Ananda In The Himalayas
Location: near Rishikesh, Uttaranchal
Whats Hot: Rated among the top spa resorts in the world

Swirled in the sacred mists of time, nestled in the Himalayas is Ananda, is a magical, luxury destination spa resort located in the picturesque foothills of the Himalayas. The Viceregal Suite—a sure winner for an extraordinary honeymoon—is up a staircase of hand-carved Burma Teak. Its marble bathrooms, three fireplaces—including one in a bathroom—a large private terrace and jacuzzi all have views. The spa is rated one of the best in the world. This reputation is well-earned -- thanks not only to its ultra-efficient spa team, but also because you are totally pampered from the moment you wake. At Ananda, the calming presence of lush greenery, fresh mountain air, Himalayan spring water, the luxurious therapy rooms overlooking the holy River Ganges and the mystifying Himalayas, provides the ideal environment for rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul.

Rates are from Rs. 11,500 a night

Oberoi Spa by Banyan Tree
Location: The Oberoi Rajvilãs, Jaipur
Whats Hot: Seen around the pool - Bill Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, Giorgio Armani.

Set in a princely oasis of thirty-two acres of beautiful gardens, pools and fountains right in the heart of Rajasthan, The Oberoi Rajvilas combines luxury, elegance and sublime architecture.Guest accommodation consists of villas which are clustered around shady courtyards with fountains and frescoes of birds and flowers. Set in a restored haveli and overlooking the swimming pool, the Oberoi Spa by Banyan Tree is a haven of tranquillity. The ambience recreates the gracious splendour of a royal era with beautifully appointed therapy suites where hand painted frescoes adorning the walls lift the spirit and the healing hands of trained therapists that promise to revive the body.

Rates are from Rs. 17,500 a night

Taamra Spa
Location: Taj Exotica, Goa
Whats Hot: Get a Body and Soul Aromtherapy massage in the private garden

Set on the south west coast of Goa, overlooking the Arabian sea, the Taj Exotica has been subtly divided into a main block which houses spacious deluxe and luxury rooms; and the villa block with 2 and 4 rooms villas. For a romantic experience, stay at the luxury suite that features an oversized bathroom with large Jacuzzi, a private plunge pool and a spectacular sea view. Built in wood and stone, the Taamra Spa is architecturally reminiscent of the temples of Kerala. With facilities like the spacious couple massage suites with private gardens and bathing pools, yoga and meditation rooms, a host of authentic Ayurveda treatments, the Taamra Spa promises a magical holistic experience. It is a haven of harmony, offering impeccable service and tantalizing amenities.

Rates are from Rs. 12,000 a night

Nilaya Hermitage, Goa
Location: Arpora Bhatti, Goa
Whats Hot: A mid-night swim in the hilltop pool

Nilaya - which means heaven - is a stunning mountain-top spa in Goa. Parisian fashion stylist Claudia Derain and her Indian husband, Hari Ajwani, started this exclusive hillside resort when they fell in love with Goa during a vacation from Europe. Together with Goan architect Dean D'Cruz, they have created something out of Arabian Nights, with 12 cosmic-themed guest suites featuring vibrant colors, terrazzo flooring, and minimalist decor. The setting is romantic and its a favourite with celebrities like Richard Gere, Nicole Kidman, Demi Moore and Mick Jagger. The spa at Nilaya offers relaxation therapies, oil massages and steam baths in a very relaxed atmosphere.

Rates are from Rs. 15,000 a night

Devigarh Resort
Location: Udaipur, Rajasthan
Whats Hot: The very royal, milk and honey bath at the Spa

This glorious 18th century palace, tucked away in the age old Aravali hills of Rajasthan, has been painstakingly restored to its original splendour, resulting in a luxurious boutique, all suite hotel. Most suites include an individual terrace or garden. The premium suite, called the Devi Garh suite, has a swimming pool and a jacuzzi, of its own. Perfect for a detox session, far from the wear and tear of city life, is the in-house Ayurvedic spa, which provides the services of expert masseurs from Kerala. The calming effects of the all-white rooms is further enhanced by experiencing Yoga and meditation on the ramparts of the Palace, at the time of sunrise.

