THE Sinclairs chain of hotels has launched a new facility, somewhat akin to a spa. As a part of this, Sinclairs has worked out an ‘annual maintenance contract’ (AMC) for the human body, the Vice-President, Brigadier (retd) Mr S. Bhatia, said.

Addressing a press conference here today, he said that starting with the Sinclairs’ Chalsa Retreat at Dooars, this package would be launched as a preventive maintenance programme for the human body, using ayurvedic treatment methods like colon irrigation – a facility that was being introduced for the first time in the eastern region.

The corporate sector would be one of the main target areas for the group, which owns five hotels in the country. These are located in Darjeeling, Siliguri, Dooars (near Siliguri), Ooty in Tamil Nadu, and Port Blair.

Mr Bhatia explained that ‘colon irrigation’ is a system in which the large intestine is gently cleaned using warm filtered water. It cleanses the system of toxicity and fermented waste matter. He claimed that this form of treatment removes the root cause of many a disease.

The cost of the AMC depends on the patient’s condition, which would be assessed by a panel of three resident doctors (including a lady doctor). At the lower end, it costs Rs 8,670 for a three-day stay. Individual facilities like shirodhara, spinal jet bath and solar meditation are also available.

The sylvan surroundings of the retreat, which is so far the only greenfield venture of the group, (all others are acquired properties) complements the treatment by de-stressing the mind. Spread on 20 acres of lush green cover, the 72-room Chalsa resort enjoys an average annual occupancy of about 40 per cent and has already proven a good conference tourist spot. It attracts people from within the country as well as from neighbouring countries like Bangladesh.