Is the stress of modern day living getting to you? Do you feel the need to take a break from your hectic work schedule? Then get away from it all and unwind in the pristine beauty of the Himalayas. At India's latest luxury spa resort- aptly named Ananda.

Situated at Narendra Nagar, above Rishikesh, Ananda is run by Indian Hotel and Health Resorts in association with the Monte Carlo based Rafael Group. The management plans to sell it as an international luxury destination resort.

At Ananda, the focus is on healthy living. For your physical fitness, there is a well-equipped spa and for spiritual fitness, you have a centre for yoga and meditation. Guestrooms are designed to give you a feel of the outdoors while indoors. You can get up in the morning to the sound of temple bells of Rishikesh, as the misty morning breeze wafts into your room. Sip ginger and lemon tea in your balcony and enjoy the panoramic view of the valley that lies below. If you are in a deluxe suite, you could start the day with a stroll in your private garden.

You could then head for the open pavilion - a cool marble structure - a perfect spot to practice yoga or meditation. Or you could attend individual yoga sessions with the resident yoga instructor or stroll through the mountain trail with your meditation guide. If you are the type who prefers more vigorous exercises, you could head for the gym at the 21,000-sq. ft. spa, overlooking an outdoor swimming pool.

You could indulge yourself at the beauty institute with Ananda Royal Facial or Self-Renewal Face and Body Treatment. Besides these facilities, the spa also has therapy and treatment rooms offering Ayurvedic, Swedish, Thai and Shaitsu massage, detoxification, Panchkarma and oil treatments. The spa has its own unique specially developed aromatic oils that change with the seasons of the Himalayas. The scent of these oils is spread throughout the spa.

There is also a 'wet region' at the spa with indoor jacuzzi and sauna rooms that offer a lovely view of the valley below. The changing rooms have hot and cold rain showers with special built in hydro massage systems. Near the swimming pool, is the restaurant, where the accent is on light and healthy cuisine.

The main building of Ananda is a palace built in 1895 and extended in 1910 to provide guest quarters for the then Viceroy. The palace, which was in ruins, has been painstakingly restored along with its grand Victorian ceiling, the original furniture and the artefacts from the Maharaja's collection. His Highness, Manavendra Singh still resides in the main section of the palace. A part of the palace has been converted to public areas for the resort guests. There is a tearoom, a lounge, a card room, a billiards room, a library, two boardrooms and a business centre. The Maharaja's skating rink has been converted to a grand ballroom.

Ananda is surrounded by landscaped gardens from where you can get a breathtaking view of the valley. Scattered about the place are vista benches - where you can sit and savour the beauty of the sunset or maybe read a book. The more adventurous can try rafting on the Ganga or bike tours or mountain treks to the Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary nearby.

In the cool evening breeze, you could head for the open-air amphitheatre where the management plans to have regular music and dance performances. Or, you could take your personal stereo along and go to the open pavilion. Spread a mat on the floor and just relax. Experience total bliss - that is Ananda.

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