Rates are from Rs.10,000 a night

Ayurmana, Kumarakom Lake Resort
Location: Kumarakom, Kerala
Whats Hot: The signature Ayurvedic Facial that involves the use of a combination of fruits and rare herbs to enhance the complexion.

Kumarakom Lake Resort offers a fairytale setting on the banks of the picturesque Vembanad Lake, which is swept by the intoxicating fragrance of spices. This exquisitely landscaped 25-acre resort comprises 50 wooden air-conditioned museum cottages, extensive backwaters, lagoons and canals. 250-metre meandering pool snakes its way in and around the cottages offering direct access to your doorstep. Each room has a beautiful, private small garden into which an open-to-the-air sunken bathtub and granite-floored drench showers have been installed. At the Ayurvedic centre, Ayurmana, guests will find the best setting in which to rejuvenate with treatments using aromatic oil baths and massages. Right on the bank of the lake is the swimming pool with a jacuzzi enclosure - a real magical viewing spot of the lake and horizon.

Rates are from Rs. 9,500 a night

Sereno Spa, Park Hyatt Goa
Location: Arrosim, Goa
Whats Hot: Get a couple's massage in the "courtyard of tranquility"

Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa evokes the Mediterranean atmosphere of a Goan village. 251 beautifully appointed rooms in Indo-Portuguese pousadas are nestled among glimmering waterways and lagoons set within 45 acres of lush beachfront gardens right on Arrossim Beach in South Goa. Sereno Spa is designed to rejuvenate body, mind and soul. Luxuriate in the resort's outstanding Sereno Spa, featuring indoor and outdoor pavilions around an inner courtyard. A holistic approach to health treatments is a central focus of these ancient Ayurvedic treatments and new-age therapies, offered by trained specialists and guided by an Ayurvedic doctor.The spa features single and double treatment suites, outdoor therapy spaces, separate male / female saunas and steam rooms, a beauty salon, gymnasium, aerobic and yoga studio.

Rates are from Rs. 10,350 a night

Angsana Oasis Spa & Resort
Location: Bangalore, Karnataka
Whats Hot: A Thai-style Ayuthaya Massage which will ease muscle tension to leave you feeling sinfully delighted!

Angsana Spa <../ayurveda/index.html>, located in outskirts of Bangalore, is a luxury spa designed for to provide solitude, space and peace to recharge your batteries. Experience the Angsana spa with a loved one and rediscover essential sensory pleasures - from the pleasure of touch to the aroma of exotic oils like rosemary, lavender, jasmine and frangipani wafting the air. Feel your muscles being kneaded and the tension seep away from your body as you drift off to soothing music and enter a realm of blissful happiness and total relaxation.

Rates are from Rs. 8,000 a night

The Oberoi Spa by Banyan Tree at Wildflower Hall in the Himalayas
Location: Mashobra, Shimla, HP
Whats Hot: Spa Suites with majestic views of the Himalayas

A world class Spa opened recently at Wildflower Hall, bringing the resort right into the top league of luxury destinations. The Oberoi Spa by Banyan Tree offers holistic treatments based on Ayurvedic, Asian and Western therapies to relax, rejuvenate and inspire. Enjoy the serenity of private Spa Suites surrounded by soothing views of cedar forests and majestic peaks or unwind in the swimming pool or outdoor Whirlpool while you take in the spectacle of the snow-capped Himalayas. Therapies offered by trained therapists include an Aromatic Massage, Balinese Massage, Head and Shoulder Massage, Hawaiian Massage, Thai Massage and a Wild Lavender Scrub.

Rates are from Rs. 15,000 a night