Being amidst lush greenery, waking up to the sound of sweet-chirping bands, partaking in an energising yoga session and indulging your senses to a sound bath or therapeutic activity–this is what appears in your mind when you think of wellness retreats. However, wellness has gone beyond detox, spa and therapy packages. Today, it’s all about getting personalised treatments that will have a nourishing impact on your mind, body and soul while also being in laps of luxury. If escaping from the daily city chaos is at the top of your to-do list this month, then look no further. Ahead, ELLE and Vespa list 5 luxurious wellness getaways that promise a transformative experience and ensure you come back feeling not only relaxed and rejuvenated but also fitter and healthier.
1. Ananda In The Himalayas, Uttarakhand
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Looking for a serene, relaxing yet invigorating experience? Bookmark Ananda In The Himalayas. Residing in the former Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, this tranquil haven is tucked away in the breathtaking Himalayan foothills and sprawls across the 100-acre grounds, gardens and surrounding forests.
Whether you’re seeking rejuvenation and immunity, detox and cleansing, mental health and spiritual balance, weight management and fitness, hormonal balance or chronic pain management, indulge in Ananda’s wellness programs (tailor-made for individual health goals) overlooking the landscape of the Rishikesh valley. Following a holistic approach, Ananda encourages a safe and nurturing atmosphere guided by its team of expert Ayurvedic doctors, skilled therapists, yogis and chefs. Immerse yourself in serenity as you indulge in ancient Ayurvedic therapies, traditional yoga and meditation practices, and savour nourishing organic cuisine.
2. Atmantan Wellness Centre, Maharashtra
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Nestled in the Sahyadri hills overlooking the pristine Mulshi Lake, the wellness destination spa and transformation centre plans a relaxing stay that rejuvenates your soul (Atma), mind (Man) and body (Tan). With its mesmerising location and wellness treatments ranging from Ayurveda, oriental acupressure, aromatherapy massages, cocooning wraps, physiotherapy, to Pranic chakra cleansing, Atmantan Wellness Centre engages all your senses for a journey of transformation. The best part? Its certified experts will get in touch with you at the time of reservation to curate packages customised to suit your requirements with a key focus on right dietary inputs, fitness therapies and lifestyle improvements.
Atmantan curates a farm-to-table experience with fresh ingredients sourced from local farms, free of preservatives and other unnatural additives–sure to satiate your taste buds as well as nourish you. And the team here also ensures you have an equally serene stay, which is why all its 106 guest rooms and villas come with views of the lake, mountains and lush gardens.
3. Dharana At Shilim, Maharashtra
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Just a three and a half hour drive away from Mumbai lies the perfect sanctuary to unwind. Nestled deep in the Western Ghats, the 320-acre property focuses on holistic healing with an eco-conscious approach. Depending on your concern, the retreat offers an array of wellness programmes from sustainable weight management to ayurvedic panchakarma; activities to enhance physical and emotional wellbeing such as daily yoga and meditation sessions, personalised fitness plans, nutritional counselling, and healthy cooking classes; and beneficial range of therapies such as massages, hydrotherapy, and aromatherapy. The resort’s two new programmes, Dharana Resilience Retreat and Dharana Rasayana Retreat focus on stress management and immunity-boosting respectively.
When it comes to staying at Dharana, each villa is set amidst rice fields and bamboo plantations, with sweeping views of the valley and the forest. Wake up to the magic of nature and birdsong, or retire into the night gazing at the stars–Dharana at Shilim ensures your mind and body are at ease even in the privacy of your own space.
4. Six Senses Vana
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Leading a fast-paced live in urban cities comes with its own set of pressures. Sometimes, all you need to do is pause and take a break. If you’re looking for a wellness getaway that will keep all the stress at bay and get you one with your self, Six Senses Vana are perfect for you. The expansive property boasts of 66 rooms and 16 suites, each featuring balconies or terraces that look over the tall, slender trunks of the Sal forest, the gardens, or the mango orchards, making for meditative views. Besides offering various Ayurvedic, yoga and natural healing therapies, Six Senses Vana is one of the very few places in the world to offer Tibetan Medicine or Sowa Rigpa. Delivered by Tibetan therapists and doctors from the north of India, Tibetan Medicine is beneficial for treating anxiety and stress. What’s more? The in-house experts tailor your wellness package as per your need–from designing your diet plan which includes locally sourced, seasonal, fresh, and organic food, to inculcating good sleeping habits.
5. Niraamya Wellness Retreats, Surya Samudra, Kovalam
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While the hills, lakes and valleys have its own way of relaxing you, beach retreats are equally rejuvenating. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Niraamya Wellness Retreats feature cottages among coconut trees, caressed by sea breeze. Take a walk on the property’s private ‘Chandra’ beach and appreciate the natural beauty around you; go on an exhilarating sensory journey through Ayurvedic massages and Thai relaxation therapies; pamper yourself at the in-house spa; or find your inner peace through an energising yoga session atop a cliff or by the beach against the backdrop of a sunrise or sunset. Through luxurious holistic healing and personalised attention, this wellness destination is ideal place to unwind and improve your physical and mental wellbeing.
