The best way to step out of self-isolation is by diving straight into the world of wellness. We pick out some of India’s best wellness resorts for your rebound travel plans. By Bayar Jain & Tanvi Jain
The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort, New Chandigarh
If you’re looking for a holistic detox, The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort, New Chandigarh is where you should head. The place offers a relaxing environment to promote well-being through Western and Eastern therapies, including Ayurveda. Its services, such as hydrotherapy pools, aromatic steam, infrared sauna, and heated tepidarium, further add to your overall wellness journey. The resort gives you the option to choose from seven, 14, and 21 days of customised authentic Ayurvedic treatment, as well as detox and weight management programmes. These are complemented by wellness menus that include varied herbal applications, panchakarma, yoga, reflections, and the cultivation of good eating habits for a long-lasting transformation, all led by resident experts. The place encourages you to soak up nature’s healing powers through its guided forest-bathing, bird-watching, and stargazing activities. You can also take up activities like gardening, handicraft making, and cycling at the resort. At the end of your stay, you take back not just a rejuvenating experience, but also expert advice for sustained well-being. oberoihotels.com
Alila Diwa Goa
Alila Diwa Goa thrives on the philosophy of ‘feel, fuel, and function’, a thought process that backs their Detox Detour wellness programme. Designed to enable guests to regain their inner balance, this programme offers a myriad of services to heal you inside out and offer respite from obesity, high cholesterol, anxiety, and menstruation problems, among others. At Spa Alila, ancient Asian and Ayurvedic healing techniques blend with trusted beauty recipes that use fresh, natural, and high-quality ingredients. Detox Detour takes this up a notch with sessions like hypnotherapy, meditation, pranic psychotherapy, and art therapy. Satvik meals served throughout the programme act in tandem with guided yoga sessions. Constant support from consultants helps you deal with any underlying fears, inhibitions, etc. alilahotels.com
Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa
Being surrounded by 27 acres of evergreen forests of the Western Ghats might be a good enough reason for nature enthusiasts to head to Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa. The fusion of luxury and wellness at the property is seamlessly done. The moment you step into the resort, a feeling of calm and composure envelopes you. The Explore Spa pampers you with luxurious massages and body treatments, manicure and pedicure, and the option of soaking in a hammam or Vichy shower. Alternatively, you can choose to sweat it out at their fully-equipped 24-hour fitness centre. The range of accommodations available at the five-star property is diverse, and you can even enjoy a private outdoor spa in the Serenity Suite. marriott.com
Naad Wellness, Sonipat
Naad Wellness, located on the outskirts of Delhi-NCR, embraces ancient Indian traditions through its personalised health programmes and therapies. The focus on holistic wellness comes as no surprise at a resort that gets its name from the primordial sound believed to echo through the universe and awaken our spiritual growth. The resort deploys a three-pronged approach to wellness involving Ayurveda, yoga, and naturopathy. The recently introduced five-day programme, Dinacharya by Naad, is designed to help you ease back into your pre-pandemic routine without having to compromise your immunity. “This means you wake up at a certain hour, work out at specifi c times, eat your meals at determined times, practise mindfulness, and ensure you go to bed relaxed—at the right time,” explains Manoj Khetan, co-founder of Naad Wellness. The downloadable itinerary facilitates this by outlining meal plans, asanas, self-care rituals, and pre-bedtime practices to ensure that your fi ve senses remain in balance. This emphasis on holistic healing permeates their on-ground programmes as well. naadwellness.com
Vana, Dehradun
Nestled in the Sal Forest of Dehradun, Vana (meaning forest) stays true to its name. Once you land at Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, a Vana team member leads you to the retreat—just an hour’s drive away—where you become a ‘Vanavasi’. Traditional medicines, nourishing cuisine, and private consultations with in-house wellness consultants are available at the retreat. The programmes are structured based on one’s wellness goals and come coupled with activities such as yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, music therapy, hikes, and fitness sessions. There are also spaces to read and a wonderful collection of books, comics, and movies spread across more than one library. World-class design and a soulful hilltop location make Vana a unique retreat in the country. vana.co.in
