The Essense Wellness Spa at Waterwoods Resort & Spa in Kabini – a tiger reserve forest in South India – has been released into the wild.

The recently-opened resort features only 15 rooms, and the spa is set amid lush jungle and the Nagarhole lake, with just two treatment rooms.

The reserve is known for its tiger, leopard, elephant, bison, deer and other wild animal sightings, and Essense Wellness founder Gavin Rodrigues told Spa Opportunities that the inspiration for the spa design came from his understanding of the owners’ deep connection with nature, as well as Japanese elements.

Rodrigues said he wanted to bring both elements of India and Japan together and decided to create two different spaces to capture both cultures. The reception features an Indian touch, with a hand-carved stone wall, while the treatment rooms have been given a Japanese theme.

The Koi Suite is named after the koi fish pond in the couples' treatment room, while the Bonsai Suite is named for the 48-year-old bonsai tree featured in the outdoor stone garden space of the single treatment room.

The menu is quite extensive and multi-cultured, with several packages on offer, Rodrigues said.

“The idea of creating packages is because a lot of guests stay for long periods and love indulging in the spa,” he explained. “From poets to artists to sports and TV personalities, they all love this place. There couldn’t be a better place where man and nature can come together, with its romantic evening ambiance where guests can choose a romantic tantalising spa package, or for the naturalists and adventurists to have a spa package that’s invigorating.”

Owned by the Kapoor family, the Waterwoods Resort & Spa is located four hours from Bangalore City.