Elevated – to a higher plane. That would be the best way to describe what my body felt, as I walked out of the Jiva Spa last Saturday evening. Putting you completely and utterly at peace with yourself, the rejuvenating experience literally makes you feel brand new.
It was divine pampering at the luxury Jiva Spa at Taj Exotica, Bentota, an exotic beach resort where finesse and comfort seem to go hand in hand. Being the only Indian spa brand in the world with unique Indian signature spa therapies, Jiva Spas by Taj Resorts and Palaces seems to have retained the essence of the ancient wellness heritage of India, giving it a contemporary touch. From the delightful aromatic treatments, to the professionalism of the spa therapists, to the harmony and tranquillity of the surroundings, the Jiva experience is truly one of a kind.
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Following a delectable lunch at the Palms Restaurant, we were offered a range of spa treatments to choose from. Picking the Aroma Therapy Treatment, I chose the Orja Dayaka - an energising massage – which involves a deep muscular massage focused on lifting your spirits and reviving your inner vitality. The walk to the luxurious spa itself is a treat, being a relaxing stroll through the swaying palms that line the walkway. The 7500 sq ft spa, built in perfect seclusion, is a six self-contained room complex, designed according to typical old Sri Lankan architecture with open verandahs flanking a courtyard, complete with temple trees and a reflecting pool.
Both Ayurveda and non-Ayurveda treatments are on offer at the Spa in Ayurveda and Taj signature rooms for individual relaxation, as well as two treatment suites for couples. Each room comes with its own relaxation courtyard and a Jacuzzi. A combination between a steam bath and a sauna called the Laconium is also available at the Spa for both men and women and is recommended as the ideal starting point for the whole Spa experience.
With around 25 Jiva Spas spread out in about eight destinations around the world, the treatments and experiences available vary slightly, depending on the requirements of the location. The philosophy behind the spa brand is based on the ancient wellness heritage of India, and combines all of its healing therapies, while mirroring the fabled lifestyle of Indian royalty.
The spa therapies available at Taj Exotica, Bentota are varied and will rejuvenate even the most exhausted individual. The Jiva Signature Experiences offers both an energising and a detoxification treatment, then there’s the Jiva Indian Therapies of which the authentic Indian head and foot massages are most popular and the Jiva Ayurveda, which is done under the guidance of Ayurveda physicians, to revitalising aromatherapies and finally the Jiva Beauty treatment which includes facials, manicures and pedicure.
Poised on a hillock overlooking an almost private beach, Taj Exotica, Bentota, is a 160-roomed beach resort that gives visitors a good mix of nature, adventure and luxury. The resort has four restaurants – The Palms Coffee Shop, The Sea View Restaurant, the newly-furbished Oriental Pavilion and The S.H.A.C.K, all of which gives you a unique dining experience. The choice of cuisine ranges from exotic seafood, Pan Asian, Mediterranean and Continental fusion food and mouth-watering Cantonese cuisine, along with a selection of fiery Szechuan dishes. Fine dining, casual dining, as well as outdoor dining experiences are all available, depending on your choice.
So whether it’s a break from a hectic work week, or simply for some pampering, the Jiva Spa at Taj Exotica, Bentota, is an experience that you will remember long after you’ve left its tranquillity. |
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