Pareina,and Dumi Sir!<br />
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I LOVE THE JUNGLE and to be able to combine it with wellness is a dream.............<br />
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Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-20168028570362539962013-10-21T08:59:00.000-07:002013-10-21T09:08:24.019-07:00CHIVASOM HUA HIN THAILAND<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most famous shot of Chiva Som</td></tr>
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We should all salute Chiva Som. It took a long time to come into my orbit but we all know it is a trailblazer in the world of Spa and Wellness . All of South East Asia has tried to follow the format of Chiva Som. (And if I may say so, none has been able to replicate it in the same way). Most have taken only bits and pieces out of the whole and has therefore never been able to match up to the wholesomeness of ChivaSsom.<br />
So lets salute the Founder Mr Boon Chu Rosjanastein!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Mr Boon Chu Rosjanastein</td></tr>
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After attending The Global Spa and Wellness Summit in Delhi, I rushed out that night to experience this great resort, having had it on my wish list for the longest time ever.<br />
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So here I was at Bangkok airport, being met by a portly chauffeur in a Mercedes. Sawadeeka! I hadnt slept all night so I took advantage of the 3 hour ride to Hua Hin to catch a nap.<br />
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Taking photographs in the property was totally prohibited, as was your mobile phone and computer. However Note, the PR Manager, escorted me around to take some shots one morning so I did the best I could. Stay tuned........<br />
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The resort was beautifully green with little lakes, boats and bridges connecting the Thai style pavilions sprawling out towards the huge spa and wellness area and finally out to the beach.The centre has 58 residential rooms and 70 treatment rooms with 30 therapists for the spa treatments. 5 for the holistic treatments, 15 fitness instructors, 3 pool instructers, 2 yoga instructers and 9 physiotherapists. Above them all are 6 Wellness Advisors/Counsellors that check out your needs! Hows that for size?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREvi_CJT7wR09EobSySTs69gtiGgLC4qX_vobf-THONSL9EKIY4DAvRI853j6z_urOe7TwrRsyF8mkOCwVBt1S8bl-Dvb-EqxTEvTWyoTn5Yzhyphenhyphenyj_ZlQTLCwlbMFMzb5oa6aVzsAu80/s1600/DSCN3721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREvi_CJT7wR09EobSySTs69gtiGgLC4qX_vobf-THONSL9EKIY4DAvRI853j6z_urOe7TwrRsyF8mkOCwVBt1S8bl-Dvb-EqxTEvTWyoTn5Yzhyphenhyphenyj_ZlQTLCwlbMFMzb5oa6aVzsAu80/s320/DSCN3721.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">When I arrived, they wasted no time to book me an appointment with one of their many Counsellors. I was introduced to Maam, the charming Wellness Counsellor who sussed me out quite fast. I was only visiting for three nights so we decided not to go in for any serious detox or weight loss programme. We chose a mild option that could just address some of those nagging aches and pains that remain in the body which usually you learn to live with.</span></div>
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Quite rightly, after the sleepless night Maam recommended an oriental scalp massage and a Chiva Som signature massage. A soothing mild treatment that gave me time to get my bearings. I realised that their treatments are categorised into massage, holistic treatments and physio treatments. I liked that differentiation. Even the treatment rooms were decorated according to these categories. The massage rooms were very basic, the holistic rooms were adorned with Buddha images and artefacts and the physio rooms were like going to a room within the gym!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holistic treatment room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Room decor</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The jacuzzi at the water therapy area</td></tr>
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In the evening I chose the Chi Nei Tsang treatment which I had only ever experienced in Dhara Dhevi before. A gentle, beautiful Japanese therapist, kneaded and prodded my stomach to unblock the energies of my abdomen and to allow all the negative toxins to release (so she said). She also told me I needed to take care of my liver (TCM analysis) and that Chi Nei Tsang is more effective when we at least do three sessions in a row.<br />
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I wanted an early night the first day so I went to the famous Emerald Room for a quick soup dinner and then to my cosy pavilion with the most comfortable bed ever!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emerald room</td></tr>
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Next morning I chose to try out Tai Chi class. As a Tai Chi practitioner myself, I found the breakup of the patterns interesting. Tai Chi is always experienced differently from different teachers. His repetoire was limited as he did not know the entire sequence but whatever he taught was thorough. No complaints.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beach side restaurant</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The library</td></tr>
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Then Maam recommended a super stretch class (50 min) which was a unique stretch combination to refresh and rejuvenate my muscles, and aid the bodys recovery process. I found this stretch very interesting as it was neither a full fledged physiotherapy nor was it a form of yoga stretches. It was in between . And it is these in betweens that make Chivasom so thorough. Here I am, pretty fit for my age, a regular practitioner of Yoga and Tai Chi, proud of my level of flexibility yet the super stretch took me just that little further. Great stuff.<br />
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I had a delicious lunch by the sea side, wandered around the grounds, went to the well stocked Chiva Som boutique (they use their own oils), watched a water aerobics class in the indoor pool and a Thai boxing class in the Yoga pavillion, enjoying every minute of the stay.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbtKnZqETjoleR4oY-w7Yt1PzzmHYopq2S8UDos4qws_vAHPv1cIm6hLDLL0crG7e-Sl2qhsEZ1oePubXQci019_W3arZd5f7devSWsfXvYLost7P1s3X2Nh9q4Hwwx_POzJ5URGK2gg/s1600/DSCN3703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbtKnZqETjoleR4oY-w7Yt1PzzmHYopq2S8UDos4qws_vAHPv1cIm6hLDLL0crG7e-Sl2qhsEZ1oePubXQci019_W3arZd5f7devSWsfXvYLost7P1s3X2Nh9q4Hwwx_POzJ5URGK2gg/s640/DSCN3703.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note, my PR escort outside the shop</td></tr>
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In the late afternoon I took my deep tissue massage, after being checked out by the Physiotherapist Benz. I loved the touch of his hands (what do the Thais do that make their hands so special????) and immediately got hooked on to him. He was checking out my old spondylosis injury that periodically threatens to immobilise me. He dug deep and out came more pain from within. I booked another session with him immediately for the next day.<br />
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Taught by a Thai teacher, the Ashtanga class I attended went a bit too fast for beginners who are not used to doing the Primary Series. I enjoyed it but saw some others struggling. Yoga can be equally effective done at a slow pace, I wish people didnt think it always has to be done fast. See recommendation below.<br />
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All in all Chiva Som was a buzzing place with lots and lots of activities on offer at various levels. The food was healthy, organic and delicious. All dishes were marked for vegetarians, wheat free, lactose free sugar free etc and each had it own calorific value.<br />
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What I experienced was only a tip of the iceberg. They also offer hydrotherapy, watsu, pilates, kinesis, private bootcamps, craniosacral therapy, colonic hydrotherapy and cosmetic laser surgery in their Niranlada spa.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XVAHJ5vIC_TTay8pO6MdHDQtHi2I8yJIeuihnV2cXfPLsip7ebxCnuJPjgnbuykeuBgSjZp_3Fw8AZP0WmbR7m3D2WpaaMGvIPzuNz8RHo4A4frNxGWE6WhEtEfiemgTefzR2Ef6Lt8/s1600/DSCN3821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XVAHJ5vIC_TTay8pO6MdHDQtHi2I8yJIeuihnV2cXfPLsip7ebxCnuJPjgnbuykeuBgSjZp_3Fw8AZP0WmbR7m3D2WpaaMGvIPzuNz8RHo4A4frNxGWE6WhEtEfiemgTefzR2Ef6Lt8/s640/DSCN3821.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boat </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At dusk, enjoying the sea breeze</td></tr>
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Recommendation: It would be good to have some serious meditation being taught here, especially to reduce stress. I also recommend breaking down the Yoga asanas as was done for the Tai Chi class. It would make great sense for beginners. Ayurveda treatments also need to be authenticated. (Ill be happy to help!!)<br />
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Id like to thank Lubna, Shiela, and Maam for making this experience so special.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtB-NHgONOGAwz2QAXoH87fP-rU0TO2Yqc9Eow6zVgqobMdwDHu32arOP9DepkYtn6qf72lR8WItTA1gIMZWAv5Qrh3xSsneCl-bhs5Dpr1htxLuYzaW1LD9L4WSTpRSWEjiGzudthBcM/s1600/DSCN3783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtB-NHgONOGAwz2QAXoH87fP-rU0TO2Yqc9Eow6zVgqobMdwDHu32arOP9DepkYtn6qf72lR8WItTA1gIMZWAv5Qrh3xSsneCl-bhs5Dpr1htxLuYzaW1LD9L4WSTpRSWEjiGzudthBcM/s640/DSCN3783.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May the Chiva Som flag continue to fly high!</td></tr>
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Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-48214281049496692912013-09-15T08:43:00.000-07:002013-09-15T08:46:47.041-07:00THAI HARMONIE PARIS FRANCE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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What's the best way to spend a lazy Sunday in Paris?<br />
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Wake up lazily and smell the coffee.........slip on your jeans, dash across to the corner boulangerie and grab a couple of unhealthy but delicious croissants/pastries (my favourite is the pain au raisin), read the French newspaper (in my case look at the pictures, especially the fashion ones. Fashion is everywhere in Paris you cant escape it). Discuss the art shows in town and choose your days outing.<br />
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I chose to go to this "boutique" gallery called Musee Jacquemart Andre where they were showing a collection from artist Eugene Boudin. He was one of the first Impressionist painters that influenced the likes of Monet. He also specialised in Marine landscape paintings. Having just come back from Britany it seemed appropriate to go an surrender to some art appreciation of the region. My niece Usha and her partner Claudio were game.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Usha and me</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musee Jacquemart Andre</td></tr>
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So we trotted off and enjoyed a splendid display of intricate artworks with amazing lightwork. The cafe at the museum sent us whiffs of Quiche and chocolate.........We couldnt resist it and joined the queue to have our lunch in this very elegant French restaurant.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Museum cafe</td></tr>
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After that we decided we needed to digest our food before going in for our Massage treatment at the Harmonie!<br />
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So we strolled down wide wide Boulevard Haussman window shopping and enjoying the lack of traffic in Paris on this lazy Sunday morning! But enough of Paris.<br />
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Usha suggested that we go and try out this cute Thai spa for the rest of the afternoon. And i said why not. A little bit of Oriental after so much Occidental would be good idea!<br />
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I found it quite charming to find this little Thai culture tucked away in a quite lane in the centre of Paris doing what they do best.......... placing their magical hands on our bodies. The Thais have massage in their blood.<br />
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My therapist JoJo (pronounced YoYo)was as good as it gets. Theres no nonsense here. Get on the bed, lie on your stomach, have your back kneaded with the elbow, lie on your back, slide the oil down your thighs and smack smack the massage is over, Actually is was not a bad treatment at all it just seemed so basic after all the fuss that hotel spas make about the benefits of the treatments, the ayurvedic inspired treatments, the fluff and the so called "evidence"<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JoJo and me</td></tr>
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Its quite refreshing to just have a massage and call it a massage!<br />
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SAWADEEKA!!!!</div>
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Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-13024063620727823442013-07-16T09:21:00.001-07:002013-07-16T09:24:42.993-07:00MANDARIN ORIENTAL, PARIS, FRANCE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pool at the spa</td></tr>
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I like the sense of hospitality and the "Oriental-ness" of the Mandarin Oriental Group.<br />
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I was in Paris after the meditation retreat in Brittany (see post for Thalasso Therapy) for just two nights staying with my niece Usha, Claudio and her two gorgeous little girls.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Didi Lili and me</td></tr>
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Before my appointment with the Mandarin, I met with my friend Martine Beaumont for lunch a the chic handcrafted choclatier Jean Paul Hevin's newly opened cafe in Rue St Honore and we wondered around the area doing a bit of window shopping especially at Chanel Hermes and Scervino (yes widow shopping only!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3ESTYcQEE6eO7CPyjtYKyicGAqpoSJpolmo3oVMklf8q0gwob8ozPnWPaRTgl3Xhepzm5339Fuyryd51HfabPgyvTKJ3gS_0-i9KQIhu6CjI6pfelZVktEUS24jPnu4hl5ei28qhNsI/s1600/2013-06-10+06.17.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3ESTYcQEE6eO7CPyjtYKyicGAqpoSJpolmo3oVMklf8q0gwob8ozPnWPaRTgl3Xhepzm5339Fuyryd51HfabPgyvTKJ3gS_0-i9KQIhu6CjI6pfelZVktEUS24jPnu4hl5ei28qhNsI/s400/2013-06-10+06.17.17.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Martine and me</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmp-9B0_bMayt2sxEHsFNCI98ZasonM_HETABqeSUMOq8VIQj-PbgfjuQ1rprYwgTfa9McRpUVjSPpQ0HY70OvCj7j-ju0PQA3tJ3Y1qXxjSY784nqEVAxMzA37zBZo1D4Iopw3KY7jqw/s1600/DSCN9855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmp-9B0_bMayt2sxEHsFNCI98ZasonM_HETABqeSUMOq8VIQj-PbgfjuQ1rprYwgTfa9McRpUVjSPpQ0HY70OvCj7j-ju0PQA3tJ3Y1qXxjSY784nqEVAxMzA37zBZo1D4Iopw3KY7jqw/s400/DSCN9855.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then Martine dropped me off at he Mandarin and I wondered in to their very fancy lobby overlooking a beautiful garden which also serves as a cafe/restaurant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICIEXPNbE-Ynj5MLYHcu8W_Yl60ikGFx01OhNuMVfPthb8t8WjpFiGvp5OYp1KJU9QE3zAstU2vWWhk0wIjuh6Ou15OsktsvaPQcBgOzW8u62AAxbI6Ba77j5CdknkoSZZtxVGn23TDA/s1600/2013-06-10+03.18.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICIEXPNbE-Ynj5MLYHcu8W_Yl60ikGFx01OhNuMVfPthb8t8WjpFiGvp5OYp1KJU9QE3zAstU2vWWhk0wIjuh6Ou15OsktsvaPQcBgOzW8u62AAxbI6Ba77j5CdknkoSZZtxVGn23TDA/s640/2013-06-10+03.18.25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lobby</td></tr>
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As soon as the lift opened up to the Spa the ambience changed. It felt quiet and calm . I walked through the corridor decorated with enormous plastic flowers made of sequin sheeting. Ask me I know all about sequins!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful entrance</td></tr>
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But along the way I was surprised by the sound of a Gong! I stopped, stepped backwards and then forwards again and sure enough the gong went off again. Nice one I thought. I like the sound of this Oriental gong announcing my entrance to the spa. Super cool.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobby</td></tr>
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Lateitia was my therapist and she spoke English (thank goodness).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laetitia ready to start</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Footbath tray</td></tr>
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In true Mandarin style Laetitia was ready with my foot bath and told me I was signed in for the Oriental Essence Massage, which she explained was one of Mandarin's signature Spa Therapies. It has been specially designed for the tired traveller (thats me alright!) centering on all stress points of the body. Unlike in Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai, Mandarin Spa, Paris uses their own brand of oil which has names like Nourish, Release, Reflect etc. Laetitia used Quintessence oil blended with warming ginger and the uplifting mandarin and sacred frankincense on my body.<br />
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This was a relaxing massage so the strokes were more swedish with little of deep tissue. Although, at my request, Laetitia obliged to dig deeper along the sides of my spine. It was the perfect way to end my two month trip out of India. She topped it off by a relaxing aromatherapy treatment on my face.</div>
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The shower rooms, toileteries, towels were all very luxurious!</div>
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After the treatment, I was brought my lemongrass tea and a jellied cake (very Parisian!) to my changing room. </div>
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Outside the treatment room I met the Spa Director Lillian Cheam and we exchanged notes and experiences from the East. We had many common connections so it was great to meet her.</div>
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Recommendation: I wish I had a lounge chair to sit and sip my tea in leisure!</div>
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Thank you Beate and Shahfreen for making this happen!<br />
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Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-56658395225728688212013-07-13T02:00:00.003-07:002013-07-13T02:00:45.074-07:00Les Thermes Marins de Saint Malo, France<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I had barely
touched ground in Paris from New York, when I found myself on a train
to Brittany. I was travelling to Saint Briac Su Mer, a charming
little village in Bretagne, France to conduct an Inner Silence
Meditation retreat. </span></span></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Briac Su Mer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coastal drive</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Brittany is a
beautiful combination of the sea, mountains, cliffsides, stone
houses, sea gulls and yachts. Everything here from clothes to home decor is blue and white striped
with splashes of yellow thrown in!! My sense of aesthetics was definitely inspired. No wonder Paul Gaugin spent time here painting the landscape of Brittany.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArH2_EYQRczEwWCEff7WtLSahl90BWsDz-70_YBTtce2PC8lbCm5bFNq3UtlmRJ2_AKcSBHWj8BKFJUTtF6iylgi4pOndHuX41Vs_UOI35QTMp3YMcv2BfzU7EM4duJSKYNDBh2p9OcA/s1600/2013-06-03+07.00.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArH2_EYQRczEwWCEff7WtLSahl90BWsDz-70_YBTtce2PC8lbCm5bFNq3UtlmRJ2_AKcSBHWj8BKFJUTtF6iylgi4pOndHuX41Vs_UOI35QTMp3YMcv2BfzU7EM4duJSKYNDBh2p9OcA/s640/2013-06-03+07.00.33.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where I was staying and teaching Meditation</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While driving
through the coastal villages I kept seeing signs for Thalasso Therapy
everywhere. I knew that Thalasso is a form of French water therapy,
but I had never had the opportunity to experience it. My curiosity
was aroused and my hosts Catherine and Vincent quickly picked up on
it and arranged for me to go to the nearest historical walled city of
Saint Malo, which prides itself of one the largest Thalasso Therapy
Centres in France. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKtnLls84tBaUe6BmNY2vrzNp5OhnPQdcPphKIrQqK4lOivJ7D8x-Lqb3wtciU7U2hqIKgNWaE6N8yMvVIC-3o2vEKImLnL6yKwoJjZHVyWCOlH1izlssOYgq4ILem6KMBRGq_nKUjcM/s1600/DSCN9501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKtnLls84tBaUe6BmNY2vrzNp5OhnPQdcPphKIrQqK4lOivJ7D8x-Lqb3wtciU7U2hqIKgNWaE6N8yMvVIC-3o2vEKImLnL6yKwoJjZHVyWCOlH1izlssOYgq4ILem6KMBRGq_nKUjcM/s320/DSCN9501.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My hosts drove me down through the beautiful coastline of Brittany
passing through towns like Dinard and St Lunaire to reach the
historic city of Saint Malo, home to the rich and famous of France.
