Heal your mind, body and soul with these 12 off-beat wellness retreats in India and around the world

Do you also find it difficult to keep up with new year resolutions till the end of the year? Are you also hoping to break the curse by being persistent towards bettering your physical and mental well-being? ELLE DECOR India assembles a list of the best wellness retreats in India and around the world that promise you stunning views, moments of soul-searching and various spa therapies and treatments — a great way to spend time away from your screen, we say!

Start the new year with a holistic wellness plan and experience calm in indulgence at these best wellness retreats in India and around the world, from Japan to Abu Dhabi.

Ameya Yoga Studio, Ahmedabad

At a unique intersection of two distinct meditative practices, yoga and Bharathnatyam, the Ameya Yoga Studio in Ahmedabad serves as an opportunity to delve deep into your physical and spiritual self. Draped in soft white curtains, layered to mimic the fluid graceful movements from both practices, the space designed by Studio Saransh offers a dynamic and tranquil ambience.

What to experience: A Kalaripayyatu weekend workshop that is the perfect gateway to physical and mental well-being.

AmbiGlow, Amritsar

What better way to wellness than the wabi-sabi way? Steering away from the extravagance of modern interiors, designer Rubleen Sandhu of Preamble Design creates a tranquil atmosphere celebrating imperfection, the fleeting nature of life, and a commitment to simplicity. Natural elements and textures, neutral tones and wood accents offer warmth and luxury at the clinic.

What to experience: Exfoliate, cleanse and hydrate with AmbiGlow’s hydra facial.

Mahati Wellness, Mumbai

Amidst busy lanes of Bandra in Mumbai and neighbouring high-rises, this wellness spa is a breath of fresh air. Mahati Wellness derived from ‘Mahati’, signifying greatness, offers holistic well-being programs focused on nutrition, yoga, posture correction and a lot more. Upon entering the space, you are greeted with nature’s warmth – a sanctuary-like experience within the dense greenery and the use of natural, earthy materials like bamboo. 

What to experience: Try the immersive soundbath that will allow you to release blocked energies, experience peace, heal, restore and rejuvenate.

Anantara Spa at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Abu Dhabi

Warm rays of the Sun. Views of the gleaming golden desert sand. Anantara Spa. The perfect recipe for rejuvenation and relaxation! Experience luxury and wellness within the mystique of the desert. Rooted in tradition, the spa houses a Moroccan hammam, jacuzzis, steam room and much more. In harmony with the surroundings, the spa reflects the warm colours of the desert, while offering an expansive views of the landscape. Adorned with rich textures, gold accents and intricate mosaics, the design honours the region’s heritage.

What to experience: The Arabian Desert Rose Ritual, a signature spa treatment is designed to gently cleanse and restore radiance.

Nilkanth Ayurveda Clinic, Ahmedabad

Inspired by the principles of Ayurveda, the team at Studio Saransh focused on the concept of slowness for Nilkanth Ayurveda Clinic. Incorporating local traditional craftsmanship, curved partition walls are designed using weaving processes – representing the patient nature of Ayurvedic practices. The design offers not just a unique visual but also functional and flexible spaces. A design language that epitomises sustainability and a connection to nature render a healing and serene ambience. Interiors so enticing you would want to book yourself a spa session immediately!

What to experience: The Panchkarma, a powerful detox and rejuvenation therapy focuses on eliminating toxins from the body and bringing the doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—into harmony.

Ananda In The Himalayas, Rishikesh

In the most evident and inevitable presence of the majestic Himalayas, Ananda in the Himalayas stands synonymous to the utmost form of wellness and luxury. From the holistic treatments, programs and spas to the villas and restaurants, the views around render a meditative ambience. Temperature-controlled private pools adjacent to the one and two-bedroom villas extend a lingering healing experience.

What to experience: The physiotherapy facility with a state-of-the-art setup and offerings ranging from Ayurveda and customised treatments.

AWAKEN Spa at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai

Nothing less than royal is what you feel at Atlantis The Royal that opens up several, sensorial layers of indulgence. With over fifteen celebrity chef restaurants, aquariums, spas, luxury retail boutiques, multiple pockets of pools and infinity pools is the destination to take a dip in all-things opulence. The AWAKEN Spa is where wellness meets extravagance. Painting a new-age version of the bathhouse concept, the Hammam Sensorium weaves the four elements of nature into our meditative existence. 

What to experience: Bathe head–to-toe in 24-karat gold at the Turkish-style hammam.

Gôra Kadan, Hakone

In the heart of Hakone National Park, a former retreat of the Imperial Family, Gôra Kadan is an invitation to bring your five senses to life by immersing yourself in the ancient Japanese way of life. Surrounded by springs that are heated by volcanic rocks, this calm retreat also a part of Relais and Chateaux is designed in a minimalist style with facilities including a swimming pool, spa and salon. 

What to experience: Evoke your senses with a gentle whirl of a sliding wall made of rice paper, fragrance of flower incense, the traditional Kaiseki cuisine and the touch of silk.

Anopura, Jaipur

We bet you will be delightfully surprised with Anopura, a quaint luxury stay on the outskirts of Jaipur city. Surrounded by the majestic Aravalli ranges, cocooned in the fragrance of lemon groves and frangipani blooms, this is a sanctuary of serenity and renewal. Here, wellness and opulence transcends the glitz and glam. Focused on nourishing the soul, each activity, safaris through ancient lands, farm-to-table cookery, pottery, block printing and tailoring – is a testament to tradition. 

What to experience: The Ayurvedic Spa program with a clean food program, detox drink menu, oxygen trail and therapies, deeply rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom and Hindu spirituality

Six Senses Vana, Dehradun

A property completely cocooned within the embrace of Uttarakhand’s Sal forest, Six Senses Vana merges with the landscape and stands as a testament to luxury within wilderness. Redefining the essence of holistic wellness, weaves together a multi-sensorial approach with a focus on vision, sound, taste, touch. A combination of introductory wellness consultation and customisable diet plans for the stay duration paired with flute and yoga lessons, personalised workshops and bird watching extend a well-rounded experience.

What to experience: Enjoy a multi-sensory treatment as you float in the warmth of the Watsu pool or meditate to Raag therapy.

The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg

With rugged, snow-covered Himalayas as the backdrop, Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa houses a luxurious Mediterranean-themed Spa by L’OCCITANE offers extraordinary views paired with luxurious and holistic spa treatments from around the globe. From adrenaline-inducing activities to leisurely strolls and picnics by the stream, experience wellness in the most exotic ways. 

What to experience: The revitalising Aromachologie massage to cure fatigue that combines Swedish and Balinese massage techniques with rosemary, pine and mint essential oils.

Atmantan Wellness Resort, Pune

‘Atmantan’ literally translates to the holistic amalgamation of the atma (soul), mana (mind) and tann (body). Named accurately, this integrated wellness centre focuses on understanding the relationship between sound nutrition and the functioning of the body. Experience a true coalescence of your body, mind and soul and transform into a renewed individual, content and disease free.

What to experience: Take a dip in the indoor and outdoor chemical-free salt pools that make aqua fitness truly healing.

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