5 Luxury Ayurveda Retreats in India for Your Next Wellness Vacation

by Madeline Kim on Feb 16, 2023

Ayurveda is an ancient healing modality that focuses on wholesome wellness. There’s surely a case to be made for Ayurvedic spa destinations and retreats in India that keep the flame burning for the traditional Indian philosophy of physical, mental and spiritual fitness. After all, if you are to experience true bliss there’s nothing better than deep relaxation with a bouquet of herbal therapies with oils and poultices, medicinal body wraps and more.

Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa, Agra

Kaya Kalp - the Royal Spa is a luxury resort and spa that recreates the opulence of the Mughal dynasty. This magnificent oasis of tranquility is decked with traditional influences of landscaping and water features, and traditional Mughal motifs adorned with stone latticework, mother-of-pearl inlay and mirror work.

With the distinction of being one of the largest spas in India, it houses the Royal Mughal Hamam – the first luxury hammam in India so you can relax like royalty. Ayurvedic detoxification rituals like panchkarma, body scrubs (made with a unique combination of pomegranate and lime, mixed with organic brown sugar) and other wellness-enhancing rituals are uniquely designed to purify and bring balance and energy to the body and mind. The outdoor spa promenade allows guests to surrender to the gentle ministrations of the staff while enjoying the scenic surroundings.

Amenities: 25-metre lap pool, yoga gardens, relaxation areas, orchard walkway, bird trail, butterfly park, conservatory
Address: ITC Mughal, 4, Fatehabad Rd, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001
Website

Six Senses Vana, Mussoorie

Vana wellness retreat is snugly placed between the city of Dehradun and the hill station of Mussoorie. The name ‘Vana’ translates to ‘forest’ – as it’s set in a dense Sal forest in the Himalayan foothills. Ayurveda, Yoga, Tibetan Medicine and Natural Healing Therapies are at the centre of all practices at this spa and wellness retreat. Wildcrafted nutrition that is artistically displayed, medicinal and delicious is created just for you by Ayurvedic chefs based on your body type.

This former Maharaja’s palace was converted into a sustainable resort, offering Raag therapies — live traditional music — under the Bodhi tree, a sensational sculpture made from salvaged metal. Particularly interesting is a new post covid rejuvenation program for long covid sufferers that combines the wisdom of Ayurvedic therapies, diet, herbal medicines and supplements, yoga, pranayama and meditation to boost immunity and rejuvenate the system. Sounds like a trip to this Himalayan Forest is in order.

Amenities: Swimming pools, Family rooms, Spa and wellness center, Fitness center
Address: Mussoorie Road, Uttarakhand, 248001
Website

Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg

Located deep within a 180-acre verdant rainforest, Vivanta by Taj Madikeri is a luxury spa rooted in the indigenous healing traditions of India with all-inclusive packages including food, yoga, chanting and meditation, Ayurvedic treatments, medicines and spiritual discourses. The Yoga and Panchakarma packages are a must-try here as they are all-inclusive with everything from a Satvik lunch and Yoga kit to Ayurveda treatments like Udvartana (a detox massage with herbal powder or paste that targets cellulite and nixes stiffness), Abhyanga (deep massage of the energy points with gallons of herbal oil) and Mukhalepa (herbal facial treatment).

The star attraction of the signature Jiva Grande Spa experience – the Gudda Bath – draws from the local ethos of Coorg and is still found in traditional households of the region. Kick back with pampering facials, hast snana (manicure) and pada snana (pedicure) that are sure to make you wish to stay in this blissful retreat forever.

Amenities: Yoga, meditation & spiritual discourses, fitness center, pottery studio, golf lessons, nature trails, garden walk, coffee tasting & cooking lessons, activity center
Address: 1st Monnageri, Galibeedu Post, Madikeri, Coorg 571 201 Karnataka
Website

Kairali – The Ayurvedic Health Resort, Palakkad

Wellness truly takes a village! Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village offers a full menu of the healing arts of Ayurveda. Set amidst the Nilgiri and Annamalai ranges in the Western Ghats, 30 luxury spa villas are surrounded by a gentle stream and fragranced by lush Pala trees. Built in compliance with the ancient tradition of Vaastu Shastra (Indian science of architecture) to aid in healing, the villas boast of Red Oxide flooring and rare Valambari Conch shell.

You’ll experience holistic rejuvenation at the hands of veteran masseurs and Ayurvedic experts. At Ayurveda’s heartland — this is one of Ayurveda retreats in Kerala that offers you a slice of the timeless wisdom of Indian tradition with yoga, meditation, astrology, palmistry, nutrition, spiritual training and traditional rituals (pujas).

Amenities: Ayurvedic medicines, Yoga sessions, meditation
Address: P.O. - Olassery, Kodumbu, Palakkad Dist. - 678551, Kerala
Website

Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh

Nestled among the foothills of the mighty Himalayan mountains, Ananda Resort is truly a jewel in the crown. ‘Ananda’ means ‘Bliss’ and true to its name, this is one of the top niche luxury destinations that promises an ecstatic experience. Bringing you the best of both worlds, Ananda Resort offers age-old Ayurvedic therapies complemented by more modern aromatherapy treatments.

Upon arrival, you will be onboarded with wellness, fitness and Ayurveda consultations. After this, you can relax at the resort’s steam room and sauna or participate in the various wellness activities like yoga, meditation and cooking classes. Custom wellness packages are also available for connoisseurs of ‘Ananda hospitality.’ The piece de resistance of this Himalayan Ayurvedic retreat is the Kama Suite, a special couples suite that offers a personalized wellness vacation for you and your partner.

Amenities: Fitness center, swimming pool, Ayurveda cuisine, yoga & meditation center
Address: The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar, Uttarakhand 249175
Website

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