Luxury and wellness are often seen as separate entities, but when the two philosophies intertwine, they create a transformative sanctuary that speaks to the soul. The Leela Palace, Jaipur, recently hosted The Aujasya Wellness, an immersive retreat designed to detox and rejuvenate just as the seasons change. As we transitioned from the revelry of festivities to a moment of mindful restoration, this experience proved to be the perfect antidote with a blend of indulgence and well-being, just a stone’s throw from Delhi.
In the lap of luxury
Our journey began at the gorgeous property, where we were welcomed by the hospitable staff in traditional Rajasthan custom. We were soon ushered to the opulent royal villa with a plunge pool in a private buggy cart. The details of the coral-hued villa highlighted traditional Rajasthan architecture with contemporary artistry. We couldn’t help but marvel at the regal bedroom with hand-tufted carpets, intricate silver leafing on the headboard adorned with tikri glass florals, and a grandeur enhanced by crystal chandeliers and an ornamental antique fan with a lotus leaf wing design. The pièce de résistance, however, was the temperature-controlled private pool and jacuzzi, lined with Jaisalmer stone and surrounded by palm trees and fresco-painted walls for a private moment of serenity.
The wellness weekend:
The Aujasya Wellness unfolded as a confluence of holistic well-being and indulgence. We started by trying out the low-calorie Rajasthani Thali for lunch at the opulent Sheesh Mahal restaurant, adorned with over 350,000 mirror pieces shining beautifully from the reflections of countless candles. Here we met Chef Varun Parashar and wellness expert Dr. Ankita Jalori, who gave us an interesting food for thought by stating that every dish in our thali was well thought out and cooked in the healthiest manner to keep the calorie count low for patrons.
As the sun started to mellow down, the evening took on a meditative rhythm, with soulful sound healing sessions and ceremonial rituals steeped in tradition. By the evening, we were treated to a specially curated dinner at Preet Mahal as part of our wellness journey.
The second day commenced with an invigorating sunrise mobility yoga and breathing session in the tranquil Kanishka Bagh followed by a wellness-focused culinary treat with the Aujasya breakfast.
A defining moment of the weekend was the engaging discourse between erstwhile Princess Gauravi Kumari, wellness consultant Dr Jalori and executive chef Parashar, explaining their ideas of holistic well-being. For lunch, we had to literally earn our meal as a challenge awaited with the Aujasya cook-off. For the exciting cooking activity, we were accompanied by The Leela’s culinary experts to help us craft the Himalayan earth bowl with our customised fusion of nutrition and creativity. The experience culminated with a four-course Aujasya meal curated by our hosts.
Food for the soul
Throughout the stay, we realized that indulgence and nourishment can go hand in hand without compromising the taste profiles. Starting with a superfood seasonal mushroom and thyme soup at a mere 145 calories, complemented by the Thar Quinoa salad with slow-roasted ash gourd and baby spinach. The indulgence continued with dishes featuring bean tofu and organic beets atop red rice. The best part, a bitter chocolate orange pave, provided a decadent yet guilt-free finale at just 192 calories. The Aujasya Wellness Weekend was an experience that nourished both body and soul. And, if you’re looking for a retreat that blends indulgence with restoration, The Leela Palace Jaipur is truly unmatched.
