In a peaceful 30-acre organic farm near Bangalore lies Soukya - a wellness center thats become King Charles and Queen Camillas go-to health retreat. The royal couple just finished their three-day stay here after touring Australia and Samoa (making it a perfect mid-journey rest-stop)
The centers founder Dr Issac Mathai - a 64-year old health expert combines east-west medical knowledge: his journey started with his moms homeopathy practice in Kerala; later he studied in London China and even at Harvard. Together with his wife Dr Suja Issac they opened Soukya about 22 years ago
Their first meeting happened when Charles was patron of British Holistic Medical Association - but their real connection started after Camilla visited in 2010. Now‚ the £3‚000-per-week resort (which has solar-panels wind-turbines and its own bee-farm) offers them:
- yoga and meditation sessions
- ayurvedic treatments
- acupuncture
- reflexology
- mud-therapy
The Queen does not miss even a session of morning yoga‚ and diligently attends all the treatments
During their visits‚ the royal couple enjoys walking in wild gardens eating healthy sattvic food and getting special treatments like shirodhara - where warm oil drips onto ones forehead. Dr Mathai says theyre his “least demanding guests“ despite their status
Now‚ as King Charles continues his cancer treatment; this wellness spot plays a bigger role. Palace staff mentioned his health improved so much theyʼre planning overseas tours for 2025. Whats more: theres talk about opening similar center at Dumfries House in Scotland - bringing Dr Mathais methods closer to home