PEAKLIFE

By Shilpi Madan

Atma naman (My soul bows to your soul).

The soothing lilt of the first words uttered in greeting at the massive gates of Swastik – A Luxury Wellbeing Sanctuary – sums up the soul of the sprawling expanse that nestles in Peacock Valley, in Kudje, Pune, between the verdant hills and the gleaming Khadakwasla lake.

The sheer earthiness of this slice of Nature in her purest form makes you surrender in complete submission to a subtle, yet fulfilling, holistic experience. You are welcomed by the gushing waterfall, and the simultaneous progression into the brass urli, sounded with a gong as you look up to ring the suspended bell fills you with a sense of innate calm. The sheer vibrations course through your soul, melting down urban mental constructs, and setting the tone for a healing experience at Swastik.

Tiny, yet vital Vedic rituals compose the flow of the space and the routine at Swastik. Tiny inscriptions in copper, the auspicious chanting of mantras as you are welcomed with a tilak on the forehead, and a tulsi bracelet, in Swagat Arambh (welcome), the stunning artwork in searing colourful threads that holds court in the reception area – lit up naturally by the petal-shaped skylight, the offering to the god of fire – as Agnihotra – at the crack of dawn, through camphor and samigri in the havankund, the Shuddhi ceremony marking reverence to the elements of nature that form our constitution, the celebration of the principles of Vaastu…form a uniquely dynamic yet peaceful rhythm that runs through the design grammar, in the care extended by the warm, attentive (yet never intrusive) team, and in the quiet run of the wellness sanctuary.

There is a decided umbilical cord that knits every part of Swastik together into a quiet, natural chorus. Sukh Vihar brings in the residential aspect, with skilfully created ‘guhas’ (slightly similar to the hobbit homes in Lord of the Rings) burrowing into the womb of the hills. Cloaked with soil, and laden with foliage, each guha brings in a surreal sense of calm through its buff palette, in flow of natural light and fresh air for passive ventilation, and stunning views of the sloping greens all around. If you’re lucky, you will spot the leaping langurs at the corner, as you walk past the tendrils of the creepers with buzzing beetles and butterflies, down the stony path.

Cupped in privacy, each part of the guha brings in a sense of all-pervasive tranquility, and a quiet alcove for meditation, with a chimney-like turret moving up, and tipped with a skylight. An ode to organic architecture, by Manish Banker of Tao Architecture, who has shaped the entire property with keen detailing over the past four years. The Dhyan Vihar forms the focal point – with its snowy contours rising from the 11,000 sq feet pillarless confines (naturally ventilated), up towards the skies, as if lacing the earth in a natural communion with heaven. A jaw dropping view in the moonshine.

Back to creature comforts. There are Pashmina shawls to meet the nip in the air early morning and late night as you count the brilliant stars in the sky and trace the journey of the silvery moon through the clouds; hand picked books to thumb through, and a glorious foot massage at night to ease you off to sleep – just some of the highlights of the Swastik experience. The lavender essential oil bookending your temple leads you into Noddyland with limpid ease.

Mornings are a delightful revelation, with the gentle chants waking you up to offer salutations to the sun god. With the crisp, fresh air (that you wish you could bottle and take back to your city!) and dewy grass greeting you amidst the gurgling of water. There are enervating sessions in martial arts – I specifically loved the energising Karlakattai module with our guru; Naad yoga, cow cuddling with the Punganur four legged-friends, and spotting the dancing peacocks simply makes your little heart burst with joy.

The wind rustles through thousands of trees – the katusar, jamun and fig growth are native to the area – in each direction you look – the vantage point is the far right corner in the reception area that offers a view of the Dhyan Vihar and the sparkling lake beyond.

After a consultation with the certified practitioners of Ayurveda – as part of your Parichay kriya (diagnosis) with the doctors – your daily intake is configured (in sync with the zero caffeine routine) and the spa therapies are lined up. The Ayu Vihar – forms the wellness centre – and is shaped like a peacock feather, as an ode to the Valley. Halotherapy sessions here in the salt room bring in anti-inflammatory inhalations to cleanse your lungs of pollutants. A much-needed inclusion. The Sonorium brings in healing therapies through the progression of acoustics using plate bells, conches, chimes and other instruments tuned to specific frequencies (to allay anxiety and stress), by experts brought in from Auroville.

There is peace in acceptance and even greater peace in celebrating imperfections. The sense of minimalism, and the concept of Wabi Sabi makes it way into the Swastik complexion with skilful ease.

Foot chi emerges beautifully in the reflexology paths, laced with smooth pebbles, and water. There is fulfilment at multiple levels – from writing down your wish on a bay leaf and burning it in the havan kund, to journalling and tying your resolve with the holy mauli, to going on trekking trails, swimming in the infinity pool, hugging trees, and caressing age-old boulders.

The Anand Vihar brings in dining, both indoor and outdoor, in keeping with your dietary requirements. Chef Arjun Joshi creates a superlative menu of soulful food – spanning cassava roti, anjeer koftas to sago dumplings, carrot and beet juice, prune phirni, quinoa salads and more. Fresh, local, seasonal, and mostly organic produce that makes the rainbow dance on your plate. The vegetarian food is prepared in optimum portions and is bereft of artificial colours, preservatives, and garnishes.

Rich in energy, Swastik makes you feel as if you are hugging nature warmly. It brings in a truly transformative experience that fulfils the key dimensions of health, wealth, love, bliss, and spirituality, making you bloom in abundance. A nature-escape, a wellness resort, a holistic healing grove, Swastik fulfils in many ways.