After the last firecracker has been burst and the last lamp has flickered to darkness, a familiar post-Diwali ennui settles over us all. Call it the Black Hole after the Big Bang, but as we look at the prospect of packing up the fairy lights, disposing of the boxes of mithai—not to mention returning to work—we want to curl into our bed-clothes and not emerge till Christmas.
Take a break: SwaSwara is located on an Om-shaped beach
Attribute the apathy to the rich, heavy meals, the late nights and the alcohol consumption. What you need now, actually, is a holiday. Whether you choose to travel alone or in a twosome, set aside at least five days to reconnect your body, soul and spirit at one of these restorative resorts. Less austere than hard-core medicinal naturopathy camps and less lavish than seven-star mountain-top spas, these breaks are just the way to wrap up the festival season.
Somatheeram
Located 9km south of Kovalam, Kerala, this is supposed to be the world’s first Ayurvedic beach resort. It’s not a claim you want to argue with, especially when you have the vivid blue expanse of the Arabian Sea on the one hand and the painstakingly replicated Kerala houses in a lush backdrop on the other. Chithra, manager, operations, Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort, recommends a 14-day Manasanthy package that addresses the stresses on the body, mind and soul. The package includes a daily 2-hour Ayurvedic treatment (prescribed by a resident doctor after a consultation), and a 90-minute yoga and meditation session, besides Ayurvedic meals, medicines and a personalized diet plan.
Packages start from Rs2.6 lakh for standard double rooms.
Log on to www.somatheeram.in or call 0471-2268101/2266111 for details
SwaSwara
On a beach shaped like the Sanskrit letter for “Om”, this CGH Earth resort in Gokarna, Karnataka, caters to both those in search of salvation and lesser mortals looking simply for me-time and massages. Dayananda and Sobha, both Ayurveda practitioners, assess individuals on the basis of their doshas (constitutions), and accordingly prescribe treatments. Panchakarma, a rigorous programme lasting three-seven days, is recommended for eliminating toxins built up over a period, but there are more accessible therapies available as well. Try laughter yoga, during which false smirks very quickly change into real giggles and full-throated guffaws, thereby deepening the breath, toning the stomach and, best of all, lifting the spirits. Resident teachers also conduct classes in pranayam, asanas and meditation.
A week-long Lifestyle package for two, open only to Indian nationals, costs Rs1,07,520, inclusive of taxes, transfers from Goa airport, all meals and yoga sessions, but exclusive of Ayurvedic therapy (a six-day package can be added on for Rs18,500 per person, which buys one treatment per day).
Log on to www.swaswara.com or call 0484-3011711/2668221 for details
Ayurvedagram