my journey at The Aujasya Wellness Weekend in The Leela Palace, Jaipur – Miss Junebug

When I think of luxury and wellness together it’s hard to put them together. For me luxury is all about indulgence and wellness about simplicity and balance. But then I had the chance to experience The Leela Palace, Jaipur, and everything changed. The Aujasya Wellness retreat was the perfect blend of both, creating an experience that transformed not just my body, but my mind and soul as well.

Just a short journey from Delhi, this immersive retreat felt like the ideal antidote to the festive frenzy. As the seasons shifted, so did my need for a reset. The Aujasya experience, where indulgence met well-being, offered me the space to breathe, recharge, and reconnect.

In the Lap of Royal Luxury

The moment I arrived at The Leela Palace, I knew I was in for something extraordinary. The staff greeted me with the warmest hospitality, and soon, I was whisked away to my royal villa in a private buggy cart. The villa was a dream — a stunning blend of traditional Rajasthani architecture and contemporary artistry. As I stepped inside, I was struck by the beauty of the coral-hued walls and the attention to detail.

The regal bedroom took my breath away. Hand-tufted carpets softened my steps, while intricate silver leafing adorned the headboard, crowned with tikri glass florals. The crystal chandeliers bathed the room in a soft, golden glow, and an antique fan designed like lotus petals added a touch of whimsy. But what truly stole my heart was the private temperature-controlled pool and jacuzzi, nestled within a sanctuary of palm trees and fresco-painted walls. It was the perfect escape and a private moment of serenity where I could just let go and unwind.

A Weekend of Wellness

The Aujasya Wellness retreat was an invitation to nurture my well-being in a way that felt completely indulgent, yet incredibly nourishing. My wellness journey began with a lunch at the Mohan Mahal restaurant. With over 350,000 mirror pieces adorning the walls, reflecting the glow of countless candles, the atmosphere was magical. Chef Varun Parashar and wellness expert Dr. Ankita Jalori introduced me to the concept of a low-calorie Rajasthani Thali, crafted to nourish the body without compromising on flavor. Each dish was carefully prepared, combining tradition with a focus on health.

After the meal, I dived into the rich artistic heritage of Rajasthan. I tried my hand at block printing, pottery, and miniature painting, each experience bringing me closer to the region’s artistry and craftsmanship. As the sun began to dip, the retreat took on a meditative rhythm. Sound healing sessions soothed my mind, while ceremonial rituals connected me to the rich traditions of the land. That evening, I enjoyed a specially curated dinner at Preet Mahal, a perfect end to the day.

Rise and Shine: Wellness from Within

Day two began with a sunrise mobility yoga and breathing session in the tranquil Kanishka Bagh. It was such a peaceful way to start the day stretching my body and mind, welcoming the day with clarity. The morning highlight was the Aujasya breakfast, a wellness-focused meal that left me feeling nourished, yet light and energized for the day ahead.

But it was the conversation with Princess Gauravi Kumari, Dr. Ankita Jalori, and Chef Parashar that really left an impression. They spoke passionately about their philosophies on holistic well-being, offering insights into the balance between mind, body, and spirit. It was one of those conversations that stays with you long after it’s over, a reminder that true wellness comes from within.

The excitement didn’t stop there. I had the chance to participate in the Aujasya cook-off, where I teamed up with The Leela’s culinary experts to craft our own Himalayan Earth Bowls. It was a fun and engaging way to learn about nutrition while tapping into my creativity. The experience culminated with a four-course Aujasya meal that perfectly blended nourishment with indulgence, leaving me both satisfied and inspired.

Food for the Soul

One of the most surprising things about this retreat was how indulgence and nourishment can coexist. Every meal was thoughtfully prepared, proving that wellness food doesn’t have to be bland or lacking in flavor.

I began with a superfood seasonal mushroom and thyme soup (just 145 calories), followed by a refreshing Thar Quinoa salad with slow-roasted ash gourd and baby spinach. Each dish was a testament to the power of nutritious ingredients, yet it didn’t feel like I was compromising on taste. The indulgence continued with bean tofu and organic beets served on a bed of red rice. And for dessert, a bitter chocolate orange pave at just 192 calories provided the perfect decadent yet guilt-free finale.

Throughout my stay, I learned that wellness isn’t about deprivation but about nourishing your body while still enjoying the pleasures of life. The Aujasya Wellness Weekend was a reminder that indulgence and restoration can, indeed, go hand in hand.

Final Thoughts

This retreat at The Leela Palace, Jaipur wasn’t just about luxury or wellness; it was a holistic experience that nourished me in every sense. It reminded me that true wellness isn’t about strict rules or sacrifice; it’s about finding the balance that works for you. If you’re looking for a retreat that blends indulgence, restoration, and the beauty of Rajasthan, The Leela Palace is truly unmatched. It wasn’t just a place to escape; it was a place where I rediscovered myself.