PERCHING PRETTY | Jacqualine Tara Herron, director of The Imperial Spa and Salon, poses amidst the serene beauty of the exquisitely designed interiors of the spa
PERCHING PRETTY | Jacqualine Tara Herron, director of The Imperial Spa and Salon, poses amidst the serene beauty of the exquisitely designed interiors of the spa

More than just a luxury hotel, The Imperial is a destination in itself, acknowledged for its exemplary art deco architecture, historic collection of artworks, impeccable service and unconventional appearance. Taking the tradition further is The Imperial Spa and Salon, a world of ultimate relaxation and sublime opulence. One of the largest city spas in India for The Imperial launched in December 2010, it has been honoured with multiple awards since its inception, including the Global Award Winner 2015 Best Luxury Wellness Retreat India and Best Spa Interiors by GeoSpa asiaSpa India Awards 2015 & 2014. Nestling amidst the landscaped gardens of one of the Asia’s finest luxury hotels, The Imperial Spa evokes a feeling of spiritual harmony, at the very outset. Intricate architecture highlighting the influences of Mughal traditions and Indian motifs embedded beautifully in different spaces adorn the expansive spa, creating an aesthetic space meant for the rejuvenation of mind, body and soul. The philosophy of The Imperial Spa is founded in a living awareness of the value of wellness through a healing touch, a nurturing environment, cleansing, yoga, signature holistic massages, peace and deep relaxation as essential elements in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

WINING WELCOME | A reception as beautiful as this augurs well for the indulgences to follow at The Imperial Spa
WINING WELCOME | A reception as beautiful as this augurs well for the indulgences to follow at The Imperial Spa

The reception, all white marble with intricate motifs, Moroccan style braziers and a cosy sitting area, is surrounded by nine Sufi themed treatment rooms for international and signature therapies, including the luxurious private couples’ therapy abode- Moghul suite – and Kerala Suite for traditional Ayurvedic therapies. The Imperial spa is a perfect abode to indulge in spa therapies designed with signature oils from its own SUFI signature blends and administered by highly-trained, hand-picked therapists. Hydro Therapy areas and changing rooms with spacious vanity areas, ensure privacy and leisurely indulgence. The traditional Ayurvedic rituals on offer are also accompanied by an in-house Ayurvedic doctor’s consultation and spa cuisine which adds to the presence of premium Spanish skin care brand, Natura Bisse, and SUFI skin care range, all offered in a pristine environment housed in breath-taking architecture. As Ms. Jacqualine Tara Herron, Director of The Imperial Spa, Salon & Health and Racquet Club, aptly sums it up, “Our team of caring spa professionals are here to make your journey through the Imperial Spa a meaningful and heartfelt experience that will plant seeds of positivity and wellness enriching your life onwards”.

MUGHAL MYSTICA | The Moghul Suite is a royal refuge for couples who want to soak in some exclusive treatments
MUGHAL MYSTICA | The Moghul Suite is a royal refuge for couples who want to soak in some exclusive treatments

As we take a deep dive into the regalia that is the spa, we talked to the spa director, Jacqualine Tara Herron, a seasoned wellness professional with over two decades of experience, who spearheaded the 16000 sq ft Imperial Spa project from concept to launch in 2010, staying on till 2014. After a two and half year stint developing a wellness retreat In China, J Tara Herron has re-joined The Imperial as Director of The Imperial Spa, Salon, Health & Racquet Club and is all set to take on new challenges of the luxury wellness in the hospitality industry. While this is where she currently is at,  Tara’s career in wellness and spa began years ago in the UK & USA as a yoga/meditation teacher, aromatherapist and stress consultant. In 1990 she founded ‘Yogic Solutions’ seeing clients and operating an accredited body/mind training school. She has since collaborated on the conceptual and creative formation of global spa developments which brought her to India as she worked on prestige projects like One and Only, Taj Exotica, The Royal Crescent, Tor Spa Retreat, Octave Living and The Imperial New Delhi. Here are excerpts from our chat with her, where she talks about her love for Sufism, India, latest beauty innovations and some must-dos for optimal living.

The Luxe Café: From your sojourns in the West, travelling around, teaching Yoga, and finding Yogic Solutions, how did India come to figure in your scheme of things?
I was always interested in spirituality and further got into learning yoga, astrology, ayurveda and holistic healing while travelling far and wide, leaning towards Eastern influences and Sufi mysticism, living in a monastery in Maui, and taking up courses in healing arts along the way. After about ten years in the US, I came back to England and registered for a degree in aromatics and healing at Warwick. While not much for pre-planning, my interests carried me along and I also set up the Evolved Healing Arts school in Bath where I taught holistic living courses, and went on to developing the Yogic Solutions brand of products. A meeting with Rosamond Freeman-Attwood, who developed the Aman Spa, brought me to work with Taj Exotica and that was the start of my travels to India. While I was engaged in spa consultancies and developing product lines, trainings et al, I was referred for the role of Spa Director at The Imperial and as things came together, I found myself working on developing this beautiful spa project where I stayed on for the next four years following the launch and where I am at now, having come a full circle, as it were.

