Ayurveda & Kerala

I studied Ayurvedic medicine at Regents College London in 2000/01 and thought I really must go to the heart of Ayurveda and experience treatment there.
This was way before the many package trips were available but had been recommended a resort 'Coconut Lagoon' by a client. I thought the name was a bit naff but it really was an old coconut grove on a lagoon.
We stayed in individual fishermans huts that had been converted to guest rooms. The bathrooms were outside which was lovely to shower under the trees.
We had a consultation with a doctor who went into great detail of our lifestyles. As we had no medical condition we were given a course of rejuvenation, daily treatments for 7 days, yoga and diet to suit our dosha. I'm vata/pitta and my friend kapha/pitta.
Dosha translate as your faults. This isn't as negative as it sounds but helps you to understand your potential imbalance.
Vata = air & space. Pitta = fire & water. Kapha = earth & water.
I had to study Sanskrit on my course and found this very helpful in Kerala.
A day on a house boat is a must. So totally relaxing going down the backwaters. I personally wouldn't do an overnight again as there were too many insects for comfort!
Most definitely on my list to go back in the next few years and have rejuvenation again. I would look at the tourism web site to find some traditional resorts rather one that has become too westernised.
www.keralatourism.org

Fujiya-Ginzan Japan

We chose to go to Japan for the month of May to see the cherry blossom. Although we did about 4 destinations it was so easy to get around as the train services are so puntual and fast.
One of our chosen destinations was Fujija-Ginzan, Yamagata in the north. We chose this hotel as it had many reviews on its architecture. As you can see it is quite special.
The Japanese hot spring bath is quite a ritual. We would just get into a bath at home but in Japan you shower and scrub beforehand so you have a clean body to enjoy the bath. Makes sense really.
Most baths are 1 sex but you can book them privately and be with your partner.
We found the food quite difficult once we were out of Tokyo but was certainly an enlightening experience of the Japanese culture.
www.fujiya-ginzan.com

Delhi & Ladakh India

On my travels to India I do like to start and finish in a world class hotel and spa.If I'm going through Delhi then I always stay at The Oberoi. Its been revamped over the last few years and has an amazing spa. Of course Banyan Tree therapists! The indoor pool, I thought was just a water feature until I saw people in it, is gorgeous.
The outdoor pool is great also and some very good restaurants. Not to be missed is Sunday lunch. A fixed price with champagne on tap. Naturally I try and link a Sunday in!
I'll be staying again in November and so will get some more pictures.
Oberoi Hotels Delhi

After relaxing in Delhi we took a flight up to Leh, Ladakh to start the most amazing camping/trekking journey I have ever done. For myself and a friend we had 9 horses, 2horsemen, a cook, a guide and 2 helpers. We had booked it independently and it was unbelievably cheap!
Ladakh is only accessable for a few months of the year before it gets completely snowed in. It's known as Little Tibet as borders China and Pakistan.
The company Rimo Expeditions could not have looked after us better. this was 2 years ago and I'm going back to them in November for a trek in darjeeling.
Rimo Expeditions