While expertise from Meitra will be at the heart of Tulah’s offering, the resort will also offer a multi-disciplinary integrated approach to wellness involving ayurvedic practices, yoga, Tibetan medical rituals, sound healing, rehabilitation, and a holistic living academy. Faizal envisions fusing together the best of Eastern and Western medical systems to create a wellness revolution. Tulah's facilities will feature a one-of-a-kind sound Sonorium that will produce the exact tone and frequency -- typically created during meditation and chanting --- to help soothe the mind. The knowhow for the Sonorium comes from an institute called Svaram, founded by an Austrian-born Aurelio in Pondicherry, that explores the role of traditional musical instruments and sound in healing. “The music from these instruments at different frequencies will help calm the brain down, which then releases nitric oxide to our cells. It has got a positive impact on chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia," says Kottikollon.

For those interested in eastern philosophy, Tulah has tied up with the Pune-based Vedanta Academy, founded by A. Parthasarathy in 1988. “A full-time teacher from the institute will have a session with every guest coming to Tulah expounding on the Vedanta philosophy,” says Kottikollon. Complementing the traditional approach will be advanced CT and Dexa- scans, pathology- and bloodwork- lab analysis, and laparoscopic surgeries within Tulah. With a focus to widen its ambit, sports injuries and restorative therapies are also being offered, complemented by the hyperbaric oxygen therapy, including gravity-free treadmills, and the latest ultrasound equipment.

But given the positioning of the wellness resort, Kottikollon is looking at an average tariff of $2,000 a day for a minimum 7-day stay and, hence, by that pricing, the focus is very clearly on high-end clientele. “I am looking at influencing that 1% of the global population who have exuded greater control and influence over the world, and that also comprises politicians, businessmen, scientists, and sports persons,” says Kottikollon. In the run-up to the opening, Kottikollon is in an evangelization mode, having met Bill Gates three months back. “Prior to his visit, one of his closest advisors will be coming down to Tulah,” says Kottikollon, even as he is looking to get Oprah Winfrey to experience Tulah. “We are not opening this place to casual tourists as we want to be true to the wellness premise with which Tulah was envisaged,” says Kottikollon. To keep the uniqueness and pull factor around Tulah, once the Kerala centre is established, the group plans to create 100 mini-Tulahs with the first centre set to open in Los Angeles. These mini centres will serve as community versions for clients to visit periodically and rejuvenate themselves upon returning home.

In essence, Kottikollon envisages Tulah as a luxurious global health-and-wellness brand.

Since the project is entirely funded by his personal wealth, Kottikollon is not constrained by a break-even target even as he hopes to recover the investment in five years, based on an estimated inflow of 2,000 visitors a year. On the cards is also a Tulah academy beginning in June where a batch of 30 students will be inducted. “It’s a different business model built on skill building just as Kerala is known as the hub for nursing talent. It could possibly become a university four-five years down the line,” explains Kottikollon.

While wellness resorts are not exactly a new concept, it will be interesting to see if Tulah can create a name for itself in a fractured medical tourism market.

Faizal Kottikollon

Reimagining the art of wellness, the Tulah way