A Healing Experience in the Wild : Spa Review

Located in the village of Sherpur in Ranthambore, AamaGhati Wildlife Resort, managed by Black Rock Hotels and Resorts Ltd. is India’s first jungle theme resort whose design is inspired from the legendary Ranthambore Fort and The Ranthambore National Park. The 5.3-acre resort has 52 beautiful rooms overlooking the majestic Aravalli hills and the jungles.

Décor Cues

The resort is based on the concept of using local materials and was created by Mud Architecture pioneers, the late Revathi and Vasant Kamath. A local technique of mud, cow dung and lime plaster is used on the walls which also repels insects naturally. The thatched roofs and bamboo detailing are part of the outer façade. The spa is done up with the same design ethos and has cream hued walls with nooks where there are hand painted floral motifs. The Buddha imagery adds the zen factor here and a small idol of Lord Dhanvantri is a nod to the Ayurveda focus here. The in-house spa also overlooks one of the two swimming pools of the property. “The Sri Sri Wellbeing Centre is run by the Bangalore based Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Foundation and is the only one that operates in Rajasthan. With a focus on healing therapies, the spa offers a complete range of exclusive relaxation therapies designed to relax your muscles and restore your vitality,” says Abhishek Hissaria, owner, AamaGhati Wildlife Resort.

Training Matters

The staff are all trained at Bengaluru where the headquarters of Sri Sri Tattva is located. Once the staff are trained, they are assigned to different centres. This training is for six months after which they are sent for work in other branches. “It is important that the therapist is ready in all ways before they can heal guests. For instance, we offer Marma therapy that helps remove blockages which is beneficial only if the therapist also practices meditation and can pass on their positive energy,” says Akshay, one of the therapists at the centre. The therapists are also re-trained at regular intervals.

Treatments & More

The spa offers a range of exclusive relaxation therapies all aimed to ensure you leave feeling rejuvenated. All products used in the therapies are sourced from Sri Sri Ayurveda and are prepared in-house, at their factory. So, whether it is the kumkumadi oil, badam oil or the Rasnadi Choornam, it is all from the Sri Sri range. Among the treatments offered are Abhyanga, a full body herbal oil massage using light, rhythmic strokes are deeply relaxing, this massage also boosts blood and lymphatic flow. Uzhichil is a complete massage therapy which reinvigorates the muscular, circulatory, and nervous system of the body. Marma is a healing and relaxing therapy that works on subtle points in the body to remove blocks in the system and enhances and balances the flow of Prana (life force). Hot Stone Massage is a therapy wherein warm, smooth-surfaced basalt stones are positioned on Marma points in the body to maximise therapeutic benefits. Blocked energy is released and pranic flow stimulated.

The Massage

I chose the Aroma Massage Therapy that uses essential massage oils to help de-stress and improve emotional balance. My therapist Lakshi Rani Gour explained that she would use almond oil for my massage. The treatment is deeply relaxing and calming as she starts the massage with a prayer. Starting with a dry massage and firm strokes, she gets the body ready for the session. A combination of strokes is used for the back massage, where finger pressure is applied to release my muscle stress and make me feel relaxed. The legs are also massaged using elongated strokes in a bottom to up action. The gentle notes of the music in the background coupled with the relaxing massage strokes are sleep inducing and therapeutic. A face massage using face cream and a head massage with hair oil complete my massage session. I am advised to leave the oil on and shower later. A pinch of Rasnadi Choornam on my head at the end of the session is to ensure that I do not catch a cold.

The whole experience is deeply blissful and relaxing and is a must try when you are here. A spa in the wilderness of Ranthambore is a great addition to enjoy the sights and sounds of the region and this one will certainly want you to come back for more.