India will always be the Motherland to me. Even though I was born and brought up in the US, the Indian culture, traditions and heritage will always instill a certain sense of “home”. It really is the fabric of my being and I am constantly in awe as I learn more and more about the rich history and traditional customs of my homeland.

My dream of visiting an Ayurvedic retreat came true during a vacation to the beautiful state of Kerala in southern India. To be honest, I didn’t know much about the ancient traditions and concepts relating to the practice and theory of Ayurveda, but I was excited to become more knowledgeable and experience all that I could.

Beautiful Kerala, India Photo Credit: Lonely Planet

The Chopra Center defines Ayurveda as:  “More than a mere system of treating illness, Ayurveda is a science of life (Ayur = life, Veda = science or knowledge). It offers a body of wisdom designed to help people stay vital while realizing their full human potential. Providing guidelines on ideal daily and seasonal routines, diet, behavior and the proper use of our senses, Ayurveda reminds us that health is the balanced and dynamic integration between our environment, body, mind, and spirit.”

The treatments I received during my trip to Kerala included various forms of massage and acupressure with specific Ayurvedic oils aimed at creating a peaceful mind with relaxation and eliminating toxins from the body. It was definitely unique from any massage or spa treatment I had in the US and I felt a different sense of rejuvenation after the experience.  I remember thinking it would be nice to have these kind of treatment options at home in Chicago.

Fast forward to today and my wishes have come true! As it turns out, The Peninsula Spa is introducing a new line of Vedic Aromatherapy treatments called Sattva by Simply Peninsula. Sattva uses traditional techniques and benefits of Ayurveda but is combined with the added benefits of Aromatherapy and Marma techniques to provide a truly amazing experience. Created in collaboration with Subtle Energies out of Australia, Sattva treatments use rare and unique vedic essential and base oils, providing a holistic sensory experience.

The Peninsula Spa Sattva Products

I had the opportunity to try the new ‘Vedic Aromatherapy Full Body and Facial Marma Massage’ at The Peninsula Spa Chicago and I simply can not rave enough about it. Here’s the description of the treatment I received:

The treatment begins with a Vedic foot ritual, inducing calm and balance, followed by a full body Marma massage incorporating warm Vedic Aromatherapy oils, Ayurveda strokes, therapeutic and lymphatic techniques, Marma therapy to boost the immune system, strengthen muscles and joints and balance the body’s prana (chi). The Kasa bowl technique assists in drawing out toxins and excessive heat from the body, whilst the heavenly facial Marma massage enhances the anti-aging benefits of this treatment.

How unbelievable does that sound? I am here to tell you it was hands-down the BEST spa treatment I have ever had in my life. Ever.

The Peninsula Spa Chicago

I left feeling something I don’t think I have ever felt before; a true sense of feeling both relaxed and rejuvenated at the same time (and on a whole new level from what I experienced in Kerala). Is that what zen feels like? Whatever you want to call it, I was wishing I could bottle up that sensation and hold on to it forever.

Not only that, the specialty line of Sattva oils used for this experience had the most luxurious scents and are some of the highest quality oils created from products of India (such as tulasi, Indian lime and rose to name a few). The oils did more than make my skin glow and feel softer than ever; the scents truly took me on a journey back to India and had me feeling that sense of “home” again. How amazing to have that experience and nostalgia without having to travel all the way back to the Motherland?!

New Sattva Vedic Aromatherapy Offerings At The Peninsula Chicago

I just can’t say enough about how wonderful the new Sattva treatments from The Peninsula Spa are. Starting today (August 17th), you can now book any of eight wonderful Vedic Aromatherapy treatments and beginning in November 2015, you can begin purchasing the Sattva line of products too. I am really looking forward to having some of the amazing aromatherapy oils to use at home on my own.

The Peninsula Spa Sattva Shirodhara Treatment

Let me know if you try out any of the new Sattva treatments from The Peninsula Spa and what you think of them. Did you feel a true sense of rejuvenation and relaxation too? I can pretty much guarantee you will.

Please Note: I was invited by The Peninsula to experience this treatment; all opinions are my own.