One of my friends told me about a new and unique tourist spot in Dubai called Aya. When I inquired about it, I found out that it is a place to visit alone or with family and friends. During my recent vacation to Dubai last week, I decided to visit Aya with my wife and children to see what it was all about.

In the famous Hindu epic, Mahabharata, there is a reference to a mansion of illusion called Mayasabha, where what one sees is not always the same as what he expects. If one assumes that there is a way to walk through, he will be blocked by a glass wall. But when he thinks the way is blocked, it is actually the pathway. I had read about this in Mahabharata and seen it in some movies related to the epic, but experiencing it firsthand at Aya was something out of the box. I would say that AYA is the new age "MAYAsabha."

I was transported to a new world, experiencing twelve different trance-like states in different rooms. We were guided by Maytha El Ayoubi, a well-spoken professional from Lebanon, who explained everything in great detail.

The experience began at a hall of illusion called "The Source" and continued on to "Aurora," a concept of cosmic dust; "The Outland," "Luna," "Celestia," "Tides," "Drift," "The Pool," "The River," "The Falls," "The Tides," "Harmonia," and "Flora." I lost myself in this beautiful otherworld, as did my family members. The trance music playing in the background of every hall of illusion was immersive and mellifluous.

My favorite room was "Tides," which needs to be experienced rather than explained. 'Flora' was liked by my children and they said that it's almost like the planet of Pandora from the movie Avatar. My wife liked the 'Luna' for its unique texture. 

I also felt that this was the perfect place to have a digital detox. The visual illusions were playful, and within minutes, I found myself in an involuntary meditative mood. If people want to recharge themselves with peace amidst the lives in urban cacophony, they could switch off their mobile phone and step into this beautiful place. It is a pleasure not only for the eyes and ears, but also mind.

My guide also told me that Aya is planning to introduce yoga and meditation sessions in these halls of illusion. That is a great idea indeed. I only hope to see more Aya centers popping up around the world, and they could consider selling franchises of the same.

I tried to express my experience in subtle words, but the feeling was actually a kind of pleasant trance that cannot be translated into apt words. I wish to visit this place again for sure. It's difficult to get satiated with a single visit.

--Sira Sri(Indian Film Lyricist)