The elaborate stone mansions overlooking the sea, the manicured
lavish gardens and the marina with sleek yachts parked in rows, told
the story of successful bankers, lawyers and doctors who have chosen
this coastal area to be their abode of repose.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It so happened
that Vincent was friends with the owner of this vast spacious Therapy Centre, which includes a hotel, residential facilities, restaurants,
shopping facilities and you name it, its all there. The size and
vastness of the centre was pretty overwhelming. Not only that, it was buzzing with
activity.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3gUuKnrMkn92DKuxola_yp_PDaHuUJQzzjD3W-c4ng0-v4mEJkrNqVsgOLYUQHocUvoyjgthXTN3QFyA9LaSMPyWpmTvhlolvFCOYVHsRLqCSmtXDhpuSp-fs-WIEyLlof_mYD1Y27c/s1600/2013-06-07+05.16.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3gUuKnrMkn92DKuxola_yp_PDaHuUJQzzjD3W-c4ng0-v4mEJkrNqVsgOLYUQHocUvoyjgthXTN3QFyA9LaSMPyWpmTvhlolvFCOYVHsRLqCSmtXDhpuSp-fs-WIEyLlof_mYD1Y27c/s640/2013-06-07+05.16.53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couldn't capture the full buiding in my camera!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The three
of us were shown around all the facilities by the GM . This magnificent 50 year old Centre has 5000 sq mts of space for the sea water spa, with 80 rooms for individual hydrotherapy and physiotherapy treatments, 16 cabins for the Spa, 6 seawater pools and an amazing Aquatonic pool!!! The treatments on offer were countless and Im sure you would need to spend a few weeks here to try out everything.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">We were first taken to the hydrotherapy rooms where several interesting jets and showers were activated for our benefit. She told us that the sea water that is piped into the therapy centre daily and is recycled into the sea after every treatment. A lot of the jets reminded me of the elaborate 5 star hotel swimming pools in SE Asia, where fancy water falls and jets are part of the pool entertainment! A fun and leisure copy by the hotels, I might add.</span><br />
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From there we walked to the Aquatonic pool. This a large pool of warm seawater with 10 segregated areas with differing temperatures and treatments, such as the counter current walk through, back jets, water seats, leg geysers etc. I guess from my layman's point of view it is a very sophisticated and advanced form of a jacuzzi!! But honestly one could spend a whole day here trying out many different treatments. The packages they offer are also done in groups of three or four treatments for a day. In between you can use the aquatonics pool or the steam room breathing in sea air!</div>
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Then of course you had all the tubs with floats and seawater treatments and the gommages, scrubs and wraps.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Therapists ready to get wet!</td></tr>
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Whew!!! </div>
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The whole place was really overwhelming in its offerings. There must at least 50 or more treatments in the wet area, the spa area and pool areas. Its like nothing I have been to before. Very very impressive.</div>
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I opted for a massage under the running jet hydrotherapy called Affusions Manuelles (General body massage under a drizzle of warm sea water) which is a swedish/californian massage done with their inhouse therapy products.<br />
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and then a more calming sea algae wrap called the Biocealgues. The seaweed felt soft creamy and pure and I was told it was full of natural goodness of sodium, calcium and magnesium. Carol my therapist, was experienced and gentle and knew English so it was helpful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me!</td></tr>
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Well I'll say the place itself was full of new ideas and different from my world of Asian Spas. The body massage was lovely although I found it a little disturbing to have the drizzle and the massage at the same time. I guess I need to get used to having two things done at the same time. Definitely very interesting. The wrap was, as expected, very calming with pure seaweed applied all over my body and then my body being wrapped in a blanket while my skin absorbed the minerals and vitamins and the calming dim blue light turned from blue to green to pink!<br />
After a while the algae was washed away by another shower while I still lay on the bed!<br />
<br />
Les Thermes Marins has been around for 50 years with a complete knowledge of water therapy and wellbeing. I was very impressed with the whole set up and the healing work that obviously is going on as the place was packed with people coming in not only for pleasure but also for healing.<br />
<br />
Recommendation: It would have helped me a lot to understand everything better if they could speak English!<br />
<br />
My thanks to Vincent, Catherine and Jean-Michel Colleu, Director Thalassotherapie for making this interesting experience possible!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLrVMPwDh1Cb0YnFQMeFmdQf-TvCQvUO_gNxrXk1E4CWOnCpT2zZfmqeSCwe1bFSZw9lPCkBroru03FumLJn6htYrmVT_bQGfXJCWPqpGiaAW4MGaHfeyaqYLCWPjpssdVsO-OsH4hBY/s1600/DSCN9517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLrVMPwDh1Cb0YnFQMeFmdQf-TvCQvUO_gNxrXk1E4CWOnCpT2zZfmqeSCwe1bFSZw9lPCkBroru03FumLJn6htYrmVT_bQGfXJCWPqpGiaAW4MGaHfeyaqYLCWPjpssdVsO-OsH4hBY/s640/DSCN9517.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this painting of Btretagne! Says it all.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-78430203161661187322013-07-07T06:03:00.000-07:002013-07-07T06:07:24.040-07:00SHIBUI SPA, GREENWICH HOTEL, NEW YORK<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQ6OvgipFTDhKW97rbnBt6zVq0oUAhUvyuxko4xRsDKcoOmMq5y2P7ovU3ZsUw5nIj8mO5RGCl4o5wDKQT1HQGi1EJSROwbGm-V0QEGW87JTssIZ_SoerIOZy46XcTH-OBOMohfmJh0E/s1600/DSCN9849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQ6OvgipFTDhKW97rbnBt6zVq0oUAhUvyuxko4xRsDKcoOmMq5y2P7ovU3ZsUw5nIj8mO5RGCl4o5wDKQT1HQGi1EJSROwbGm-V0QEGW87JTssIZ_SoerIOZy46XcTH-OBOMohfmJh0E/s640/DSCN9849.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I first read about Shibui Spa in an American magazine called
Organic Spa. The article gave a scrumptious description of the spa. Never
having been to Japan, this sounded like the closest I
could get to a Japanese spa experience, in the next few years!</div>
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So here I was, in the heart of downtown NYC , which, as you all know,
is considered the “hip” area of New York City. Strolling down the streets with several charming and interesting bistros, jazz clubs,
bars and boutiques, all interwoven in a variety of architectural delights.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tNvsGtgQmoKdJLTIRp9c54FcQX0F96R8vm88I3iFUAUUTYjBIpZE7Dd8vDnQ_Kl5MOPnleSXwNDHNen9xIz9jUT31vDKZvx4HG9gA_UVQN3OjaiSWbG2dWgJscu_nQ-VbA-T0A_DsYc/s1600/DSCN9336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tNvsGtgQmoKdJLTIRp9c54FcQX0F96R8vm88I3iFUAUUTYjBIpZE7Dd8vDnQ_Kl5MOPnleSXwNDHNen9xIz9jUT31vDKZvx4HG9gA_UVQN3OjaiSWbG2dWgJscu_nQ-VbA-T0A_DsYc/s320/DSCN9336.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Greenwich Hotel lies across the street from the famous
Tribeca Film Centre owned by Robert De Niro, who also owns the hotel. Its not
surprising therefore, that as soon as you walk in the front door, there is an
air of exclusivity and privacy. It is speckled by smart looking New Yorkers,
that could be celebrities, but Im not that good at spotting them so I may have
missed Ryan Gosling (he is my current favourite!).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUAJD0MAKam4YyAVC_QeyistMp5ofZjurreHzb5Fa-ucEb0v1GhNes2pJP8T_mfzxUZv-GLbB4bIGe3TVju2eXRt8qvyes9nL5hrElsajOBc0Z5qJsewaVeB_hCBAH3yZR_W1pyfAu3U/s1600/DSCN9390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUAJD0MAKam4YyAVC_QeyistMp5ofZjurreHzb5Fa-ucEb0v1GhNes2pJP8T_mfzxUZv-GLbB4bIGe3TVju2eXRt8qvyes9nL5hrElsajOBc0Z5qJsewaVeB_hCBAH3yZR_W1pyfAu3U/s640/DSCN9390.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The spa is located in the basement and you approach it
by a Japanese inspired staircase. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqwsy4w4bWKC-hs4gtBYO_YuM8HTx_ZOCCaLdrOfdR6tjz3824h7yV78AeqhpetEGs5lSMWZU8fkOdlI42iuMSPuZLqjCqArrb519AF1qMEfHV8FmdwJeovFXb-IjmI1BdsRbK1-yvYo/s1600/DSCN9385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqwsy4w4bWKC-hs4gtBYO_YuM8HTx_ZOCCaLdrOfdR6tjz3824h7yV78AeqhpetEGs5lSMWZU8fkOdlI42iuMSPuZLqjCqArrb519AF1qMEfHV8FmdwJeovFXb-IjmI1BdsRbK1-yvYo/s400/DSCN9385.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staircase</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The spa entrance is dimly lit which gives you an
immediate feeling of restfulness. As you enter you cant miss absorbing the
Japanese flavours around you. The sense of minimilism in their aesthetics is something
that grabs my imagination immediately. A little teapot here, a little fan there, I
love it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9l1ZNclIx79NSirI2jcBPFmsD2z4vZ_XgR1BZH4m_kn_BZ1jd6eM58U7UB9qVyFX8XFUhzaJKHN3S5qgBCO4aXViVbK15RSC0MGWmX5DxCFnyLaHF9gjKvTqMu1Yt7klHVqREz5tFm9g/s1600/2013-05-29+12.08.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9l1ZNclIx79NSirI2jcBPFmsD2z4vZ_XgR1BZH4m_kn_BZ1jd6eM58U7UB9qVyFX8XFUhzaJKHN3S5qgBCO4aXViVbK15RSC0MGWmX5DxCFnyLaHF9gjKvTqMu1Yt7klHVqREz5tFm9g/s400/2013-05-29+12.08.03.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincf7iX72tIKtct2DM8dCd6jDJoWbu66gi4iexosh-cBuNLxoeRpV8IHD9rI3yVlN7IvZp6QPGAoqfctqUZCh4C2kvfQsnou3A0A1AUAJHWYtliMSNAeJOEF5Yh3ElrgB4si7Pw270OME/s1600/DSCN9354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincf7iX72tIKtct2DM8dCd6jDJoWbu66gi4iexosh-cBuNLxoeRpV8IHD9rI3yVlN7IvZp6QPGAoqfctqUZCh4C2kvfQsnou3A0A1AUAJHWYtliMSNAeJOEF5Yh3ElrgB4si7Pw270OME/s640/DSCN9354.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The spa menu describes the spa as such:</div>
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“To enter Shibui is to be embraced by wood, water, and
stone—much of it with a storied past—and our treatments are rooted in the same
simplicity and reverence for nature. The products we use are plant-based and,
whenever possible, organic. Our practitioners, who are experts in ancient as
well as contemporary healing techniques, approach their craft as art—with
devotion, dedication, and compassion.”</div>
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I couldn’t describe it better</div>
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My therapist Frederique was American (I am saying this
because for some reason I was expecting the therapists to be Japanese, I don’t know why!) and
led me into the changing room. </div>
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Here the tansu or storage cupboards and the
streamlined locker cabinets were visually interesting . The Japanese make even
the simple objects look aesthetic.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Le3QIVjjDTFDLBdBLl_p85oR9m2s7WyY9kpUa3nGIya00e1yofaK91OahCKIgsO8VEntquQJCFr5UVXruMQmD33vCVX9XuBdjZN0d5S_rV_PUXiRPEYDifCxPhHKr23B4LbLSOG4pGY/s1600/DSCN9382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Le3QIVjjDTFDLBdBLl_p85oR9m2s7WyY9kpUa3nGIya00e1yofaK91OahCKIgsO8VEntquQJCFr5UVXruMQmD33vCVX9XuBdjZN0d5S_rV_PUXiRPEYDifCxPhHKr23B4LbLSOG4pGY/s400/DSCN9382.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towel racks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrthH0YerPStELm8hIwiKWoiTAorHi0SuyyxoMmMinJD-9UIt7xTJzGBmDRSQBACpX3-3UtGInN4iUa7mYRrZO1_IMxVMN6Zdccq_TUE-n-DfItJkvcoBqnRZtqCXu4bWyCo7AHia0J8/s1600/DSCN9383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="569" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrthH0YerPStELm8hIwiKWoiTAorHi0SuyyxoMmMinJD-9UIt7xTJzGBmDRSQBACpX3-3UtGInN4iUa7mYRrZO1_IMxVMN6Zdccq_TUE-n-DfItJkvcoBqnRZtqCXu4bWyCo7AHia0J8/s640/DSCN9383.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lockers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The spa treatments had interesting names too, like Healing
Birch, Drunken Lotus and Bamboo Glow. I opted for the Bamboo Glow because it used
some exotic Japanese products that I wanted to experience. (apart from wanting
to glow, of course!). Their choice of product brand is Red Flower who do a whole range of products using Japanese fruits, plants and scents.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIv6LadVz1ynBRt-KAD6xd-r82figHvZUy9DU-yY-Uzyw4NLXDDQWA9HdIf0f7KhaT3FL5s-NrNNbxSYgMux9Ua1ZxAo9leWOHnbem0CTy4yjxFYnHAhyphenhyphenILfoY4_B6OXhKJEFhel1QPZk/s1600/DSCN9364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIv6LadVz1ynBRt-KAD6xd-r82figHvZUy9DU-yY-Uzyw4NLXDDQWA9HdIf0f7KhaT3FL5s-NrNNbxSYgMux9Ua1ZxAo9leWOHnbem0CTy4yjxFYnHAhyphenhyphenILfoY4_B6OXhKJEFhel1QPZk/s640/DSCN9364.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Flower products</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I was asked to take off my slippers before entering the
treatment room (I liked that - all sacred places in India are shoe free) where
the Ohana bamboo and gingergrass scrub was waiting for me. I loved the simplicity and
zen like quality of the décor of the room. Block printed Japanese motifs on the
sheets, a little teapot in the corner, a branch of twig here, little surprises
everywhere.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5LMgY4yyshcAGtjTbCdxkGLqUWCjgiJe8_ccr4orDHv67mLU5ZQpO-yKdOM6cdd5efG6POINe2DvnCLT_BJUeDxWNgmBxtoWOeMJUXBE5ET5154mFRioso8BDc5ajCwpznVVQ9Iphe8/s1600/DSCN9359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5LMgY4yyshcAGtjTbCdxkGLqUWCjgiJe8_ccr4orDHv67mLU5ZQpO-yKdOM6cdd5efG6POINe2DvnCLT_BJUeDxWNgmBxtoWOeMJUXBE5ET5154mFRioso8BDc5ajCwpznVVQ9Iphe8/s640/DSCN9359.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treatment Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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C<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">ombined with the
exhilarating oils of ginger and lime, which help contour the body by
stimulating blood flow and warming the skin, the scrub is enhanced with blue tansy, fir oil, sea algae and mineral rich silt to encourage
cellular renewal, improve the lymphatic and circulatory systems and </span>to leave skin silky. Now thats quite a lot of good happening to my body! After the soothing scrub I was guided to the private
