Beyond Bangalore
Nature’s therapy
A
starburst of yellow and purple flowers sway gently to the rhythm of the breeze, and the reflecting pool that separates two rows of Balinese-style cottages mirrors the sky’s every whimsical change. Windflower is dotted with details that cajole you into slowing your pace down – the reception adjoins a sculpted landscape of a woman in quiet repose; the resident pet is the talkative and colourful parrot ‘Rosie’ who stares curiously and greets you excitedly.
Set in 10 lush acres The Windflower resort is aptly named after the feathery flower that serenely skims along with the wind and together with the Emerge Spa, epitomises the beauty of an unhurried life to create a ‘body-soul reunion’. Emerge has been cited by Asia Spa India as among the 10 Best Spas in India, nominated in the Best Spa in Complimentary and Alternative Medicine category in the Spa Asia awards, and by Asia Spa Peronia Awards for Best Spa Exterior, Most Innovative Spa and Best Spa Marketing.
Located in India’s heritage city, Mysore, Windflower abuts the city’s prime landmarks. The resort is situated behind the Mysore Race Club, Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Golf Club is the adjacent property and the Mysore Palace is three kilometres away. The advantage of location gives it a unique proposition – it strikes the right balance between being the only resort in the heart of the city and a beautifully landscaped sanctuary. Founded in 2005, the resort is owned and operated by the Mysore based Siddharta Group. The Group launched its flagship hospitality venture Siddharta Hotel 26 years ago, before it expanded its footprint as a franchisee of popular Indian and international food brands. Windflower resort is the company’s first, and more resorts are on the anvil. Says P. V. Giri, the Chairman of Siddharta Group, “Today’s business and leisure traveller lives in a concrete jungle where natural elements are underplayed. When we designed Windflower we focused on nature. The natural ambience soothes the visitor instantly, and the wellness centre adds to a sense of renewal.” It is almost as if a slice of Bali has been transplanted in this quaint old city. The cottages with their gently curved roofs are decidedly Southeast Asian; with its Zen-like serenity, the resort has found favour with international travellers. Windflower’s architecture is based on Feng Shui and its Indian variant, Vaastu, the ancient science that brings nature’s energy in sync with ours. Set against Chamundi Hill, the fluid spaces of Windflower are open to the elements, and use colours that are at once both calming and joyous.
The signature Chocolate Indulgence Massage at Windflower's spa, Emerge
The sunken swimming pool is bordered by vibrant bougainvillea and a waterfall
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Windflower has 39 rooms across four categories – Executive, Deluxe, Club Class Suites and Royal Residential
285 | Best of Bangalore
Suites. Outfitted in Indonesian furniture made from water hyacinth and banana fibres, the rooms are decorated in lush chocolate shades. Huge beds, superbly equipped bath areas (some of them have open air showers) and customised fragrant toiletries are part of the sumptuous hospitality. The star attraction at the resort is Emerge, the only spa in India with an International Spa association. Its logo is a blossoming lotus symbolic of beauty, divinity and the power of rejuvenation in Hindu and Buddhist cultures.
P.V. Giri, Chairman
Emerge offers Balinese, Ayurvedic and Hydrotherapy treatments. The Southeast Asian therapies like the Chocolate Indulgence Massage and Javanese Lulur and Indulgence Bath are sheer pampering, while Ayurvedic treatments like the full body massage Abhyanga followed by the steam bath Sweda is more curative. The spa’s most popular treatment is the Detox Programme, an eight day package of massages, medication and counselling. Le Olive Garden is the resort’s multi-cuisine restaurant and 24 hour coffee shop, and is the preferred dining destination for both locals and travellers. Its signature dishes like Aloo Udaygiri from the Indian menu, the Chinese speciality Oriental Wrapped Bake and the subtly-flavoured Continental favourite Steamed Fish Florentine are worthy of particular mention. Following the success of Windflower in Mysore, The Siddharta Group is busy building more resorts in South India; over the next two years, the company will launch a destination spa in the hill station of Madikeri, a beach resort in the Andaman Islands that will offer deep sea fishing, and a rainforest resort in Wayanad. Come 2012, the company will carry its brand of hospitality overseas and expand its two restaurants in Mauritius into full-fledged resorts. Tharun Giri, MD, Siddharta Group, says, “The Siddharta Group’s roots are in the hospitality and F&B sector. Our USP is the ability to identify what would work in each area that we operate in, source the ideal landscape for the concept and tailor it perfectly to each need.” Tel: +91 821 252 2500 www.thewindflower.com
Photos: Asha Thadani
Tharun Giri, Managing Director