Dead Sea soak, hammam and more at this Mumbai spa

Centuries old tradition of the Turkish bath, also known as 'hammam', is being offered amidst bustling Mumbai to rid city grit. This full-body cleansing, traditionally given by another and once considered a social activity in the days of yore, has trickled into the recently opened JIVA spa at the Taj Mahal Palace as parimarjana (Sanskrit for deep cleansing).

Hammams, originally a ritual purification, were administered in public domains. Though this is just one of the many signature treatments of the spa, it has a dedicated room that is heated to balance out the cold from the marble so that it's not shocking on the bare skin. Going by the traditional experience, the treatment begins with a steam shower after which the massage therapist lashes hot water on your body and scrapes away the dead skin with almond, turmeric or sandalwood soap.

Another new feature at the spa is Plavana – or the Dead Sea soak, which, as the name suggests is a dip in a dense pool filled with 21 minerals and salts. Lying afloat in the Dead Sea salt water, which is in another warm room, is supposed to relieve joint pain, calm nerves, modulate heart rate and relax neck muscles. But if neither of these experiences tickle your fancy, then perhaps a full body massage would.

A bespoke experience called sushupati (dreamless sleep), begins with a peculiar albeit tasty beverage – tea made from jaggery, Tulsi leaves and lemon – meant to exfoliate your skin. What comes next is a steam shower followed by two types of experiential showers, "to connect you with the naturistic elements at the spa". When I first switched on the tropical shower, it began with a red light that left me startled at first. But its hot water has a surprisingly soothing effect. I'm told this shower also has different 'seasonal' settings such as rain, spring and winter. The red, hot, tropical shower gently transforms into the blue mist shower, which commences with a blue light and effuses mist, which further relaxes the senses. Both showers last for two minutes each and switch off automatically. After patting myself dry, the masseuse washes my feet in a bowl of warm water. I then lie down to be soaked in spices.

This next part almost resembles the mummification process of ancient Egypt and can get very messy. It comprises of 22 different herbs, green gram, clay, honey, fresh cream and rose water, which is gently massaged into the skin. The mixture is first applied to the back and then to every inch of your limbs, leaving the face area or any other part as per your consent. The head massage begins shortly after with a hair oil that is a mix of amla, neem and jatamansi herb, which emanates a strong fragrance, almost resembling eucalyptus. After glazing the entire body in a green paste, the massage therapist swaddles you tightly and leaves you to drift off with mellow tunes playing in the background.

A wink of an eye later, the masseuse returns carrying a golden pail of milk with rose petals and rose essence. The herb mix is washed out with milk so as to moisturise the skin and the floral, spices and dairy blend leaves you smelling delicious. The air-conditioned room now feels slightly cooler than before, but the heat emanating from the massage bed is enough to keep you warm. Another round of full body massage begins with a 'relaxation blend' oil, while the face is now massaged with a jasmine oil. As the massage progresses, hot water packs are rotated all over the body.

Those with desk jobs might find the back and neck massage a little uncomfortable on account of muscle knots, but the pressure on the affected areas can be moderated by the therapist.

Overall, the fragrant oils made me drift off into a light sleep. After the massage, I'm ushered into the lounge where the exfoliating tea awaits alongside freshly cut fruit. The entire experience left me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated from head to toe, despite the semi-straightened out knots at the end.

Luxourious experiences

Although services of the JIVA spa remain open to the in-house guests at Taj Mahal Palace, non-guests can avail them with an annual membership of Rs 1,50,000 plus taxes for singles and Rs 2,25,000 for couples. All memberships are for guests of 18 years and over. Membership is not allowed for walk in guests

Prices of few of the signature treatments are as below:

The 90 min hammam bath is for Rs 9,300 + taxes Dead Sea Soak is for 75 mins and priced at Rs 7750 + taxes Dreamless sleep lasts for 120 mins and priced at Rs 12000 + taxes