shower for a Yuzu sea algae wash.</div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">On the way out to my main treatment room Frederique pointed out the unique male and female door signs to me. See if you get it!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UGpZQ_3oGFjdg8hVvMf60qykNdV-82kEn8GcNVzJ_C2xcGZRnk1xZpbW1QvQx1ItMSpt621rUcY-f16opjCrF7VUptv3PIu7D9fFJ77Wv5IZR8HFMXERSY3YMaxEAztWld2TTzCcrQA/s1600/2013-05-29+11.56.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UGpZQ_3oGFjdg8hVvMf60qykNdV-82kEn8GcNVzJ_C2xcGZRnk1xZpbW1QvQx1ItMSpt621rUcY-f16opjCrF7VUptv3PIu7D9fFJ77Wv5IZR8HFMXERSY3YMaxEAztWld2TTzCcrQA/s320/2013-05-29+11.56.38.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuuYU4o8BqIqIss69cbsVWjJNTkbly_11skdmejTW8wjz3ExvttixlE6wNKaS-E2rmMJyJaUxFvRBlc9xUMIvfBV8EwBOGy2xtgGCgVaTq3g0gS6xm7IGQW9-58cTkrktPIn-xVutG9w/s1600/2013-05-29+11.56.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuuYU4o8BqIqIss69cbsVWjJNTkbly_11skdmejTW8wjz3ExvttixlE6wNKaS-E2rmMJyJaUxFvRBlc9xUMIvfBV8EwBOGy2xtgGCgVaTq3g0gS6xm7IGQW9-58cTkrktPIn-xVutG9w/s320/2013-05-29+11.56.45.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p> Haaaa! Little bit of humour there!</o:p></div>
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<o:p>Now to the main treatment room with the traditional ofuro tub. I like my water unusually hot in the tub and glad to say they didnt disappoint me. I just dont get the point of lukewarm water. It does nothing for my bones.</o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja88hPb3it7s6tufwGWYK8jPvypBenSPo0MA4nipGVIZ_p07oixpEkNLVBawUr4g0rmaYUz8OZzXVrYWWHVnxef80qCtb2Ynzx772lSYlOITB4zT2SaGWhQGLtZDq4e7Eq5muogMBVnhM/s1600/2013-05-29+10.42.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja88hPb3it7s6tufwGWYK8jPvypBenSPo0MA4nipGVIZ_p07oixpEkNLVBawUr4g0rmaYUz8OZzXVrYWWHVnxef80qCtb2Ynzx772lSYlOITB4zT2SaGWhQGLtZDq4e7Eq5muogMBVnhM/s640/2013-05-29+10.42.13.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Frederique prepared my drink , a cucumber cordial, and left me to soak in the Hinoki Mint Mineral Bath for 15 mins. This curative soak really did wonders for my aching body due to too much travelling in different time zones! It also helped me to relax more in preparation for the 60 min massage waiting for me!<br />
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The chosen oil for this treatment, Kinmoxei Red Flowers Wild Lime Silk Oil is a complex blend of rare kinmoxei flowers enriched in the softening oils of rice bran and monoi oil. Its said to be rich in vitamin E, anti-oxidants and fatty acids.This oil is then combined with natural silk proteins, bergamot,vetiver and wild Japanese lime to increase the blood flow for a healthy glow!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZJDAx5KrZyT4v98tDeGmzTcv4iHSFA_osPnKJS6BW2CllP9cZsxk-bB4QLTkfE6zC_n0o8ZHCn-xND-EdepetayCiEpd1oQXTsWQIgb2oQ1iGO5b-SEvYDNEnbnkJcu98g9142nHfCM/s1600/2013-05-29+10.43.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZJDAx5KrZyT4v98tDeGmzTcv4iHSFA_osPnKJS6BW2CllP9cZsxk-bB4QLTkfE6zC_n0o8ZHCn-xND-EdepetayCiEpd1oQXTsWQIgb2oQ1iGO5b-SEvYDNEnbnkJcu98g9142nHfCM/s640/2013-05-29+10.43.11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Frederique did a great job with my body. She read my spots and followed my needs rather than give me predetermined strokes. She worked on my back and shoulders with deep tissue pressure just like I like it. The rest of the body was treated to a more relaxing moisture binding massage. 60 mins went by very fast.</div>
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After this I went to relax by the charming lanternlit swimming pool and lounge under the roof of a 250-year old wood and bamboo farmhouse that has been reconstructed in the hotel by Japanese craftsmen, some of whom are Living National Treasures of Japan<span style="color: #333333; font-family: AvenirLT-Roman, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.545454025268555px; line-height: 33.3238639831543px;">.</span></span></div>
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I had a cup of green tea there served to me by the lifeguard at the pool. Nice job he has. Well at least he said he loved his job. To be in Asia without actually going there!</div>
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It was great to experience this very private spa and hats off for creating such a unique space in the heart of Tribeca. Who would have thought it was possible to do that.</div>
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I was more than relaxed, I would say invigorated and ready to take on the streets of New York again!</div>
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And oh yes, when I went out for dinner in the evening my friends told me I was glowing!</div>
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Recommendation: I would have loved to have seen Japanese therapists dressed in their traditional gear to complete the picture! ( No offence to Frederique, she was terrific!)</div>
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Thank you Sara Davis for making this possible!</div>
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Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-20963542885898514892013-07-04T04:33:00.000-07:002014-07-13T09:12:15.485-07:00SPHATIKA, New York, US<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">New York! New York!</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf567XThhGJK-H4oVHg-KTSK1uAaG20WnnOIUSSU8wFHUZV0heBmcHstjERlvTrZ03xK4pQ-lImGCMJB9hPA85Q7vpU83hs0Lh8YKBPo9g6R_N5bFkP5fUB9RmDLxjsxbZAEI1KF085E8/s1600/2013-05-06+21.23.44-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf567XThhGJK-H4oVHg-KTSK1uAaG20WnnOIUSSU8wFHUZV0heBmcHstjERlvTrZ03xK4pQ-lImGCMJB9hPA85Q7vpU83hs0Lh8YKBPo9g6R_N5bFkP5fUB9RmDLxjsxbZAEI1KF085E8/s640/2013-05-06+21.23.44-1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New York scene</td></tr>
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What a city. If you lose your awareness for a moment, it
gobbles you up!</div>
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A city tempting you from every corner, to indulge in sensory
pleasure which then sucks you in to a tunnel of hedonism. It must be hard in
this city to withdraw from the external stimulation, to get some quiet time and
even ponder at the meaning of life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzitm5qD7agKoYIktWKkVudIZIXM9fLuA-g24mo8jJMwPKeSk0hBH0_BQthfaOlsYHiuMxkhBxErPWnQ9SLAczdlcvb-m-FilLf9SsDDaABiBJbU2Wi1O7p4NzPNSMs9PFnH3IOXAmCQ/s1600/DSCN9162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzitm5qD7agKoYIktWKkVudIZIXM9fLuA-g24mo8jJMwPKeSk0hBH0_BQthfaOlsYHiuMxkhBxErPWnQ9SLAczdlcvb-m-FilLf9SsDDaABiBJbU2Wi1O7p4NzPNSMs9PFnH3IOXAmCQ/s400/DSCN9162.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New York scene 2</td></tr>
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Thank goodness for the world of spas that takes you into a
dream world of relaxation and peace.<br />
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Sallie Fraenkel of Spafinder introduced me to Janet
League-Katzen, who owns Sphatika. Meeting Janet was an instant connection. What
a beautiful soul creating a haven of peace in the centre of this hedonistic
city. She certainly carries the energy of spirituality from lands far in the East!<br />
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Janet was in a temporary location when I visited her so I am
not going to post too many pictures of the place although it was very homely
and intimate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56g5Tx-9xgYnFgTG0L93aF7om74BEahCEQK3QeDMt-p-D18JWNnGNJHHg9RftPPtN-EqA6ad1z6HFbPc7tAYnvle0LRsh4FAVBy6P_C1gZY805dyNlYCTjKG0_Vy96nW3gnFnmJglrKE/s1600/2013-05-28+13.18.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56g5Tx-9xgYnFgTG0L93aF7om74BEahCEQK3QeDMt-p-D18JWNnGNJHHg9RftPPtN-EqA6ad1z6HFbPc7tAYnvle0LRsh4FAVBy6P_C1gZY805dyNlYCTjKG0_Vy96nW3gnFnmJglrKE/s400/2013-05-28+13.18.37.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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An “owner-centric” spa always carries the energy of the
owner. The treatment I had was unique in its content. My beautiful Japanese
therapist Midori greeted me by placing a small crystal in my hands and asking
me to hold in firmly in the palms of my hands while focusing on an intent.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJKpcPNYPbKsxYdi1aF1PEwdu69iY3lnZmZEq5j9B2rbyUpje3TlBbBh5Zko8hqn39ExKsTBU5kBBkRAoDL58nijK7AYpCe069kLfIfaCICTTfLfHFuXSCTiSyUiHngs_mn8vDt1vqlo/s1600/DSCN0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJKpcPNYPbKsxYdi1aF1PEwdu69iY3lnZmZEq5j9B2rbyUpje3TlBbBh5Zko8hqn39ExKsTBU5kBBkRAoDL58nijK7AYpCe069kLfIfaCICTTfLfHFuXSCTiSyUiHngs_mn8vDt1vqlo/s640/DSCN0064.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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What
a nice thing to do. Especially as it was in keeping with the name Sphatika which in south Indian language signifies a crystal lingam. Janet tied that up really nicely together. I liked it.<br />
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The gesture immediately brought me inside myself and didn’t take me
long to leave the sounds of the traffic and the buzz of the people of New York
behind me. And I did have a strong intent to make as I was going through a
transition in my life, so the ritual was very appropriate and meaningful for me.</div>
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The treatment that Janet recommended was her most elaborate
and luxurious, a Lymphatic Drainage with a sauna and facial. <br />
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At first I entered a cubicle for a FAR infrared sauna.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6YhYedJ6hTdycMZcY4N7KbmvLtgtoSKAWXT62S5ugkry8XIQON-kctD3teBhFXJtBeE8EvQAHrCvekPyhNrMcdZMMsyzADCtamKydDPBbqexg39PzrdPs19sF3edKNFX2S99XmndKro/s1600/2013-05-28+13.16.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6YhYedJ6hTdycMZcY4N7KbmvLtgtoSKAWXT62S5ugkry8XIQON-kctD3teBhFXJtBeE8EvQAHrCvekPyhNrMcdZMMsyzADCtamKydDPBbqexg39PzrdPs19sF3edKNFX2S99XmndKro/s640/2013-05-28+13.16.22.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Far Infrared Sauna</td></tr>
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Midori explained that this sauna was of a new carbon technology that didn’t
allow the temperature to rise above the required level. I must say I sat inside
this cubicle for 15 minutes holding on tightly to my intent without being at
all uncomfortable. In fact I slipped into a peaceful meditation until I was beckoned out!<br />
After this I followed Midori to the treatment room where my
feet were cleaned with a citrus foot cleansing cream.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2gJXtLNSKg7rFSXudP2-VBkdN2cKGD3rlNEIFTHqHM4LgM0SGz4jvtyXfkleeoZ1jQQEGlg_s54eMhVUWi8HSIwsOomu1JH0xNmoMmLd0oYW02FWRZbFdcVWT4WHCmLa1sR8rAc3N74/s1600/2013-05-28+13.12.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2gJXtLNSKg7rFSXudP2-VBkdN2cKGD3rlNEIFTHqHM4LgM0SGz4jvtyXfkleeoZ1jQQEGlg_s54eMhVUWi8HSIwsOomu1JH0xNmoMmLd0oYW02FWRZbFdcVWT4WHCmLa1sR8rAc3N74/s640/2013-05-28+13.12.37.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midori, me and Janet</td></tr>
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Sphatika have developed
their own brand of spa products, which felt and smelt wonderful.<br />
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Midori started by rocking me on the table like a baby saying
it was done to align my spine. Since I'd just been travelling for a month, to
various parts of the US, the rocking really comforted me. I wished she wouldn’t
stop. A gentle dry brushing on my body to exfoliate the skin and calm the
nervous system followed this. Her brush strokes and movements accentuated the
direction of the lymphatic drainage.</div>
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She then applied and massaged my body with hemp oil.</div>
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After this beautiful ritual, Midori applied a body mask on
me and tucked me inside a steam canopy. That was a new experience for me where
the canopy is brought to the table and tucked in all sides to allow the steam
to remain in tact while at the same time leaving a gap to place your face
outside the tent.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steam canopy that enveloped me on the table</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a really good idea not to disturb my relaxing
state by having to get up and go to the steam room. Little details and add-ons
like this make such a difference to holding the calm energy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After this Midori began working on my face. First with a
cleansing cream and then with a citrus hydrating facial toner. Then came the
Gommage or exfoliating cream and the interesting suction tubes that allowed
further clearing of the lymphatic nodes. This procedure was also new to me and
very interesting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next was the application of a moisture mask, Pearl night
serum, Rose Oil, Vitamin A night cream and another treatment serum. Wow! After
being pampered by all of this my face and body were glowing!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Janets products felt so refreshing I couldn’t resist buying
some facial products and because she was in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a temporary venue there was even a 20% discount. My luck!<br />
<br />
After the 2 hour long treatment, Janet shared her crystal singing bowls with me and we had a hot drink together chatting about life in the East. Oh how I missed India!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recommendation: The treatment was perfect so there is nothing to
recommend. The experience was wholesome as it included the 'Shankalpa" or intent. The space was a temporary accommodation so not point commenting on that either.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you so much Janet for being there and meeting me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrbGYHebu2_GQbg0tMymjLNuIyaF9ZoIVbyg1I9o0O_ugudqPtrqWaRbd69jhV-MiuAWk5ygOxLtyEPukLtrm60OQEdbjsm76xlSSVeWZdtHTCDgmdQq8y76foAUD_FNm5smGVE7M2uY/s1600/2013-05-28+17.55.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrbGYHebu2_GQbg0tMymjLNuIyaF9ZoIVbyg1I9o0O_ugudqPtrqWaRbd69jhV-MiuAWk5ygOxLtyEPukLtrm60OQEdbjsm76xlSSVeWZdtHTCDgmdQq8y76foAUD_FNm5smGVE7M2uY/s640/2013-05-28+17.55.17.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What was waiting outside for me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
</div>
Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-74160292825113263602013-03-27T00:04:00.002-07:002013-03-27T09:59:32.355-07:00ALLAHABAD KUMBH MELA 2013, INDIA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYv4LdVGXhQBEmeZ6UsE6-pmBrjx9e7wHOC0HS99s7gTA9Z4Qy8yFIJnLhcajtcWm07gMT5WBPwWIB00WN3B1fawIrKziB6r7ApY4ohcg1BbR5JJ1yiTt6aUB6obFClOOZxGFCrPseLug/s1600/DSCN7835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYv4LdVGXhQBEmeZ6UsE6-pmBrjx9e7wHOC0HS99s7gTA9Z4Qy8yFIJnLhcajtcWm07gMT5WBPwWIB00WN3B1fawIrKziB6r7ApY4ohcg1BbR5JJ1yiTt6aUB6obFClOOZxGFCrPseLug/s640/DSCN7835.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Sangam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some of you may be wondering why I am including the trip to the Kumbh Mela in my Spa Diary. Well for those of you who are ignorant, spa means "healing with water". And where do the whole of India go to HEAL WITH WATER???? To the Sangam! Every 12 years the festival of healing with water attracts over 80 million people.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPivPiGtmn70NjpZQI_oKFExPZx1mMe1ilCNYxaJiasAfx8xR8hp5yGa29zijfDlIzk4FZ-bIU4QtGrpfcK2lXA6TsLF1E83_vwdwmGupd9ytCWFUcKQwtUg4yyr2gwjwI6vRpgPawUE/s1600/DSCN7604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPivPiGtmn70NjpZQI_oKFExPZx1mMe1ilCNYxaJiasAfx8xR8hp5yGa29zijfDlIzk4FZ-bIU4QtGrpfcK2lXA6TsLF1E83_vwdwmGupd9ytCWFUcKQwtUg4yyr2gwjwI6vRpgPawUE/s640/DSCN7604.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowds that we avoided</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The largest spiritual gathering in the world, all the great Masters camp by the banks of the river, all the Gods descend from the Heavens during this festival and millions of pilgrims come to the confluence to take the blessings of the water.<br />
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The Sangam is the confluence of the three rivers of Ganga, Jamuna and the mythical Saraswati. The merging point of rivers in India are always considered holy because it symbolises the merging of our egos with the Divine Consciousness.<br />
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The stream of people continuously walking in with their belongings on their backs or heads was a metaphor for the Holy Riveritself. It never seemed to end.<br />
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We stayed in a really nice clean UP Govt campsite with young lads everyready to give us hot water and extra blankets in exchange for a little tip!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our camp</td></tr>
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We arrived late eveing and wandered around to find most of the Akharas closing down for the day but came upon a beutiful Arti by the waterfront and also some entertainment<br />
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Next morning we were up early and excited to take our Holy bath in the river . We went down to the jetty, bought our flowers (offerings), bindis and made sure we had our change of clothes and hurray we were off!<br />
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This was a nice way to approach the Sangam. We avoided the crowds, yet were able to see them in the banks and the boatride was very pleasant giving us time to prepare internally for the blessing. We also got a chance to feed the migratory Siberian gulls.<br />
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<br />
Its a little tricky once you get to the Sangam. Firstly, the touts get you to buy coconuts in order to get blessings and naive as we are, we want to do it the right way UNTIL we feel cheated!! Secondly, the pier is actually made up of several boats joined together where each boat gets a short parking space to conduct the ritual of the dip, so changing into our dry clothes requires a lot of balance!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
So finally we are all set to do the dip.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdY8Edf1ugqRLPIzBW4kMd946FY7p2v2eVzdhAqCg-r8BvfLnabX2QcPuWxthyphenhyphen95XmHeR5Efw7xbGsvQE98T8oWuaq1lfeHwMKMxQIjZc46kSeOMtAUi-qVdI65NUWmneYSLAw21q1UU/s1600/DSCN7853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdY8Edf1ugqRLPIzBW4kMd946FY7p2v2eVzdhAqCg-r8BvfLnabX2QcPuWxthyphenhyphen95XmHeR5Efw7xbGsvQE98T8oWuaq1lfeHwMKMxQIjZc46kSeOMtAUi-qVdI65NUWmneYSLAw21q1UU/s400/DSCN7853.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blue of the Yamuna meeting the green of the Ganges</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-aidy6_qIZZCa96X8gZnTI6WLz22Zc3leaqgjcr0zxGBaMZrlDuibUOQqAhMNEgAjYwbcuwhzBdKyG-etWOlnIbsis7Ci1xbPumtU6F6NHaWxJpBMDs_fDMTunayfQ96n6ciUlqbKaM/s1600/DSCN7631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-aidy6_qIZZCa96X8gZnTI6WLz22Zc3leaqgjcr0zxGBaMZrlDuibUOQqAhMNEgAjYwbcuwhzBdKyG-etWOlnIbsis7Ci1xbPumtU6F6NHaWxJpBMDs_fDMTunayfQ96n6ciUlqbKaM/s640/DSCN7631.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Destined to do this together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1dXyrGZi4QInWgoSA1zBbXub8RjT6v6V-1vv0ecOEvyVgNDmhcVoZooI0cP4YVnerK4QJX_nw4TfhZPB69xtGxogyj2xLBYT2xt8gr77kHlokbIvSCH5QsyF3UtSK2ERfvgjxG4wluQ/s1600/DSCN7628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1dXyrGZi4QInWgoSA1zBbXub8RjT6v6V-1vv0ecOEvyVgNDmhcVoZooI0cP4YVnerK4QJX_nw4TfhZPB69xtGxogyj2xLBYT2xt8gr77kHlokbIvSCH5QsyF3UtSK2ERfvgjxG4wluQ/s640/DSCN7628.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WOW! It was GREAT!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
THE SACRED DIP !!</div>
<br />
The dip was quite amazing. So much spiritual vibration around us and with the blessings of all the Masters, with millions of people coming only for the one purpose of cleaning and purifying their souls, it has to be a mega spiritual event in the history of mankind.<br />
With great balance and astuteness we were able to get into out dry clothing and the rest of the day was left to explore the different camps, akkharas, Masters etc. We were all a bit high from our experience. No dope, promise!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiTexX6OOr5-YIq0fP4wGhkNdGI4VKS_qU9ulmvXTuHDLMSaQAgXbJXkeAAgCQHD4jtWPNX8ZM0sb7gj-L-XbyEKz_LpUyczQIvTrlfWP1hFagKaqEY7x3TPzP0vXQWkGaTAhjt8hTWw/s1600/DSCN7687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiTexX6OOr5-YIq0fP4wGhkNdGI4VKS_qU9ulmvXTuHDLMSaQAgXbJXkeAAgCQHD4jtWPNX8ZM0sb7gj-L-XbyEKz_LpUyczQIvTrlfWP1hFagKaqEY7x3TPzP0vXQWkGaTAhjt8hTWw/s320/DSCN7687.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swami Chidananda Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB637uNf5EPZQrmHQe3fYKWMJRoL9sSfKyT4lkfUS55lqMDAskuF40y7zDgIqxJaJtyecL5CPznpACnrx32tXy9369mj-zY6uAuVSocXElf7eXSnXNJHWikA0hPNDfTy9_IDkS0QMilAo/s1600/DSCN7792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB637uNf5EPZQrmHQe3fYKWMJRoL9sSfKyT4lkfUS55lqMDAskuF40y7zDgIqxJaJtyecL5CPznpACnrx32tXy9369mj-zY6uAuVSocXElf7eXSnXNJHWikA0hPNDfTy9_IDkS0QMilAo/s320/DSCN7792.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillin' with the Chillum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMwrApyXvL4cHBbXCQJBc5m_7IBPJyFX9nzpFrjJ1ImirAk_WC3maYip9WHYM8ua8ARl1KG2GqWC3_2c2sibZdTDZz5MINnpJe3aMUJVZNzpmGugFym3zTm_VGzzM06SgmjsNMY5IYoQ/s1600/DSCN7769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMwrApyXvL4cHBbXCQJBc5m_7IBPJyFX9nzpFrjJ1ImirAk_WC3maYip9WHYM8ua8ARl1KG2GqWC3_2c2sibZdTDZz5MINnpJe3aMUJVZNzpmGugFym3zTm_VGzzM06SgmjsNMY5IYoQ/s320/DSCN7769.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How lovely to not care at all!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLvvUo4XmFzNSe1B-EdtBqUElW-iKsWJepxyIKF-7_ayKoSgs74K7LzW3Dr9fAdXuB5ZjHlGwREn-skYnFm5_zAf-gMEs2SV5bbkwo7cV99OT7yTOd6P-ULhcg81E6lH1BtnwCVbGHBA/s1600/DSCN7804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLvvUo4XmFzNSe1B-EdtBqUElW-iKsWJepxyIKF-7_ayKoSgs74K7LzW3Dr9fAdXuB5ZjHlGwREn-skYnFm5_zAf-gMEs2SV5bbkwo7cV99OT7yTOd6P-ULhcg81E6lH1BtnwCVbGHBA/s640/DSCN7804.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goldilocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also got quite used to being called Ma Mala by the end of the trip!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTkPXLOv_gnT0qfez-FdEa-3cwOwIit6plVuVSgROEqArZAYuiVlGuTd-Lj5MFlhsPHFOVIdTPOmOo51v6IkX66z2x0BUAp2dsuyV-3b-m7M4rl0TX8XhK4oU5sFo5Vd-il4lQ-2RVqM/s1600/DSCN7889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTkPXLOv_gnT0qfez-FdEa-3cwOwIit6plVuVSgROEqArZAYuiVlGuTd-Lj5MFlhsPHFOVIdTPOmOo51v6IkX66z2x0BUAp2dsuyV-3b-m7M4rl0TX8XhK4oU5sFo5Vd-il4lQ-2RVqM/s400/DSCN7889.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
On my way back I caught this beautiful reflection in the river!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
It was sad to leave Allahabad and the strong spiritual vibration of this temporary city. Here today, gone tomorrow just like life.................!<br />
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<br /></div>
Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-5183257968208940002013-03-26T03:36:00.000-07:002013-04-03T07:35:45.734-07:00UDAIVILAS, UDAIPUR, INDIA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel lobby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble lotus at entrance of Hotel</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhheK8h6d-s1yYorZGRIco34UWHx4lCCk5W3QtaBGnBct162UyOY54XuZ_-oHZAOX5s3PZoRTf-2SfLE-RpMmSfGactzqQDWIhbVdwAEZ9hjFbrDK3MSUZOpUFMysJ7HdOwjPJQ4tlPw/s1600/DSCN8338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>
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<o:p> </o:p>In 2008 when Oberoi parted ways with Banyan Tree Spas, I
thought no Indian spas could meet the standards of their well-trained
therapists. Its four years hence and Christine Hays has proved me wrong.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To describe Oberoi Udaivilas as a luxury hotel is an
understatement. The backdrop of the Aravalli hills and the romantic banks of
Lake Pichola combine to create a magical setting for this uber luxury resort
and spa. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS36zkrijHHRGu75v6F_8NIwnoNpcGiz_MhtGL8F3OsxQlHvuX_bguO1XG_YPicmaG7t5q3OjJpfNpSGuA4JcdFm7rDZkFgGmRLFulCMpicC3bHIBqcQaG0BNKbiVysv8ezxuevuTwtfY/s1600/DSCN8154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS36zkrijHHRGu75v6F_8NIwnoNpcGiz_MhtGL8F3OsxQlHvuX_bguO1XG_YPicmaG7t5q3OjJpfNpSGuA4JcdFm7rDZkFgGmRLFulCMpicC3bHIBqcQaG0BNKbiVysv8ezxuevuTwtfY/s640/DSCN8154.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oberoi Jetty</td></tr>
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The hotel sprawls across marble laid lotuses, swimming pools, private
gardens, amphitheatres and private gazebos. Wherever you look, the sight is
breathtaking and a photographers delight. With domes, copulas turrets and arches at
every corner, it is simply majestic.</div>
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Words don’t do it justice.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqMqgaXh7Y2vhNyvbZNSr9jnzHbKZ3xAem7YoqjfGrmRAWEYqV-8ve4CMq6ap05RUgmsjOsMe55mRZ12_4e7dUJHLR0rDih2Zgus_sMRkLE0URMjkHC-8DSPISfz6Pl8HxgXByOfErzE/s1600/DSCN8473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqMqgaXh7Y2vhNyvbZNSr9jnzHbKZ3xAem7YoqjfGrmRAWEYqV-8ve4CMq6ap05RUgmsjOsMe55mRZ12_4e7dUJHLR0rDih2Zgus_sMRkLE0URMjkHC-8DSPISfz6Pl8HxgXByOfErzE/s640/DSCN8473.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel turrets</td></tr>
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One of the best overviews of the hotel is from this small
hunting lodge called Bara Mahal, which is a hidden treasure by itself. The
Maharajas original caretaker, Roop Singh, still looks after it. Both Roop Singh
and Bara Mahal reek of history, especially when he brings alive the intricate murals
by narrating royal hunting stories from the past.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyHFXC4vqTNJQH68lHxdbfSprlwof7WaqrFxm4bROrV7cAt4lITRmx_53qKdFT1GRtnrSEMZuiTrnnEI7_FNnfK-dnNA3h-QrPqdsnMvtGruZZ514mBM8z29wOVRD4t9f89dFtsJ2nNo/s1600/DSCN8327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyHFXC4vqTNJQH68lHxdbfSprlwof7WaqrFxm4bROrV7cAt4lITRmx_53qKdFT1GRtnrSEMZuiTrnnEI7_FNnfK-dnNA3h-QrPqdsnMvtGruZZ514mBM8z29wOVRD4t9f89dFtsJ2nNo/s320/DSCN8327.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Legendary Roop Singh </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhheK8h6d-s1yYorZGRIco34UWHx4lCCk5W3QtaBGnBct162UyOY54XuZ_-oHZAOX5s3PZoRTf-2SfLE-RpMmSfGactzqQDWIhbVdwAEZ9hjFbrDK3MSUZOpUFMysJ7HdOwjPJQ4tlPw/s1600/DSCN8338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhheK8h6d-s1yYorZGRIco34UWHx4lCCk5W3QtaBGnBct162UyOY54XuZ_-oHZAOX5s3PZoRTf-2SfLE-RpMmSfGactzqQDWIhbVdwAEZ9hjFbrDK3MSUZOpUFMysJ7HdOwjPJQ4tlPw/s320/DSCN8338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Roma Basumatary, who happened to be from my hometown in
Assam, showed me around this award winning spa. The expansive space of the spa lends itself to luxurious rejuvenation and ultimate pampering. Spectacular views of the Lake Pichola and the City Palace adorn the tall glass doors of the lake view suites. <span style="text-align: left;">I had just completed a
week’s rigorous Yoga programme with a group of 60 people and my body was tired. I was excited to be treated in this royal manner.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZwDc45RNraLnFUE6yGubyg5TNZpbpgRmJd3nV5GT6D5Ghs1LlZjokIuHEoPW2bLFBqX9_YxMZECF9XASebDKe0AtikBbmVnn16zOOpZ5LDDBBfMvQxfK8Hnn24ImSni_DZCfyI3NvyM/s1600/roma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZwDc45RNraLnFUE6yGubyg5TNZpbpgRmJd3nV5GT6D5Ghs1LlZjokIuHEoPW2bLFBqX9_YxMZECF9XASebDKe0AtikBbmVnn16zOOpZ5LDDBBfMvQxfK8Hnn24ImSni_DZCfyI3NvyM/s320/roma.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roma Spa Manager</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CGPjv6Yi_PP2cvlS3zN0Lc33IO4wbmihun0sNtc5WdFfbIJ4W2ZD2WjxFgE2td3aiGcrOP7fkoncG5HsrUZ6BKMne8Wr-4iFfEnW3j78hhKpmdITj49voLrK8PT2YIKeakCSiIDyQLk/s1600/DSCN8447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CGPjv6Yi_PP2cvlS3zN0Lc33IO4wbmihun0sNtc5WdFfbIJ4W2ZD2WjxFgE2td3aiGcrOP7fkoncG5HsrUZ6BKMne8Wr-4iFfEnW3j78hhKpmdITj49voLrK8PT2YIKeakCSiIDyQLk/s320/DSCN8447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NPJ5lSTeifY6ZToXIRJe-zRTE5KhS8ny8Zh9hSifuKbds1badXUH6NQvCM10bCCV1fdqVESAjzMRAhwo_7-2nIpceRFeeeebTFcUd5l3gKFUbgcigOoRLq0QCUdk0G-S73B1KwQPBQ0/s1600/DSCN8440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NPJ5lSTeifY6ZToXIRJe-zRTE5KhS8ny8Zh9hSifuKbds1badXUH6NQvCM10bCCV1fdqVESAjzMRAhwo_7-2nIpceRFeeeebTFcUd5l3gKFUbgcigOoRLq0QCUdk0G-S73B1KwQPBQ0/s320/DSCN8440.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spa Pool<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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Roma went through the menu with me and suggested I take a Balinese Treatment.
