Starting the New Year with a journey of self-discovery, health, and healing in the Himalayan foothills of India, Six Senses brings into its portfolio the much-loved Vana, marking the launch of the brand’s first dedicated Wellness Retreat, in the lap of Himalayas, Dehradun.
Named after the sal forest, it takes refuge in and spreads over 21 acres. Six Senses Vana aims to protect and nurture, providing space to discover and flourish. Ayurveda, Yoga, Tibetan Medicine, and Natural Healing Therapies combine with a rich daily activity schedule and personalized support. Nourishing food, including an Ayurvedic specialty restaurant; therapies, including acupuncture, reflexology, and natural alignment; and a kind-hearted team completes the retreat. Unlike anywhere else, the magic lies in the way these elements are fused together to best benefit you, based on their current state of mind and body, and personal goals for the stay.
“From the moment you arrive, when your forehead is dotted with crimson, and you don your loose-fitting kurta pyjamas, to the moment you leave, and your wrist is tied with a red-string blessing, this soothing space serves as a leveller, where you can come as you are and connect to each other and nature without hindrance,” says General Manager Jaspreet Singh. “Even if you are a regular retreat-goer, everyone is unique; therefore, Six Senses Vana approaches your health and wellness in a way that’s unique to you.”
The Foundation
There is no one common objective, and retreats will vary depending on the length of stay, how deep you wish to go, and the level of independence or support they feel they need. Every stay includes full-board accommodation and personalized nutrition, daily retreat activities, wellness consultation and screening, and attire to wear.
Elevating the Experience
You can boost the impact with optional extras such as Subtle Energies treatments, acupuncture, reflexology, realignment, or a pampering mani-pedi.
Adding Intention
There’s also the option to tailor the itinerary by choosing a program based on a specific wellness intention, with diagnostics and targeted guidance from the experts:
• Sleep: Tracking sleep patterns and helping you to reset through treatments and therapies that will include yoga Nidra, holistic massages, night-time soporific drinks, and more.
• Detox: With a curated meal plan, Ayurvedic treatments, therapies to slow the fight/flight response, and digital detox, energy levels will reset, bringing newfound clarity.
• Weight management: A mindset reset helping you achieve gradual weight loss, or gain, through fitness activities, stimulating body treatments, meditation, bio-hacking, and a personalized meal plan.
• Yoga: For beginners and improvers in the motherland of mantras, delivered by a unique team of instructors, with private sessions, guided meditation, and breathwork with signature massages and energy treatments.
• Ayurveda: Treatments are delivered by doctors and therapists to heal imbalances in the body’s doshas.
• Tibetan Medicine: Six Senses Vana is one of the few places in the world where Sowa Rigpa is formally offered in its complete avatar
By introducing high tech to the high-touch retreat journey at Six Senses Vana, you will relieve common issues like back pain and inflammation and enjoy a kick start to their healing process. Compression therapy, heated back belts, and massage percussion devices will be available on arrival to take the edge off the long journey. The wellness screening measures 40 biomarkers and, when coupled with the doctor’s consultation, adds science to ancient wisdom. You can also enjoy multi-sensory treatments as they float in the warmth of the Watsu pool or meditate to Raag therapy, where the tranquil, hypnotic sounds of the flute bring out positive emotions.
Six Senses Signature Experiences
In addition to the above programs, you can get creative at the Alchemy Bar to make their own spa products in accordance with their dosha type. For the first time, there will also be activities aimed at children aged six and above to learn and thrive with Grow With Six Senses. Introduced later in 2023, this program will present learning opportunities that help children navigate and derive meaning from their natural surroundings through art, music, movement, storytelling, and newly built interactive spaces.
As a social and gathering space, the bar will serve healthy drinks, shrubs, and tonics. Along with a lifestyle concept store for sustainable fashion and spa products, there will also be a Cinema Paradiso and courts for various ball games. Arts, music, exhibitions, and performances will also add to the rich cultural programming.
A Happy New Year
As the New Year begins, Six Senses Vana looks forward to welcoming you with hope, excitement, and the same warmth and affection that they have always enjoyed. Whether you come alone or with friends or loved ones, the communal dining theme in Salana, and several daily group activities, including hikes and excursions, facilitate meaningful connections with a whole new family.
