The Wind Flower Spa and resort, is nestled in the arms of the majestic, tree covered, Chamundi Hills in Mysore, just 140km from Bangalore, India. As the cab swings into the resort, the first thing that hits you is the imposing lobby and the well kept grounds.We had decided to take a romantic two day break at the Wind Flower,Mysore, with its sprawling, manicured grounds.

The 39 rooms are well appointed and look out, at what is called a ‘mirror pool’. Nothing can calm the mind, like the presence of a water body. Wind Flower has captured that aspect, by this shallow mirror pool built along the length of the 39 rooms. Sit out on comfortable push back chairs, early in the morning, sipping your coffee and watching the little tits flit in and out of the hibiscus hedges. Or watch Mr. and Mrs. Wag Tail, strutting their stuff down the edge of the mirror pool, with their striking black and white plumage. The soft cooing of the turtle dove from the overhead trees, or even the chirpy whistles of the red headed Bul Bul, flashing between branches, is all part of the early morning serenade at Wind Flower. But take my advice and order a cup of coffee rather than tea here. That’s when you are sure, you are very much in the lap of coffee country. Soon a lethargy creeps over you, and the peacefulness of the morning steals over your senses, lulling you into a peaceful snooze.

The rooms at Wind Flower are well appointed, with a huge four poster bed dominating. What’s nice is, there is plenty of cupboard space to stack away clothes and the room is large enough without getting in one another’s way. There’s TV for those who are TV addicts, or you can do your Sudoku, sprawled on the window alcove, munching on the complimentary fruit basket. But the best part of all for me was the separate toilet area and the shower area. Two people can use the toilet or shower quite comfortably, without intruding on one another’s privacy. The rear of the room opens out into a garden area, with an exotic shower which is open to the sky. It’s fun really to shower, with humming birds darting in and out of the hot pink bougainvillea, in the little enclosed garden around you!

Once the sun begins to set, chess buffs come into their own, at the Wind Flower. There is a ‘live’ open air chessboard, like in the days of the Maharajas, built alongside the mirror pool. It is not unusual to see a pair of opponents, battling it out in silence, heads bent in concentration, trying to outwit one another. Interested spectators too participate by sitting, watching on the lawns alongside, taking in the silent joust, probably making their own moves in their minds!

But, don’t ever make the mistake of going away without indulging at ‘Emerge,’ the Spa at Wind Flower. The Spa Director – Vinita Rashinkar, is a pro at the concept of wellness and can advise you to take the perfect massage, to suit your needs. Emerge from a one hour massage and shower, with trained masseurs, ready to take on the world again. I took a Chocolate Indulgence massage being a chocoholic and of course the effects of chocolate on the mind and heart are legendary."Ayurveda is popular with visitors from abroad who come especially for the Abhyanga Sweda, which is the ultimate full body massage, done by two therapists working in tandem, removing the kinks in your body," reveals Vinita. Whatever your choice, do indulge in this mélange of pleasure and wellness.

And don't forget to try out the romantic swimming pool with its large faux waterfall. Perfect to end a romantic evening under the stars!

For details contact:
Wind Flower Spa and Resort: Maharanapratap Road, Nazarbad, Mysore: 570 010, Karnataka, India.
Tel: + 91- 0821-2522500, FAX: +91-0821 2522400.
email: roomsdivision@thewindflower.com.
Website: www.thewindflower.com