Hotels

Desert Sanctuary at The Leela Palace Jaipur

Sublime spa therapies and a mint new, honest organic menu compose your restorative experience at The Leela Palace Jaipur.

By Shilpi Madan (@ShilpiMadan)

From swoon-worthy plunge pools in your royal villa to the beatific birdsong and gurgling fountains to tranquil spa treatments and a healing menu rooted in the goodness of Ayurveda – you will find all the elements pouring themselves in your personalized holistic symphony at The Leela Palace Jaipur in the desert state of Rajasthan. The palatial expanse of the property brings in a sheer reservoir of calm, with the beautiful lilt of the musical instruments floating through the gentle breeze to usher you gently into your own cocoon of wellness.

Subtle and sublime, the spa arrives as the best kept secret by the lapping blue of the pool. Expert therapists (Krishna merits a special mention!) work their magic to ease away the stress knots from your limbs, methodically. The long, gentle gliding strokes of the relaxing Swedish massage with the warm oil, simply weaned away the knots in my muscles, bettering my blood circulation in minutes. An immersive spa experience always works beautifully as a stress sapper and the systematic kneading and stretching did infuse my being with a blissful mix of calm, and a sense of renewed energy, giving me supple muscles at the end of an hour-long session. What arrived as the crowning glory was the chic edge to my entire spa experience – a personal steam room inside the therapy room. Haute touch.

Wellness forms the heartbeat of the sensorial experience across 11-acres of lush-laced expert landscaping, lotus ponds and water features, against the backdrop of the Aravallis, and filled with peacock calls and the twittering of the baya weaver, male robin and the rufous treepie. What makes Executive Chef Ganesh Teli interesting is his study of the local foodways and his delicious ability to bring the ecosystem of the desert to the table. Think ber ki chutney teamed with kathal ke shammi and sizzling kathal potlis aka nutty jackfruit samosas. The spicy ker sangria ki sabzi champions the regional, fresh, seasonal produce of the state. Cupping the wellness therapy ahead, he brings in Aujasya, a specially crafted culinary program using only organic ingredients, sourced from the local farmers pan India, ranging from the Himalayan valleys to Coimbatore and beyond. Healthy food made delicious is the anthem that knits together the gourmet gospels at Sukh Mahal here.

From fluffy sorghum idlis, to hot sattu parathas with kachumber, amaranth pancakes with a splash of organic honey and fresh fruits, to pearl millet pesarattu and even sorghum pasta, the specials are the heart of the Aujasya experience complete with the calorific break up. Primarily millet based, the preparations celebrate whole grains, lean protein, low fat dairy and fresh fruits and vegetables for the high fibre, protein-rich, anti-oxidant punch together with complex carbohydrates and healthy fat. Beautifully plated too. Chef Teli combines forces with wellness consultant Dr. Ankita Jalori for the balanced intake. Clearly, even though the desert state brings in arid climate and long winters, the culinary boom and experiments with new ingredients at The Leela Palace Jaipur is a perennial offering.

Here is true Indian luxury that adds to the romance of Rajasthan with leisurely afternoon naps, therapeutic massages, and an organic menu offering. Come, discover The Leela style of wellness.

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