AYURVEDIC ABODE | With traditional therapies being offered by in-house trained therapists, the Kerala suite provides the perfect ambience for receiving the treatments
AYURVEDIC ABODE | With traditional therapies being offered by in-house trained therapists, the Kerala suite provides the perfect ambience for receiving the treatments

What are the elements essential to setting up a spa and what are the challenges that one has to face in the process?
If you are building something from scratch, it is not only about procuring the material but paying attention to how that material fits into the larger theme and design to create a memorable visual experience. While I had always wanted to create a Sufi-inspired spa, and my own design experience, having designed my own outfits and a product line, went some way, I was convinced all the more about the Imperial Spa project when I saw the tiles embossed with Mughal motifs. Operational instinct came together with design instinct as the space came to life, bracing in its aesthetic scape and authentic in its ode to the theme, where each piece and part was specifically sourced – from the antique tapestries with Mughal art, the Moroccan style lamps, the Sufi poetry engraved on the tiles, to the in-house product range named Sufi. Spa is a stylish business and spas need to impress with visual grace, as what comes foremost is to create the ambience even as the treatments and massages come after. Another critical element is preparing for a team of trained therapists who are aligned with your vision so that there is a set standard that one can replicate and keep refining. The creative license that I had when I started work on The Imperial Spa was crucial to my scheme of things as I worked to optimise on a collective vision, which you sense as you step into the spa, which for me is the labour of my love.

SERENE SPLENDOUR | This relaxation area at the spa is kitted out with details which make it aesthetically pleasing and also perfect to lounge in
SERENE SPLENDOUR | This relaxation area at the spa is kitted out with details which make it aesthetically pleasing and also perfect to lounge in

Where do you see the beauty and wellness industry heading towards? What are the latest innovations in treatments and therapies that one should look out for?
To begin, I believe in wellness coming together with aesthetics to combine for a holistic, targeted treatment. I am very enthused about non-invasive procedures which are a meeting ground of hi-tech innovations and wellness rituals. One in particular is the high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) which can be used for face sculpting and requires a medispa atmosphere. As we look forward, we will find the indigenous techniques coming together with scientific techniques, symbolising a mix of the old and new. The changes that I see happening point towards a fusion of salon beauty treatments, anti-ageing tech, which are then finding space within the wellness industry which is riding high on a general awareness of toxins on everyday environments and advanced ways of battling the aftereffects. So, one can witness the surge in medispas which incorporate treatments such as colonic irrigation, vitamin drips and other focused detox therapies which are then paving the way ahead as spas start to address physical as well psychological concerns, working on the inside out.

LOVE AND LIGHT | Experience the warmth of the Jacuzzi at the spa which is ensconced in this intricately designed chamber
LOVE AND LIGHT | Experience the warmth of the Jacuzzi at the spa which is ensconced in this intricately designed chamber

What are some of the signature spa treatments at The Imperial Spa and what are some of the upcoming additions to the spa menu?
Spas offer one an escape to a different world where there’s something meaningful awaiting them, in terms of reconnecting with one’s body and spirit. At The Imperial Spa, there’s a whole host of therapies and treatments on offer. But a quick guide to some our best will include the anti-ageing skincare treatments like Diamond DNA, using intensive serums and algae masks, and the Timeless Age treatment which is very hydrating for mature skin. When it comes to body treatments, there’s the signature massage ritual using our Sufi range of oils and there’s the 91 minute indulgent Imperial Death combining different techniques like Swedish, deep tissue, energy balancing and reflexology which I developed an all-in-one aligning mind, body and spirit. As spas are all about preventive therapy, massages top the list of such therapies. We also offer time tested ayurvedic rituals like the shirodhara which is done in our specially designed Kerala suite. In the new spa menu, about to be unveiled soon, I have am incorporating other ayurvedic treatments such as a tridosha facia using pure herbal ingredients, a ritual only for hands and feets, another based on the four hands abhyanga, and a lymphatic drainage ritual. This will be accompanied by the launch of our specially developed product line including Himalayan hot soaks using Himalayan salts.