The menu described it as a deep pressure massage using a variety of techniques
including skin rolling, deep tissue manipulation, gentle stretching and
reflexology. It promised to leave me refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated.
Sounded perfect and just what my body needed.</div>
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Definitely one thing I like about the Oberoi spas, is their loyalty
to India in their choice of treatment oils. Kama and Forest Essentials are their brands of choice. In fact their website claims "Oberois spa recipes feature only the finest natural ingredients, often local to the resort and the Oberoi Group are committed to remaining true to the Asian tradition of respect for the environment"<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 17.98611068725586px; text-align: justify;">.</span></div>
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However I did see a range of Hungary's famous Omorovicza product range (made from the mineral rich Hungarian healing waters) that they use for their facials.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XY7yAQQ8aHW93mQQuzCI-tjT91BP_guhRZyVsyDgJCSNb4pmuZdd-ZCEVRfJQBs0KDAsuXIWXtehGXbzNDNz9w1rzRZHf5aJ4dwiRx99QyxCeaeumCWoY7IPu-vTPAIMSGbQhclx9xE/s1600/DSCN8435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XY7yAQQ8aHW93mQQuzCI-tjT91BP_guhRZyVsyDgJCSNb4pmuZdd-ZCEVRfJQBs0KDAsuXIWXtehGXbzNDNz9w1rzRZHf5aJ4dwiRx99QyxCeaeumCWoY7IPu-vTPAIMSGbQhclx9xE/s320/DSCN8435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRbrLLpeYZg5kPiMxezYnTfepyz1GPI_-VcYKkN27ygvbwAg5bzq-Zv86Fo2adsz45t-FwAr9e4mgNUF81g6-PRt8oFxYTsUJtnLpazkcAFTE-hDkUgJ8TZ8KcORZmyGydRCOQ_P2cEw/s1600/DSCN8459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRbrLLpeYZg5kPiMxezYnTfepyz1GPI_-VcYKkN27ygvbwAg5bzq-Zv86Fo2adsz45t-FwAr9e4mgNUF81g6-PRt8oFxYTsUJtnLpazkcAFTE-hDkUgJ8TZ8KcORZmyGydRCOQ_P2cEw/s320/DSCN8459.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The spa suites are geographically separated into lake view rooms and otherwise. Although the Lake view rooms were grand and splendid, for some reason I preferred the intimate energy of the inner rooms. The room I was shown was warm, cosy and welcoming.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVsNcNoH7DqsaimL3j5Vgruo-BIY4-1cH3P9XKwov8jlqY5s92IKPeR8QDOYC6y3jkgaCQVHQjBXkukLwGIpa-nGP8W_aRj-Za1_l8Zy1amG_JYD9CxMriUMBq7j-vXu54VpS_LwY4NQ/s1600/DSCN8446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVsNcNoH7DqsaimL3j5Vgruo-BIY4-1cH3P9XKwov8jlqY5s92IKPeR8QDOYC6y3jkgaCQVHQjBXkukLwGIpa-nGP8W_aRj-Za1_l8Zy1amG_JYD9CxMriUMBq7j-vXu54VpS_LwY4NQ/s320/DSCN8446.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cosy treatment room</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5m79WsD2y2Ts9JwF27gTFeALN-2mSa33EBfCQC_DbuvU_U3NU2VD7HlwU60vWI2a_gQGD6qMx1K4tWpLTQKYQD5GY79NP_nHb38eve4ieiAlvOdsexVsFCkNR9GwhNB8C3dO-LjOcTlY/s1600/DSCN8444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5m79WsD2y2Ts9JwF27gTFeALN-2mSa33EBfCQC_DbuvU_U3NU2VD7HlwU60vWI2a_gQGD6qMx1K4tWpLTQKYQD5GY79NP_nHb38eve4ieiAlvOdsexVsFCkNR9GwhNB8C3dO-LjOcTlY/s320/DSCN8444.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lake view suite</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2XYzpVBX2Kt_zZ9itCnCBXxYwJEBR26dFNC5yClqT2szJNu85N7oygUpAjbiOODTPayodke0PUDf61rgvJp-9WA73S4neP6O6e6yFMyvFMW47OVctPSHsZoccLPU9N7ayQyKK3EhJKA/s1600/DSCN8445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2XYzpVBX2Kt_zZ9itCnCBXxYwJEBR26dFNC5yClqT2szJNu85N7oygUpAjbiOODTPayodke0PUDf61rgvJp-9WA73S4neP6O6e6yFMyvFMW47OVctPSHsZoccLPU9N7ayQyKK3EhJKA/s320/DSCN8445.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same Lake view suite but it was so large I couldnt capture it in the same frame!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I started with a steam in the wet area but found the
temperature too high to stay in it for too long. I wasn’t able to adjust the
heat so came out and was met by my therapist, Norzin from Bhutan. I followed
her to the interior wing (it was a bit of a walk!) to my treatment room.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjE8aXHy7gJve7fhT33H-Q3Fb3KldfE4kFi-sgE0jFXyTiMrLHXEDJZuq-YBS5D6Z4xt5fOYm90ShcxRD0vuxeQvVTCTw7XW3WP2GXiE0RO3koSWA0wYWNXyAOWXnUus0-nLlf-8uGTiw/s1600/DSCN8465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjE8aXHy7gJve7fhT33H-Q3Fb3KldfE4kFi-sgE0jFXyTiMrLHXEDJZuq-YBS5D6Z4xt5fOYm90ShcxRD0vuxeQvVTCTw7XW3WP2GXiE0RO3koSWA0wYWNXyAOWXnUus0-nLlf-8uGTiw/s320/DSCN8465.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norzin. See that gorgeous smile?</td></tr>
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The room was already prepared for me with the foot ritual ready to go
and the bed temperature just right.
Norzin was trained in India and Bhutan. Christine has the knack of being
creative and innovative. I remember her telling me she had scoured the
mountains of Bhutan in search of good therapists last year. Norzin is a product
of this venture. It was really nice for me to experience what Christine had
worked so hard towards.</div>
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My feet were dipped in a bowl of warm water with floating
rose petals and scrubbed with rose crystal salt. </div>
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For my body Norzin used the Invigorating Oil, with a base
of almond and grape seed with geranium, peppermint and lemongrass essential
oils. For a glow in my face, she used Kama's Kumkumadi Oil and for my hair the
Bringadhi Oil.</div>
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What can I say about the Balinese treatment except that it was, as promised, extremely rejuvenating and relaxing. A combination of strokes that make up this invigorating massage, pulling and stretching my muscles exactly as my body wanted, I was in royal heavenly bliss. Norzins personality along with her touch is something I long for today, back in Delhi, after a long day at my embroidery factory!</div>
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Congratulations Christine for a great job and thank you!</div>
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<b>RECOMMENDATION</b>: The distance between the two segments of treatment rooms was inconvenient in that, after the steam, I had to walk a long distance in my gown, through a public area, to reach my inner treatment room. After the treatment, my clothes were still in the steam room so I had to hand Norzin my locker keys to fetch my clothes.</div>
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The spa space could be redesigned to give a more cohesive energy to the experience. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgm7VBwxHX9o76P42j9_9zVWM4ZYFwcBVqO-nqdBK-MTgRrFgGGfh8I6n7upxjaVf8ZfBq2vv_9v0T5G20pKLbbC0t0qhsVQm-Cx4Ix7ZavYKgZoF-TC1CqGRFrZ7P1thsbU9lxrUhD0s/s1600/DSCN8339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgm7VBwxHX9o76P42j9_9zVWM4ZYFwcBVqO-nqdBK-MTgRrFgGGfh8I6n7upxjaVf8ZfBq2vv_9v0T5G20pKLbbC0t0qhsVQm-Cx4Ix7ZavYKgZoF-TC1CqGRFrZ7P1thsbU9lxrUhD0s/s640/DSCN8339.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now that room up there would make a nice treatment room!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-4355156448936911592013-03-13T22:15:00.000-07:002013-03-20T05:58:27.582-07:00THE LEELA PALACE UDAIPUR INDIA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boatman who took me across.</td></tr>
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Something about The Leela hospitality, its so gracious and
welcoming. Am sure it comes from the top. I dont know Madhu Nair, who
conceptualised the spa, but I do know the lovely Lakshmi Nair and her two
dynamic daughters Amruda and Aishwarya. I am told The Leela wants to create
modern day palaces. And so it is.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2m4DPUsFIi_3POHhfT2_MptXHIfwy7En2fbop3BN7qzbXbJUMAa73I56HqyWML5x822VA-U_lwNq-eZGI6IAnycP-eTsFoZKvVviWJpMai7HQkGvl_xSfP7u2NZqo_fkxj3IPWOQ-Ywk/s1600/DSCN8151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2m4DPUsFIi_3POHhfT2_MptXHIfwy7En2fbop3BN7qzbXbJUMAa73I56HqyWML5x822VA-U_lwNq-eZGI6IAnycP-eTsFoZKvVviWJpMai7HQkGvl_xSfP7u2NZqo_fkxj3IPWOQ-Ywk/s640/DSCN8151.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
The Leela Palace</h3>
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Much has been written about the ESPA spa at The Leela in
Udaipur. However beautiful the photos, they dont do it justice. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMMu-s6hQpztG8VJsWe3SVvmFx31mBaiFL-Wf0kBYeIo5QFX17GCspB8ZUxMefpxvWcpIpoQXg_qpL1xHOWtpsOILLYVwCEpATkFmn2FlMShGwst3QusPfqL0-YSXXFHSQ0ZLssBPaJE/s1600/DSCN8168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMMu-s6hQpztG8VJsWe3SVvmFx31mBaiFL-Wf0kBYeIo5QFX17GCspB8ZUxMefpxvWcpIpoQXg_qpL1xHOWtpsOILLYVwCEpATkFmn2FlMShGwst3QusPfqL0-YSXXFHSQ0ZLssBPaJE/s400/DSCN8168.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Entrance to the Spa</h3>
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I was staying at the Trident in Udaipur so they sent a boat across to the Oberoi jetty to pick me up. If you are not familiar with this highly
densely energised Lake Pichola, surrounded by several luxury hotels with the
Queen of them all, The Taj's Lake Palace Hotel at the centre, you are missing
something. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PUdchwg0MhyT9YG-CWZmkbxFkmC-l9Tw_k-xA7LU0ULD2hEDDs7YbtSZRfWgPlG4jF24xUQ8Oz_VNnH1r2iIGxvvDZI1jSylQmbxHOnchq5fazPBTCLngxkqb8qM6-o4O2Ci-BKQzOI/s1600/DSCN8188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PUdchwg0MhyT9YG-CWZmkbxFkmC-l9Tw_k-xA7LU0ULD2hEDDs7YbtSZRfWgPlG4jF24xUQ8Oz_VNnH1r2iIGxvvDZI1jSylQmbxHOnchq5fazPBTCLngxkqb8qM6-o4O2Ci-BKQzOI/s400/DSCN8188.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Lake Palace Hotel</h3>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The Leela Palace, Oberoi's Udaivilas and Trident, Jag
Mandir, Udai Kothi, Jagat Niwas, Chunda Palace, all have stunning views of the
lake.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkCiJ9MyAwe0Uh77CeWk_JqKlBa4appXWI9Ee8F9KUoH6eZp_tz2BZc7Sg7bFFJv5N3sDV27eeJY5CV5iJkZQisiyI3_fXXL66x0GxOYGTy3J1qJILGYYv1qgdzAGqJI5AOvPvl7aiE4/s1600/DSCN8180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkCiJ9MyAwe0Uh77CeWk_JqKlBa4appXWI9Ee8F9KUoH6eZp_tz2BZc7Sg7bFFJv5N3sDV27eeJY5CV5iJkZQisiyI3_fXXL66x0GxOYGTy3J1qJILGYYv1qgdzAGqJI5AOvPvl7aiE4/s400/DSCN8180.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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The Spa by ESPA is superbly sited overlooking the Lake and
offers two kinds of experiences. A historic one, which is cosy, intimate and
full of royal memorabilia in the heritage part of the building and the other,
is the modern tented version overlooking the lake with private tents and
swimming pools. Both were equally tempting but I chose to go for the tented
Palace Suite so I could have a swim before my treatment and stare into the
mesmerizing Lake. I mean where else in the world can you have this experience? It was a
pleasant sunny day and the lake shone like a glittering diamond. Honestly I could
have sat there by the pool for the full 2hrs allocated for my treatment which
was more precious than spending time in their Aroma Steam Rooms inlaid with
amethyst crystals and anthracite!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Yes mesmerised!</h3>
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I was recommended to try their signature treatment,
Abhyanga, Shirobhyanga and Shrirodhara for 120 mins. I have to clarify here
that ESPA do not claim these treatments to be authentic Ayurvedic treatments.
