The Himalayas are as close to heaven as you can get without flying off into space. Snow-capped peaks, fresh air, a luxury hotel with lush spa treatments, outdoor exhilaration and a spiritual option that you won't be able to resist. All this adds up to a magical honeymoon choice.
However, unless you wish yourself there, the only way to reach the Himalayas is from the capital, Delhi - the gateway to the north. From there, it's a further five hours journey, so two nights at The Imperial is an ideal way to relax, sightsee and become acclimatised. This restored luxury 1930's hotel wouldn't look out of place in Miami and is in the heart of orderly Lutyens-designed New Delhi. Do go shopping close to the hotel in Connaught Place and the Janpath where you'll find the excellent Cottage Industries Building and stalls brimming with beautiful beaded bags, saris and handicrafts from all over India. Having immersed yourself in retail therapy, you'll be more than ready for the spiritual side at the Ananda.
Early next morning at the bustling train station, you'll catch the clean, toy-like train to Hardiwar. It hurtles past buildings that dissolve into countryside, with tall, smoking redbrick kilns, stacked bricks baking in the sun, fruit-laden mango trees, women working in the rice fields and oxen hauling grains. Four hours later, there's a further hour-long drive through small rural towns, villages and national parks until you reach the foothills of the Himalayas and the beautiful white, icing sugar Maharaja's Palace building gleaming against the sky -entrance to Ananda-in the Himalayas.
Set in 100 acres of virgin forest, the Maharaja's Palace, built in 1855, is next to the main building, built in 1910 and decorated in colonial deco with swagged curtains, marble floors, beautiful woodwork, ultra deluxe suites, stunning vistas and a wooden reception room where Maharajas used to roller-skate! However, the main hotel is further down the hill, past immaculately landscaped paths and gardens, bursting with blooms. All the 75 rooms and suites are exquisitely appointed, designed in a minimalist and holistic fashion with beautiful wooden floors and a patio balcony that overlooks breathtaking scenery. Three thousand feet below is the timeless Ganges snaking through the holy town of Rishikesh in the Valley of Doon. This is particularly romantic at night, when couples can lie back in the bath, surrounded by flickering candles and gaze down at the twinkling lights below through the picture window.
You'll be so chilled at the Ananda, feeling instantly relaxed and as everything naturally seems to slow down. No stress, just calm. Every morning, unless you're still lazing in bed, there's an early morning open-air yoga class, which is truly refreshing for body and soul as you're surrounded with beautiful aspects of nature, breathing in pure air with encouraging instructors. This is followed by a delicious breakfast with a restaurant that opens onto a balcony with breathtaking views.
Spa out
Of course the jewel in the crown of the Ananda is their world-famous spa and as the region has always been a centre of meditation and spirituality, it seems perfectly situated. Even your husband may succumb to the charms of the treatments, but if he doesn't really being pummelled, steamed and revived, he can always go trekking or white water rafting (£23 per person), while you're being pampered. The spa has a mixture of Ayurvedic and European treatments with 18 treatment rooms that look out onto beautiful, relaxing scenery. The spa entrance has a circular four-section "reflexology" Kneipp pool, with different water temperatures and pebbles that stimulate the circulation as you walk over them. From there, you can relax in the steam or sauna before going to your treatments.
While you're at the Ananda, you may decided to try some Ayurvedic treatments. There are many enjoyable facials and massages, such as: Abhyanga -a four handed synchronised massage using specific doshic herbal oil; Udwarthana - dry, deep massage with herbal powders; Shirodhara -warm herbal oil is poured onto the third eye on the forehead to distress, rejuvenate and revitalise or Mukh Lepa - traditional Indian beauty facial. A foot cleansing ritual, using mineral-rich holy stones from the Ganges precedes each treatment, with cymbals beaten together to clear away negative energy, which all adds up to the specialness of the Ananda .
Essential viewing & doing
There are temples all along the Ganges, where Hindus believe the boundary between heaven and earth is dissolved. The city of Rishikesh is a blessed site and the starting point of the holy Char Dham pilgrim route. Said to be the yoga capital of the world, it's where the Beatles came in the late 60's. Rishikesh itself is a small town with vendors, shops, stalls and fascinating Ayurvedic medicine stores with many ashrams and a nightly ceremony called an aarti. Pilgrims gather to pray and chant with novice monks, making offerings to the Lord Krishna, whose garlanded statue sits in the water facing the temple.
Honeymoon factfile: Abercrombie & Kent Travel (0845 0700 615, www.abercrombiekent.co.uk) offers 2 nights at The Imperial, Delhi and 4 nights at Ananda - In the Himalayas from £1459 per person inclusive of international flights with British Airways and transfers. Flying time: 9 hours Climate: October -March is best to visit although Delhi will be hotter than the Himalayas. N.B. You'll need Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A boosters.
