A spa session in God’s Own Country Kerala is elevated several notches higher at Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters & Beyond, Kumarakom
“Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah Sarve Santu Niraamaya” translates to “May all be happy, may all enjoy good health.” This is the guiding philosophy at the newly opened Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters & Beyond at Kumarakom and I was lucky to be among the first set of guests to experience the same.
Backwater Beckons
Located on the banks of India’s longest lake and the largest in Kerala Lake Vembanad is a little gem of a resort – Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters & Beyond Kumarakom. Ensconced within lush tropical gardens, the resort itself is an oasis of calm and serenity and has specifically been built to cater to wellness seekers. The in-house Niraamaya spa here is your window to a world of pampering and well-being. Blending a range of traditional and contemporary therapies, Niraamaya curates and offers personalized health & wellness experiences that navigate the sensory and spiritual dimensions. Traditional Ayurveda, Asian and contemporary international therapies are offered here and the spa also offers longer spa packages for serious wellness seekers as well. The spa itself is in a separate building adjoining the main reception area and is built using traditional Kerala architecture. A central open to the sky courtyard gives a sense of openness and all the treatment rooms are located around. The décor is simple yet chic and has several local elements including the brass accessories and wood frame and terracotta tiles on the roof. The spa here offers several signature therapies designed to integrate the best from around the world.
Ayurveda Matters
I experienced the 45 minute Jeevaniya Sushumna, a 45 minute specially designed massage technique, to de-stress and relax the muscular and skeletal tensions of the upper body. This treatment is especially recommended for relaxation, de-stressing and relief from aches and pains and is done using light to medium pressure. My masseur Anju a local from Kerala leads me to my room which is large and airy with a separate shower area and overlooks an open landscape. Once I change, I am asked to sit and a foot ritual ensues where my feet are cleaned with warm water. After this, I am asked to lie face down and using an Ayurvedic oil, she starts with an intensive back massage. Using elongated strokes she massages each side of my back and then with circular syncronised movements massages my entire back relieving all the strained muscle knots. She then uses long strokes to massage the entire back of my leg that feels very relaxing. Once I turn over, each leg is massaged individually using the warm oil. The strokes are firm yet steady and ensure that I am almost lulled to a blissful sleep. Massaging my hands, chest and stomach one after the other, the oil never feels sticky. Anju uses here palms, fingers and hands to do the massage and using varying pressure points eases out all the stiff muscles. She then uses a warm towel and wipes of the oil from my feet. Once done, I am asked to sit and given an invigorating head massage using the Ksheera Bala hair oil. The head massage is done using her fingers in steady circular motion that relieves the stress of the travel and puts me completely at ease. I am asked to keep the oil for 30 minutes before I shower so that it gets well absorbed into the skin. Once I shower, I feel relaxed and rejuvenated – exactly how a good spa should be. So the next time you are in Kumarakom, head to the Niramaya Spa – it is a session that blends wellness with expertise and a feel good factor, a combination that never fails.
Fact File
Name of The Spa: Niraamaya Spa
Established: Feb 2019
Founders: Niraamaya Retreats
Architect: Mr. Bhaskaran
Area/Size: 11,000 sq. ft
Treatment rooms: 5
Number of estheticians: 4
Signature Treatment: Spice Magic, MayoMaya,
Timings: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Contact: +91 481 252 7700
Address: Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters & Beyond, Kumarakaom, Pallichira Pallichira Kumarakom- 686 563
Website: www.niraamya.in
This story first appeared in the April 2019 issue of Style Speak here: april_Spa Review – 2 pgs