Has work become such a bitch that you can’t take a break for a few days? Well, go the De Bono way. Think lateral, and make the most of your weekend.
Drive out of the city and into the arms of Shreyas to discover Zen-like hospitality. You are greeted with 25 acres of whispering palms, open, grassy spaces, lotus-filled water bodies, ascetic stone pillars and flowers injecting colour and fragrance into the peace and calm. The outdoor Jacuzzi and heated ozonated pool adds to the Zen-like flow of the place. You could wear the ‘Shhhhhhreyas badge’ so the staff leaves you to yourself. And you can bask in exclusivity: only 25 people can stay at the place at any given time. However, you can’t smoke, drink or watch TV, and you are expected to have your lunch in silence. There is no room service either – guests are expected to take their meals together at specific times in the dining room.
There is more – sweet coconut water, Indonesian and Thai massages, wholesome organic food, guided meditation, yoga sessions, a well-stocked library of fiction and self-help books, a DVD room, an amphitheatre and eucalyptus-scented cold towels to your face after cricket at the nets with BOLA, the professional bowling machine.
The next time you want to unlock your soul, you know where to head.
Shreyas Retreat, 45 kilometres from Bangalore. Rates: Tents/poolside cottages: Rs 10,000 (single occupancy), Rs 12,000 (double), Three-bedroom cottages: Rs 19,000, Corporate retreats: Rs 5,500 per person on a twin-sharing basis. Rates inclusive of one night’s accommodation, vegetarian meals, yoga classes, one wellness consultation and usage of all facilities. Taxes extra. Address: Santoshima Farm, Golahalli Gate, Nelamangala, Bangalore – 562-123. Phones: 98450-45250, 773-7183, 773-7102. Website: www.shreyasretreat.com.