They call them “Ayurveda inspired”. Which means the oils have some Ayurvedic
herbs and definitely very Ayurvedic sounding names but do not contain the same
medicinal properties (nor the smell) of original medicinal oil. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDei5nN4ydGpZ8Hf_L3RahdFioRjCQoMHdAeT5hudZDF0IG6B4C1w48JnqWbKqN39ISo7G-hFeoD201Kqd3zNS0guRMjFzQ5JLrdNvGnPHCQiQtjNRrvIFHXgext-8Jd8yvghu7QaLN80/s1600/DSCN8182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDei5nN4ydGpZ8Hf_L3RahdFioRjCQoMHdAeT5hudZDF0IG6B4C1w48JnqWbKqN39ISo7G-hFeoD201Kqd3zNS0guRMjFzQ5JLrdNvGnPHCQiQtjNRrvIFHXgext-8Jd8yvghu7QaLN80/s640/DSCN8182.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
The Palace Suite</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p1Bv05VwUdC5W9tmjYEOlVwQvWFA1EAGijpvdxm9j0LImLj0X5T00P7aQbCq1_oaQ6xlxeD7PKef99Mxtx_2n5IXTZMj2Gd7vMpwJs3gaYmy3UC849gQcbTlRezav5v1ODVRahEZl1M/s1600/DSCN8198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p1Bv05VwUdC5W9tmjYEOlVwQvWFA1EAGijpvdxm9j0LImLj0X5T00P7aQbCq1_oaQ6xlxeD7PKef99Mxtx_2n5IXTZMj2Gd7vMpwJs3gaYmy3UC849gQcbTlRezav5v1ODVRahEZl1M/s200/DSCN8198.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foot ritual ingredients</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvwRaTHQc0iu__oI1trfykLeE1MS9c-5vHoI-YiS0mRvI-88wA51O7HUWaKSXmRBBwIo8YkWnfHOoTjekLlmiAkrBkOzuqf0iE2pH9jnwxAWZhYcvW7440EpB4QnbOO2__-2sh9IN28E/s1600/DSCN8202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvwRaTHQc0iu__oI1trfykLeE1MS9c-5vHoI-YiS0mRvI-88wA51O7HUWaKSXmRBBwIo8YkWnfHOoTjekLlmiAkrBkOzuqf0iE2pH9jnwxAWZhYcvW7440EpB4QnbOO2__-2sh9IN28E/s1600/DSCN8202.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Babita my therapist</td></tr>
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We started with the ESPA signature foot ritual. An
exfoliating scrub of sea salt with algae was rubbed gently over my feet and
then a restorative bath oil was used to wash my feet. Hmm! Love the TLC!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVfOTxWe66AI3sMs2O-zACZlOMv9izCM-3IXIgW40Zt1oYsfwMgltLCE8s6y_I8ha7NlXNxxNee7tNW5356E2gD2vCqSxaz1404PueHQ9HViLcO6gERoYyh8mF37gOes_6-CFm3Tqhmo/s1600/DSCN8220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVfOTxWe66AI3sMs2O-zACZlOMv9izCM-3IXIgW40Zt1oYsfwMgltLCE8s6y_I8ha7NlXNxxNee7tNW5356E2gD2vCqSxaz1404PueHQ9HViLcO6gERoYyh8mF37gOes_6-CFm3Tqhmo/s400/DSCN8220.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A View</td></tr>
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<o:p> </o:p>The treatment bed was already heated with an electric
blanket and was oh so cozy! My therapist tucked me in with the right adjustments to the
bed knowing exactly where I needed to be lifted and supported. The ESPA
Ashwagandha, energizing body oil, was poured over me and Babitas hands moved in
the familiar strokes of an Abhyanga massage. But not for too long. Since this
is only an “Ayurvedic inspired” treatment, the strokes changed after a while and
some pressure points and Swedish strokes took over. Nevertheless her touch, pressure and the energy of her hands told the story of an experienced therapist. Next she moved to my face
cleaning it with a hydrating cleansing milk. She then applied a patchouli and neroli based replenishing
face oil to gently remove the dry skin and give my face a shine. Finishing it
off with a floral spa fresh spray and Voila! My face was glowing!</div>
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Shirobhyanga was the next step. I loved this Pink Hair and Scalp Mud which she massaged into my scalp and which acts as an oil as well as
a conditioner for the hair. It’s a natural product rich in minerals from red
and white clay. 15 mins of that then to the best part,m the Shirodhara.</div>
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Of course I am used to the authentic Kerala ones so this
seemed a little mild. The therapist told me they were using “normal” oil,
whatever that’s supposed to mean, but I gathered that the treatment was just to
give you the relaxing feeling of the oil pouring on your head. It does not have
the benefits of an authentic Shirodhara, which is just as well, since treatments
like this should not be chosen out of a menu but recommended by a doctor. So
that’s what is an “Ayurveda inspired” treatment. That’s how Ayurveda is
becoming trendy. That’s how people are being introduced to Ayurveda and why
not?</div>
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It was a lovely boatride back to the other shore and reminiscent of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. If you've been to the spa there you know that it involves a boat ride too!</div>
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Meanwhile back in Delhi Atsu was shooting his AW 13 collection for the
Leela Palace magazine! Connected in many ways………….see my embroidery in his
clothes!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLNMtaB_jJbSMrCCzj5hYKvYc6Z2jIpjnQ_Tv5d-c_51MSRM_Jizwl9vpbuBWOC22PS0ch3Y-LjnZR7J9a_xCxRAeSunpYRpW_f3rr2kmkkJVOdUA5x3i7xgsBWkDizW5cLkiavwUbkE/s1600/130301-+2+-+024.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLNMtaB_jJbSMrCCzj5hYKvYc6Z2jIpjnQ_Tv5d-c_51MSRM_Jizwl9vpbuBWOC22PS0ch3Y-LjnZR7J9a_xCxRAeSunpYRpW_f3rr2kmkkJVOdUA5x3i7xgsBWkDizW5cLkiavwUbkE/s400/130301-+2+-+024.tif" width="321" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans"; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: HI; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Thank you Tamir and Graham for this
magical experience.</span></div>
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RECOMMENDATION: A little more education for the therapists on the product range and composition of the scrumptious ESPA products. </div>
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Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-28513153045341842672012-08-06T20:09:00.000-07:002012-08-06T20:10:20.648-07:00MANDARIN ORIENTAL DHARA DHEVI CHIANG MAI THAILAND<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxvLF1Bx_Wb_qC0v5zbuskRrzEmaPbqDFMOCEV86vELKI2ypXHEhsYMA-NM8gL_xFJOvqHZGCSQToiwGQxckfMI3QeWmcPx3AdjxDpuEUrIJ0VYQ2nOm2yJcGDXRkPcmgzWNFi0n6DrA/s1600/DSCN5288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxvLF1Bx_Wb_qC0v5zbuskRrzEmaPbqDFMOCEV86vELKI2ypXHEhsYMA-NM8gL_xFJOvqHZGCSQToiwGQxckfMI3QeWmcPx3AdjxDpuEUrIJ0VYQ2nOm2yJcGDXRkPcmgzWNFi0n6DrA/s200/DSCN5288.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8jWptI6Ie7ysUqUEv-ah1EbG_bqMsNFcBf2YZbam459miYQMj_s1a6FG7J3jLvdUvtADkhD7Z2yDY7uJ9cTyzzlMmPcuwFUC4Q4HCUC5GEE94dwxNsHbWTOBABp3XDISC7e5jkGgrQ0/s1600/DSCN4342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8jWptI6Ie7ysUqUEv-ah1EbG_bqMsNFcBf2YZbam459miYQMj_s1a6FG7J3jLvdUvtADkhD7Z2yDY7uJ9cTyzzlMmPcuwFUC4Q4HCUC5GEE94dwxNsHbWTOBABp3XDISC7e5jkGgrQ0/s320/DSCN4342.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I ended up in this gorgeous resort for three weeks, as their visiting consultant, like a gift from Heaven! Its lush, its green, has rice fields, lotus gardens, traditional and colonial villas, three restaurants, and french boulangerie, two gorgeous pools, a watsu pool, huge spa, tennis courts, gym, cycles, yoga shalas, crafts village, shopping village, etc</div>
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In other words I mean its amazing!!</div>
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And all I had to do was teach Inner Silence Meditation!</div>
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(See my previous post on this property)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPv-1-NOE5QpFkWlCB_4g_3GKV1aFo7Tuk4GVhn06-3cT1sCw3degsKxKUBrWXrkZe06S-2EKRDRCr2XTHtyB3UvLzfFGhcRa1ZYAAjNQCljtUucsNZr_dtgfujcisY70zBIXLifyK4M/s1600/DSCN4448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPv-1-NOE5QpFkWlCB_4g_3GKV1aFo7Tuk4GVhn06-3cT1sCw3degsKxKUBrWXrkZe06S-2EKRDRCr2XTHtyB3UvLzfFGhcRa1ZYAAjNQCljtUucsNZr_dtgfujcisY70zBIXLifyK4M/s400/DSCN4448.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dheva Spa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dheva Spa </td></tr>
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The Dheva Spa is special. Firstly the spa is so expansive its hard to believe its not a destination spa yet. If you will note I recommended they do that in my earlier post. With a new Spa Director on Board, Brian Hathaway, the Spa has made some positive changes. And I still have hope that they will utilise all of their beautiful spaces to the fullest.<br />
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Ayurveda is strong on their menu due to the angelic presence of Dr Sunita Mahamuni from India. She is really as graceful as an angel. Soft spoken, caring and a perfect Spa personality.</div>
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While I spent three weeks in the resort, I never saw her lose her equilibrium even once although the spa was super busy and houseful all the time. It was hard for me to get a appointment at all!</div>
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Everyone is talking about the new therapy, Chi Nei Tsang. I was told that only one of their therapists, Alpha, had mastered this therapy. He had trained with Master Mantak Chia of Tao Garden, the creator of this therapy, (see separate post on this centre). After doing level 1 of Chi Nei Tsang all students have to work on at least 200 bodies in order to enrol for level 2. Now, since I prefer therapeutic treatments which heal, rather than most spa treatments that only have a "feel good" factor, I went for this supposedly very painful cathartic treatment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWMkiGkhOspgSC85zjVMNlSIh6s5BZfWdW2D9nKc0NJmpyt47A2Rtg6aVXczhSaMbeguOeoWHvIN92TNKQizIuAhhqRib0DTA-SCClTyvf_vlCimXctNRdiREApK06LnDuxkzvtRPHUU/s1600/DSCN5319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWMkiGkhOspgSC85zjVMNlSIh6s5BZfWdW2D9nKc0NJmpyt47A2Rtg6aVXczhSaMbeguOeoWHvIN92TNKQizIuAhhqRib0DTA-SCClTyvf_vlCimXctNRdiREApK06LnDuxkzvtRPHUU/s400/DSCN5319.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpha and me</td></tr>
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HMM! It was not at all as painful as I thought it would be. Maybe my stomach is in good condition because although he went deep into my stomach muscles with his fingers, fists and elbows all in consecutive order, I was able to withstand it all without screaming!. He kneaded and pounded my stomach till it growled and gassed up. The objective is of course cathartic and to unblock any energies that may be holding up the digestive system. The kneading clearly had its impact on my system, and a cathartic release was called for very soon after. Terrific stuff. I wish more spa treatments, overall in the industry, had such obvious results to support what they claim. Ive heard the book Spa Evidence is attempting to do just that. Must pick it up and go through it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLP0MiXBz5ciiKqKY6rnfpoD0aLFsvqSQfbEQNvE4vPy431wUq6sYvkNXkzP5MeD9umoCOao11qrW6CjSor6wDzqsvStgzROhVvnTYkGpEb91MxGoMymGcindrBvzSqTED7f_dzgwJA2I/s1600/DSCN5327.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLP0MiXBz5ciiKqKY6rnfpoD0aLFsvqSQfbEQNvE4vPy431wUq6sYvkNXkzP5MeD9umoCOao11qrW6CjSor6wDzqsvStgzROhVvnTYkGpEb91MxGoMymGcindrBvzSqTED7f_dzgwJA2I/s320/DSCN5327.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the Mandarin Fan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqKghZSxV7Nmn70o1rtIJ7C8_9rJ7LiC40HLzDhTQsiaDsSx6Ws54TUA5Foe2VETVcapekn6Q1qRaoJOu0RI4onN00Duk2uPAd5wd7rJhzNSNmoapfFJm3VTvWOzRyyEiNuvmWnVeHuo/s1600/DSCN5307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqKghZSxV7Nmn70o1rtIJ7C8_9rJ7LiC40HLzDhTQsiaDsSx6Ws54TUA5Foe2VETVcapekn6Q1qRaoJOu0RI4onN00Duk2uPAd5wd7rJhzNSNmoapfFJm3VTvWOzRyyEiNuvmWnVeHuo/s400/DSCN5307.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the spa shop window</td></tr>
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The Spa boasts of a comprehensive and very effective Wellness Package. Will have to try next time!</div>
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Thank you Brian, Suntia and Alpha!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating healthy, the beginning of Wellness!</td></tr>
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</div>Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-29253954483899119092012-07-26T23:45:00.001-07:002013-07-13T22:48:14.603-07:00Hotel Imperial Spa -Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVo0SBULn2iu_8TMhurfgqXKiQaT5DMPRV-MMl0k8I5_LfTnd6m-nRPmbI7j9YK4tDKN6zi1BPp54dKfGHrmrEoQbKOx_kRV72UXFwgh0AwO3UK2H9E_2gt5azW0hTW2AvT4jldbdEy3Y/s1600/DSC05736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVo0SBULn2iu_8TMhurfgqXKiQaT5DMPRV-MMl0k8I5_LfTnd6m-nRPmbI7j9YK4tDKN6zi1BPp54dKfGHrmrEoQbKOx_kRV72UXFwgh0AwO3UK2H9E_2gt5azW0hTW2AvT4jldbdEy3Y/s320/DSC05736.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Imperial Spa</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0i3i81IrvJqXRgsBW7plgUqlTXhaDzrZn0E2yewayX2xqaAVqnCxX1z3SrX7AsA_RQpMLpsZw9iOMONQPGDuct5NtGiq33tbMHWJmdvd_5lb-7LKl6lFkdpXtUpkSWk_zL53Gy9wSBdU/s1600/DSC05746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0i3i81IrvJqXRgsBW7plgUqlTXhaDzrZn0E2yewayX2xqaAVqnCxX1z3SrX7AsA_RQpMLpsZw9iOMONQPGDuct5NtGiq33tbMHWJmdvd_5lb-7LKl6lFkdpXtUpkSWk_zL53Gy9wSBdU/s320/DSC05746.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spa Interior</td></tr>
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The Imperial Hotel Spa launched its new in-house products a while ago<span style="background-color: white;">. The line is called Sufi and has been c</span><span style="background-color: white;">reated by its Spa Director Tara Herron. The Launch was attended by the media and several spa personalities and Tara gave us an intro to the products after which an elaborate high tea was served to all the guests.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMQNH4h5YG9ry-dLRtI-vZGh9ySTePeaRwZMZLAOKe6zX0qcIYJEbiTmfj8qIUUHpaaofuc5gMPnA2-dt-plP4fpb0aUAY-2ckUhkp2mTWaMRmISdnvi-51XIkoSXZkB9qMcRkjSIACo/s1600/DSC05726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMQNH4h5YG9ry-dLRtI-vZGh9ySTePeaRwZMZLAOKe6zX0qcIYJEbiTmfj8qIUUHpaaofuc5gMPnA2-dt-plP4fpb0aUAY-2ckUhkp2mTWaMRmISdnvi-51XIkoSXZkB9qMcRkjSIACo/s320/DSC05726.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tara with the Sufi products</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMJch9TA0ZsQoaPoYvGJsvMUK7BxD_J0_65N6FvtNqfhg4n_mfgGxsRcJ-oZ3ndabDzIKB13R2cCPXmwuyMj2N7pBEGWqHowFPtTaYjjLRjLE2ZYmB0xKLxNFTot1aV1vViNJ506jXVw/s1600/DSC05765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMJch9TA0ZsQoaPoYvGJsvMUK7BxD_J0_65N6FvtNqfhg4n_mfgGxsRcJ-oZ3ndabDzIKB13R2cCPXmwuyMj2N7pBEGWqHowFPtTaYjjLRjLE2ZYmB0xKLxNFTot1aV1vViNJ506jXVw/s320/DSC05765.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">List of Oils</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpd7iMOETpb4XATJqksDXb9ZKy1CuPf96_kPnwLttYjel4UHPMvUZfEEjj89cGr3EQroJ8JN3qHNQCyOcYk-fevdwz9e1cfTreHDkvDN3xMMFlkyVdnQvJsIKeIExOorDvrhNVgqwUuGQ/s1600/DSC05770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpd7iMOETpb4XATJqksDXb9ZKy1CuPf96_kPnwLttYjel4UHPMvUZfEEjj89cGr3EQroJ8JN3qHNQCyOcYk-fevdwz9e1cfTreHDkvDN3xMMFlkyVdnQvJsIKeIExOorDvrhNVgqwUuGQ/s320/DSC05770.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to the launch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWuiN4Ffa0QaOt3yK0C0bXmvFqPmCYGMBrkuxbOXRgvOKMtuxVcmPSKabTQDOMAsT7Z-8ICzpyG3UgNEalodLzeiInNPON_aS8LSQCgU5jOPc-8lzyNCyHanFBtRjanmDsW_qVSvIo9M/s1600/DSC05731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWuiN4Ffa0QaOt3yK0C0bXmvFqPmCYGMBrkuxbOXRgvOKMtuxVcmPSKabTQDOMAsT7Z-8ICzpyG3UgNEalodLzeiInNPON_aS8LSQCgU5jOPc-8lzyNCyHanFBtRjanmDsW_qVSvIo9M/s320/DSC05731.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sufi Products</td></tr>
