Miles upon miles of golden beaches, mango groves, padi fields and white-washed villas and churches. These are just some of the images which combine to make Goa the ‘pearl of the Orient’.

Lush and verdant, half the land is devoted to cashews and coconuts and practically every garden has its share of papaya, jackfruit and banana trees.

Goa boasts a distinct culture due to 451 years of Portuguese rule (until 1961) – a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese, which is evident in the food, architecture and even the colourful dress.

Today’s stressed-out tourists looking to rejuvenate themselves physically and mentally are travelling across the globe to Goa’s Ayurvedic health spas to unwind from the pressures of life. But the latest trend in spa treatments is, in fact, nothing new.

India’s ancient healing system

Ayurveda, the science of life – and India’s oldest holistic healing system – goes back some 5,000 years. It works by restoring balance via herbs, yoga, massage and a healthy lifestyle.

My weekend destressing programme began with an outdoor yoga and meditation session on an islet of lush greenery and inland rivers, a ferry-ride from Old Goa.

Lying on a wooden bed I received my ‘Shirodhara’ treatment, which involved a steady stream of warm herbal oil being poured on my forehead through an earthen vessel. It felt utterly luxurious, calming and nurturing and was rounded off with a gentle head and shoulder massage.

Afterward the wonderful treatment I enjoyed an Indian meal prepared with local spices and served thali-style with mint chutney, papadams, pickles and raita.

Regular Ayurvedic treatments like this help nourish the hair, enhance circulation and general well-being. Not surprisingly, I slept like a baby that night!