Bijenti welcomed me into an immaculate Spa and showed me the room to change into a spa robe, slippers and disposable underpants. (They use lots of Sesame-based herbal oil for the massage.)

I was seated in the massage room while my feet were immersed in a copper bowl filled with warm water and flowers. This is a traditional Indian welcome. In the meantime, lemon grass oil for fragrance, and a eucalyptus wick to invigorate, clarify and energize me were being burned.

The massage table was heated with a thermal blanket, tinkling "new age" music in the background, and Bijenti was ready to begin.

Ayurvedic Massage consists of long, criss-cross strokes, using lots of oil. The entire body is massaged with pressure but no kneading or heavy manipulation. After the body massage, oil was applied throughout my hair, followed by a head massage and a face massage.

Seventy-five minutes later, Bijenti led me wobbling into the steam room for five minutes and then into a shower. In the shower, Bijenti took a bowl of Snan Bath Powder (have no idea what SNAN is and she couldn't tell me) which was scrubbed all over my body to remove the oil and act as a light exfoliation.

Into a clean robe to sit drinking my choice of herbal teas and cool down. Relaxed doesn't accurately describe how I felt. Money....I need lots more money...to enjoy this indulgent style of life. I'm going to search out more Banyan Tree Hotels and Spas while traveling based on this experience. I still want to experience a Shiro Abhyangam massage! Whatever it may be, something about ...calming the senses!

One day left to spend in Delhi before we fly home...