By HermoineFeaturedLifestyleRepublic Day of India

Ananda in the Himalayas: A Luxurious Sanctuary for the Mind, Body, and Soul

By Hermoine Macura-Noble
Special to The Times Kuwait


Enveloped by the tranquil Himalayan foothills, the Ananda Resort is a beacon of holistic wellness and luxury that invites guests to reimagine their health, mindsets and lifestyle. Located near Rishikesh, India’s spiritual heart, the award-winning destination spa offers a transformative journey that combines ancient Indian healing traditions with contemporary wellness solutions. Upon arrival at Ananda in the Himalayas, it’s easy to see why King Charles, Nicole Kidman and Oprah have confirmed the wellness resort as one of the best destination spas in the world.

Spread over 100 acres of pristine forests, Ananda is set in the former Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, a historical site dating back to 1910. Visited by bygone Kings and Queens over the past century, the property’s elegant architecture and serene surroundings immediately lead guests to calmness and serenity. Overlooking the sacred Ganges River, guests are instantly swept away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life as they enter Ananda’s gates to enjoy a unique approach to health and wellness using Ayurveda – India’s ancient secrets to health and wellness.

Chief Operating Officer at Ananda, Mahesh Natarajan

“The Himalayas have long been regarded as the birthplace of Ayurveda, and this spiritual significance is woven into the fabric of Ananda’s offerings. The pure air, the healing properties of the natural herbs found in the region, and the majestic views all contribute to a sense of calm and rejuvenation. The connection to nature and the profound silence of the surroundings allows guests to disconnect from their routines and focus on inner healing and reflection,” explains Chief Operating Officer at Ananda, Mahesh Natarajan.

Accommodations at Ananda range from cozy rooms with breathtaking views to opulent villas with private pools. Every detail is designed to provide a serene and rejuvenating environment, encouraging guests to unwind and reconnect with themselves. However, it’s the highly successful Ayurveda programs that continue to attract guests from across the world.

The 5,000-year-old system of natural healing, continues to thrive as a cornerstone of India’s wellness traditions. Rooted in the Sanskrit words ‘Ayur’ (life) and ‘Veda’ (knowledge), Ayurveda offers holistic treatments designed to balance the mind, body, and spirit. Today, this ancient practice is recognized globally for its profound benefits and transformative potential. The toll of modern living on human health has led many to look for ancient healing practices such as Ayurveda, which offers a comprehensive, holistic approach that addresses growing concerns many have living in concrete jungles across the globe.

At its core, Ayurveda is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the three doshas: Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth). These doshas govern individual constitution and overall health. Imbalances caused by stress, diet, and environmental changes can lead to physical or emotional ailments. This ancient healing system forms Ananda’s philosophy of personalized wellness.

Tailored to address individual health goals such as infertility or weight loss, Ananda’s programs are led by experienced practitioners who craft bespoke wellness journeys for each guest which begins with consultations even before their arrival. This customization continues throughout the stay with tailored wellness programs and Ayurvedic treatments, such as Abhyanga (oil massage), which helps to restore balance to the body’s doshas. Treatments like Shirodhara (gentle oil pouring on the forehead) are renowned for reducing stress, alleviating insomnia, and promoting mental clarity.

Panchakarma, a comprehensive detoxification program, is particularly popular among guests, as is the Stress Management Program, which is rooted in a holistic and personalized approach to diet and nutrition, emphasizing the profound connection between the mind, body, and gut. Ayurveda recognizes that stress is not just a brain-related issue but also deeply intertwined with gut health, which is why the program features a highly detailed treatment list of Ayurveda body treatments and diet, as well as cupping and acupuncture. Guests can also take part in breathwork courses, which teach breathing techniques to relax the mind and body.

Ananda’s Head of Ayurveda,
Dr. Sreelal Sankar

“The Stress Management program at Ananda first addresses the root causes of stress and behavioral patterns influenced by various factors, including genetics, prenatal influences, and life experiences. Ayurveda emphasizes that these elements are reflected in our dosha types – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – offering a key to understanding why individuals react in certain ways under stress…The program addresses not only the mental health status but also the physical manifestations of stress. For example, stress and anxiety can lead to physical issues like heart disease, hypertension, and digestive problems, all of which Ayurveda seeks to balance through holistic treatments,” shares Ananda’s Head of Ayurveda, Dr. Sreelal Sankar.

Ayurveda also utilizes a vast pharmacopeia of herbs, such as ashwagandha, turmeric, and neem. Ananda’s Doctors prescribe these natural remedies to address various conditions, from boosting immunity to reducing inflammation.

“Ayurveda’s fundamental principles govern the body’s functions and have remained unchanged for thousands of years. This consistency is remarkable, especially considering that these principles have adapted to modern-day challenges such as lifestyle diseases and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ayurveda provides coping mechanisms that continue to be relevant, reinforcing the timeless nature of its wisdom,” adds Dr Sankar.

Ananda’s unique approach to wellness also extends to the dining table. The retreat’s cuisine focuses on locally sourced, fresh, organic ingredients tailored to individual dietary requirements. Chefs expertly prepare meals that delight the palate and nourish the body, aligning with Ayurvedic principles to support health and vitality. Unique offerings like golden elixir shots at breakfast and a range of herbal teas accompanying every meal are just some of the specialized touches offered at the mountain oasis.

In addition to the ancient healing protocols, many guests are also surprised by the genuine warmth and care of the Ananda staff, who are known for the highest standards of Indian hospitality in the region. Some staff members are also graduates from Ananda’s CSR program, which focus on empowering the local community.

“The Ananda Spa Foundation’s academy is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering young people, especially women from underprivileged backgrounds, by providing them with specialized skills in wellness therapies… For some staff, joining the Ananda Spa Foundation’s academy was life-changing. They have shared stories of how they were recruited and trained and how this opportunity significantly impacted their lives, providing them with financial independence, a sense of purpose, and a path to further growth within the wellness industry,” shares Ananda’s General Manager, Aniket Sarkar.

In an era when health is often seen as a commodity to be bought, Ayurveda views health as a way of life – emphasizing balanced living and the prevention of diseases. This approach is especially appealing as more nations invest in healthcare policies prioritizing prevention over cure. For many people who are burnt out with fast-paced living, Ananda which means ‘happiness’ in sanskrit, truly live up to it’s name by providing a sanctuary where guests can pause, heal, and transform.

“The growing awareness of modern medicine’s limitations and side effects has led people to seek alternatives, and Ayurveda is recognized for its approach of focusing on the root cause rather than the symptom,” concludes Dr. Sankar.


By Hermoine Macura-Noble The first Australian English speaking News Anchor in the Middle East. She is also the Author of Faces of the Middle East and Founder of US-based 501c3 charity – The House of Rest which helps to ease the suffering of victims of war. For more from our Contributing Editor, you can follow her on Instagram, here.By Hermoine Macura-Noble
The first Australian English speaking News Anchor in the Middle East. She is also the Author of Faces of the Middle East and Founder of US-based 501c3 charity – The House of Rest which helps to ease the suffering of victims of war. For more from our Contributing Editor, you can follow her on Instagram, here.


 



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