Ri Kynjai Resort, Shillong

For all the rot — and I put that gently — that’s going on in my personal and professional life, it was nice to smile at the thought of running away to a spa resort for, if not 30 days, at least the weekend. Working Saturdays, preoccupation at home and much more has meant very little “me” time in terms of trying out new therapies. It’s also meant little time to write on SPAlendor.
Though it isn’t likely that I’ll take a vacation anytime soon (I could opt for Westin, Sohna), I thought it’s the right time to talk about Ri Kynjai, this beautiful resort that is tucked away in the Khasi hills. The resort is 20 kms away from Shillong and when I read about it (I think it was in LivingEtc, a design and interiors magazine), I simply knew that I should pass on the information to SPAlendor readers.
Ri Kynjai, the resort’s website will tell you, translates from Khasi as “land of serene environs”. While the architecture is inspired and derived from the original Khasi thatch huts, the resort, spread over 45 acres and one that weaves three architectural styles into a harmonious whole, combines convenience and luxury together.
To get to the resort, you’ll find yourself meandering through groves of majestic pine trees, lush paddy fields, small organic tea and vegetable gardens and find accommodation in the very distinctive hybrid cottages, most of them overlooking the waters of Umiam Lake.
I was particularly fascinated with this nugget of information: Ri Kynjai has a tie-up with the Shillong Golf Course — for guests who prefer to play — which is the second oldest in Asia.
Moving on to their therapies (I’m sorry, I don’t have the prices for any of them) I love the fact that the resort engages in traditional Khasi curative massages. The two main therapies are said to have been derived from ancient massages, developed by the Khasi tribes who firmly believe that these therapies are a “gift of god”.
Khem Tynrai (traditional khasi curative massage) is elaborate and it seeks to streamline and disentangle the circulatory system of the body that may have been knotted due to mild injuries, stress and myriad of other factors. It also removes residual joints and body aches. This massage aims at natural detoxification and is followed by the traditional Khasi bath which is essentially hot water fomentation and water massage.
The therapy starts with a vigorous massage using “Umwai” or Khasi herbal oil mixed in either mustard or olive oil.
Time 60 minutes
* Masseurs here suggest that guests should engage in three sessions to experience the therapeutic benefits of the massage

The other massage is Khem Jah Thait and deals with the general toning of muscles and enhancing circulation with olive or pure sesame oil. The technique here is different in the sense it is a specialized pressure point massage unique to this region.
Time 60 minutes
• Room tariff (inclusive of breakfast) for a vernacular Hybrid cottage:
Rs 8,000
• Superior room: Rs 5,000

• Cost excludes government tax of 20%

Contact: Ri Kynjai Resort, Umniuh Khwan
U.C.C Road Ri Bhoi, Meghalaya
email: info@rikynjai.com; rikynjai@yahoo.co.in
mobile: + 9862056192/47471
website: rikynjai.com
Picture courtesy Ri Kynjai