With wellness back in vogue, there is an increasing appreciation for a healthier lifestyle, not just by the elderly but also by the young. From a smattering of places, here is a narrowed down list of five unique places this International Yoga Day, where you can literally let your hair down, rejuvenate, and push the reset button.
1. Shreyas Yoga Retreat
Where: Bangalore, Karnataka
Also dubbed a ‘luxury ashram’, this beautiful retreat is set in tree-laced grounds punctuated by serenity, with independent cottages and villas that help you transit seamlessly into your wellness life. Located in the outskirts of a bustling Bangalore, not only can you get here easily from the airport, but also do a ‘staycation’ close to the busy metropolitan. Pick from a range of experiences, customised by in-house doctors and experts to suit your wellness goals. From the little flowers in your semi-open bath area to the meticulously curated food menu, the beauty of this place lies in its details. Interestingly, the staff too follows a similar lifestyle as drawn for the guest, making it a place that truly practices the life that it preaches.
2. The Homestead
Where: Ramnagar Corbett, Uttarakhand
Set amidst a staggering 170 acres, the Homestead is a plush homestay in the heart of Corbett country run by The Puris, a couple that decided to turn their farm into an oasis of luxury and tranquility. Among the many things it showcases, the Homestead offers a spa and sauna in the comfort of a homely setting, complimented with a jacuzzi in a glass room that allows views of the pool and gardens around, and where you can indulge in a private yoga session with a teacher-on-call. After the heady adventures of the place and the region, this is the perfect way to end the evening, followed by a starry night session at their in-house observatory Tara.
3. Taj Theog Resort & Spa
Where: Theog Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
In close proximity to Himachal Pradesh’s capital Shimla, Taj Theog Resort & Spa doubles as a wellness centre that is also a mountain getaway. Away from the Shimla crowds yet close enough for a day visit, it makes for the perfect break that combines a hill holiday with wellness. While the property boasts of interiors that ingeniously capture the comfortable warmth of a hill station, it is the signature ‘Deva Daru’ wellness therapy here that stands out. Inspired by the revered Deva-Daru tree, the 'Sacred Tree of Gods,' this therapy utilises the natural treasures of the region to blend ancient traditions and techniques, tailored specifically for guests here. With a 360-degree view of the Himalayan hills from any vantage point, the place is guaranteed to hit your reboot button, inside out.
4. Naad Wellness
Where: Sonipat, Haryana
Barely a 1.5-hour drive from Delhi, this wellness centre is for those who are serious about their relaxation— with a focus on the medical aspect of wellness, the place caters to those looking for alternative treatments via Ayurveda, naturopathy, and other therapies. Driven by the principles of healing, it also offers holistic experiences and a healing of all five senses in a luxurious environment, making it an ideal getaway that is close to the capital. Tailor-made experiences and a plethora of other services offered by leading experts make it a place of universal appeal and quietude, true to its name.
5. Radisson Resort & Spa
Where: Lonavala, Maharashtra
Nestled in Mumbai’s favourite getaway, the lush Lonavala, a weekend at the Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala is like stepping into a different realm. Fitness and wellness converge into one holistic experience to elevate guests’ well-being in this place equipped with multiple elements. The presence of Tattva here, a leading name in wellness, adds to the transformative essence wherein ancient Eastern philosophy intertwines with modern luxury, and helps you achieve the balance of all five elements as you embark on a journey of inner harmony. In the midst of the Sahyadri range, this beautifully designed sanctuary places a special emphasis on Maratha culture, cuisine, and architecture.
