And they lived healthily ever after…

The newlyweds are re-defining the concept of honeymoons. They now want to return feeling healthier, fitter and spiritually richer. Health honeymooning is all about entering the coupling phase with uplifting yoga sessions in the middle of a tropical jungle, being treated to a series of intimate couple massages and Turkish hammam and relishing gluten-free gourmet with exotic green teas. Businessman Ebrahim Chiniwala says, “To unload all the post-wedding exhaustion, we chose to unwind at a wellness retreat near Mulshi Lake. Our journey of love started with creating a tailored daily programme with our health advisor. We bonded over salsa and Bollywood dance and TRX, circuit training and ‘healthy cooking’ sessions. At the end of our 4-day retreat programme, we left feeling energised and discovering a lot more about each other.”

POST-WEDDING CLEANSE

Big, fat Indian weddings often bring along unaccounted consumption of fat-laden food, making you feel bloated. A wellness honeymoon comes to your rescue here. The food served at luxury health resorts is flavourful and appealing, sans any unhealthy ingredients like sugar, maida, table salt etc. “Since most couples visit a health retreat for complete relaxation, they don’t want to be put on a strict diet or be refused from consuming certain food groups; but at the same time, their aim is to return feeling lighter and in better shape. Hence, the trick is to serve low-calorie, organic and fresh spa food in controlled portions,” says chef Sandeep Biswas.

“People are getting married late. Most have probably been together for a while and done their bit of fly and flop holidays. Honeymoon is the perfect time to relax, detox your body and find spiritual space.” says Bob Jacobs, VP, top hotel chain.

FOCUS ON EACH OTHER

While you are continually bombarded with congratulatory messages and calls even post the wedding reception, what you are actually looking for is some precious time to connect with each other. A no-tech vacation is exactly what Dr Cupid ordered. “Health resorts ban the use of electronic devices and gadgets in public areas wanting you to unplug and swap virtual tweets with the real sound of soothing bird songs. This allows the couple to be present in the moment and enjoy the surroundings, and leaves them with a restored sense of wellness,” says Sharmilee Agrawal Kapur, pranic healer and owner of a newly-opened wellness retreat near Pune.

Most of the spa and health retreats in India and around the world are nestled in the lap of opulence and sophistication. Here, the staff will ‘kick your butt’ – and then spoil you silly. “For our honeymoon at a spa retreat, we decided to book a spacious private spa suite that comprised a private infinity pool, lawn area, gymnasium, couple spa, sauna and steam facilities, butler’s pantry, open-to-sky outdoor shower and above all, a horizon-touching gazebo for a romantic candle-light dinner. We didn’t really have to step out of the villa except for our fitness sessions which made sure we enjoyed a good amount of privacy; and this beautifully enhanced our experience as a couple,” says Chitra Shetty, marketing professional.