Ananda, Himalayas

Founder, Ashok Khanna, wanted Ananda to mean one thing – holistic wellness for the mind, body and soul. In the foothills of the Himalayas amidst spectacular natural surroundings of Sal Forests, overlooking Rishikesh and the Ganges River Valley, Ananda is set in a Viceregal Palace on a former Maharaja’s 100-acre Palace Estate. Its location is wholly magical and wonderfully peaceful.

Ananda combines traditional Indian practices: Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta, to take guests on a journey of self-discovery and to allow them to understand their mind and body, and how to best take care of themselves through various treatments, practises and lifestyle choices.

Whether it’s your first time considering a retreat and you just want to dip your toe in and get a feel for the various wellness experiences whilst also enjoying a rest and a relaxing holiday, or whether you’re opting for a comprehensive wellness programme that’s filled with health-focussed treatments and activities, Ananda will ensure that every guest’s stay is entirely personalised.

Signature all-inclusive packages follow a holistic approach, and are entirely tailored to each individual’s needs, with the aim to restore balance and harmonise energy. Programmes, ranging from 5 to 21 nights, can focus on anything from detox to weight and stress management, improving digestion and fitness, spiritual growth, and strength and flexibility.

Under the guidance of a team of experts and amidst the most breathtaking natural environment, guests can enjoy morning stretching on the terrace, Yoga and mindfulness classes for all levels, meditative and breathing practices, forest walks to stunning lookout points of the Mountains – particularly spectacular at sunrise - and of course, the range of amazing spa treatments to indulge in is extensive. There is a lovely outdoor pool for enjoying tranquil morning swims. Ananda often hosts workshops run by health experts, therapists, healers and guides; all of whom come to Ananda to share their knowledge and passion with guests and to inspire a healthier way of living.

Guests sleep in quiet, elegant rooms with beautiful views over the Ganges Valley.

Garden Suites are particularly charming, set in secluded private gardens. The interiors are light, airy and provide a real sense of place and a feel for the property’s history, with lovely antique furniture decorating the bedrooms and living areas. Staff are polite and considerate and ensure that guests have the most relaxing, restorative stay. Each guests is provided with a ginger, honey and lemon detox tea to start off the day, as well as cotton Kurta pyjamas for their stay, and housekeeping will draw you up an aromatic bath to be enjoyed on a relaxing evening. For a really spacious and private experience with butler service, opt for the 2-bedroom Ananda Villas, featuring private saunas and private swimming pools with comfortable lounge beds on wrap-around decks.

As part of the Ananda experience, guests are treated to delicious, healthy cuisine from fresh, natural foods. Guests consult the in-house Ayurvedic doctor to create a personalised menu that considers each individual’s specific imbalances and body type. There is a show kitchen where chefs provide lessons in how to make the dishes back at home. Guests dine on a tree top deck overlooking the valley within a grove of Sal Trees, or we can arrange private dining experiences in the beautiful Ananda grounds.

Traditional afternoon tea in served in the elegant Viceregal Tea Lounge, which over the years has hosted special guests from all over the world.

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