The lifting of the lockdown and easing of travel rules has been a sort of new beginning for many. For those of us who travel often, it’s been strange to look at the world and realise that nothing is the same anymore. As Indians, we still face a lot of travel restrictions giving us only a limited spectrum of destinations to visit.
A good idea for a break from the mundanity of life at home would definitely be a wellness resort. It’s definitely the need of the hour with the endless stresses the pandemic has bestowed upon us. Wellness resorts are also ideal as they follow social distancing protocols to the T and are extremely safe during a time when visiting a busy city would still be a worrisome idea for many.
The trend of wellness resorts to combat stress isn’t a new concept globally. Worldwide, especially in Europe, there are many exceptional resorts that specialise in wellbeing programmes for mental and physical health. Viva Mayr Altausee and Viva Mayr Maria Wörth, Austria are quite popular amongst jet-setting Indians, for example. Time spent at these Austrian resorts has known to yield authentic and long-lasting benefits. The resort’s philosophy balances traditional diagnostics with modern medicine. Ask anyone who’s been here and they’ll tell you that Viva Mayr is a lifestyle, not just a resort.
Villa Stephanie in Baden-Baden, Germany with its expansive history of healing; Sha Wellness in Alicante, Spain with its exceptional Mediterranean location between the Bay of Altea and the Sierra Helada Park; and Lanserhof Tegernsee, Germany and Lanserhof Lanz, Austria – a leading health resort, are some others you could consider when borders open up.
Indian wellness resorts are not too far behind. The country boasts of several five-star and budget resorts that pride themselves on programmes that offer a mix of Ayurveda, yoga, Naturopathy and other traditional healing methods that have originated in India. Here are a few you must definitely consider for that much-needed rest and relaxation.
Ananda in the Himalayas
Perched on a 100-acre Maharaja’s Palace Estate in Northern India, Ananda in the Himalayas is a world-renowned wellness retreat focusing particularly on Ayurvedic practices such as yoga, meditation and the philosophy of Vedanta.
The private luxury villas and suites and lavish guestrooms make Ananda a perfect gateway for relaxation, detox, and rejuvenation. The place offers comprehensive programmes including the post-Covid rejuvenation that can be customised according to individual needs. The team at Ananda aims to bring about long-term lifestyle changes with the panchakarma, holistic detox, yogic detox, chronic pain, and stress management programmes. Hydrotherapy facilities at the property include steam, sauna, chill plunge pool, Kneipp hydrotherapy foot bath among others.
The retreat is also well-known for offering various experiences hosted by the experts each month. They conduct daily Vedanta talks, golf classes, tours of ancient temples in the neighbourhood, adventure activities like trekking, white water rafting, and wildlife safaris. anandaspa.com
Atmantan Wellness Resort
Atmantan Wellness Resort is a spectacular retreat nestled in the hills, overlooking the scenic Mulshi lake in Maharashtra. Spanning across 42 acres of lush green valley, this beautiful 106-key resort is the holistic amalgamation of the atma (soul), mana (mind), and tan (body), and is dedicated to providing guests with a variety of rejuvenating experiences.
From master cleanse for cellular detoxification to incorporating the healing energies of traditional Ayurveda, research programmes on guest-centered physical conditions, sessions on improving cardiovascular fitness to lifestyle enhancement, the team ensures their guests attains peace, both mentally and physically. The concept of farm-to-table is highlighted in the dining and is curated with fresh ingredients sourced from local farms. This integrated wellness destination is certified by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), a constituent Board of Quality Council of India. atmantan.com
Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa
For denizens of Mumbai and Pune looking for an instant getaway and relaxation amid luxury in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra, Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa is ideal.
At the core of the resort is the Dharana wellness philosophy that offers wellness programmes meant to uplift your physical and mental health. In fact, its Dharana facilities (including some of the accommodation) are built separately from the rest of the resort at the dedicated 70-acre wellness facility. This includes the Dharana spa and the separate spa pool.
Children are not allowed in the Dharana section of the spa hotel. Dharana facility offers various wellness programmes of different durations. The food at resort is also prepared keeping in mind organic ingredients and farm-to-table style of dining. hilton.com
Mekosha
The property is 45 minutes away from Trivandrum airport in Kerala, and is tucked away in a private, picturesque location along a river. Each of spacious spasuites at Mekosha has a private spa area or treatment room, from where guests can indulge in unlimited therapies.
The Ayurveda packages offered here are all inclusive i.e. they come with yoga, meditation, gourmet meals and stay included. The programmes can be customised as per the guests’ requirements.
Mekosha’s botanical shop offers products ranging from hair, skin to pain management, and its botanical services include free doctor-certified body assessment and personalised health advice. They will also help you pick botanicals and formulae for at-home use.
The retreat’s culinary offerings are based on the sattvik diet. Guests can also participate in their cooking community and learn how to prepare a healthy meal. mekosha.com
Naad Wellness
Situated in Sonipat, Haryana (on the outskirts of New Delhi), Naad Wellness aims to “disconnect, heal, reconnect” for a “sound you”. Based on the ancient principles of Ayurveda, yoga and Naturopathy, its therapies and services are designed to restore balance to your five senses.
