A wellness retreat is more than just a coveted resort surrounded by vast natural surroundings or a hotel with extensive wellness programs; it can be defined as a purposeful getaway for the mind, body and soul.
Earlier this month, actor Arjun Kapoor shared pictures from his days at a getaway in Austria. But it’s not just celebs: Many Indian travelers are now turning to rejuvenating resorts both in India and abroad. India’s wellness tourism market is expected to reach $26.55 billion by 2029, up 6% from 2024, according to consulting firm Mordor Intelligence.
To mark World Walk Day, which urges people to take it easy, we have compiled a list of destinations across India for a psychological, physical and spiritual getaway.
Activation of hormone cycle
Many traditional therapies are believed to stabilise hormones, uninterrupt energy flow and restore the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Ananda in the Himalayas, in the mountains of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, is a luxury wellness retreat that addresses hormone imbalance and detox with a rebalancing programme based on Vedic philosophy. The Tamara’s Hormone Harmony programme in Coorg, Karnataka also uses natural therapies to restore hormone balance.
Healing Sounds
Sound healing therapy utilizes the element of music to enhance physical and emotional wellbeing. Ekanta, a luxury wellness resort on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, offers sound healing sessions including waterfall meditation. Atmanthan in Mulshi, Maharashtra, is another resort that offers sound therapy sessions using Tibetan bowls, gong baths, tuning forks and irrigation.
Classical music.
Ayurvedic Immersion
Apart from treatment modalities, Ayurveda also offers a treasure trove of recipes for holistic treatment. Kailali, an Ayurvedic healing village in Palakkad, Kerala, is one such resort that utilizes ancient recipes for therapeutic purposes. Also referred to as a hospital resort, the resort has 20 doctors who oversee the doshas (diseases as per Vedic philosophy) of the guests and recommend treatments. The Leela Kovalam Ayurvedic Resort in Kerala is another resort that offers consultation with Ayurvedic doctors who will determine your individual body type and create a personalized treatment plan for holistic treatment.
Into the Wild
A walk in nature is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Forest bathing is a form of Japanese ecotherapy that involves immersing yourself in a forest ambience to reduce stress, and its growing popularity is a testament to its effectiveness. Dharana at Shillim, an eco-conscious luxury resort in Shillim Valley, Sahyadri, Maharashtra, is one such resort that offers immersive forest bathing programmes. Surrounded by lush tea plantations in Munnar, Kerala, Kaivalyam Retreat is another resort that offers forest bathing with Ayurvedic practitioners as guides.
Tibetan Medicine Dosage
Tibetan medicine, also known as Sowa Rigpa, is one of the world’s oldest recorded medical traditions, originating in Tibet more than 2,000 years ago. Like Ayurveda, it focuses on the natural healing of the mind, body and soul. Six Senses Vana in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, offers Sowa Rigpa-based retreats, combining technology with ancient wisdom. Taj Wayanad Resort and Spa in Kerala also offers personalized wellness plans from Tibetan medical experts, as well as treatments like Tibetan massage and energy healing.
