Hriatpuii hands me a bowl of dark mustard yellow paste, inviting me to take a whiff. Cardamom, ginger, turmeric and clove – these are obviously in attendance. But there is also a dose of black pepper and nutmeg present in the mix she tells me. No, we're not cooking with this mishmash of spices. It is the scrub I'm getting ready to have lathered on my body. It is, after all, said to promote deep cleansing and improve blood circulation.


A spice scrub therapy can relieve muscular soreness and improve blood circulation 

I have Jiva Spa at the Vivanta by Taj - President all to myself on the weekday afternoon I spend there, which means the calm of the spa room is spread across the changing room and the steam room as well. After I down their honey lemon basil green tea, one of the most delicious detox drinks there is, I am led to the hamam for a 10-minute steam session.