WHITE PERFECT | A sight for the sore eyes, The Imperial Spa make for the perfect escape for the city dwellers who want some holistic me time
WHITE PERFECT | A sight for the sore eyes, The Imperial Spa make for the perfect escape for the city dwellers who want some holistic me time

What are your tips for making the most of spa visits? Which is your favourite spa outside India?
The secret of getting the best spa experience starts with getting an expert trained therapist, so ask and enquire before you book. During the therapy, knowing the pressure you like and telling that to the spa therapist is important. You will realise that doing light massage is as artful a technique as doing a deep massage. Also, it is advised that you have a shower before a massage as the oils works well and if possible, you should keep the oils on for few hours post massage as it seeps in. And remember to relax after a massage as enhances the after effects. My one favourite spa haunt is this luxury health resort called Kamalaya in Koh Samui, Thailand.

Would you want to share some tips and tricks with our woman readers looking for expert advice?
I have always followed these rules and advise others to do so as well-

  • Dress fab as you want to feel
  • Cleanse and moisturise your skin at night for sure
  • Exfoliate at night which is better
  • When you wake up freshen up with a flower water and put on at least 30 Spf
  • Also, to maintain a fit figure, yoga is best as it maintains a feminine shape and addresses all parts of the body.
bottled atlantic

Irish brand ‘Atlantic Rain’ is all set to bring you, quite literally, the streams from heaven to quench your thirst. Bottled rainwater from the country is the brand’s latest offering and they’d be the frontrunners in this segment. In Ireland, Atlantic fronts bring in up to 60 inches of rain each year to the island’s west. The rain clouds do not cross over any land mass before hitting Ireland, therby ensuring that the rainwater is relatively clean. Atlantic Rain bottled drinking water will have its source in this abundant and clean rainwater, bringing a premium Irish product with an edge over other bottled water brands. The brand intends to utilise its unique water collection system, wherein rain water does not come in contact with the ground, and no ground pollutants are absorbed into it. The brand plans to market its premium product in sparkling as well as still versions in 250 ML and 750 ML glass bottles. So, ready for a sip of fresh rainwater—direct from the Irish skies?

history museum

London’s Natural History Museum will soon have a slew of a new features, carried out by architects at Niall McLaughlin Architects and landscapers Kim Wilkie. With the planning permission granted this year, the museum is currently in the fundraising stage and aims to complete the project by 2020. The introductions will enhance the museum’s access, grounds and wildlife garden starting with the entrance, the Square, stretching onto the Eastern Grounds. The Eastern Grounds will feature a new bronze cast of a diplodocus as well as a geological timeline of the Earth’s evolution complete with intricate landscaping. The bronze cast is not the same as the ‘Dippy the Diplodocus’ signature that currently sits in the Museum’s central hall — it will leave the museum in 2017 to go on a UK tour in 2018. The Western Grounds will see the Wildlife Garden double in size and three quarters of its current iteration set amidst the urban greenery. While London’s Museum of Natural History opened its doors to the public in April 1881, its origins run back a century prior to that.

hennessey velociraptor

Hennessey Performance Engineering, located in Texas, does the work of modifying and tuning fine automobiles. And this time they’ve gone ahead and modified Ford’s new 2017 Raptor off-road pickup, adding an extra axle to make the VelociRaptor: a 6×6 mean vehicle with upgraded Fox suspension.  Add on 6 20″ off road tires, new bumpers and a rollbar with a modified aluminum bed and it is ready for the performance upgrade. Priced at $295,000 upwards, The Hennessey VelociRaptor 6×6 Truck pushes the 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 from a stock 450 horsepower to a massive 600 horses by upgrading to twin turbochargers, stainless steel exhaust modifications, and front mounted air to air intercooler.  With the intention of pushing Mercedes’ G63 AMG 6X6 from the top spot in aggressive off road 6×6’s, Hennessey’s is flexing all its automotive muscles!

the white desert

The White Desert hotel in Antarctica which has played host to the likes of Prince Harry and Bear Gryllis, is celebrating its 10th anniversary by undergoing a complete overhaul to add to the already long list of creature comforts provided in the middle of nowhere: heated domes, fur throw blankets, gourmet meals and once-in-a-lifetime encounters with Emperor penguins. The heated dome pods shelter guests from the bitter cold (it is a balmy 15 °C, maximum), sleep them in plush double beds, and serve up gourmet meals prepared by a professional chef who cooks for a Formula 1 team when she’s not in the Antarctic. Dining chairs are warmed by fur throws, beds are backed by decorative fabric and bamboo headboards, floors are hardwood, and amenities such as hot showers, sustainable toiletries and writing desks are all there. Items for the refurbishment were flown in from Cape Town but what is more impressive is what they fly out of Antarctica, to keep the place pristine. The White Desert hotel claims to have zero impact on the environment there, keeping all structures temporary and literally whisking away waste of all sorts (including human waste)— flying it out of the continent. Most of the power to keep things running here is from renewable sources and the company is an accredited CarbonNeutral venture. The hotel is set to reopen with its new look in November. Due to harsh weather conditions, it is only open for two months, November and December, with seven to 11-night itineraries cost a steep $71,500.

