It was just one of those days, when I wanted to be with myself. Give into the sheer luxury of being me.

So instead of heading to the gym, I packed my tote and drove straight to a glorious secret in the form of a palatial white bungalow, tucked away in a verdant serenity, called the White Mantra spa.

While I sipped on some herbal tea, I studied the various treatments offered at this all-new space. There was Indonesian, Hawaiian and Thai massages with signature therapies like the Balinese Boreh, Javanese Lulur and hot stone therapy. White Mantra also has exotic treats like chocolate-and-almond skin exfoliations, strawberry-and-oatmeal skin smoothers and frangipani and grapefruit facial, besides salon services. There are four individual treatment rooms and one couple treatment room with a soak set in a natural setting.

I picked a treatment that sounded both natural and heavenly: Lomi Lomi Hawaiian massage. I was escorted to a room with soft Hawaiian music playing in the background. The masseur gave me an intense massage with stretching and rhythmic limb movements to relax my tense muscles, using warm Hawaiian oils with long palm strokes. The massage, which lasted an hour, soothed me down on one hand and energised me simultaneously – the fallout of the exclusive mix of herbs, hand-pounded powders, pure essential oils and fresh, organically grown fruits and flowers.

And I’m out now, smelling fresh as a flower.

White Mantra Spa & Salon. 142, Pop Cottage, Rustam Bagh, HAL Airport Road, Behind Manipal Hospital, Bangalore. Ph: 32429960. Prices start at Rs 1800.

It’s been over a year since I came back from sunny Spain, but the reminiscences of that glorious holiday still warm my heart. And often I think that the colour and vibrancy of the Spanish landscape, clothes, music, art and architecture have all been captured by the most exciting thing about Spain yet — its cuisine.

So, I'm predictably enthused about my all-new discovery -- the fantastic new Tapas menu at the Taj Land's End's Atrium Lounge! I've always loved the intimate ambience and the way the lobby is set afire by the rays of the setting sun just as the live band starts up. It sends just the right quiver of anticipation to accompany my Tapas platter, an exquisite assortment of finger foods of meats, sandwiches and compact meals served with contemporary accompaniments.

Luckily, this Tapas inspired menu is on all day. Served in pristine white plates these small, yet filling, meals are simply mind-blowing. The fresh spices, the unique concept, well-balanced portions and the great service are what make them a 'must-have'. There are a whole lot of dishes to choose from, but my pick of the menu are the Cajun Spiced Prawns accompanied by a Mango Salsa and the Lamb skewers which are fantastic spiced in Indianish flavours. My BFF, a veggie-enthusiast, was thrilled with the Asian-marinated Tofu on a bed of Soba Noodles. I've also tried their sandwich meal which is the Tofu and Cheese Sandwich with a shot of Gazpacho (a cold soup) and an unusual Watermelon Steak with figs and goat cheese. The health conscious can opt for a light and healthy salad Tapas. Plus, there's an array of breads like multi-grain, rye, buttermilk and wholewheat, each brimming with exquisite fillings. And when it comes to Spanish drinks, you can't go wrong with a Margarita, and my fave is their fresh Kiwi variant.

Let the fun begin. Ole!

Atrium Lounge: Lobby of Taj Land’s End, Band Stand, Bandra (W), Mumbai; Tel: 022-66681234; Tapas Platter: Between Rs 500 and Rs 600 (including taxes).