All of us know Bangalore is quite the commuter’s nightmare. The very thought of going to the other side of the world as we know it; to Doddaballapur, was daunting. But going by Mr. Bond’s credo of never saying never, I headed to Angsana Oasis Spa and Resort. The spa resort is rightly called an oasis as the serene green environs with sunken Roman pools (Conn Igguldden’s Emperor series is running in my mind) have a soothing effect.
Part of an international chain, Angsana has 79 rooms, landscaped gardens, a well-stocked library, many cafes and watering holes. The spa is tucked away in another patch of greenery — bamboo this time, increasing the other-worldliness of the experience. After the noise of the traffic on the commute, I take some time to adjust to the sound of silence.
The treatment rooms are huge and therapists are trained at the Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket. Angsana therapists all over the world are trained there for service standardisation. My therapist welcomes me with a smile and refreshing tea. Before and after a treatment, you have time to relax and unwind in the room. The therapy rooms are open to nature, which is still and contained and gives you a feeling of truly being one with nature. The other fun thing is when you are facing down and getting an absolutely divine back rub, instead of looking at nothing at all, you look at this colourful, fragrant potpourri, which is rather cool. The music is equally soothing and works in tandem with the therapist and fragrance to take you on the ultimate serenity trip
ADVERTISEMENT
After the massage, take a shower in the open bath — it is not as scary as it sounds. It is open to the skies and reinforces the into-the-wild feeling. Another refreshing cup of tea later I am ready to face another bunch of hairy commutes.
Angsana Oasis Spa and Resort is at Northwest County, Rajankunte Bangalore 560064. For reservations call 28468892 – 96/98, 32431016, 9880142905. Mail bangalore@angsana.com; log on to www.angsana.com