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Tara shared with me that she spent a cosiderable time researching the herbs, medicinal plants oils and aromas to combine and produce a new range which would be unique to what is available in India. Each oil has a distinct aroma and is named after various Saints (not necessarily of the Sufi tradition) such as Rumi, Kabir, Mira Bai etc. The base oils are all pure cold pressed oils of almond, apricot, jojoba etc.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYkfWKM_NxbgFoHlnXGgLUQG-L7iwoaxsbk8zci3ekaIyJ_nodmwlD-uWicdPQ3_uaGZqpLpxlaKgG0rt7TJg3s_5F0FTvzo74K7q_sXdQIaITn541yzZ75Uxr4fQn8ejh6tj9RR47VU/s1600/DSC05739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYkfWKM_NxbgFoHlnXGgLUQG-L7iwoaxsbk8zci3ekaIyJ_nodmwlD-uWicdPQ3_uaGZqpLpxlaKgG0rt7TJg3s_5F0FTvzo74K7q_sXdQIaITn541yzZ75Uxr4fQn8ejh6tj9RR47VU/s320/DSC05739.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHr6dY3vCijcik49sEOWSe88mjjSq7LBL3tslZIg_awdeX0F9sm0xieA6-KNHd0fffHsFjMDcVTVI2vgXMa-k-tCC_6Pq_-h3bgf08viS4jE5J18jEwdmcDxXE9yjRasOvwRaYbf__xnM/s1600/DSC05745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHr6dY3vCijcik49sEOWSe88mjjSq7LBL3tslZIg_awdeX0F9sm0xieA6-KNHd0fffHsFjMDcVTVI2vgXMa-k-tCC_6Pq_-h3bgf08viS4jE5J18jEwdmcDxXE9yjRasOvwRaYbf__xnM/s320/DSC05745.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Unforutnately the Imperial Spa is not open to the public so you cant experience this oil in a treatment but it should be available in the Imperial Shop to buy.<br />
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So go for it!<br />
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Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-10789025566680504772012-07-23T00:27:00.000-07:002012-07-23T00:27:39.827-07:00Tao Garden Chiang Mai Thaland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9ejGqMd6ZYZ8Dm6mnpwhWH8tyMqNPmJgJQFj4_jQ5xzffciTA-sMKsUoNDjcVh08FCjdaVKjo6TxOTLDbeDE7gEHlWpF1exVwVZv1pQBYA3W9LTouIPSqOKIoxL_VQXyf70qsZcZfVY/s1600/IMG-20120722-00165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9ejGqMd6ZYZ8Dm6mnpwhWH8tyMqNPmJgJQFj4_jQ5xzffciTA-sMKsUoNDjcVh08FCjdaVKjo6TxOTLDbeDE7gEHlWpF1exVwVZv1pQBYA3W9LTouIPSqOKIoxL_VQXyf70qsZcZfVY/s320/IMG-20120722-00165.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tao Garden</td></tr>
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Taoist Chi Kung Master Mantak Chia has a hidden gem in Chiang Mai.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUTDnR3T_E_2jRIL4wnuu9OJTwJI5VHEWRxLzObmXh2kWt16IT5kouziIrlwoQkHhuMqB71uG6FPCEjcvXj2xpjFlPdw2heuqXkWZWDMyUpsqwKU-Z__dEuBAFqXJauPnrTjL_P6QHZ8/s320/IMG-20120722-00162.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="229" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teachers at Tao Garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc5KK-M-NHT41VrLZzHKLM4EFEmdlC9_J9V67LPfW8Bkh8jyuEB85EUXqipq2Fipqdv0hWq3izH7_URtWNN-DqQoLF94hTnv8QYX88nlH-1gYANwd9oOFufHqq5iYUK2e_skycWa3lPU/s1600/IMG-20120722-00163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc5KK-M-NHT41VrLZzHKLM4EFEmdlC9_J9V67LPfW8Bkh8jyuEB85EUXqipq2Fipqdv0hWq3izH7_URtWNN-DqQoLF94hTnv8QYX88nlH-1gYANwd9oOFufHqq5iYUK2e_skycWa3lPU/s320/IMG-20120722-00163.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teachers at Tao Garden</td></tr>
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It was a 40 minute drive from my hotel to this alternative health resort through the coconut groves and fishing villages of the Thai countryside. How can I describe the work of Tao Garden?? </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Lets say, firstly it is not just a wellness destination resort but a more intergrative medical clinic. Yes it has all the facilities of a wellness resort but the element of medical facilities and examinations provided makes it more than a resort. Just as Soukya specialises in Ayurveda and The Farm specialises in Detoxification processes, and both are result-driven destinations, Tao Garden also is result driven but specialising in the movement and adjustment of Chi.</span><br />
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They work with the Chinese Five Elements ie Water, Fire, Wood, Metal and Earth. This kind of health farm appeals to me as the integration of alternative therapies with successful mainstream medical results is the key to the success of Integrative Medical Health.<br />
Its the future of Health and Wellness.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lIQJ4fJaPC1cf1ccEwSAGw3MtqXcJ0KwOawGFctq9OY3LAhA6Kslz1yA9w-v85Ff7NKhnH5l9FXL9UbSvkh_LLKGd53S0hsPiqOejYHzozAiwcCp0h0dqgC4yM3Fn3owjRTiZOaQ_I0/s1600/DSCN4948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lIQJ4fJaPC1cf1ccEwSAGw3MtqXcJ0KwOawGFctq9OY3LAhA6Kslz1yA9w-v85Ff7NKhnH5l9FXL9UbSvkh_LLKGd53S0hsPiqOejYHzozAiwcCp0h0dqgC4yM3Fn3owjRTiZOaQ_I0/s320/DSCN4948.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tai Chi Hall</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">W</span><span style="background-color: white;">hen you sign in for a programme the r</span><span style="background-color: white;">esident doctors do a full health check up including a live blood analysis, lipid profile etc. There are three main Integrative packages, The Weight Loss package, The Burnout and Detox package and the Raw Food and Fasting package and</span><span style="background-color: white;"> several wellness combination packages.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> Chi Kung, Tai Chi, Watsu, Water Aerobics and the practice of all kinds of Massage therapies and trainings are available. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLMaFdVjnWNn41ZxmQJVcacilWiwD0NcGxRb6LBZK7I04q18Bu9nfv5DHM60mRb75UzThRPudsVcm9fsinOZhq1JdOwHTTKepvSctNdPAZYN2zpN4nDMM8QkVGAJo-2e15XrKTMDF7rw/s1600/DSCN4957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLMaFdVjnWNn41ZxmQJVcacilWiwD0NcGxRb6LBZK7I04q18Bu9nfv5DHM60mRb75UzThRPudsVcm9fsinOZhq1JdOwHTTKepvSctNdPAZYN2zpN4nDMM8QkVGAJo-2e15XrKTMDF7rw/s320/DSCN4957.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spa Reception </td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The famous Chi Nei Tsang (the very deep and painful abdominal detox massage) is a creation of Master Chia. I was told that, </span><span style="background-color: white;">in the Far East, </span><span style="background-color: white;">only Chiva Som and Mandarin Oriental in Chiang Mai offer this treatment to the guests.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I chose a new therapy they have introduced call the Life Force Therapy which combines Chi Nei Tsang and "deep chi opening" in the heart and lung area. What can I say? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">IT WAS FABULOUS! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treatment rooms</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">My therapist called Porn (yes!) was very matter of fact and knew her meridians well. It was a hands on massage with oil and she worked on my chest area from every possible angle to every possible depth. The Life Force Massage works on clearing the blocks that constrict our breathing thus allowing us to breathe more fully and more rhythmically. I understood that all of their massages are therapeutic and not the cosmetic type you get in hotel spas that merely aim to relax you. Really depends on what you are looking for in a massage. Some people do not want to go deep (metaphorically speaking!!) and prefer to only remain on the surface. This massage will not suit them.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I came out fully satisfied.</span></div>
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</div>Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-67231686251419631492012-07-22T06:01:00.000-07:002012-07-22T06:01:21.409-07:00Amanjiwo, Borobodur<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Amanjiwo</td></tr>
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Borobodur is one of those places you hear about, dream about, but never manage to get there! For the past few years Ive been on a mission to visit all my dream places one by one. With the help and support of my retreats, my travel writing, and all the gracious hospitality offered to me from the hotels, here I was in the middle of the capital city of Yogyakarta in the Indonesian Island of Java.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temples of Borobodur</td></tr>
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Amanjiwo was holding a retreat by Dharma teacher Khandro Trinlay Choden. A beautiful lady with an angelic voice chanting peace mantras that filled the whole resort with positive vibrations. People had come from Hong Kong, Singapore, US, France and me from India to celebrate the teachings of the Four Thoughts on love, compassion and impermanance.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Khandro Trinla Chodon, my soul sister</td></tr>
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The hotel overlooks the temples of Borobodur. Right from the point you enter the hotel, straight through, you are able to view the temples. Its not very clear in the picture but if you could zoom in, the temples are there all right.<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">The Amanspa here, is situated on one of the corner villas of the property. I wanted to try their signature Pijat Massage. Sounded very interesting and the masseurs qualifications sounded even more interesting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">In rural Java it seems the masseur is revered as a holy man,healer and mediator with the spirit world</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">. He is trained in the healing rituals and villagers place a lot of faith in them. They are called Orang Pintar, or spiritual people</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">. Pijat is supposed to be therapeutic rather than relaxing. My experience?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Well I have experienced a lot of therapeutic massage especially in India, with Dr Moshen Ali (brother of </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13.600000381469727px;">Dr Mussharaf Ali of the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Castel Monasterio fame) who happens to be my neighbour in India! It is deep and masochistically painful, but ultimately leaving you very cleared and light. My therapist here got some points right but perhaps he was not confident to go deep enough in case of hurting me. The language barrier didnt help either because I was not able to communicate with him clearly. Besides I am known to withstand very very deep massage but he didnt know that!!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNV-RRU9gr_yZ1sEL7oIe3RG0HNxWlkHBVM_c8IeBFrI_ywhCSvvWYo4gDo1LxmvVLduG07vqfXF4VnlMaOpbBs9TNXRtac68EAA4xCTgAdLqtDws19Us5FCr99pF-cBQZu9iPV1I8k98/s1600/DSC04527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNV-RRU9gr_yZ1sEL7oIe3RG0HNxWlkHBVM_c8IeBFrI_ywhCSvvWYo4gDo1LxmvVLduG07vqfXF4VnlMaOpbBs9TNXRtac68EAA4xCTgAdLqtDws19Us5FCr99pF-cBQZu9iPV1I8k98/s320/DSC04527.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My masseur</td></tr>
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However I wanted to thank Anjali for giving me this great experience in Borobodur, one of the most spiritual places in the Far East!<br />
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</div>Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-30621417179063033002012-07-20T03:58:00.000-07:002012-07-26T00:20:07.443-07:00Amankila, Bali<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sea and the pool merging !</td></tr>
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I was in Bali for the International Meditation Conference in Ubud. I connected with the lovely Chrissie Lincoln whom I met in Amanjiwo in Borobodur (see separate post) earlier in the year and we were very happy to reconnect.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiMP0IkGGF4fm2vcroyyPRn70s2EbXbuF3rROqm1GTzPLK6-foT1Sm02Md45I3PNDDyWMhSK7SowfS9vShbd4G8blS6L5JWiBJZsv08b89b_syiLANop5WgeB7iOd0x4F-yoPrLuvEO4/s1600/DSC05038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiMP0IkGGF4fm2vcroyyPRn70s2EbXbuF3rROqm1GTzPLK6-foT1Sm02Md45I3PNDDyWMhSK7SowfS9vShbd4G8blS6L5JWiBJZsv08b89b_syiLANop5WgeB7iOd0x4F-yoPrLuvEO4/s320/DSC05038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chrissie and me</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Amankila is spectacular. As soon as you step in to the hotel, the sea just invites you in. Perched on Mount Agung it overlooks the Lombok Strait. </span><span style="background-color: white;">The three tiered infinity pool is the centre of focus and is difficult to tell where the pool ends and where the Lombok Strait begins. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Villa</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Frangipani and bougainvillea trees are everywhere.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from lunch</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"> The villas are built on stilts and connected through raised bridges. Chrissie invited me to have a light and healthy lunch with her before the spa treatment.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZhsujmBHm6dvZASC2DI3g5OX1y8-Nx5AYPg2EJl921YGRT9iluYHMNQQYFrbCau-2EmG2BjIVtf_05Z5nVROGHJjfp0mjIvSACCd_O3Lsp0pcIisg90li_WM8owOjWuKV4ctrCWlFFg/s1600/DSC05042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZhsujmBHm6dvZASC2DI3g5OX1y8-Nx5AYPg2EJl921YGRT9iluYHMNQQYFrbCau-2EmG2BjIVtf_05Z5nVROGHJjfp0mjIvSACCd_O3Lsp0pcIisg90li_WM8owOjWuKV4ctrCWlFFg/s320/DSC05042.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treatment room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1cjwBzXVcDJ-v1oMTXpg1jZgKhyjv6Pk8MjQBhwJ3_HaRZ1JUMXx4hJnaFcuk1w1rIkHfGlkCZV2_-JLYJ2Kkt_FuLFvM4SZefdcC8KVbN7f4rp-N8caQ9SAuIfDMHJeQzb5HSArE6k/s1600/DSC05040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1cjwBzXVcDJ-v1oMTXpg1jZgKhyjv6Pk8MjQBhwJ3_HaRZ1JUMXx4hJnaFcuk1w1rIkHfGlkCZV2_-JLYJ2Kkt_FuLFvM4SZefdcC8KVbN7f4rp-N8caQ9SAuIfDMHJeQzb5HSArE6k/s320/DSC05040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Healer Gusti and me</td></tr>
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The<span style="background-color: white;"> treatment room was located up the hill in one corner of the resort. The walk gave me an opportunity to meander through the walkways, bridges and steps to reach a huge suite which was converted into a therapy room. My therapist was specially called in for me </span><span style="background-color: white;">as he is not a resident spa therapist. In fact he belongs to a traditional Balinese family of Healers. He works by intuition and focuses on whatever his hands pick up. The Pijat massage, as it is called, claims to loosen tightness in the muscle tissue and restore optimum blood and oxygen circulation, which results in an overall sense of well-being. Well some of these so called local healers have an excellent understanding of the body through many years of practice but am not sure that what they claim is necessarily true. However, it sounded exotic, my body felt relaxed and I was fascinated to experience this massage as normally I wouldnt have gone to a local healer. This is why I like Aman. They integrate and bring the local culture into the Aman experience.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Thank you Chrissie!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqzKTsn7Qi1Fd7yn072Aq4-5irxqoHhaW4Md-Xg_hyphenhyphenSoZNHGMAM6E8SL-ItH4_YnX5Ee6YBtXsp6mfZpRW51rTpHHYx6_h-oD6LvU5f2sktZC_hELZu-DfTtB4igXYg9JC4O9QOjKtDg/s1600/DSC05049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqzKTsn7Qi1Fd7yn072Aq4-5irxqoHhaW4Md-Xg_hyphenhyphenSoZNHGMAM6E8SL-ItH4_YnX5Ee6YBtXsp6mfZpRW51rTpHHYx6_h-oD6LvU5f2sktZC_hELZu-DfTtB4igXYg9JC4O9QOjKtDg/s400/DSC05049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-25386582916910332652012-07-18T18:08:00.002-07:002012-07-18T18:08:37.255-07:00SWASWARA GOKARNA update June2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like the shot?</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Lovely to return to Swaswara again. I was there recently as part of the Faculty for SHARANs Reversal of Disease programme for 21 days taking care of the Meditation for healing and stress. A mind blowing programme that saw people reduce/eliminate many years of medication.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">YOU CAN TELL I LOVE THEIR BLUE DOME!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely pool</td></tr>
