"Ananda in the Himalayas" - just the evocation of the name fills you with a sense of well-being. ""Ananda in the Himalayas" is a luxury destination spa at the foot of the Himalayas in a extremely picturesque region, the cradle of ancient Indian arts such as yoga, meditation and ayurveda".  This is how Colin Hall, Corporate Head of Spa Operations IHHR (owners of Ananda in The Himalayas), describes this fabulous site at the other end of the world, Achieved the “Number One Destination Spa” title in the world, 2005, 06, 07 Conde Naste Travellers awards..

A precursor in spas in India, Ananda in the Himalayas is the torchbearer of a current that continues to grow. Colin Hall is the architect of that success. He participated in the SPAMEETING in Dubai and planning several building and renovation projects. He enlightens us on the prospects in India and also helps us (re)discover this exceptional spa getaway that nestles at the feet of the roof of the world.

• What is your opinion of the spa market in India?

Colin Hall : When we started 'Ananda in the Himalayas' in India, it was the first ever time that India got a taste of a Destination Spa.

Even though it was patronised primarily by overseas guests for the longest time, it did help introduce the concept of spas in the mindset of people in the country.

The  Indian wellness and spa industry is now emerging as an organized sector as there has been a lot of development over the past three to four years,. With a constant rise in the number of “spa goers” within the country, the concept of wellness in India is expanding fast.The market size of spas in India is approximately 384 million USD,with an estimated growth rate of 20 to 40 per cent.The Indian spa industry though is still in the infancy stage,but definitely has got on to a decent start. Compared to other nations like U.K and USA ,where the spa industry has matured, the Indian spa industry is catching up fast despite it’s share of challenges.

Among the global trends, one sees that spa concepts from the East continue to gain a lot of popularity. More and more spas are tapping into the goodness of the ageold wisdom and concept of wellness.

• What is the position of ANANDA SPA IN THE HIMALAYAS in relation to that?

Colin Hall : 'Ananda in the Himalayas' is the pioneer of the Spa industry in India.

Ananda-In the Himalayas is a luxury destination spa resort located in the picturesque foothills of the Himalayas, the birthplace of India’s ancient arts of yoga, meditation and Ayurveda.

Ananda is a retreat dedicated to restoring balance and harmonising energy, through a holistic approach, incorporating the healing principles of the East and the West with a specific focus on Ayurveda and Aromatherapy, along with contemporary spa technology.  At the heart of the wellness focus, is the integration of Yoga and Ayurveda philosophies along with purifying whole body therapies, while incorporating the five elements of Nature, thus creating harmony between the mind, body and spirit.

At Ananda, guests don't just come to get pampered but come with more serious health goals too. They take back a holistic lifestyle that goes beyond the physical alone.

From the worldclass spa, to the cuisine, Yoga and Ayurveda, Ananda has a unique position globally, ofering the best of the East and the West.

• What type of project are you working now?

Colin Hall : Rennovation of Ananda in the Himalayas, Opening of an eight roomed hotel spa at Ista Ahmedabad, both in India as well as various upgrades in relation to spa equipment for Ista Hyderabad, Ananda Spa Institute, Ista Amritsar, Ista Pune and Ista Bangalore.

• Compared to your expectations, what recommendations / advice would you give to suppliers of spa?

Colin Hall : Keep your prices affordable and realistic, your quality the best, your designs cutting edge and your service the best in the industry.

• What do you expect the appointment Spameeting Dubai ?

Colin Hall : Meeting suppliers of products and equipment gives both a chance to interact and learn more about each other in terms of requirments , needs, budgets and if both can come together to strike a deal which will suit both parties. Meeting face to face is invaluable.

Interviewed by Kristel Milet

SPAMEETING DUBAI

17 & 18 october 2011

Park Hyatt Hotel

CLARINS – Official Gold Sponsor of SPAMEETING DUBAI

SPADUNYA – Official Silver Sponsor of SPAMEETING DUBAI

SPAMEETING ISTANBUL

5 & 6 december 2011

NATURA BISSE – Official Sponsor of SPAMEETING ISTANBUL

www.spameeting.com