SPA SURRENDER

The new and improved Anaya Spa has been through a “hardware and software” boost thanks to architect Kapil Bhalla and spa consultant from Thailand, Rina Segal. That means not only does the exterior look all swank and stylish with psychedelic graphics and peppy coloured accents but there is a fresh spa menu, too. The six therapy rooms are named after Bengali flowers. A pretty, flowery woodboard announces the name outside and a corresponding design element can be found inside, either in the form of the plant like in the case of Palash or as a handpainted section on the wall like in the case of Kash. The drapes are also a happy (but not overwhelming) shade of turmeric. “We wanted spots of colour and liveliness in the spa without taking away from the strength of the architecture,” explains Kapil. The therapy rooms apart, there is also a nine-station foot spa room. “This is ideal for large business groups who want a quick fix,” adds Kapil.

Rina explained how she managed to balance the East and the West to prepare an ideal spa menu by “fusing different techniques and philosophies”. The Anaya Spa team went through intense training for the last two months. Choose from Four Hands Stone Massage, Aroma Thai Massage with Cream Balm, Firangipani Wrap or their Signature East Meets West Massage (we recommend!). Sensual mogra oil and a skilled therapist make it an amaz(zzzzz)ing experience.

ORIENTAL FEAST

Orient, the new Oriental restaurant here, touches upon Japanese, Thai, Malaysian, Mongolian, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Taiwanese and Chinese cuisines. The result is an elaborate and interesting fare and brackets (on the menu) indicate which country the dish belongs to! From satay to crispy frieds, the appetiser section has it all, plus a dedicated dim sum page. Sushi, soups (the Miso is a must-try) and salads lead to the main section. The curry section has classic green, Penang, Jungle and an adventurous Gulai Tumis (salmon and tamarind curry). The vegetarians have a lot to choose from at the mains. All the ‘exotic’ vegetables — baby pak choy,mushroom, water chestnut, lotus stems — are served here in style. The seafood, poultry and meat sections are also as varied in range and region. As for the decor, it is typically Oriental. “We have tried to make the decor as palatable as possible. Everything is in sync with nature. Since Orient is located in a resort, it couldn’t have a very urban feel,” explains designer Vivek Rathore. So find the recitation of nature on the walls in Chinese lettering, food prayers on the artwork and prayer wheels near a large table. The mood of the decor is traditional in every sense. From Buddha to dragons, they have everything in place, set against tones of ‘Chinese auspicious’ red, of course.

MIXED BAG OF BUYS

For the shopaholic, there is a well-stocked Tvastr (everything from quintessential Tagore books, kantha saris and Santiniketan bags to modern artefacts and artworks).

 

OUTDOOR SPORTS

The most exciting new addition is ‘adventure golf’. This nine-hole, 2,500sq ft mini golf course is a holidayer’s delight. The slopes, the bumps, the curves and the surprise angles make the greens a real thrill. Beautifully landscaped by Anuradha Rathore, this is going to be one fun fairway! There’s also a floodlit tennis and basketball court along with a futsal and badminton court.