Stay in the pink of health, on discount

Get yourself detoxified and rejuvenated in picturesque environs at Kovalam Ashok hotel at off-season rates

by M Sarita Varma

ITDC’s Kovalam Ashok hotel is offering special off-season Ayurvedic packages from April 1, 2001, to September 30, 2001, on its Ashok Grove beach, in association with the 70-year-old Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala of Astavaidyan Taikattu Moos.

According to an ITDC spokesman, the packages being offered at the SoftTouch Auyrvedic Centre of the Kovalam Ashok include packages for rejuvenation, slimming, skin-care and for medical conditions such as arthritis and hypertension. The rates are inclusive of room rent, treatment charges and taxes.

Ashok Grove is characterised by a cluster of 40 beach cottages along the shoreline, creating a village-like ambience. The twin-bedded cottages with private sun decks combine the comforts of a resort with the charms of a traditional dwelling. The pleasures include a swimming pool, an Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy centre and a restaurant that provides tasty, wholesome vegetarian meals.

The rejuvenation treatment includes detoxification and rejuvenation of the body through herbal medicines that nourish the body tissues. The therapy, which claims to retard ageing, is recommended for those aged between 16 and 70 years.

The ITDC spokesman claims that major benefits include perfect health, prolonged life-span, better memory and IQ, youthfulness, bright complexion, greater physical endurance, strengthening of the sense organs, perfection in speech and increased sexual powers. Rates are Rs 18,000 for a week, Rs 33,000 for two weeks, and Rs 49,000 for three weeks.

Ashok Grove’s treatments for slimming include body massage with special herbal powders and internal herbal medicine. It is possible to lose around 10 kilos in three weeks, following this regimen. From the Ayurvedic perspective, losing weight is not about starving or suppressing the appetite, but about balancing your fat metabolism. Package rates are Rs 16,000 for a week, Rs 30,000 for two weeks and Rs 46,000 for three weeks.

The SoftTouch Ayurvedic Centre also offers treatments that it claims can increase vigour and virility and cure impotence and sex hormone disorders. The treatment includes special massages, detoxification and time-tested herbal formulas. Package rates are Rs 18,000 for a week, Rs 33,000 for two weeks and Rs 49,000 for three weeks.

The skin care programme is believed to work wonders for your complexion. This includes special detoxification programmes and cures for skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, scabies, vitiligo, dermatitis, folliculitis and premature hair fall. Rates are Rs 16,000 for a week, Rs 30,000 for two weeks and Rs 46,000 for three weeks.

Other healing packages at the Ashok Grove include those for ailments such as arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, spine and neck problems, headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, gynaecological problems, depression and mental stress. Rates are Rs 18,000 for a week, Rs 33,000 for two weeks and Rs 49,000 for three weeks.