Namah, Jim Corbett National Park
With the gentle echoes of the River Kosi lulling your mind to rest, wellness is intrinsic to Namah. Located on the fringes of Jim Corbett National Park, Namah makes for a refreshing escape from the chaos and clamour of city life. With no more than 50 rooms spread over 8.75 acres, it allows guests to be one with nature. If the surrounds aren’t enough to put your mind at ease, the many recreational activities here will do the trick. Enjoy a dip in the pools, and de-stress with the wellness offerings at the spa. For a dose of adventure, consider a safari through the national park. namah.in
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra, Kovalam
A nature lover’s paradise in Kerala, Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra is the perfect place if you are looking for healing in the lap of luxury. The scenic view of secluded beaches, the music of the Arabian Sea, the towering palm trees, and the salty sea breeze lends a magical touch to your retreat. The programmes here are based on the healing powers of Ayurveda. They focus on the four essential dimensions of rest, nourishment, movement, and mindfulness. Every Niraamaya experience is tailor-made to suit the individual’s lifestyle choices and preferences. There are also sessions with wellness experts, who design a comprehensive personalised programme based on your goals and health issues. You can either choose an intense seven- to 21-day Ayurveda therapeutic wellness programme or opt for a shorter three- to five-day interventional Ayurvedic experience. The recently introduced functional medicine programme deals with chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, and offers treatments to boost your immunity. niraamaya.com
Nimba Nature Cure, Ahmedabad
With over 60 kinds of therapies and treatments on offer, Nimba Nature Cure near Ahmedabad leaves you spoilt for choice. Every inch of the 30 acres is covered in greenery and oozes serenity. The treatments, too, celebrate the healing property of nature. At Nimba, a team of experts helps you improve, build, and sustain immunity by relying on traditional practices of naturopathy, Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation. Ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, insomnia, and arthritis are also addressed in this sanctuary of wellness. Abstinence from drugs and intoxicants is emphasised to ensure thorough cleansing of the mind, body, and soul. Besides the conventional treatments, Nimba Nature Cure also offers alternative therapies such as Chinese acupuncture, Egyptian cupping therapy, reflexology, acupressure, and even hot stone therapy. nimba.in
Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace, Hampi
Luxury defines Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace, Hampi. Apart from being a world-class wellness retreat, the resort’s location facilitates an all-encompassing holiday. With its stone-paved boulevards and arched hallways, Evolve Back Hampi takes you back to the 14th-century Vijayanagara Empire. The retreat is located just four kilometres from the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hampi and comprises luxury suites called Nivasa, Nilaya, Zenana, and Jal Mahal that come with a jacuzzi, living and dining areas, and private pools. The other highlights of the resort include the multi-cuisine restaurant Tuluva, Howdah Lounge Bar, an Ayurvedic treatment centre called Vaidyasala, the Katha reading lounge, an infinity swimming pool, and an activity centre. evolveback.com
Shreyas Yoga Retreat, Bengaluru
World-famous as a yoga retreat, this 25-acre wellness destination near Bengaluru is equally good in its Ayurveda and naturopathy offerings. The spiritual ethos of the property and the semi-urban landscape of the region disconnects you from the world and prepares you for a journey of rejuvenation. Meditation sessions and relaxation practices soothe your soul. Experienced doctors, therapists, and teachers facilitate the healing process and educate you on preventive measures. Shreyas Yoga Retreat offers a range of massages such as Balinese, Thai, and Swedish; modern wellness services such as hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, and mud therapy; a selection of indulgent scrubs, masks, and facials. Its Ayurvedic massages include Shirodhara, Udhwartanam, Choorna Pinda Swedam, Abhyanga, and Virechnam. Gourmet vegetarian meals cooked using organically grown ingredients, which are handpicked from its fields, make up the icing on the cake. shreyasretreat.com
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