The Royal 'JIVA' Experience

During my recent weekend getaway at Usha Kiran Palace, Taj’s heritage property in Gwalior, I decided to get some pampering at its luxurious, award-winning and all-natural Spa, Jiva.

As you enter the spa, adjacent to the pool and lush garden, you immediately realize that you've entered a serene place with birds chirping and sunlight filtering through the windows. I was approached by the smiling Narayan, who is the spa head of the branch. He welcomed me and gave me a tour of the spa, while explaining the available spa treatments, customized for Gwalior menu.

The signature treatment is known as Mangal Snan (Auspicious Bath), a three hour treatment, which includes cleansing, exfoliating, massage and a beauty bath. The treatment was devised keeping in mind the history and legends of the royal city of Gwalior, narrated to us by Narayan. He then showed me the beautiful room designed especially for this particular treatment, including a local musician sitting behind a jharokha (enclosed balcony), allowing one to relax and unwind to the live music.

However, as I did not have three hours to spare, I settled for a two hour treatment known as Jivanaya (Invigorate). It comprises of beauty ritual Narikela –scrub that gently exfoliates and moisturizes, and of Indian aromatherapy oil massage – Vishram. As this special scrub cools and nourishes the body, Narayan highly recommended it, considering the hot weather. He also told me that they only use kitchen ingredients.

I was introduced to my masseur, Miss Lamha from Darjeeling, who was, courteous and pleasant. I was asked to fill a form to assess my health and other medical conditions, if any. It is easy to tell when you are in professional hands. I was all excited, ready to be pampered and relax à la Maharani.

Miss Lamha directed me to Agni (Fire), the spa room prepared for me. Dim lights, calming aroma and soothing music - all the ingredients for relaxation.

After changing into a bathrobe, I was asked to lie on my back on the massage bed. First, my body was exfoliated from head to toe with a scrub made of coconut powder (key ingredient), milk, turmeric and cream. It smelled yummy!

After the scrub, she wrapped me in a towel like a baby :) While the ingredients were getting absorbed by my skin, she massaged my head very gently. Oh my, I relaxed under her spell, falling into a deep somber. After 15 minutes, I was woken up gently for a quick shower to wash away the scrub. mmmm... My skin felt so baby soft…

Post shower, I was on the massage bed again for the seconde partie. The aromatic oil made of Kewda, Frankincense, Brahmi, Sandalwood and Sesame was massaged gently using palm and thumb strokes all over my body.

Usually, before any massage I tend to get little stiff, in the anticipation of strong pressure, however, she was so skilled with a gentle but effective touch. Her magical delicate hands - kneading and massaging oil into my body, releasing tension from my stiff and stressed muscles. I felt heavenly and just wanted this experience to go on and on. However, all good things come to an end, although she did give me a quick complimentary face massage. Soon the beautiful experience was over leaving me calm and happy.

I was very content with the entire experience and Narayan welcomed me back again where we chit chatted for a while. I told him that I wanted to try Managal Snan and I won’t mind visiting the 'Royal City' again. :)

FYI: The two hour treatment costs INR 3, 850 + taxes. 20% discount for a Taj InnerCircle Members.