I am a confirmed spa glutton. Therefore, I seize any opportunity to gourmandise. Now that age is catching up and aches and pains abound, I can even justify opportunities to indulge as being necessities. One such opportunity brought me to the doors of Aheli Spa, at The Roseate. Just off the Gurugram– Delhi stretch of NH-8 nestles this oasis of calm. As soon as one turns into the gates, the city din fades away. A stark yet imposing entrance area reveals a teasing glimpse of the more tranquil environs of this urban resort. I walk past grand lawns interspersed with water bodies, high ceilings and tall looming pillars to arrive at the spa. After a quick analysis, Sushma Rai, the ever-smiling spa manager, picks two treatments for me. First is the Traditional Hammam, a trending and high-demand package. And, yes, it’s a far cry from the ‘get naked, sweat it out, be scrubbed down thoroughly by a hefty lady’ routine.

Preparations before the treatment
Preparations before the treatment
Puneet K. Paliwal

After a short steam, my therapist escorts me to a stone bench near a large sink continuously spouting tepid water. The ritual begins with a gentle hairwash followed by a medley of scrubs, washes and packs which purge all physical impurities and leave me feeling as good as new. The eclectic list of ingredients includes saffron, neem, eucalyptus, organic honey, vitamin E, basil and cocoa butter.

Another indulgence follows. The Aheli Signature Therapy employs pine essential oil, which has antiseptic, antifungal and anti-rheumatic properties, besides helping the respiratory system and easing muscular stiffness. Crafted to cater to individual needs, the massage weaves in Swedish, aromatherapy, shiatsu and Thai techniques, leaving the body totally relaxed, invigorated and uplifted. How fitting that Aheli lives up to the meaning of its name: pure.

Price: ₹6,500, taxes extra, each for Hammam and Aheli Signature
Contact: +91-11-30158580, roseatehotels.com