Whether you want to get away from hectic city life, for a breath of fresh air in the mountains, relax and unwind on the beach or go for a rejuvenating Ayurveda treatment, India will spoil you for choice with its wide range of spas. You can actually plan your entire holiday around these amazing spas!

Here’s a list of some of the most picturesque and awesome spas India has to offers:

THE KHYBER HIMALAYAN RESORT AND SPA, GULMARG, JAMMU & KASHMIR

Picture this: its snowing, the temperature is below zero and you’re indulging in a treatment where warm oil is gently rubbed into your skin and the massage leaves your tired muscles feeling relaxed and full of vigour. As you relax in your very own private steam chamber, stare at the gently falling snow on the peaks of the Pir Panjal range and spend a few minutes soaking it all in. Doesn’t it sound like a dream?

The Khyber Spa by L’Occitaine, located at the height of 8,825 feet in the northern hill station Gulmarg, is one of the most picturesque spas in the country. It offers a range of therapies – from Balinese, Thai, Swedish, Hawaiian, Shiatsu and a range of baths as well.

Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh

Located near the popular hill town of Shimla, surrounded by a forest of ancient pine and oak, is one of the most luxurious, fairy-tale hotels in the country. The Oberoi Wildflower Hall, is also home to an exceptional spa. Their signature treatments are a range of ancient Ayurvedic massages and Shirodhara. Shirodhara, a traditional technique of oil pouring on the forehead to awaken the third eye, is one of their most popular treatments. If not the exceptional therapies, just relaxing in the heated swimming pool, looking at the surrounding snow-dusted pines will give you that much needed detox fix.

KAYA KALP, ITC MUGHAL, AGRA

This opulent spa at ITC Mughal in Agra, right next to the timeless Taj Mahal, spells luxury all the way. It pays ode to pomegranate fruit and will spoil you with its indulgent treatments and therapies. From a traditional Turkish hammam (bath), a pomegranate scrub and massage, Ayurvedic rituals and a romantic couples’ treatment, it really does offers a very wide choice! What I enjoyed the most when I visited the hotel was the hammam where for a full 100 minutes I was bathed (yes that’s true), soaped, scrubbed, and massaged by my therapist. I felt like a little child and just let go of my stress and worries. When I came out my skin was baby soft. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll be pampered at this spa and come out feeling truly indulged!

ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS, UTTARAKHAND

Here, mornings begin with yoga and evenings end with a light dinner. The stress of what to pack for a trip goes away instantly because each guest is provided crisp white kurta pyjamas (loose fitting traditional India wear made from 100% cotton) for the stay. Voted as one of the best spas in the world, it should be on every spa addict’s list and of course it’s on mine! The Ananda offers more than 80 bespoke Ayurvedic treatments along with long-stay treatments like weight loss, yogic detox, stress management. They have a temperature controlled pool, looking over majestic Himalayan vistas.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Ever imagined of settling in for a massage in the middle of a lake on a boat surrounded by forts and palaces? If the idea excites you, then head straight to Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur and let Jiva Spa spoil you silly. The specially designed boat has a spa suite, a steam bath and shower and a deck with a small pool. As you gently float on Lake Pichola, soaking in the atmosphere of royal Rajasthani grandeur, you will feel all your worries and stress melting away under the expert care of your Jiva masseuse.

Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village, Pallakkad, Kerala

It’s no secret that Kerala is the home of Ayurveda and this happens to be one of the best places for it – for serious enthusiasts. Surrounded by lakes, forests and an environment helps soothe your nerves even when you have just arrived! The center offer treatments for hypertension, arthritis, bronchial diseases, skin diseases, obesity, sinusitis and more. Here you need to come with time on your hand, as most treatments take at least a week to complete.