More than just a prestigious resort or a hotel with a growing number of wellness programs, set amidst the vast expanse of nature, a wellness retreat can be defined as a purposeful retreat for the mind, body, and spirit.
Earlier this month, actor Arjun Kapoor shared a photo dump of his days spent at an Austrian health resort. But not just celebs, many Indian travellers are now looking at rejuvenating retreats both in India and abroad. According to consulting firm Mordor Intelligence, India’s wellness tourism market is set to reach $26.55 billion by 2029, showing a growth of 6% from 2024.
As we celebrate World Travel Day, which urges people to slow down, we have compiled a list of destinations from across India for a psychological, physical and spiritual break.
Revitalizing the hormone cycle
Many traditional treatments are believed to stabilize hormones, unblock energy flow, and restore the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Ananda in the Himalayas, located in the mountains of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, is one such high-end wellness retreat that addresses hormone imbalances and detox with its Rebalance program based on Vedic philosophy. The Hormonal Harmony Program at The Tamara in Coorg, Karnataka also uses naturopathy to restore hormonal balance.
sound of healing
Sound healing therapy uses elements of music to enhance physical and emotional well-being. Ekant, a luxury wellness retreat located on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, offers sound healing sessions in addition to other things like waterfall meditation. Atmantan, located in Mulshi, Maharashtra, is another resort that offers sound healing sessions using Tibetan bowls, gong baths, tuning forks, and eve.
classical music.
Ayurvedic Immersion
Apart from treatment methods, Ayurveda offers a wealth of prescriptions for holistic healing. The Ayurvedic Treatment Village Kairali in Palakkad, Kerala is one such resort that uses ancient prescriptions for healing purposes. Called a hospital resort, it has 20 physicians who monitor guests’ doshas (diseases according to Vedic philosophy) and suggest treatments. The Leela Kovalam Ayurveda Resort in Kerala is another retreat that offers consultations with Ayurvedic doctors to determine unique body types and devise personalized treatment plans for holistic healing.
in forest
There is no better place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city than by taking a walk in nature. The growing popularity of forest bathing, a form of Japanese eco-therapy that involves immersing oneself in a forest environment to reduce stress, is proof of its effectiveness. Dharana at Shillim, an eco-conscious luxury retreat in the Shilimb Valley of the Sahyadris in Maharashtra, is one such resort that offers forest bathing programs. Kaivalyam Retreat in Kerala, located amidst the lush tea plantations of Munnar, is another retreat that offers forest bathing under the guidance of Ayurvedic therapists.
Dosage of Tibetan medicine
Tibetan medicine, also known as Sowa Rigpa, is one of the oldest documented healing traditions in the world, originating in Tibet over 2,000 years ago. Like Ayurveda, it also focuses on natural healing of the mind, body, and spirit. Six Senses One in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, offers Sowa Rigpa-based retreats that blend technology with ancient wisdom. Taj Wayanad Resort and Spa, Kerala also offers personalized health plans from Tibetan medicine specialists and treatments including Tibetan massage and energy healing.
