LF Says: ★★★★.5
Pune is synonymous with history, art and Information Technology. The past and the future live in conjunction here. It won't be false to say that the city offers the best of both worlds. Attempting to achieve something similar, Hyatt Regency hotels camouflage and imbibe every city that welcomes them. For the city of Pune, Hyatt Regency brings an intelligent and unique way of recreational experiences.
Incepted within Hyatt Regency Pune, Arogya Spa and Fitness Centre is a therapeutic sanctuary for you to distinguish yourself from the hustle and pace of routine life. The Spa is endowed with the intellect and precision of our ancient Asian procedures and infuses them with the advanced western techniques.
The 6,996 square meters of mindfully crafted space ensures the maximum level of destressing and achieving “complete wellness”. Equipped with 6 Therapy suites – including 2 couple and 1 Ayurvedic suite – it took about 3 years to complete. Robert Bilkey and Oscar Llinas‘s interior designing includes contemporary and stylish nuances like Argentinean arts on the walls and the traditional and minimal earthy tones used throughout the centre to create a holistically healthy and peaceful environment. The entire facility is an example of intelligent architecture which corroborates privacy and easy access.
The concept
We spend numerous hours in front of our laptops and desktops. With the kind of lifestyle that we lead, breaking the monotony becomes very important. Rejuvenation is a mental requirement. While just a vacation or getaway might not be enough, a spa experience is what you go for!
According to Ayurveda, we have seven chakras. When six chakras align perfectly, you can activate the seventh chakra, and attain complete wellness. Arogya Spa's mission is to help guests take a step forward to attaining complete wellness by offering therapies that use the goodness of Ayurveda and Asiatic ingredients such as Lavender, Rosemary, Bringaraja, Triphala, Bitter Orange, Coconut, Honey, Clove, Ginger, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Aloe Vera, etc. The Spa uses ingenious and homemade products to stay true to the local and authentic requirements of every therapy. Every ingredient used in the treatment has a goal, and aims towards physical rejuvenation and restoring the mind-body balance. There are numerous types of massages, body scrubs and wraps treatments, facials, signature packages, yoga and meditation to choose from. And these therapies are exclusively oriented to suit the requirements of each guest.
The experience
The spa suites let in natural sunlight to create a positive and vibrant environment. They are decorated in soft neutral tones, highlighted by warm, golden sycamore wood accents and translucent glass, and decorated with digital art by Argentine artist Fernando Hocevar. The interiors as well help you relax and get into a peaceful zone to destress during the therapy.
Once into the spa, you are greeted in the guests’ lounge with a warm Namaste and a special cucumber and mint detox drink to sip on as you fill out a form with concerns, caution areas, allergies and medical history. Based on the information, the experts advise a suitable treatment. You can customise the treatment according to your preferences, choose the intensity of pressure required and the type of oil. I opted for the Rasa massage with light pressure and Juniper Berry and Cedarwood aromatic oil. The treatment is best for people who spend long hours in the same position and is a restorative massage which aims at easing knotted nerves and restoring the energy flow.
Every therapy room in the spa is equipped with a private shower, changing and guest locker area to ensure you have complete privacy and comfort. Once into the robe and disposable slippers, you are welcomed into a beautiful suite with harmonious melody. You are allowed to plug in your phone for the choice of music but I opted for their in-house calm and serene music.
The first step to each therapy treatment is the foot massage and my therapist, Nira, explained its importance. It is believed that cleansing your feet is the first step to channelizing your energy and creating the maximum effect on the body. This is your gateway to indulge in the amazing and relaxing massage, and detoxify from the physical and mental stress from daily life.
To make the treatment comfortable, every massage starts with a dry over-the-sheet massage to make you feel secure. Nira started with massaging the legs first and traced her way up. Along the massage, the body not only feels light and loosened up, but you also feel your senses become more receptive. I was rather satisfied with the subtle, pleasant fragrance of Juniper Berry and Cedarwood aromatic oil as it helped me unwind and relax even more. The Rasa treatment combines the Asian oil with the Swedish technique of using palm and thumb pressure on major points. Curated especially to release and ease knotted nerves and stressed muscles, it takes away the rigidity and tightness in the body and revitalizes, de-stresses, and helps achieve a balance in mind, body and soul.
After the therapy you can take a nice, hot shower, but Nira suggested me to take steam as it would help the oil seep in further. In the sauna, I could feel the true effect of the therapy. My body and mind felt relaxed, revitalised and zestful.
The more the merrier
Recreation is subjective. Whether you enjoy sweating out in the gym or having fun at the pool, Arogya Spa has you covered. The spa features a temperature-controlled, indoor swimming pool (with sunroof) which is set among aesthetic water features and mirrors. Stabilized at a temperature of 28oC throughout, it is fun to take a swim or just lounge around the pool for fun. For gym fanatics, the state-of-the-art Technogym equipment ensures you can keep up with your fitness regime. The gym is over 3,000 square feet (the largest in the city) and will always have a personal trainer to help the guests with anything they need.
“With a holistic approach to rejuvenation and fitness, Arogya Spa & Fitness Centre is an idyllic sanctuary where guests can practise yoga, or experience wellbeing therapies to Relax, Recharge, and Revive inspired by indigenous traditions. We are planning to introduce wellness retreat packages to enhance the guest experience,” said Gautam Singh, Spa Manager at Arogya Spa.
Spas have become quite a necessity today with our digital, stagnant lifestyle. Arogya Spa, however, takes the entire experience a notch above with its soothing décor and intuitive therapies.
LF Says: ★★★★.5
Coordinates: Hyatt Regency, Weikfield IT Park, Nagar Road, Pune, Maharashtra, India
