Floral Power
The new treatments at the spa at Oberoi Sukhvilas are based on the healing properties of flowers
I’D LIKE TO SAY THAT The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort, New Chandigarh is the best kept wellness secret in this part of Punjab’s green landscape, but judging by the number of Instagram posts, the cat’s definitely been out of the bag for a while now. So, what makes people come back, again and again? If a stunning backdrop of 8,000 acres of Siswan Forest isn’t reason enough to return, the verdant vistas and multifold water features certainly are. That being said, hands down, the biggest draw is the spa. Besides the fact that they offer hydrotherapy, heated relaxation seats, steam, jacuzzi, sauna and a host of treatments, there’s always something fresh to try here. For true sole to soul relaxation the latest additions, aromatic oils from Spanish-brand Alqvimia, are just what the (spa) doctor ordered. In fact, the fragrant floral extracts, according to the founder and perfumer Idili Lizcano are a panacea for modern lifestyle ailments. A crude and quick, bring-the-tester-to-yournose, does not make the cut, believes Lizcano. It’s a three-pronged process where you close your eyes and slowly bring the tester closer to your nostrils. At each step, he asks you: what memory does it evoke, what area of the body does it touch? This determines what you (body and soul) need. But that’s not the only tool in his kitty. There’s a polarity test to determine your body’s balance of Yin and Yang and the Alqvimia method which gives a deeper insight into the key problem areas. As the sweet scents of flowers fill every molecule of your being, from Bulgarian rose to the Indian jasmine, the body loosens up and calms down with every last ounce of stress melting into oblivion. The test reveals that my body choose the Queen of Egypt spa treatment, inspired by Cleopatra. As the session begins, all it takes is a few drops of the oil on the body by the masseuse slip into a spa-stupor. What’s our verdict? While the jury is still out on the accuracy of the tests, the oils are truly special and make for a wonderful experience. Price Treatments start at `7500 plus tax Visit www.oberoihotels.com