LETTING GO
Watsu, a form of water therapy, comes from "water" and "shiatsu" (traditional Japanese massage). The entire flotation exercise is carried out in a warm water tank, where the therapist uses the resistance of water to soothe physical tension. The subliminal idea is to recreate a womb-like experience where submission is the ultimate release. The result: Emotional catharsis, especially for those who can't let go easily; it is almost quasi spiritual in its treatment and effect.
The graceful ballet of the mustard Sal leaves slowly floating earthwards is mesmerising. Inspired by the Sal shedding skin, I'm hoping I can do a 'Sal' at the Six Senses Vana, and shed at least some of the physical, neurological and emotional pounding that daily life has exacted thus far. Lounging lazily in the gentle sun filtering through the wood and glass forest suite I'm ensconced in, it almost seems like an easy ask. After all, the 21-acre retreat, named after the Sal forest, offers the perfect blend of diagnostics, detox diet, energy rebalancing and de-stressing based on Ayurveda, Yoga, Tibetan and Chinese Medicine, and Natural Healing Therapies, combined with cutting-edge biohacking, which makes it all believable, and possibly achievable.
Simply arriving at this wooded retreat is panacea in itself. From my gorgeous suite at the end of a glass-walled corridor, the shifting palette of light from the surrounding green is instantly soothing. The pared-down suite too-subtly clad in earthy colours like ecru, ivory and minty shades of greenserves as a constant reminder that contemplative reflection is an inward journey. These lovely rooms and suites have been designed in a way to slough off any noises unhelpful to a peaceful retreat; the calm, contained feel is only punctuated by intermittent birdcalls.
This story is from the May 06, 2024 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 06, 2024 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ARTS AND THE MAN
In his centenary year, F.N. Souza: The Archetypal Artist tries to make sense of the recurring themes in the artist’s work
The Reluctant Art Critic
Advertising executive, art critic and possible catalyst of the modern Indian art movement, Rudolf von Leyden was an intriguing figure in pre-Independence Bombay
PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST & POET
ANINDYO ROY’S THE VICEROY’S ARTIST IS A FICTIONALISED ACCOUNT OF EDWARD LEAR’S TRAVELS IN INDIA
Lady of the Light
This artist has transformed the humble bulb into a thing of beauty
S'more to Think Of
Called Marshmallow, this penthouse in Gurgaon with soft curves and plush aesthetics stays true to its name
A Marvelous Melange
From stylish living quarters to multipurpose adaptive space, this home in Mumbai turns every nook into a showstopper
TECH MEETS TEXTURE
Smart fabrics and intelligent textiles are changing the way we view home furnishings
Refresh and Revive
That old table, those cabinets or even the console can be given a new lease of life, one that is tailor-made to the latest trends
Standout Spaces
Want dramatic interiors but don’t know how? This home in Mumbai becomes a lesson in learning the nuances of adding magic inside.
Vernacular Wise
Forget international brands and design, the beauty and simplicity of local materials and ancient techniques is gaining momentum