A corner written by Yumiko Itakura, a travel and spa journalist who covers hotel spas around the world and continues to experience the roots of health and beauty in each region.
 
Each month, we focus on one region and unravel the “grandma's bag of wisdom”-like wellness methods rooted in that region from spa rituals, treatments, cultural experiences, and more.
Why don't you travel the world together while exploring the local health methods?

This time, it is "Taj Falaknuma Palace" in Hyderabad, India.

A magnificent palace hotel that captures the essence of imperial life 

Hyderabad, located in the central-southern part of India, on the Deccan Plateau, has gone through the rule of the Mughal Empire and the glorious times of the Hyderabad feudal kingdom, and is now the capital of the state of Telangana.
The rulers (nizams) of the long-lasting feudal kingdoms were Muslims for generations, so even now the city is filled with the scent of Islam, and in India, where there are many Hindus, it maintains its own culture.

"Falaknuma Palace", which is located on a hill of about 600m from the city center, on a land of about 130,000 m2, is called "Mirror of the Sky", the 6th generation of the millionaire Nizam. It was the residence of Mahboob Ali Khan.
After that, it was also used as a royal guest house, and there are records that George V and the last Russian emperor Nicholas II stayed here.

India's prestigious hotel group "Taj" has spent more than 10 years undergoing detailed restoration, faithfully reproducing the traditional beauty and brilliance. In 2010, it was reborn as an ultra-luxury hotel.
The building is a fusion of Italian and Tudor styles and is brimming with art and heritage.

Care for roses that the queens worshiped

Speaking of India, Ayurveda immediately comes to mind, but the royal family of Hyderabad, which has its own unique culture, had a fascinating treatment handed down to beautiful queens.
At the spa of this hotel, you can experience the treatment "Nawab-e-Curse" inspired by the secret method.
It is a natural therapy using plants and spices that have been used by women in Hyderabad since ancient times to keep their skin beautiful.



​The treatment begins with a graceful foot bath with floating rose petals.
Followed by a full body scrub made with almonds, vetiver, rose petals and saffron.
A slow, gentle touch removes skin impurities, leaving skin brighter and feeling deeply relaxed and radiant.
A light facial scrub is also performed at the same time.
After that, experience a full body oil massage with a relaxing and gentle touch.
Finally, a rose drink that is said to have a whitening effect is served.



After the treatment, you should be able to feel a rejuvenated impression with clear and firm skin.
In addition, as an excellent experience unique to India, the private yoga lesson (90 minutes) called "Balanced" is also popular, so we recommend that you experience it during your stay.

summary

Overlooking Hyderabad, the terrace Gol Bungalow is always immersed in an atmosphere of peace. Every evening, the traditional Islamic performance of Sufi Qawwali, which is a form of love and devotion to God, is performed here.
While watching, you will be enveloped in the healing and purifying atmosphere that the royal family must have felt, and you will feel a sense of peace.



During this season, when the sun sets earlier and earlier, you feel cold and lack energy, and you tend to be reluctant to do anything.
Readers, why don't you consciously incorporate time to enjoy treatments, yoga, music, etc. that can give you a sense of euphoria and recharge your energy?

 
Taj Falaknuma Palace
Taj Falaknuma Palace
℡＋91-40-6629-8585
Spa: Nawab-e Kaas 12,500 INR for 150 minutes, Balanced (Yoga) 1,800 INR for 90 minutes (tax and service charge not included)
Taj Falakunuma Palace,Engine Bowli,Hyderabad-500053
Access: About 35-45 minutes by car from Hyderabad Raneve Gandhi International Airport.
https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/taj-falaknuma-palace-hyderabad/

rate
1 INR ≒ 1.78 yen (as of late October 2022)

Travel & Spa Journalist
Yumiko ItakuraYumiko Itakura
After working as an editor for magazines such as 25ans, he assumed his current position. Traveling the world, proposing and writing travel plans that appeal to the five senses in various media, with themes of healing, health, food, and culture that live in the land. He also speaks at international government organizations, tourism bureaus, and corporate seminars. Also known as an Italian lover, he composes and writes "Italian Mamma's Recipe" (published by Sekai Bunka Publishing).
 
Photos: Yumiko Itakura