Sometimes, even going on vacation leaves you drained and exhausted. Taking time away from your busy schedule is always rejuvenating, but it takes a little more effort to feel truly relaxed. That’s why spas and relaxation retreats have become extremely popular all around the world. In India, the rich history of Ayurvedic medicine has contributed to a unique spa culture that goes far beyond the basics.
India’s top luxury spas and wellness retreats offer a wide menu of services, including massages and facials, customized dining options, exercise classes, hydrotherapy, and Ayurvedic treatments.
After the frenzy of Diwali season, check yourself into one of these spas to soak your cares away. We’ve picked some of the best in the country, and while bliss doesn’t come cheap, you’ll find it’s worth the investment.
ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS
Ananda in the Himalayas is one of the oldest and most revered luxury spas in India. It’s in the Himalayan foothills, on a 100-acre estate near Rishikesh, in Uttarakhand. The spa’s many activities include individually customized Ayurvedic experiences and yoga retreats as well as more active fitness courses. Whether your goal is to relax your mind through yoga and meditation or to tone your body through a 7- to 14-day boot camp, you’ll be supported by an expert staff of master chefs, teachers, and other professionals.
NIRAAMAYA RETREATS SURYA SAMUDRA
If your goal is to explore Ayurvedic medicine and wellness, there’s no better option than Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra in Kovalam, overlooking the Arabian Sea in the state of Kerala. Every spa treatment here is designed to alleviate a specific type of mental or physical tension. The treatments and massages are all performed on their beautifully sculpted grounds, and afterward you can wander along the beach or tour the atmospheric town of Thiruvananthapuram (aka Trivandrum) nearby.
DUNE ECO VILLAGE AND RETREAT
At the Dune Eco Village and Spa, you can take part in spa treatments under the supervision of a trained doctor, all while living as part of the intentional community of Auroville, to the north of Pondicherry. The goal of the resort is to carry on the custom of local swamis, whose predecessors have made their home on this beach for centuries. The guests all stay in beautiful bungalows along the beach and have access to the spa facilities as well as an Ayurvedic pharmacy, gym, and aroma and sound healing facilities.
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