Purpose-built as a healing sanctuary, Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa by Hilton is a five-star resort specialising in yoga, meditation, detoxification and Ayurvedic wellness experiences. The award-winning spa was recognised as the Best Wellness Spa in India in 2016 by the World Luxury Spa Awards. Compare Retreats checks into this stunning contemporary wellness destination to explore the retreats on offer.
Location
Situated on a 320-acre property in the Western Ghats, Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa is situated in the Sahyadri Mountain Range. Located approximately three hours from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and 90 minutes from Pune, the retreat is surrounded by mountains, rice fields, bamboo plantations and virgin forests, so is equally beautiful, secluded and peaceful.
Accommodation
Designed to complement the surrounding landscape, Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa is comprised of 99 luxury villas, all with private spa treatment facilities. Beautifully decorated in cool, calming tones, each air-conditioned suite features expansive lounge areas, private balconies with daybeds and forest views, big bedrooms, and luxe bathrooms replete with grand bathtubs, and indoor and outdoor rain showers.
See also: The Best Luxury Ayurvedic Retreats In India
Villas range in size from 100 square metres to 550 square metres, spanning one to three bedrooms. Along with a 24-hour butler service, premium amenities in all villas include a luxury pillow menu, ‘serenity beds’, 300 thread count sheets, plush bathrobes, designer toiletries and high-end espresso machines for those that can’t kick their coffee habit.
The retreat also has a number of ‘relaxation terraces’, yoga pavilion, outdoor pools, fitness centre, dance studio and huge spa with steam room, infrared sauna and meditation cave.
Food Programme
Shillim has three restaurants, two of which serve Indian, Italian and international cuisine, while the third is a dedicated spa restaurant. Named ‘The Green Table’, the menu is dedicated to healthy eating and reflect the retreat’s ‘naturalistic’ approach to food. Inspired by seasonal produce, ingredients are fresh, tasty and organic. Many of the fruit, veggies are herbs are home-grown in the resort gardens or on nearby farms. Standout dishes include the Steamed Guava Salad, Tomato and Green Tea Consommé, Chicken (free-range) Tagine, Beetroot Risotto and Roasted Crayfish Tail. And yes, there’s plenty of meat and seafood on the menu along with vegetarian options and fresh juices, smoothies and mocktails.
Treatment Programme
The treatment programme at Shillim revolves around its epic spa. Boasting over 150 holistic treatments including Ayurvedic therapies, naturopathy, Pranic healing, Chinese cupping, chakra cleansing, ‘Kunye’ Tibetan massage and reiki, the spa caters to the most discerning wellness travellers. A range of comprehensive wellness programmes encompasses detox, fitness, yoga, rejuvenation, stress-release, mindfulness, weight management and anti-ageing themes.
All programmes are individually customised and can be enjoyed for any length of time, from three to 28 days. Led by a team of resident holistic health professionals, qualified practitioners and yoga gurus, guests are guided back to mind-body-spirit health by various expert therapists and visiting masters. Lifestyle coaching, TRX training, Tai Chi sessions, healthy cooking classes, Pilates instruction, mountain biking, bird watching, archery, aqua aerobics, pottery lessons and nature treks are also on offer.
Results
Expect to feel… like you’ve been immersed in the lap of luxury while shedding toxins, kilos and stress. If you have money to burn, book the King Spa Pool Villa: it’s located in the retreat’s ‘spa zone’, measures 205 square metres and has a private pool, on top of the standard mod cons.
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