Each of their experiences have been created around these ancient healing philosophies and are overseen by their resident physicians and experts. Naad is the primordial sound that echoes through the universe and Naad Wellness believes that human bodies are like musical instruments which when tuned regularly produce harmonious melodies. Herbal massages, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, nutritional counselling and cleansing routines are some of the programmes one can indulge in at the resort. naadwellness.com
Niraamaya Retreats Samroha
Perched on a cliff overlooking the majestic Athirappilly waterfalls in Kerala, Niraamaya Retreats Samroha allows you to “be one with nature”.
Their multi-award-winning spa pampers guests with therapies that are an ideal blend of traditional Indian wellness rituals and global influence. Ayurveda treatment packages are available for corporate stress management, stress and strain buster, bone and joint care and immunity boosting.
To those seeking peace of mind away from the bustling city life, the property offers a wide range of tailor-made programmes including music retreats, yoga retreats, art retreats – Mandala designs, sculpting, photography retreats, birding and wildlife and workshops on artistic writings. niraamaya.com
Shreyas Retreat
Shreyas Retreat, a member of Relais & Châteaux, is designed as a “retreat within a retreat”. It houses the sprawling Anaha wellness spa that aims to offer holistic healing.
Ranging from Ayurvedic treatments, modern therapies, Naturopathy to a wide range of massages, the spa is designed to offer a complete wellness experience. Its experienced consultants with knowledge of techniques from across the world create a personalised, wellness regime for the guests.
Shreyas is currently offering a “Post Covid Care” package that comprises integrated holistic therapies drawn from multiple systems of healing clubbed with a healthy diet that’s designed to improve immunity. shreyasretreat.com
Svatma
An experiential boutique hotel located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, Svatma houses Soukyam, a luxury spa that offers holistic treatments, baths and beauty therapies based on ancient health philosophies and systems.
One of their highly recommended wellness experiences is Svaram – Sound Spa. The therapy features the Svaram sound bed NidraAnantar – a massage table that has been orchestrated to have 50 strings carefully tuned and stretched underneath. A skilled therapist uses a resonator to create vibrations that leads the guests into a deep state of relaxation. The therapy includes benefits such as de-stressing; opening and dissolving of limiting blockades; calmness that may have emotional effects which influence neurotransmitters and neuropeptides that help to regulate the immune system.
A member of Relais & Châteaux, Svatma ensures that its rejuvenating therapies are surrounded by wellness cuisine, daily guided meditation and yoga, nutrition guidance and music performances among others. svatma.in
SwaSwara
A CGH Earth resort, SwaSwara is a tranquil retreat situated on Om beach in Gokarna, Karnataka. The hilltop meditation area lets you unwind amidst nature with sea-kissed breeze and stunning views of the mountains.
The signature “Swa Wellbeing” programme focuses on the “beginning of an exploration of the self”. Yogic kriyas, asanas, yoga nidra, meditation, and pranayama, relaxing Ayurvedic abhyanga massages, special focus yoga sessions, guided art and pottery sessions and interactive cooking form a part of this comprehensive programme.
Art studio, a dedicated yoga centre, swimming pool and library are a few other facilities available. cghearth.com
The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa, Gulmarg
Spread across seven acres, The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa is a haven of luxury. It is a traditional property capturing the essence and beauty of Gulmarg which can be seen in all of its 85 well-appointed guestrooms offering the majestic views of the Affarwat peaks of the Pir Panjal mountain range. A plethora of restorative treatments is available at The Khyber Spa by L’Occitaine, one of the country’s most luxurious and holistic well-being experiences. The resort incorporates a mix of the west and the east with Swedish, Hawaiian, Lomi Lomi, Balinese techniques combined with L’Occitane essential oils. Guests can also explore the world’s highest ski lift, the Gulmarg Gondola which is just minutes from the resort. khyberhotels.com
Vana
Guests staying at Vana wake up to the vistas of a misty Sal Forest, fruit orchards, and beautiful gardens where the day typically begins with asanas and meditation.
The retreat features 66 rooms and 16 suites equipped with balconies or terraces. Its wellness offerings are solely based on Ayurveda, yoga, mindful eating and Sowa Rigpa (Tibetan medicine). Vana’s complementary therapies by experts work on the abdomen and other internal organs, cutting through energies and deep emotions. Highly recommended is their Reflexology that removes the stubborn energy blocks to improve organ function. The retreat’s individual assessments will help guests understand their level of fitness, body composition and structural alignment.
Doctors at Vana help treating ailments such as auto-immune disorders, neuro-muscular conditions, respiratory concerns, metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal concerns, chronic depression, chronic fatigue, insomnia and eating disorders as well. vana.co.in
Viveda
Located in Trimbakeshwar in Nashik city of Maharashtra, Viveda is an integrated wellness village that promotes healthy living using ancient knowledge and practices.
Guests can check-in into one of their handcrafted cottages with floor-to-ceiling windows and door that extend itself to a garden area. Some cottages are equipped with jacuzzi and offer panoramic views of the mountains.
The treatments are based on Naturopathy, Ayurveda, Homeopathy and international spa therapies. A one-on-one lifestyle consultation with an expert is organised where you can talk about life stressors.
A range of thoughtfully curated wellness programmes are available for pain management, fitness, stress management, yoga, detoxification and rejuvenation. The retreat serves nutrient-rich vegetarian sattvik food and vegan dishes that aid digestion enhance the healing experience. vivedawellness.com
Akanksha Maker, Nisha Shroff and Sanchita Nambiar
