Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has opened a new Vivanta by Taj-branded spa resort in northern Kerala, India.

The 25-acre (10-hectare) The Vivanta by Taj, Bekal resort is home to the Jiva Grande Spa, which is spread over 165,000sq ft (15,000sq m).

Spa facilities include single and double treatment rooms; beauty treatment rooms; meditation and yoga pavilions; relaxation pools; and a large health and fitness club.

All treatment rooms have their own private, landscaped courtyards. There is also a sauna area with vitality pool, as well as 'alepa' and 'abhisheka' (sanskrit terms for anointing and ritual) pavilions dedicated to signature experiences and purifying bathing ceremonies.

The Jiva Spa menu at Vivanta Bekal features signature experiences; ayurveda programmes; Indian therapies; Indian aromatherapy; scrubs and wraps; and beauty rituals.

The spa has been designed as a traditional ayurvedic physician's (vaidya) house, which features a satvik dining lounge, courtyards, landscaped relaxation spaces and meditation areas.

The spa's signature treatment is panchkarma, a unique treatment in ayurveda with five purificatory procedures that initiate cleansing and removal of toxins from the body.

Accommodation at the resort is offered in 71 villas; 32 rooms with private pools; and four spa-themed Luxury Bliss-branded suites.

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is owned by Indian Hotels Company (IHC).

Raymond Bickson, CEO and managing director of IHC, said: "The Vivanta by Taj, Bekal is our fifth Vivanta property in the state of Kerala. This launch heralds yet another exciting journey for the Vivanta brand and symbolises our endeavour to expand into new tourist destinations in India."