You’ll soon have another reason to visit Agra, the city of Taj. For in about three week’s time, ITC WelcomGroup is all set to launch, what is billed as Asia’s largest spa in Agra called Kaya Kalp - The Royal Spa, at Hotel Mughal in Agra. Stretching across over 99,000 sq ft, guests at the spa, will have the opportunity of experiencing traditional therapies in regal surroundings. And the therapies range from ayurvedic to Thai to German, Swedish and many more from all across the globe. Most of the treatment recipes have been heavily borrowed from the Mughal era. The spa has been designed to bring together elements of Mughal architecture and opulence, with meaningful experiences for the soul.
“The emphasis at the spa will be on sight, sound and smell, with pomegranate, the royal Persian fruit, prominently featuring in the décor as well as treatment,” said the Mughal general manager Anil Chadha. Ruby red pomegranates form an important design element, used on walls, the ceiling and on the white terrazzo flooring - which offers a dramatic inlay of red engineered stone, sweeping across the floor.
The Mughal mood is heightened at the open-air 25-metre lap pool, surrounded by relaxation areas. Set within a garden of fruit-bearing trees, green lawns and flowers, this is where specialty poolside treatments will be offered as well as refreshments and snacks - in keeping with the mood of the spa.
The Royal Spa will also have a traditional Turkish hamam - another first in Indian hospitality. It will also have facilities such as temperature-controlled pool, observatory (with variety of plants) and relaxation chambers. Mr Chadha said the hotels is still working on the packages and treatments details and refused to divulge investment details at this stage.
With the launch of the spa, ITC Mughal would be rechristened as the ITC Mughal Spa Resort. The 36-acre property follows the Mughal tradition in its extensive use of greenery and water - both important elements in gardens laid out by the Mughal dynasty.
The Mughal concept of ‘paradise’ is seen in the extensive use of running water, fountains, outdoor rain water showers, courts full of greenery open to the skies and interiors embellished with stone latticework, mother of pearl, inlay and mirror work. The spa is the handiwork of Delhi-based architect and landscape designer, Pradeep Sachdeva. The interior designing has been done by P49 Design & Associates of Bangkok.