Considered one of the most romantic hotels in the world, the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, India, is like something out of a fairytale: constructed of all-white marble, with colorful stained glass windows and several carved balconies, the 18th-century palace is set in the middle of Lake Pichola and is only accessible by private gondola. Awestruck guests stay in historic suites—some with antique swings suspended from the rafters—and relax at the Jiva Spa, a warren of candle-lit, mosaic-walled rooms reminiscent of a royal hammam. In the latter, nature-based treatments like the Pehlwan Malish “warrior” massage using warm mustard oil and the detoxifying Prithvi Mrit wrap, made with clay and 22 Indian herbs, help reflect the region’s rich healing traditions.
When the popular spa wanted to expand recently, however, it was limited by the historic structure. So instead, the owners looked to the floating hotel’s signature element—water—and launched the Taj Spa Boat, a satellite facility moored in the middle of the lake. Evoking a royal ceremonial barge and boasting a chic décor of sleek wood and brightly colored fabrics, the elegant vessel is comprised of one enclosed, air-conditioned couple’s suite, an outdoor soaking tub, and a plush relaxation deck. Upon arrival by gondola from the hotel, guests are welcomed with a refreshing drink then left to get comfortable in the treatment suite. Due to the limited facilities, only certain services can be booked on the boat, and appointments are blocked off in multi-hour increments. The 120-minute Floating Spa Experience includes a choice of aromatherapy massage—in styles ranging from lymphatic drainage to Indian deep tissue—while the 150-minute Breath of Freshness features the Mewar Khas, a regional specialty including a soak, herbal body scrub, and relaxing massage. For some serious indulgence, the 180-minute Romantic Spa Escapade begins with a muscle-soothing soak, followed by an herbal ex-foliation, warming spice wrap, and therapeutic massage.
Post-treatment, guests are invited to wrap up in an organic, hand-blocked cotton robe and relax in the rose petal-filled tub or on the oversized daybed, enjoying a glass of wine, some nibbles, and 360-degree views of the Aravalli Hills—all to a soundtrack of gentle waves. Many spas promise peace and seclusion, but this one delivers in ways that are deeply relaxing—and infinitely memorable.
Spa boat experiences start at approximately $200 US for one guest and $320 US for two; see www.tajhotels.com for more info
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