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Swaswara is the one of the few 5 star properties I know in India, that is seriously dedicated to Wellness as a destination spa. They have a strong Yoga offering, a strong Ayurvedic component and now Chef Joy has learnt a lot of healthy and nourishing vegan oil free, sugar free, cooking! Super, they dont compromise their philosophy at all for the sake of commercialisation.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Dome the Yoga Hall</td></tr>
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The rooms here are all Konkan style villas very spacious and luxurious with an outdoor space for your lounge. The bedrooms are cleverly protected from heat, rain and damp with air conditioning. I was welcomed to my suite by a little frog, cricket and grasshopper. So cute. I grew to really love them while I was there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vinod and Krishna, Yoga teachers</td></tr>
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We did lots of Yoga taught by Krishna and Vinod. Ever heard of the Durga Namaskar? Enhancing the feminine principle, and also specially designed to keep the feminine organs healthy and functioning.<br />
We also did Chakra balancing through Beej mantras and seven different Mudras. Lovely stuff.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beetroot and cucumber parcels with mango coulis</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef Mala cooked up a vegan pizza!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soumya and Jincey Ayurveda Therapists and their prayer below</td></tr>
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The Ayurveda Spa here is spacious and very well maintained. As you enter, the doctor and his wife are there to consult with you and give you a fairly lengthy questionnaire to fill up. From the information given, I was diagnosed as vata/pitta, which was no surprise to me. I opted for one 20 minute concentration on the meridians of the hands (due to some lesions forming from using the computer too much!), another 20 minute treatment for my calf muscles, and two Abhyanga treatments. </div>
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Abhyanga is a basic treatment that is recommended on a daily basis. Usually two pairs of hands work in synch with very defined circular and long strokes. Hot medicated oil is used for the massage which is not very deep. Abhyanga is said to be nourishing, to pacify the doshas, relieve fatigue, provide stamina , enhance sleep and leave you with glowing skin!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Jincy and Soumya, my therapists, started with a prayer to Lord Dhanwantari, the God of Health and to all the Vaidyas (ie the learned men). Sweet voices that will always remind me of the coconut trees, the backwaters, the smell of the oils, the humidity of Kerala etc. Dual therapists are always a bit tricky as their hands need to be well synchronised. </span>With a little feedback from me they got it right and excelled in the hour long oily treatment. </div>
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My favourite part of the treatment is the circular feather touch chakra they make on the stomach to end the session. I also love to shower off afterwards in the open air baths, with the channa dal paste to remove the oil from the body! HMMMM! I love Ayurveda!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A treatment room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini and her team</td></tr>
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Congratulations Mini in evolving Swaswara into a flourishing wellness destination!<br />
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I liked this inscription placed on their Meditation Hill overlooking the famous OM Beach!</div>
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Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922602118273475367.post-18843977978258921852012-07-15T08:32:00.000-07:002014-10-13T06:51:58.040-07:00AMANKORA THIMPU BHUTAN<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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THE LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIc5JM32Y5Si4ac1_49ni9S8uLGYbY900-svN1-i7TJinOVVmIzYNwf7yototF3gpTELrayIxKAZV6kgLM4vz4QKZopD9h7WILU14_PCtKCrkqSnj5t6QtqfFoDvjwkb3uZRSMgNhMou8/s1600/DSCN3135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIc5JM32Y5Si4ac1_49ni9S8uLGYbY900-svN1-i7TJinOVVmIzYNwf7yototF3gpTELrayIxKAZV6kgLM4vz4QKZopD9h7WILU14_PCtKCrkqSnj5t6QtqfFoDvjwkb3uZRSMgNhMou8/s400/DSCN3135.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">I recently did another Inner Silence programme in Amankora, Bhutan. Their five "lodges" are located around Bhutan but together they are considered to be one hotel. Kora meaning circumambulation, sits well with our Inner Silence meditation pilgrimage .</span></div>
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<b>First stop was Thimpu.</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Amankora spa in Thimpu</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tendel, Spa coordinator</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bhutanese bowls, scrolls and bells in the spa</td></tr>
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Miki Kamimura, the Spa Director, has really improved the spa facilities since I was there four years ago. <span style="background-color: white;">Amankora spas are simple and to the point. Usually they have three or four treatment rooms in each lodge, except Paro, and a very standard menu throughout all the lodges. This is understandable as their guests are continuously on the move from lodge to lodge. They also understand that the guests here are constantly trekking and need a good rubdown at the end of the day. Tendel, the spa coordinator was in charge of making sure that we had everything we needed to make us comfortable. He travelled with us all the through the kora. Our meditations were held in the spa area plus of course, we all wanted to experience some of the traditional massages.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I opted for one of their signature rejuvenation and refreshing massage called Amankora Zu Kenyam and asked for hard pressure. A soft-spoken Bhutanese therapist worked my body using a mixture of grapefruit, rosemary and patchouli oils with pressure exactly as I liked it. I would say it was a fusion of Swedish and Acupressure. Pleasant and soothing.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Second stop Gangte Valley</b></span></div>
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Amankora in Gangtey Valley is my favourite of the lodges. It overlooks this vast valley where the black-necked cranes visit during season. I love the silence of the valley.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valley view from the hotel</td></tr>
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My spa experience here was something unusual yet spectacular. The hot stone bath that I opted for, called Dho Tsho, was not located in the Spa area. I had to walk down across a stile and potato fields to reach a local hut made of stone in a village called Tokha ten minutes away from the Aman Lodge. This was Amans latest addition to their spa treatments. Brilliant idea and totally exotic.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walk down the potato fields to the spa hut!!</td></tr>
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So here I was, never before have I had to take a nature walk to my spa treatment room! It was a bit chilly so the spa therapist greeted me with a bonfire overlooking the valley and a cup of piping hot homemade apple cider.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for my spa drink, homemade apple cider!</td></tr>
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Meanwhile the owner of the hut and the spa therapist began preparing my treatment. The owner was a local lady who arranged everything exactly as the locals do it. This is part of Aman's CSR. They really know how to integrate the local culture into their services. Superb!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owner of spa hut, spa personnel, me and my guide!</td></tr>
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So she piled on these big boulders into an open fire until they were red hot and with huge tongs delivered them into my wooden tub with the water.<br />
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The water takes only a few minutes to heat and the temperature is controlled by the insertion of more or less stones. These mountain stones exude minerals that are then absorbed by our bodies. Local khempa herbs strewn in the water also have their own healing properties. Across the valley, you can often come across these hot stone baths that are used by the farmers and their families.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmmmmm!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span>The hut inside as totally done up in true Aman style with fresh white gowns, towels, iced spring water, candlelight and anything else you might need during your bath. Its pretty paradoxical, but extremely exotic. Now comes the best part. When you get into the bath and you are ready, the therapist opens up the sliding doors of the hut and Voila!!! You have the great vista of the Phobjikha Valley before you while you are enjoying the soak and the sunset!<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See my toes sticking out of the tub!</td></tr>
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This treatment requires four hours notice for preparation and has got to be one of the most innovative and creative spa experiences ever!!! John, I heard it was your idea. Congrats!<br />
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<b>Third stop Punakha</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Punakha Dzong</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guru Rinpoche</td></tr>
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We approach Amankora Punakha through a cantalever bridge where we are given prayer flags to tie to the bridge, say our prayer or make a wish, and allow the flags to blow the wish into the universe for manifestation. A beautiful concept.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spa in Aman Punakha</td></tr>
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The hotel in Punakha includes an original farmhouse converted into the hotel reception and dining area. The spa is located in the annex of this original farmhouse. Its small but adequate as treatment rooms, since the lodge only has a few rooms anyway. Shube Puni Kenyam or the Deep Tissue Massage is what I chose to have to reduce chronic tension and sore and aching muscles!<br />
My young Bhutanese therapist obviously understands the trekkers body because by then I had traversed enough mountains and valleys to require a good rub down.<br />
At the spa we also had one night of Laughter Yoga where all the staff and our Inner Silence Group shared an evening of fun and laughter.<br />
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And in case you are wondering what the picture below is all about, This is sacred. The legendary Divine Madman, Lama Drukpa Kunley, to whom the Chimi Lakhang monastery is dedicated, was known to have driven evil spirits from homes through bizarre methods. He advised the villagers to paint phalluses on the walls of their homes to remain protected. The original wooden phallus that he brought from Tibet is still used by the monks to bless mothers who desire to have children! This has got nothing to do with the Amankora spa but I thought I would share this interesting legend of Punakha with you!!!<br />
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<b>Fourth and Final stop Paro</b></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGTjzNb-sw4ebjwM875TICsoA74AW71BfXJSDX4gACUZsnKfj1p1JC9Cdpm0Sr7Zd5c-Uymb0zeNPzLWaVxcSBayum752u1FCwC5FUEkSznT8voliREZM0q6KrGMJhLGSEqsz3e74EAU/s1600/DSCN3964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGTjzNb-sw4ebjwM875TICsoA74AW71BfXJSDX4gACUZsnKfj1p1JC9Cdpm0Sr7Zd5c-Uymb0zeNPzLWaVxcSBayum752u1FCwC5FUEkSznT8voliREZM0q6KrGMJhLGSEqsz3e74EAU/s320/DSCN3964.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No I didnt cheat on a horse. It just kept us company!</td></tr>
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And finally we arrive in Paro.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCU7HpKnwYt0uTdnrQ2xDQluBKdZrSKyekWKDXisR721Inwlwkr5rQJaT9gL1kogsRvfH3-42rGtuEIc3DE88xGRSD95qhypMt2ChJMJUa6XIkSM7o2PPVA0XAqCg-wnGKPL9VbhYiUfM/s1600/DSCN4030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCU7HpKnwYt0uTdnrQ2xDQluBKdZrSKyekWKDXisR721Inwlwkr5rQJaT9gL1kogsRvfH3-42rGtuEIc3DE88xGRSD95qhypMt2ChJMJUa6XIkSM7o2PPVA0XAqCg-wnGKPL9VbhYiUfM/s320/DSCN4030.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tigers Nest </td></tr>
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The most exciting thing about Paro is doing the pilgrimage to Tigers Nest. Its a two hour climb if you are fit and one hour down. Its stunning and spectacular. This was my fourth climb and it certainly gave my body a workout. I was so so tired when I returned I went straight to the spa.</div>
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The Amankora spa in Paro is the largest of the ones I'd been to in Bhutan.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvfSoGhRroJPhbp4uE9Hq2y9MUhU6k-tRtysBJ4xfIXNp_5lTfP73DesxMm9my8NGmlLkHRfkU6xb8xvefst9LRns6ADbLi0P4e9PtITsrHcM7Szt08wHTZ1cHuKHb4jPEwRh7NETFrc/s1600/DSCN3947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvfSoGhRroJPhbp4uE9Hq2y9MUhU6k-tRtysBJ4xfIXNp_5lTfP73DesxMm9my8NGmlLkHRfkU6xb8xvefst9LRns6ADbLi0P4e9PtITsrHcM7Szt08wHTZ1cHuKHb4jPEwRh7NETFrc/s200/DSCN3947.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spa in Paro</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOFiL6Wmw6omPafgu8NfokHEP05DD0udp6wY4uE51wZE4jhysBT7uB6dio6zOjau9AH82U6aQ8N42ypdd8Bua0YBivC9KyVbHqk-8uSaVTNdIs6qxhkzrxIttz5Gv8ATLHJQxGjeBCyU/s1600/DSCN4099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOFiL6Wmw6omPafgu8NfokHEP05DD0udp6wY4uE51wZE4jhysBT7uB6dio6zOjau9AH82U6aQ8N42ypdd8Bua0YBivC9KyVbHqk-8uSaVTNdIs6qxhkzrxIttz5Gv8ATLHJQxGjeBCyU/s200/DSCN4099.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spa interior</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPB9836TuJ5jefoffcWfPIsyKnqVUxGKQK5-NQHeNuMXbRlvurwAk96Sy_dlvl34nmmEpqO7WEhItHy_GprNNPJOPrgXgBCC58sorfZs8BMdFpwG036r6Yi6pND9Smah8gJv8BWEV9vq8/s1600/DSCN4102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPB9836TuJ5jefoffcWfPIsyKnqVUxGKQK5-NQHeNuMXbRlvurwAk96Sy_dlvl34nmmEpqO7WEhItHy_GprNNPJOPrgXgBCC58sorfZs8BMdFpwG036r6Yi6pND9Smah8gJv8BWEV9vq8/s200/DSCN4102.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hot stone bath</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_encwBXjteZzyKL6khtlBdK3x9vZOeTJ-RFzvlLlbik9Vv9p9AInlUQITKV6ni6DyTmLK9pxVweD1vkgu_STs2U7y3qxXrBNZZ-Z1jVb2KqiiuXWNYj7-Z1favAH2bWa9cw8zyxmk9w/s1600/DSCN4100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_encwBXjteZzyKL6khtlBdK3x9vZOeTJ-RFzvlLlbik9Vv9p9AInlUQITKV6ni6DyTmLK9pxVweD1vkgu_STs2U7y3qxXrBNZZ-Z1jVb2KqiiuXWNYj7-Z1favAH2bWa9cw8zyxmk9w/s200/DSCN4100.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tendel taking care of me in the Spa</td></tr>
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By now I knew the spa menu quite well although each lodge had some signature variations. I thought it best to go for another extended 90 minute Amankora Zu Khenyam but this time a relaxation one with a combination of lavender, bergamot and cedarwood. The menu said it would be an aromatherapy style treatment to soothe the skin and muscles. Absolutely right. It was PERFECT!!<br />
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Thank you Miki for all your support and hope to see you next year!</div>
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Mala Baruahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656414121376609466noreply@blogger.com0