Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Himalayan mountain range, casting a careful eye over the sacred Ganges River and embraced by acres of Sal trees, rests one of the best destination spas in the world. Its recent honours including ‘Best Overseas Spa Retreat’ and the ‘No.1 of the Top 25 Spas in the World’ in the Conde Naste Traveller, 2005 Reader’s Awards are the most prestigious so far in its short history punctuated with accolades and global recognition from international fashion, health and lifestyle muses including Harpers & Queen and Tatler.
The success of any project is ultimately dependent on the management team. However, the key ingredient to any successful project is of course the vision and the design team who translate the client’s vision into carefully crafted spaces and experiences.
In the case of Ananda (in the Himalayas), the success can be attributed to the collective genius of Ashok Khanna (the man at the helm of IHHR Hospitality Pvt Ltd) and one of the best-known names in the international world of hotel and interior design, with experience of designing over 80 hotels across the world and a graduate of the Academy of Architecture (India), Chandu Chhada.
Propelled by the impetus on health and rejuvenation in the world towards the end of the last millennium, Khanna embarked on a mission to locate the ideal setting for the spa – one that would exude a serene ambiance. After much research, he discovered a site befitting his vision near the holy town of Rishikesh, the Palace of the Maharaja at Narendra Nagar, Tehri-Garwhal. Interestingly, creating a spa in an ideal location such as the one painted by Ashok was also a vision shared by Chandu Chhada. The architecture that followed embodies the symbiosis between the client and designer, man and nature, hierarchy and vulnerability.
MASTER PLAN
The unique topography of the location and its general environs inspired and imposed several limitations, resulting in architecture that gracefully commands its location with a sense of maturity experienced by many through the carefully aligned vistas across the site. An added attraction to the location was the original palace of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal with its own personal style. Drawing heavily from the Moorish architectural style, the palace structure is complete with columns from the Italian Renaissance period coupled with Gujarati/Rajasthani jharokhas.
Sprawled across 100 acres of land (approx. 405,000 sq. metres), the organisation of buildings and external spaces is both enchanting and exhilarating. Connecting pathways meander through the woods where thick lush greenery unfolds dramatic views of the Valley of Rishikesh and the Ganges River flowing into its centre. Most of the original plantation on site was preserved; no trees were uprooted and additional planting and new courtyards help to further protect these areas of natural beauty.
A palatial gateway provides access into the site from the palace grounds and a view of the regal façade. Entry into the grounds covering 30 acres (approx. 122,000 sq. metres) for petrol/diesel driven vehicles is limited. Internal circulation in encouraged through the carefully designed pedestrian foot paths supported by electrically-powered golf carts.
The building mass is broken down into four main sections: the entrance and reception at the Palace, the sports and spa complex coupled with an amphitheatre (for entertainment, concerts of classical music and chanting of mantras), lounge and restaurant, and the guest residences.
Text:Chandu Chhada,Chhada, Siembieda & Associates; images: Ananda-In the Himalayas
READ COMPLETE ARTICLE
|
