SwaSwara delivers serenity, calm and tranquillity on every level. But what is little known is that, in its sleepy way, SwaSwara is also a hive of holistic activity with lots to learn and vibrant Indian markets only a tuc-tuc ride away. Our intrepid spa spy Anuska went on a 6 day Ayurvedic Programme to find out...
What’s special about the Ayurveda Programme at SwaSwara?
I’d had Ayurveda before but this was so relaxing that I fell asleep all the time during treatments. The Doctors were a very sweet husband and wife couple who delved into how to treat my particular nervous system, and gave me all sorts of tips about how to calm my doshas (body's constitution), including rubbing sesame oil into my skin. I couldn’t believe quite how much the treatments made me want to sleep. I found myself walking around the resort in a daze, I knew I’d feel relaxed but I hadn’t ever prepared to be this blissful. All I wanted to do was snooze in the beautiful grounds or laze in a hammock on the beach drinking it all in slowly. There was so much excess space on this Spa Holiday I was spoilt for choice for places to relax in. It was truly restorative.
Just how relaxed were you?
I felt like I didn’t have a care in the world. I lost any inhibitions, even when I was wrapped in nothing but a loin cloth for the massages with everything else hanging out I didn’t care. I had the same therapist all the way through, so only one person seeing my naked body!
Is there anywhere you didn’t fall asleep?
Funnily enough I didn’t fall asleep during the meditation class, which surprised me - usually I do. I think because I was so relaxed my mind was able to tune into the meditation properly. Instead of seeing it as a chance to sleep it awakened me in a refreshing way. I guess I finally learned how to do it right.
What surprised you most about the resort?
How therapeutic the extra activities can be. There is so much choice, meditation, yoga, cooking art, whatever tickles your particular creative bent. Art was my favourite. Usually I don’t get much time to unleash my creativity so I found myself wanting to spend a lot of time in the art room with the lovely art teacher, Joy, who showed me how to do water painting, glass painting, and pottery. I ended up making a piggy bank to bring me good luck in wealth. The teacher asked me to call her when I eventually open it!
How did you manage to get outside the resort?
It was hard to leave the sanctity of SwaSwara, but I had to see the real India which lay just beyond its front door. One short tuc tuc ride was all it took to take me to the nearby market which was bursting with Indian flavour. Colourful spices were heaped up everywhere, cars were zooming, cows were pushing you – but you can’t touch them back as they’re considered very sacred animals. It was another, very hectic, side to India. You don't always see that on a Spa Holiday!
What else was did you do around the resort?
I went on a nature trail where I saw lots of different birds, plants, beaches, and even people playing cricket. I learned so much from my guide about the different species of wildlife that live and grow in and around the resort, many of which are used by the chefs in the food.
And how was the food?
Apart from the delicious fresh fish and vegetables served every day, the resort is keen to teach you how to cook healthy food that compliments your doshas, or body type. I had a cooking class where I learned how to make an authentic Indian curry, the basis of which is onion, ginger, sunflower oil and garlic. The only thing I couldn’t really eat was the breakfast curry – it was too early for me!
What’s your fondest memory from the trip?
I loved sitting in the hammock on the beach, seeing the trees up above me and watching the sun flickering through the leaves while hearing the sea roaring back and forth. I remember thinking ‘this is life, this is great’.
Would you go back?
Yes definitely – but for longer. Six nights wasn’t enough. I think 10 would be perfect to make the most of it, especially after all that travelling.
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