The number of wellness centres in the country is soaring, thanks to the increased focus on mental health and wellbeing. In addition to offering luxury and a sense of serenity, these retreats are designed to guide you on your way to a healthy lifestyle. On that note, head to an opulent retreat to pamper and soothe yourself, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
1. Amal Tamara, Alleppey, Kerala
Amal Tamara, a luxury wellness holistic centre housed in the scenic backwaters of the Vembanad Lake designs wellness programmes for an individual's specific needs. Choose from their extensive menu of Ayurvedic programmes, including the Destress Programme, equipped with reforming activities, meditation, and yoga to help you physically and emotionally relax. You'll be spoiled for choice by their immersive activities; among other things, you can learn the subtleties of Kathakali or take a tour to explore village life.
Directions: Ponnad, P.O, Ward 4, Mannanchery, Kerala
2. Ananda in The Himalayas, Garhwal, Uttarakhand
The luxurious spa resort, housed on the estate of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal, enveloped by Sal woods with views of Rishikesh and the Ganges River, transports you back in time to the era of royalty. The amalgamation of their signature line of essential oils, mud, clays, and gels blended with therapeutic energies, makes their offerings exclusive. Your schedule will be packed with spiritual events if you're here for the retreat, including meditation, nature hikes, Hatha Yoga, Vedanta, spa treatments, and culinary lessons on gourmet ayurvedic cuisine.
Directions: The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar, Uttarakhand
3. Atmantan Wellness Resort, Mulshi, Maharashtra
Atmantan, the amalgamation of soul (Atma), mind (Man), and body (Tan) is an integrated wellness resort set on the banks of Mulshi Lake. It offers diverse wellness plans with a holistic approach, including packages focussed on natural healing, a master cleanse, and their latest addition, a Radiance ritual for the bride and groom preparing them for the big day. The wellness cuisine features everything from Ayurvedic meals to Mediterranean and Asian, all while adhering to the principle of "Let food be the medicine & medicine be thy food."
Directions: Village Palse, Tamhini Ghat Rd, Mulshi, Maharashtra
4. Vana Retreat, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
With forests on one side nestled between the city of Dehradun and the hill station of Mussoorie, coexist with flora and fauna at Vana Retreat, where birds, monkeys, and butterflies are frequent visitors. A regular day of a Vanavasi (residents at Vana) involves yoga, meditation, fitness sessions, nature walks, treks, music lessons and more; and if you thought their food was limited to healthy greens, you’ll be relieved to know Vana’s cuisine stands as the greatest strength of the retreat, with offerings ranging from vegetarian and vegan choices to mindfully sourced meat, fish and poultry.
Directions: Mussoorie Rd, Malsi, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
5. Ashiyana Yoga and Spa Village, Madrem, Goa
Your home away from home is this yoga and wellness centre, which is tucked away on a lovely North Goa beach, amidst palm trees, and tropical flora and fauna. With their yoga experiences and deeply relaxing spa treatments, calm your body and soothe your soul. Their commitment to your wellness and well-being doesn't end with your vacation either; they also extend online support with their practitioners on board to craft a retreat that never ends.
Directions: Junas Waddo, Mandrem, Goa
6. Mekoksha Ayurvedic Resort, Kerala
Mekoksha is another wellness resort in the home of Ayurveda, offering a range of therapeutic offerings that combine traditional Ayurveda practices with a dose of modern medicine. Experience a yoga class by the river while listening to the soothing sounds of nature or improve your body and mind with their acclaimed detoxification and rehabilitation programme, which incorporates therapies that promote natural cleansing and de-addiction.
Directions: Melattingal, Near Perenem Temple, Alamcode P.O, Kerala
7. Dharana Wellness Retreat, Pune
With a therapeutic retreat at Dharana Wellness, tucked away in the Shillimb Valley, embark on a path of self-love, spiritual healing, and self-realisation. With a focus on assisting you in making lifestyle decisions that reflect on peace and concentration as well as energy balance, their programmes go beyond yoga and meditation and feature a 9-day fasting detox and whole food retreat programme amongst other options. They also provide a therapeutic retreat especially designed for couples to deepen their bond.
Directions: Dharana, Village Shilimb, Taluka, Pavana Nagar, Maval, Pune, Maharashtra
Holistic Programme and Retreat.
8. Viveda Wellness Village, Nashik, Maharashtra
The integrated wellness village will lead you down the path of rejuvenation to calm your mind and elevate your sense of living. In addition to its wellness programmes, spas, massages, and retreats the property is equipped with amenities and experiences. If you're a leisure traveller looking to unwind, take a dip in their swimming pool, stroll past the flower beds filled with sweet scents, take a stroll through their scenic trails, or read a book or two from their cosy library.
Directions: Beze Village, Trimbak Road, Shivar, Nashik, Maharashtra
Wellness Programme and Integrated Wellness.
Himani Sona
I’m a Bangalore based Culinary Chronicler who finds joy in food storytelling and photography. I like to research and document food narratives through writings, illustrations and photographs. When I’m away from the lens and pen, I’m mostly hiking in the woods.
