Every muscle of my body is relaxing. My city pulse is slowing down. I am being bathed in warm milk and honey by two women. Their movement is rhythmical as they scoop one jug of milk after the other onto my winter pale skin. I am mesmerised by the soothing care and the complete attention I’m being given. This must be as close as one can get to the life of Cleopatra or Elizabeth I of England.
We have arrived in Kerala, the epicentre of ayurveda at the southern tip of India. It’s a gem in a sea of coconut trees. This is where hardcore health travellers and wellness seekers come to cleanse and recharge. Ayurvedic clinics are popping up on every corner along the the coast. A health practice developed over the last 5,000 years is expanding in all directions, and the global community is joining in. We have signed up for a 14-day rejuvenation programme called Panchakarma at Dr Unni’s ayurvedic clinic in the beach resort of Kovalam.