It is really fascinating to know the way royals have approached wellness and its various aspects. Spas have been a part of the relaxation process for a long time but they do have evolved according to the changing needs and desires. The methods of achieving relaxation and experiencing luxury like a royal are being taken up by many high-end spas for their customers to have the best services. In a conversation with Kaya Kalp- The Royal Spa for our Indian Salon and Wellness Yearbook 2017, the brand lets us know what’s so unique about them and the services that await the customers that will make them feel like a royal.
The Brand
As the only hotel to have won the prestigious international Aga Khan Award for its excellent representation of Mughal architecture in Asia, the ITC Mughal Agra is a lover’s paradise. Inspired by Fatehpur Sikri and Agra’s Mughal architecture, it is indeed a pleasure to be greeted by over 35 acres of sprawling lush green gardens, and that also in close proximity to the Taj Mahal. Kaya Kalp-The Royal Spa is the ‘apple of the eye’- for its grand and regal interiors which celebrate the richness of the bygone Mughal Era and much more. Bagging the Asia Spa Award for “Best Spa Interiors” in 2009 and then being adjudged the World's Best City Spa by UK's Tatler Magazine in 2008, just four months after its opening.
In the lap of greenery
The word 'Spa' denotes 'healing through or by water', an aspect ITC Mughal Agra has well taken care of. The magnificence of the architecture, bathed in tranquillity, follows a Mughal tradition in its extensive use of greenery and water that compliments the rejuvenation process.
One can enjoy channels of running water, fountains and outdoor rainwater showers, courts full of greenery open to the skies and interiors embellished with stone latticework, mother of pearl, inlay and mirror work.
A ‘Royal’ touch
An unbelievable 9200 meter square of space making Kaya Kalp- the Royal Spa as country’s largest and one of the most luxurious spas, that offers therapy based on ancient customs. A thematic spa, the pomegranate fruit, is the definite inspiration. This makes the spa a very different and exclusive experience. In salutation to Babar, the pomegranate fruit has been adopted as the theme of this very royal spa.
Elaborate assortments
Kaya Kalp-The Royal Spa is the first spa in India, to have the Royal Mughal Hamam inspired with the traditional Turkish Bath. The signature massage, the Kaya Kalp Massage is based on Swedish massage technique. It is a slow paced, rhythmic relaxing massage that soothes the nerve endings. The usual grapeseed oil is replaced with an amalgamation of indigenous oils through the Forest Essentials brand, giving the guest a feel of traditional Indian therapy
Each spa treatment begins with a foot ritual, something steeped in the Indian culture. The Pomegranate sugar scrub is a signature body scrub using a handmade indigenous product, specially designed for the hotel.
About the Owners
Beginning with the Sheraton Chola, Chennai in 1975, ITC forayed into the hotels business to support the national priority of developing new avenues of foreign exchange earnings and boosting tourism. As a part of the ITC group, ITC Mughal Agra is a 41 years old hotel that has the strongest brand equity in the market till date. Today, ITC Hotels is one of largest hotel chains in the country with over 100 hotels across 70 destinations. Its current leadership as Chief Operating Officer for the hotel’s business is held by Dipak Haksar.
