Taj Hotels offers an unforgettable spa break in the mountains on the banks of the mighty River Ganga, which promises the perfect antidote to urban stress.
Bindu Gopal Rao
A holistic approach to wellness encompasses soothing treatments, nurturing therapies and a carefully curated selection of products designed to harmonise with the five elements, Akash, Vayu, Agni, Jal and Prithvi. And when you check into the beautiful Taj Resort and Spa, Rishikesh, it allows you to immerse yourself in serene scents and sounds, even as the spa leads you towards the alignment of mind, body, and soul.
Nature’s Nuances
Set amid deciduous forests, the Shivalik Himalayas, and the flowing Ganges in Singthali village, Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa lies 30 kilometres from Rishikesh. Built with locally sourced materials, its architecture pays homage to Himalayan villages and temple forts, while interiors reflect Garhwali charm through timber, stone, wood, and slate in a contemporary design. The turquoise Ganga remains a constant presence, visible even from the spa.
The J Wellness Circle is an ultra-luxurious, serene sanctuary rooted in Ayurveda and yoga, offering holistic healing, signature and Indian therapies, body rituals, and beauty treatments. Elevated by soothing scents, gentle sounds, expert touch, birdsong, and crisp mountain air, the spa promises a deeply restorative and tranquil escape.
Wellness First
The spa’s bespoke product range includes sublime therapeutic blends of pure essential oils, all-natural Indian herbs, and active botanical ingredients. The spa has its own training institute situated in Bangalore. All staff who are recruited are trained in this institute, and regular training is conducted at the unit level to maintain the uniform standards. The plan is to be the best wellness spa in India, offering breathtaking, authentic services.
Expansive Space
On entering the spa, the first step is filling out a basic health assessment form where I am asked for basic health details, medication, and preferences for areas of the body needing attention. My therapist, Devika, a local from Uttarakhand, welcomes me and leads me to my spa room, which has a floor-to-ceiling window with a view of the river Ganga. The Indian Aromatherapy session begins with a foot ritual where my feet are soaked in warm water with rose petals. A signature blend of ashwagandha and lime with sesame oil is poured into the water, and a quick foot massage ensues.
The Treatment
I opted for the Indian Aromatherapy treatment session. I lie face down on the spa bed, and the therapist massages my legs using vertical strokes. Interestingly, she also uses her lower arms for the massage. Using the tips of her fingers, she presses the soles of my feet, which feels like foot acupressure, easing tension from my body. The back massage is invigorating as she uses pressure from her palms to ease strained muscles. She then massages my neck, shoulders and arms to complete the massage. The palm massage is deeply relaxing. Before I turn over, a hot towel is placed on my back and pressed lightly.
Once I turn over, an eye pad covers my eyes, and my legs are massaged using varied strokes. The energising oil works precisely. The stomach, shoulder, neck, face and head massages follow. At the end, a bell rings. A steam and shower later, I feel completely relaxed.
Fact File
- Name of The Spa: J Wellness Circle Spa, Taj Resort and Spa, Rishikesh
- Established: 2019
- Founders: Ravinder Mehra
- Architect: YH2 Architects (Yiacouvakis Hamelin)
- Treatment rooms: 7 treatment rooms
- Number of estheticians: 11
- Signature Treatment: Shuddhi, Vishrama and Sushupti
- Timings: 08:00 – 20:00 Hrs
- Contact: T: +91 1378350131
- Address: Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa, Uttarakhand, Singthali, Rishikesh – Devprayag Road, Distt. Tehri Garhwal. Uttarakhand, 249192
- Website: https://www.tajhotels.com
