Subuthi Spa at Sterling Kodai Lake and Sterling Kodai Valley has introduced Kodai Megha Sparsha, an exclusive wellness therapy inspired by the natural surroundings and cool climate of Kodaikanal. The destination-led ritual combines the aromatic freshness of Nilgiri Eucalyptus with the rich sensory appeal of cocoa to offer guests a relaxing spa experience.

Meaning ‘the gentle touch of the clouds’, Megha Sparsha draws inspiration from Kodaikanal’s mist-covered hills, lush greenery and refreshing mountain climate. The therapy brings the character of the Nilgiri hills into the spa through aromas, textures and mindful relaxation, allowing guests to experience the destination beyond its scenic beauty.

The treatment combines the invigorating aromatic notes of Nilgiri Eucalyptus with the warm and comforting qualities of cocoa. While eucalyptus adds a fresh character to the experience, cocoa brings a rich, indulgent touch. Together, these ingredients create a sensory wellness experience delivered by trained spa therapists.

Kodai Megha Sparsha is part of Subuthi’s Localised Therapy concept, which uses natural ingredients and elements associated with individual destinations to create region-inspired wellness experiences. Beyond conventional spa treatments, the concept aims to help guests connect more closely with the places they visit through locally inspired therapies.

Speaking about the introduction, Anupam Dutta, Chief Marketing Officer, Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd (SHRL), said, “At Sterling, we believe that the most memorable holiday experiences are those that create a meaningful connection with the destination. Through Subuthi’s Localised Therapy concept, we aim to bring the unique character of each location into our wellness offerings, to create an experience that allows guests to connect with the destination through their senses. It is a big step towards making wellness an integral part of the overall holiday experience”

With travellers increasingly looking for experiences that offer a deeper connection with their destinations, the new therapy adds another dimension to the wellness offerings at Sterling’s Kodaikanal properties. Guests staying at Sterling Kodai Lake and Sterling Kodai Valley can include this specially curated ritual as part of their holiday.

Following its philosophy of ‘Relax. Reset. Rejuvenate.’, Subuthi Spa continues to develop wellness experiences that help guests unwind, reconnect and discover the distinctive character of each destination. Kodai Megha Sparsha is now available at Subuthi Spa, bringing a wellness experience inspired by the misty hills of Kodaikanal.

Banyan Tree Krabi has opened the Mek Khram Wellbeing Centre, a dedicated facility offering Pilates, Thai boxing and other fitness activities as part of the resort's expanding wellness programme.

The newly constructed, air-conditioned centre is located beside Banyan Tree Spa Krabi and its Rainforest hydrotherapy facility. It provides guests with access to instructor-led sessions, combining structured fitness activities with the resort's existing wellness experiences.

Pilates classes will focus on core strength, flexibility and stability, supported by specialist equipment including reformer tables, Cadillac tables and ladder barrels. The centre will also offer Thai boxing sessions led by a dedicated trainer, introducing beginners and fitness enthusiasts to the traditional martial art through guided training in a safe environment.

Additional activities at the facility include Hatha Yoga, stretching and core strength training. These join the resort's existing wellbeing itinerary, which features floating meditation, tai chi, forest bathing and sailing lessons.

Commenting on the opening, Haruethai Maneerat, General Manager, Banyan Tree Krabi, said the centre responds to the growing interest in health and fitness among travellers seeking opportunities to maintain their wellbeing while on holiday. She noted that more guests are looking to combine fitness goals with time for relaxation and rejuvenation.

A Personalised Wellbeing Sanctuary

Banyan Tree Krabi introduced its Wellbeing Sanctuary programme in October 2021, offering guests personalised itineraries that bring together yoga, meditation, fitness training, nutritious dining, spa treatments and sleep therapy.

The programme follows Banyan Tree's holistic Eight Pillars of Wellbeing: Rest, Nourishment, Connection, Movement, Mindfulness, Growth, Groundedness and Practice.

Before arrival, participants complete a questionnaire to establish their health and fitness goals. This is followed by a one-to-one consultation with a Wellbeing Practitioner at the resort, who develops a daily itinerary based on individual preferences.

Dr Subhash Shanbhag, Wellbeing Practitioner and Ayurvedic specialist, oversees the programme. He explained that a personalised schedule could include beachfront yoga or tai chi in the morning, outdoor activities such as kayaking and forest walks, afternoon hydrotherapy, sunset meditation and sleep techniques.

Other options include aqua therapy, fitness centre workouts, Thai massage and facial treatments.

Villas selected for the Wellbeing Sanctuary programme also feature dedicated amenities, including fresh juices and herbal teas in place of alcoholic beverages in the minibar, yoga mats, stretch bands and Tibetan singing bowls. Each villa also has a private outdoor pool and hot jet pool.

