October 3, 2017updated Dec 20, 2023

Spa of the Week: ITC Kaya Kalp

By Olivia Cuccaro

While yoga and meditation have become standard offerings at just about any spa, where better to experience these centering activities than in their country of origin? For centuries, India has been a focal point in the wellness world, honing age-old relaxation practices for mental and physical wellbeing. Kaya Kalp — The Royal Spa at ITC Grand Bharat combines these traditional methods with the opulence of an all-suite retreat for a spa experience that is as culturally rich as it is glamorous.

Against the backdrop of the Aravalli mountain range, forty minutes beyond the hum of New Delhi, Kaya Kalp — The Royal Spa at ITC Grand Bharat’s secluded location is just the beginning of the serenity it affords. The 35,000 sq ft spa oozes Indian opulence while maintaining an eco-friendly approach to wellness, welcoming “visiting masters” from a psychic spiritual healer to a reiki and tarot expert. Comprising nine treatment suites, including a couple’s room, two pools, the signature Salon di Wills and a fitness center, you’d be hardpressed to find a more complete experience: the spa menu includes 64 treatments. Expect to find skillfully-honed ayurvedic rituals, hammam therapies, traditional Indian head massages, chakra balancing and Nimala bathing rituals as exotic options for rejuvenation.

If the comprehensive spa menu seems too much to tackle in one day, or even one weekend, Kaya Kalp — The Royal Spa has designed a series of Wellness Retreats for a personalized, inclusive experience. The five-night Holistic Wellness retreat includes a consultation with an ayurvedic doctor, session with Visiting Master, personalized yoga and fitness session, introduction to swasthya cuisine (food for wellness), and specialized spa treatments such as abhyanga (synchronized full-body massage) and shirodhara (oil treatment). The retreat also includes a stay in a Deluxe Suite, morning wake up signature tea and daily use of the steam room, sauna and vitality pool. Should you require an entire week of relaxation, the seven-night Ayurvedic Detox retreat is similarly extensive, with choornaswedana (full-body herbal massage), sea salt body scrub and guided meditation among the treatments included with your stay.

As an all-suite property, ITC Grand Bharat’s accommodations are undoubtedly suited to the elite traveler, but it’s the Presidential Villa that ranks as the most upscale. Spanning 5,700 sq ft, the stately villa includes a dining room with seating for 10, outdoor patio off the master bedroom, master bathroom with soaking tub, shower, steam cubicle and sauna as well as walk-in closet. A private deck leads out to a heated lap pool and Jacuzzi, while the spacious kitchen is ideal for enjoying chef-prepared cuisine.