10 REASONS WE LOVE THIS DESTINATION SPA IN THE HIMALAYAS
The Himalayas conjure up impressions of grandeur, beauty, and spirituality. To experience it all, VIP travelers must visit Ananda, an award-winning luxury destination spa resort nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Northern India. Ananda isn’t only an enchanting five-star resort. Located in the birthplace of yoga, it is a spiritual getaway that blends traditional Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta with international wellness experiences to rejuvenate, rebalance, and re-harmonize one’s energy.
10. Stunning Location
Tucked into the Himalayan foothills, Ananda offers a yatra, or pilgrimage, into a state of higher spiritual realization. Even the most well-traveled guests will be transported by stunning vistas of the elegant, rolling hills of the Sal forests, and will be enchanted by Ananda’s acres of manicured private gardens. Nearby towns, including the holy city of Rishikesh and the charming village of Narendrangar, and ancient temples, ashrams, and monasteries provide endless opportunity for discovery. The spiritual history of the region, known as the Gateway to the Gods to traditional Hindu communities, imbues every experience with a sense of mysticism and power.
9. State of the Art Spa
Deeply focused on holistic wellness, Ananda’s spa integrates the best of traditional Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta practices with international wellness techniques. Ananda offers more than 80 body and beauty treatments, as well as a state of the art hydrotherapy center, gym, and outdoor swimming pool on a 25,000 square foot estate. All spa treatments are designed to de-stress, detox, cleanse and deeply relax, and have been carefully designed according to the latest research and the guidance of leading nutritionists, physicians, spa therapists, and yoga and fitness experts.
8. Customized Wellness Experiences
In addition to luxury spa treatments, Ananda offers all-inclusive wellness and getaway packages that are individually designed for guests’ specific, unique mental, spiritual, and physical health goals. Guests’ specific needs are assessed and analyzed prior to arrival, so Ananda’s ayurvedic doctors, yogis, nutritionists, wellness experts and spa cuisine chefs can customize the perfect program. Wellness programs range from ayurvedic rejuvenation to dhyana mediation to yogic detox to more practical regimens for stress management and weight loss. Programs range from 5 nights to 3 weeks.
7. Learn from Yogi Masters
Ananda provides special workshops and private sessions with Visiting Masters from across India and the world who specialize in areas such as hypnotherapy, reiki, energy healing, crystal healing, massage. These world-renowned teachers, therapists, healers, doctors and guides share their stories, teach their lessons, and demonstrate their healing gift.
6. Safari Adventures
Guests who feel sufficiently restored and want a taste of adventure can travel to nearby Rajaji National Park for a walking safari excursion. Strategically placed watchtowers provide an up-close view of the park’s hundreds of elephants, tigers, and panthers, in addition to spotted deer, wild boar, sloths, red rhesus macaques, and charming gray langurs. Birdwatchers can spot over 400 species, ranging from exotic peacocks, to quails, hornbills, hawks, vultures and falcons. Treks can be customized to guests’ preferred terrain or intensity, and done alone or with a guide. All safaris afford stunning views of the Ganga and the Himalayas.
5. Local Experienced Staff
Ananda hires local staff, who have an intimate understanding of the region and its spiritual history. Not only do guests enjoy a better, more professional experience, but they also can relax knowing that their stay is contributing to the local economy.
4. International Recognition
Word of Ananda’s beauty is spreading. Ananda was voted World’s Best Destination Spa by Condé Nast Traveller, UK in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2012. Condé Nast Traveller, India conferred that same away in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Ananda was also voted the Best Spa for Mind, Body and Spirit, Yoga and Healthy Cuisine by Spa Finder Wellness Travel Awards 2015.
3. Elegant Accommodations
Guests stay in newly renovated and tastefully appointed suites in the Maharaja’s Palace. Each suite contains a private sitting and dining area, along with a luxurious bedroom featuring authentic, antique pieces. High-end travelers may choose to stay in the resort’s spacious villas, each boasting private saunas, pools and terraces, all with views overlooking the regal Ganga Valley. The entire estate is the perfect embodiment of serenity, tranquility, and luxury.
2. Mindful Dining
The Ananda team deeply understands that a nutritious, balanced diet is key to a healthy lifestyle, and prepares food that is both delicious and rejuvenating. Meals are made with fresh, local, and organic produce and include whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. Artificial ingredients are shunned. Ananda’s high-end restaurant offers Indian, Asian and European cuisines, all of which can be customized to guests’ specific dietary and wellness needs. Private dining can be arranged, for a more intimate experience.
1. Endless Activities
In between spa experiences and local excursions, guests can choose from white water rafting, nature treks, or various leisure activities at the rest, including golfing on a new 6-hole course along the hillside, snooker, or swimming.
How to book:
nanda is a 40 minute picturesque drive from the Dehradun airport which is connected via daily 45 minute flights from Delhi International Airport. We recommend Indian Excursions Company, which specializes in tailor-made tours of Rajasthan, to book your experience.
Written by DLX contributor Beth Doane