India’s Best Wellness Retreats

Ananda Spa, Rishikesh – discover the benefits of Ayurveda

Set amidst the majestic Himalayan foothills of North India, Ananda is one of the country’s most lauded health resorts. Standing in the former 100-acre estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, the resort is enveloped by mountains and forests and feels almost removed from the world. Although the centre offers a wide variety of healing treatments, for most visitors it is Ananda’s Ayurvedic expertise that is the main draw. With an expert team of over 60 qualified physicians, therapists, healers and Yogis offering everything from therapeutic massages to more rigorous modes of toxic elimination, you can embark on your own transformational journey. 

Ananda’s signature wellness programmes such as Ayurvedic Rejuvenation, Panchkarma, Holistic Detox, Dhyana Meditation and Stress Management are an annual pilgrimage for many. However, new wellness programmes are being introduced to meet our changing world. These include the Rebalance Programme which addresses hormonal imbalances and Chronic Pain Management which brings together physiotherapy, Ayurvedic therapies, yoga and diet. 

Taking into consideration not just the taste but also the suitability for doshas, the culinary offering at Ananda incorporates locally sourced seasonal ingredients. This wellness cuisine concept is demonstrated by the resort’s chefs who show you how to make these dishes so you can continue on your wellness journey back home.

 Shreyas Retreat, Bangalore – a haven for Yogis

Around an hour’s drive northwest of Bangalore sits one of India’s most beloved retreats. Exuding simple luxury, Shreyas is a haven for Yogis with twice daily group yoga sessions based on both classical Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, plus meditation and chanting sessions.

Naturopathic doctors prescribe a personal programme of mind and body treatments which work alongside the daily yoga schedule. Treatments might include acupuncture, reflexology and fasting. You could even embark on a silent retreat, spending four days in solitary contemplation for a profoundly enriching experience. 

Choose to stay in a poolside cottage surrounded by frangipane and bougainvillaea or a ‘tented’ cottage in the garden amidst birdsong and the rustle of coconut trees. For families and friends travelling together, there’s also the option of a three-bedroom cottage with sweeping views of the surrounding palms and aromatic fig trees. 

The cuisine is a delightful combination of Indian, Continental, Mexican and Oriental gourmet vegetarian cuisine. Shreya supports the belief of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (serving the guest as the divine), so before preparing any food, the kitchen staff chant a prayer to enhance the positive effect of the food on the body. 

Community plays an important role at Shreyas and guests are encouraged to get involved, whether that be preparing a traditional meal with the retreat’s chefs to serve children at a local orphanage or village school, visiting the local markets or learning about local Indian customs such as henna application and garland making.

Vana Retreat, Dehradun – a more modern take on wellness

Recently acquired by Six Senses, Vana Retreat offers a blend of Ayurveda, Yoga, Tibetan Medicine and Natural Healing Therapies. A modern and realistic take on enlightenment, Vana has a sharp design and polished contemporary interiors. Spread across 21 acres in the Himalayan foothills and surrounded by the dense Sal forest, Vana is a soothing space that nurtures and uplifts.

Founded by Veer Singh, the retreat previously had a fairly strict approach to wellness with a seven-night minimum stay requirement and a ban on phones in public areas. These days, the emphasis is more on fun and socialising rather than life-changing introspection. Children are welcome and guests can enjoy a cocktail or a glass of organic wine at the retreat’s bar. 

As well as a consultation with an ayurvedic doctor, you also have access to Six Senses’ signature high-tech health screening. Vana offers a personalised programme with two daily treatments included but you can opt for additional therapies too. Signature treatments include Ku Nye, a Tibetan therapy involving singing mantras and poultices of herbs dipped in hot oil. There are opportunities to enjoy complimentary group meditation sessions and workouts, as well as adventurous hikes to temples and hilltop viewpoints. 

Amanbagh, Rajasthan – a palatial sanctuary in the Aravalli hills

Part of the Aman Hotel empire, Amanbagh is an oasis of tranquillity in the rural village of Ajabgarh. A former hunting ground for the Maharaja of Alwar, Amanbagh’s regal design was inspired by the nearby Bhangarh Fort, an ancient site on the border of the Sariska Tiger Reserve. Carved out of local pink marble and sandstone with scalloped arches, Amanbagh transports you to India’s golden age with regal suites and highly personal service that make you feel like royalty. 

The wellness journey at Amanbagh begins from the moment you step through its palatial doors with a welcoming ceremony by the friendly staff. Early morning yoga is complemented by afternoon rooftop meditation. Relaxation continues in the garden where you’ll find a spectacular 33-metre green marble swimming pool, flanked by Frangipani blooms and roaming monkeys. Personally tailored wellness programmes last a minimum of four nights and blend movement classes, mindfulness practice, nutrition support and specialist therapies to promote a lasting sense of inner peace, and to encourage profound meaningful change in lifestyle and outlook.

In addition to Amambagh’s wellness offerings, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the local area. From sunrise walks with a local guide to cooking classes, astrology readings and camel rides, there’s always something to do here. If you opt for only one excursion, I highly recommend the Cow Dust Tour, an open-top Jeep ride through the local villages, taking in the spectacular scenery and local farmers herding their goats, cows and buffalo along the dusty road as the sun casts a golden glow over the countryside. 

Prakriti Shakti, Panchalimedu – explore naturopathic remedies 

Nestled 2,700 feet high in the picturesque hill station of Panchalimedu in Kerala, Prakriti Shakti focuses on a system of holistic healing known as naturopathy healthcare. Using the concepts of Anna (nutrition), Pancha Mahabhutas (five great elements) and Lankhanam (fasting), the centre’s treatment process enhances the elimination of toxins to allow the body to heal itself.

From the first sip of sambaram (spiced buttermilk), Prakriti Shakti starts to work its magic. Here you are not just a guest, but also a patient. There are personalised naturopathy treatments for lifestyle and chronic ailments, such as diabetes, hypertension, weight management, high cholesterol and cardiac health. The clinic is not just for people with specific illnesses though; there’s also a 7 – 13 day detox programme for healthy individuals who wish to revitalise and refresh the body and mind. Treatments are complemented by a raw diet which is considered to be far more nutritious than cooked food. 

Enveloped in the lush green foliage of the whispering trees, yoga sessions take place in the Yogasala which is designed to welcome the sun. Afterwards, retreat to the sanctuary of your cottage with its scenic balcony or take in panoramic views of the hills from the heavenly outdoor pool.