India’s 5,000-year-old wellness heritage of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Naturopathy has long captivated the world. This expertise draws individuals seeking tranquility to experience holistic well-being to dedicated centres offering self-care experiences. For those in search of such peace, here is a carefully curated list of India’s most luxurious wellness retreats. These sanctuaries promise to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit. Embrace the stillness, let go of the chaos, and indulge in pure bliss at these havens of rejuvenation.
Niraamaya Surya Samudra
Located along the serene beaches of Kovalam in Kerala, this retreat is steeped in the Keralite culture with views of the Arabian Sea. This 20 acre Relais & Châteaux property features cozy cottages, towering coconut palms and ten dedicated Ayurveda rooms. You can begin your day by exploring the vibrant local fish market, unwinding in the peaceful Poovar backwaters or learning about the legacy of nearby temples. The Ayurvedic rooms will beckon you to Indulge in revitalising Ayurvedic therapies, energising yoga sessions and calming meditation practices, all of whose prices are available upon enquiry, to find stillness for your restless mind. You will get a complete experience with cooking classes showing secrets behind traditional local cuisine, engaging activities for children, picturesque bicycle rides and private beach vistas.
Ananda Himalayas
Situated amidst the quiet foothills of the Himalayas, Ananda spans over 100 acres of what was once the royal palace estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal. When you come on this retreat, you will be greeted with lush gardens, verdant forests and wellness facilities, an escape if you are looking to reconnect with nature and yourselves.
You will have a diverse array of wellness activities to choose from, like rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatment and detoxifying Yoga programmes, Panchakarma therapies, emotional healing sessions and personalised programmes for sleep enhancement and hormonal balance. Led by a team of Ayurvedic, yogic and international health experts, the resort ensures that you get an enriching experience with their specialised knowledge and warm hospitality. With accommodations ranging from INR 43,000 to INR 2 lakh per night, celebrated personalities such as Oprah Winfrey and Uma Thurman have stayed at this retreat.
Shreyas Retreat
Shreyas Retreat, also under the Relais & Châteaux group, is located on the peaceful outskirts of Bangalore. Spread across 25 acres with a maximum capacity of 31 guests and a staff ratio of 85 members, this boutique-style retreat tailors each day for a personalised and intimate atmosphere, as per your requirements. You can indulge in Naturopathy-inspired spa treatments that soothe the senses and revitalise the spirit. The list also includes yoga and meditation sessions that will envelop you in a nurturing environment, offering mental clarity. Shreyas Retreat offers various yoga packages, starting from INR 1.09 lakh ($1,310) for single occupancy and INR 1.42 lakh ($1,710) for double occupancy for a 3-night each, and ranging up to INR 5.29 lakh ($6,340) for single occupancy and INR 6.97 lakh ($8,350) for double occupancy for a 14-night stay.
Six Senses Vana
Vana is a retreat cocooned by a verdant Sal forest, capturing the essence of a contemporary ashram. Spread over 21 acre in Dehradun, you will be guided by a team of ayurvedic doctors, chefs, yoga instructors, Tibetan healers and fitness experts. Beyond the ordinary, Vana integrates the ancient wisdom of Tibetan medicine and natural healing therapies, overseen by experienced practitioners. Each of you will receive personalised attention with tailored nutrition plans designed to align with your body type and wellness goals. For those seeking detoxification, programmes are priced from INR 70,010 ($850) per night for single occupancy and INR 1.16 lakh ($1,390) per night for double occupancy, with options for 5, 7 or 14-night stays.
Soukya Holistic Health Centre
Favoured by King Charles III himself, Soukya in Bangalore is a sprawling 30-acre organic farm and holistic health retreat. Under the guidance of Dr. Isaac, chairman of Soukya and the king’s personal physician for 15 years, this sanctuary of healing integrates Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Yoga, Naturopathy and other complementary therapies. Here too personalised treatment schedules are designed, along with medicines for each guest, addressing different lifestyle issues and rare conditions. Welcoming guests from over a hundred countries, this eco-conscious health and wellness destination will offer you healing surrounded by diverse flora and fauna, in the lap of nature, with prices of treatments available upon enquiry.
In choosing the perfect retreat, consider what aligns best with your needs and preferences. For a coastal escape, Niraamaya Surya Samudra in Kovalam is the perfect option for its beachfront experience with comprehensive Ayurvedic treatments and family-friendly activities. If you seek a regal ambiance and a deep connection with nature, Ananda in the Himalayas is the answer for its lush surroundings and personalised wellness programmes. For a more intimate and tailored experience, turn to Shreyas Retreat in Bangalore for its nurturing environment and high staff-to-guest ratio. Six Senses Vana in Dehradun stands out for those interested in integrating Tibetan medicines and natural healing therapies. Lastly, for a holistic approach encompassing multiple healing traditions, Soukya in Bangalore is the perfect escape for its personalised treatment schedules in an eco-conscious setting.
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