Nicola Venning jets off to the Dolomites, where Engel Ayurpra’s new Ayurvedic wellness products offer a health haven.
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Inside Engel Ayurpura, an Ayurveda hotel in Italy
© Tiberio Sorvillo
My head tilted back and the warm herbal oil dripped gently onto my forehead before slipping into my hair, completely covering it. Finally, a liter of medicated oil is slowly poured over the head. If that sounds messy and unpleasant, it isn’t. I enjoy Shirodhara, a classic Ayurvedic treatment that promotes relaxation. Engel is the highlight (so far) of his stay at Ayurpura, the only Ayurvedic hotel in the Dolomites.
The recently opened Engel Ayurpura is the wellness facility of the adjacent Engel & Gourmet Spa Hotel. This hotel has been in the same family for over 5 generations in one way or another, so they really know what they are doing.
I came here for a 3 and a half day introduction to Ayurveda. I want to be healthier and, frankly, even more eager to lose weight. Most detox courses take 7 to 10 days, so I cut out alcohol and meat at home a few days early, painfully reduced my caffeine intake, and increased my vegetable soup intake.
My day begins with a visit to Dr. Swami Nath Mishra, the hotel’s Ayurvedic expert. By simply reading my pulse, he could see that my colon and indigestion might be working better, improving both of them and preventing bad eating habits and long snacking in front of the computer. We outline a bespoke Ayurvedic treatment to eliminate toxins caused by.
Originating in India more than 3,000 years ago, Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health that aims to restore and maintain balance in mind and body through an extensive vegetarian diet, yoga, and meditation.
© Tiberio Sorvillo
The next morning begins with an herbal tea for the liver, made at one of the (boiling) water stations in the hallways of the 15-room hotel. Then, do some gentle yoga or jump into a warm saltwater pool that resembles an azure outdoor bath. Swimming in steam on a bright winter morning with majestic snow-capped mountains towering overhead is almost therapeutic in itself. Breakfast is followed by more herbal tea (no coffee or dairy products here) and turmeric porridge with stewed fruit and light chicken soup. I tried both and quickly realized that I definitely preferred the porridge.
Lunch and dinner are prepared to suit our specific needs and most meals are vegetarian. To detox and balance, you’ll be given easily digestible dishes such as cream of celery soup, pineapple and saffron rice, carrot flan (but no pastry), and curried parsnips. Served with vegan mayonnaise. All the dishes are delicious and surprisingly plentiful. Frankly, my goal of losing weight is looking increasingly unlikely. You can drink tea with your meals if you wish, but my practice recommends not drinking alcohol just before, right after, or during a meal. And of course no alcohol. This is as good as having no bar.
A variety of treatments are offered over two hours each day. Classic Detox Similar to his massage, I also have a tummy treatment called Navi Basti. Place a ring made of chickpea paste around your belly button and fill it with warm oil. It sits like a warm puddle on my stomach, hoping to aid digestion, but it’s surprisingly soothing. My favorite treatment is Marma Abhyanga, which is similar to acupuncture. This applies pressure to marma points around the body, releasing tension and improving lymphatic flow. I have never felt so relaxed. Then head to the poolside bio-his sauna. However, we were also able to use the smaller sauna in our (very large and airy) room.
Restaurant © Tiberio Sorvillo
Gentle walks and fresh air are recommended. And given the stunning Alpine views, it’s a very pleasant walk through the forest and across the hillside to the town center of Nova Levante or Welschenofen, depending on whether you’re Italian or German. Masu. The village is also a ski resort, so you can quickly take the cable car up to the local mountain Rosengarten. Skiing is definitely not part of the program (too energetic), but the stunning Alpine views more than make up for it.
All the guests – wealthy businesswomen, leisure women and retired couples – are given free local bus passes, so the next day I used my pass for a 10-minute trip to the frozen Lake Carezza. It’s wonderful to stroll through a quiet snow-covered spruce forest. Or it would be, if it weren’t for my headache. As treatment and caffeine withdrawal begin, my day is clouded by headaches, leg pain, and general fatigue.
Fortunately, there is a solution. The kind hotel receptionist gave me some turmeric tablets that instantly relieved my headache. Then I wandered into one of the two relaxation rooms. This is a quiet and comfortable haven with stretch sofas, cozy sofas and infrastructure. A warm red wooden recliner. It does wonders for my feet but does nothing for my attention. I fall asleep within minutes.
Daybed © Tiberio Sorvillo
But Engel Ayurpura is such a place. The decor is all muted taupes and creams, with light wood floors and acres of glass. Everywhere you turn, you’ll see spectacular views of the sometimes snow-capped mountains. A gentle pine scent (custom-made by the hotel) fills your room, promoting relaxation. In fact, most people seem to be in bed by 9pm. In addition to promoting good health and rest using Ayurvedic methods, the entire hotel aims to be cozy, warm, energy efficient and as sustainable as possible. So if you think it’s environmentally irresponsible to travel to Italy for a short vacation, rest assured. The airline SkyAlps, which flies to Bolzano (just 30 minutes by car), uses a small plane (Dash DHC-8 Q400) and can save you up to 50% on fares. It produces less exhaust gas and is quieter than other jet aircraft.
On the day of my departure, the fourth day (seventh day since I started practicing at home), I woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed and refreshed. The headache is gone, the pain is gone, and I have rarely felt so clear-headed. My skin is brighter and best of all I have lost 2 pounds. I wish I had stayed a little longer.
book it
Double rooms at Engel Ayurpura start from 230 euros per person per night. His 4-day program of Ayurveda coming up starts from €840 per person. ayurpura.hotel-engel.com
Sky Alps operates from London Gatwick to Bolzano twice a week for £184 each way. skyalps.com
A return flight from London to Bolzano emits 152kg of CO2e. ecollectivecarbon.com