lord shiva

We at The Luxe Café got you up close with Rosa Lladro when the brand launched the porcelain statue of goddess Saraswati, having launched their India collection much earlier in 2002. Well, the Spanish brand’s India collection now has another heavenly addition to it: the Porcelain image of Lord Shiva. Lladró is one of the leading names in the world of high porcelain. Limited to 720 pieces, the statue portrays Lord Shiva wearing a string of Rudraksha beads, holding a gilded Trishul and a wooden dumroo and seated on a base with a ‘lingam’ painted with real gold lustre. Along with this masterpiece for 2016, by mid-2017 Lladró intends to launch a porcelain retrospective of the Gita Saar, a significant part of the Bhagavad Gita. Raul Rubio, the sculptor who earlier created the porcelain figurines of Ganesha and Ram Sita, came to India, in 2012, on a four-city tour of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru. As part of this tour, he visited the temples of Radha Krishna and Ram Sita situated in Mathura and Vrindavan, to draw inspiration for his sculptures. Sculptors at Lladró also refer to mythological books and browse the Internet to perfect the designs of the deities, along with taking help from priests and astrologers to ensure perfection.

dlf emporio

DLF Emporio has just launched the 9th edition of its annual property, the Luxury Shopping Festival from 1st October till 27th October 2016. The festival is an exclusive window into the upcoming season of festivities with patrons getting the opportunity to win luxurious designer gifts, holiday packages and a lot more. In addition to exhibiting some of the most coveted creations in luxury lifestyle, the festival offers shoppers the chance to participate in daily, weekly and mega lucky draws on a minimum shopping of INR 20000 and win designer gifts and International holiday packages. The mega lucky draw winner of the Luxury Shopping Festival will win an exquisitely crafted necklace from The House of Rose. The highest spender of each week of the festival will win fabulous holiday packages to Dubai, Cape Town, Bahamas, Maldives courtesy, One&Only Resorts. Dinaz Madhukar, Senior Vice President, DLF Luxury Retail and Hospitality said, “We are delighted to host the 9th edition of the Luxury Shopping Festival at DLF Emporio, which also marks the start of the festive season. We look forward to celebrating with our guests and providing them the opportunity to win luxury gifts.” The Luxury Shopping Festival 2016 will also showcase an exclusive pop-up store by the winners of DLF Emporio Design Awards 2015-16 and exhibit their collection for two weeks at DLF Emporio.

giglio shoe range

Italian fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo has launched a made-to-order program for its men’s Giglio shoe range. Ferragamo announced the bespoke service in early summer, and launched the tramezza.ferragamo.com Web site on Oct. 5. The program will allow consumers to customize Ferragamo’s footwear styles based on personal tastes and includes the Oxford, Monkstrap and Monkstrap Boot styles. Options for customization include material, color, buckle finish and the option to personalize the sole with lettering. Consumers can begin the customization process either in-store or online, by accessing a design configurator that recreates the in-store customization experience. The finished pair of bespoke shoes will be presented in Ferragamo’s signature red shoebox, which would be designed to resemble a small personalized trunk.

henrik fisker

Henrik Fisker is all set to revive Fisker Automotive by introducing an all-new premium electric car, to be unveiled sometime in the middle of next year. With talks that it will set the new standard for range between charges, there are high expectations for the vehicle.  Said to have greater head room and leg room than other cars in production, the vehicle is also expected to be constructed using innovative materials and will incorporate revolutionary battery technology. Henrik Fisker, who will serve as Chairman and CEO of the reformed company, has claimed that the car would completely disrupt the electric vehicles market. A few years ago in 2012, the company had launched the world’s first electrically propelled luxury GT called the Fisker Karma, which used a petrol generator to recharge the battery and was a bold vision by the brand and had generated huge excitement.

mouthpiece with sgnl

Innomdle Lab, a spin off from Samsung Electronics has developed something so remarkable it looks straight from a sci-fi flick. It’s called the Sgnl Smart Strap and it lets you answer calls by just placing your finger against your ear, while your phone remains in your pocket! The strap connects with your phone or smart watch using Bluetooth technology and helps you answer calls miraculously through the BCU (Body Conduction Unit). Sound is transferred via vibration through your own body and is amplified by the ear chamber.  Studies have shown that at the average voice frequency of 2000 Hz there is very little signal loss. The Sgnl Smart Strap fits most watches and can even be used without one as a wrist strap.  The enclosed microphone is naturally right by your mouth as you hold your finger in place.  With a single hour’s charge on the micro USB you have a 7 day stand-by or 4 hours of talk time.  Priced at $140, the Sgnl strap is dust and waterproof and compatible with Android 4.4 and iOS 8 and newer operating systems.