Every year, 3rd January marks the celebration of International Mind-Body Wellness Day, creating an opportune moment to ponder the most enriching wellness experiences and retreats that lie ahead in the coming year. The transition from December to January naturally sparks a desire for fresh beginnings, be it embracing a new workout class, setting meaningful goals, establishing organisational routines, or recommitting to your overall well-being. And what better way to kick off the year than by planning a wellness getaway? Whether your heart yearns for the serene embrace of mountain retreats, the soothing ambiance of a beachside paradise, or the peaceful quiet of nature’s solitude, we’ve curated a selection of the finest wellness retreats and spas for you to experience in 2024. Take a look.
Slow Living at the Angsana Oasis Spa and Resort, Bangalore
Encircled by vivid hues of nature and comprehensive wellness facilities, the ambience of the resort effortlessly guides you into a state of tranquillity. Promising world-class amenities and bespoke services, like an aerobics centre, a meditation and yoga room, squash and tennis courts, sprawling landscaped gardens, and Roman pools, the resort is designed to relax and revitalise you. Home to a splendid range of sensory treats, the award-winning spa features an extensive selection of Asian therapies combined with aromatic essential oils, natural body conditioners, polishes, and a lot more.
A Spiritual Experience at the Ajarya Yoga Academy, Rishikesh
Ajarya Yoga stands as one of the oldest and most revered traditional yoga teacher training schools in India, dedicated to the Himalayan yoga tradition. Nestled along the banks of the Ganga in Rishikesh, this retreat offers a range of yoga training programmes, including 100 hours, 200 hours, 300 hours, and 500 hours of yoga. For those seeking a shorter retreat, a 6-day retreat is also available. The courses are meticulously designed to either deepen existing practices or offer a comprehensive introduction to yoga, delving into the richness of yoga beyond asanas by exploring the depths of yogic philosophy, methods, and lifestyle.
Spend Time with Nature at the Fazlani Nature’s Nest, Lonavla
Nestled in the verdant hills near Lonavala, Maharashtra, Fazlani Nature’s Nest: The Wellness Retreat is a holistic haven. Embracing a comprehensive approach to well-being, the resort boasts organic farms, walking and cycling trails, and birdwatching opportunities. You can indulge in forest bathing, interact with resident animals, explore the Villagery Wellness Centre, and learn about farm school and pottery. Additionally, at Stallion Castle, you can even feed the horses and take one for a ride.
A Holistic Getaway at the Niraamaya Surya Samudra, Kovalam
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra in Kovalam, submerged in the luxury of secluded beaches, breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, wellness immersions, and epicurean delights, is a sanctuary for your senses. The Niraamaya Spa blends traditional Ayurveda and global therapies for world-class pampering, guided by skilled masseurs. The sea-facing pan-Asian specialty restaurant and Café Samsara, along with several private dining experiences at intimate venues that overlook the surrounding sea and dramatic cliffs, truly enhance the dining experience.
An Ayurvedic Retreat at the Shataam Jeeva, Jhansi
The day at Shatam Jeeva begins early with a cleansing herbal drink, followed by yoga with peacocks keeping watch in the distance. Located 20 minutes from Jhansi, the retreat welcomes you with a specially designed wellness package that includes laying down the activities that you would get to participate in and the experiences they would like you to make time for. Offering a transformative experience based on the principles of holistic wellness, indulge in a complete Sattvik diet and activities like tree-hugging, forest bathing, forest walking, painting, pottery, cow feeding, mantra chanting, and tree plantation, among other things. You’re also encouraged to visit the vegetable patch and pluck your own produce for the day’s meals.
CGH-Earth SwaSwara, Gokarna– A Sustainable Wellness Retreat
SwaSwara is an eco-conscious and Konkan-inspired wellness retreat on the shores of Om Beach in Karnataka. The hotel offers various wellness programmes; expect a mix of Ayurveda and yoga consultations, Ayurveda therapies and rejuvenating massages, guided yoga and meditation sessions, short hikes to nearby beaches, and a food menu featuring locally-inspired cuisine. With amenities such as a spacious oxidised swimming pool featuring hydrotherapy massage jets, a library, and an art studio with a resident artist guiding creative pursuits like painting and pottery, SwaSwara offers a holistic retreat experience.
The Imperial Spa, Delhi
The Imperial Spa offers a truly heavenly experience, including the newly opened yoga sanctum, which is a serene sanctuary for body and soul. The Hammam-style hydrotherapy zones, the luxurious Moghul Suite with an en suite Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room, as well as the rejuvenating Kerala Suite, provide unparalleled relaxation. Don’t miss the signature Iconic Imperial Spa Massage, a sixty-minute treatment incorporating a hot, moisturising candle massage from Meruva, South Africa. This experience combines Western healing techniques with rhythmic movements, leaving you deeply connected to your inner being and emotions.