Spa and Hydrotherapy Experiences

The resort's Banyan Tree Spa offers a range of Asian-inspired body and beauty treatments, alongside The Rainforest, a hydrothermal facility combining European hydrotherapy techniques with Asian wellness traditions.

Described by the resort as Krabi's first luxury hydrotherapy circuit, The Rainforest includes a Rain Walk, Chinese Herbal Steam, Brine Steam, sauna, rain shower, ice fountain, vitality pool, cold and hot plunge pools, jet pool and heated loungers.

Signature treatments include the Royal Banyan, a 150-minute experience combining Eastern and Western massage techniques with a warm herbal pouch; Sense of Place: Krabi Tranquility, which incorporates a jasmine and sky flower leaf scrub, stone massage, head massage and coconut milk bath; and Tropical Rainmist, featuring a body scrub, rain shower and Thai massage.

The spa has also introduced Thai Therapeutic Tapping Massage, a traditional northern Thai technique using a wooden hammer and stick to create soothing vibrations across the muscles and fascia. The treatment is complemented by warm herbal oils.

An Award-winning Beachfront Resort

Located along the coast of Krabi, Banyan Tree Krabi offers 72 pool suites and villas, including seven two-bedroom options, one three-bedroom villa and a seven-bedroom beachfront Presidential Villa. All accommodation faces the sea and sunset, with the property set along a hillside.

Facilities include two restaurants, a beach bar, kids' club, fitness centre, meeting rooms and the Banyan Tree Spa with its Rainforest hydrotherapy circuit.

The resort received Two MICHELIN Keys in 2024 and 2025, according to the supplied release. It was also included in Fodor's Travel 2026 list of The 100 Most Incredible Hotels in the World, as the only hotel in Thailand featured on the list.

In September 2026, its signature restaurant, Saffron, was among 20 restaurants recognised in the Best Fine Dining Venues in Thailand category of Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best 2026.

With the opening of Mek Khram Wellbeing Centre, Banyan Tree Krabi adds more structured fitness experiences to its existing combination of personalised wellness programmes, spa therapies and nature-based activities.

For reservations: krabi@banyantree.com | +66 75 811 888

More information: Banyan Tree Krabi

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida has welcomed AARNA Salon by Deepak Jalhan, a new luxury beauty and grooming destination, with its grand opening on 30 October. Launched in partnership with Schwarzkopf Professional, the salon aims to offer premium hair care, styling and personalised grooming experiences to clients in Greater Noida.

The launch brought together social media influencers, media representatives, journalists, beauty and hair experts, industry professionals and other distinguished guests. Olympic champion and boxing icon Mary Kom attended the event as the special guest. She was welcomed by Dinesh Rai, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Greater Noida.

Speaking about the launch, Dinesh Rai said, "We are delighted to welcome AARNA Salon to Crowne Plaza Greater Noida. This association further enhances our lifestyle offerings and brings world-class beauty, grooming and styling experiences to our guests, right within the hotel premises."

Mary Kom also enjoyed an exclusive hair styling session conducted by celebrity hairstylist Deepak Jalhan. Guests at the launch had the opportunity to experience selected beauty and hair services, offering them a first look at the salon's expertise and personalised approach.

Sharing his vision for the salon, Deepak Jalhan, Creative Director & Educator at LOOKS PRIVE, said, "Bringing AARNA Salon to Crowne Plaza Greater Noida in association with Schwarzkopf Professional is an important milestone for us. Our vision is to create a destination that goes beyond conventional salon experiences, combining professional expertise, premium products and personalised services. We look forward to welcoming clients into this beautiful space and offering them an exceptional luxury beauty and wellness experience."

AARNA Salon offers a range of hair care, styling, beauty and grooming services. Its hair care portfolio includes treatments such as Fiber Clinix, Botox and Organic Keratin Treatments. Other services include bridal and engagement makeup, luxury manicures and pedicures, and its signature Elixir Head Massage. Men's grooming services feature the Royal Shave and Beard Spa.

The salon's partnership with Schwarzkopf Professional brings the brand's hair care products and professional expertise into the new space. With a legacy spanning more than 120 years, Schwarzkopf Professional is known for its hair care innovations and support for salon professionals.

The launch concluded with a hospitality experience for guests, featuring wine and cheese alongside savoury tarts, pinwheel wraps, stuffed cucumber rolls, marshmallow treats and other hors d'oeuvres.

With its focus on professional expertise, international hair care products and personalised services, AARNA Salon by Deepak Jalhan adds a new beauty and grooming offering to Crowne Plaza Greater Noida.