Book the Ananda in the Himalayas with VIP Benefits

Nestled in the tranquil foothills of the Indian Himalayas, overlooking the sacred Ganges river and the spiritual town of Rishikesh, Ananda in the Himalayas is not merely a retreat—it is a transformative journey toward holistic wellness. Situated within the lush 100-acre estate of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal's palace, Ananda is a world-renowned destination spa that fuses ancient Indian healing traditions with modern wellness practices, creating a haven for those seeking physical, emotional, and spiritual rejuvenation.

A Royal Legacy of Serenity

The foundation of Ananda is steeped in history. The retreat is housed in a heritage palace estate built over a century ago, once home to royals and frequented by spiritual leaders and dignitaries. The palace and its surrounding estate in Narendra Nagar were selected not only for their breathtaking panoramic views of the Doon Valley and Himalayan peaks, but also for their potent spiritual energy. Ashok Khanna, the visionary founder and grandson of M.S. Oberoi of the Oberoi Hotels legacy, transformed this majestic estate into India's first luxury wellness destination in 2000. Since then, Ananda has become synonymous with excellence in wellness, consistently ranking among the top destination spas in the world.

Philosophy and Foundations of Wellness

At the heart of Ananda's philosophy is the belief that true wellness is a harmonious balance between mind, body, and spirit. This principle is embodied through a unique integration of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Vedanta, complemented by international spa therapies, emotional healing, and a personalized approach to wellness. Every guest at Ananda embarks on a journey tailored to their specific goals, whether it is detoxification, stress relief, rejuvenation, or deeper spiritual awareness.

Unlike conventional spas that focus on aesthetic or quick-fix solutions, Ananda addresses the root causes of imbalances. Wellness programmes are crafted after detailed diagnostics and consultations with Ayurvedic physicians, emotional therapists, yogis, and nutritionists. Whether a guest stays for one week or several, the aim is long-term transformation, with year-round support through follow-ups and digital tools.

Ayurvedic Healing at Its Core

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of life, is one of the five foundational pillars of Ananda's offerings. Recognized for its preventative and curative approaches, Ayurveda at Ananda is deeply authentic. Guests begin with a dosha analysis and are prescribed personalized treatments, which may include Panchakarma (detoxification), therapeutic massages, herbal medications, and specially tailored diets. Every therapy is performed using time-tested techniques and pure herbal ingredients sourced from the surrounding Himalayan forests or grown in Ananda's own gardens.

The Ayurvedic programmes cater to a variety of health goals—from rejuvenation and immunity boosting to hormonal balance and chronic pain management. The therapies aim not only to heal the body but also to align it with the rhythms of nature, fostering a state of inner peace and vitality.

Yoga and Meditation: Traditional Wisdom for Modern Lives

Yoga at Ananda is rooted in the Hatha and Raja traditions and follows the authentic teachings of the Bihar School of Yoga. These practices go beyond physical postures; they encompass pranayama (breathwork), mudras, bandhas, shatkarmas (cleansing techniques), and meditation. Whether a beginner or an advanced practitioner, each guest receives a customized yoga programme designed to improve flexibility, concentration, and spiritual connection.

Meditation plays a central role in helping guests reach deeper levels of self-awareness. Daily guided sessions, silent walks, and private instructions enable individuals to still the mind and reconnect with their inner selves. Ananda's Dhyana Meditation programme, in particular, offers a structured path through sensory withdrawal and focused attention, leading toward a heightened state of awareness and calm.

Emotional and Spiritual Healing

Recognizing that many physical ailments have emotional roots, Ananda provides a comprehensive Emotional Healing programme. Techniques like hypnotherapy, regression therapy, inner child work, and spiritual psychology are used to release mental blockages and traumas. These sessions are designed to guide guests toward emotional freedom, mental clarity, and self-realization.

Spiritual awareness is the culmination of Ananda's wellness philosophy. Through the study of Vedanta—an ancient Indian philosophical system—guests explore life's deeper questions and learn to live with purpose and authenticity. Regular Vedanta talks, mantra chanting, and self-inquiry sessions are held in serene settings, allowing guests to experience profound inner growth and enlightenment.

A Culinary Experience in Harmony with Health

Nutrition is an essential aspect of healing at Ananda. The retreat's cuisine is based on Ayurvedic principles, emphasizing freshness, balance, and individual dosha needs. Guests enjoy meals crafted from seasonal vegetables, herbs, and spices sourced from local organic farms and Ananda's own gardens. Artificial additives, processed ingredients, and preservatives are strictly avoided.

Every meal is part of the wellness journey. Whether it is a detox diet, weight management plan, or a personalized Ayurvedic menu, the cuisine supports the guest's physical goals while delighting the senses. Ananda also offers cooking workshops in its Culinary Studio, helping guests learn how to bring these healing food principles into their daily lives.

Tailor-Made Wellness Programmes

Ananda's signature all-inclusive wellness programmes are offered in durations of 7, 14, or 21 nights. These include Holistic Detox, Yogic Detox, Panchakarma, Stress Management, Rejuvenation and Immunity, Sleep Enhancement, Pain Management, and Fertility Enhancement, among others. Each programme is developed after detailed consultation and includes therapies, yoga, meditation, nutrition, and follow-up care.

Whether guests are dealing with chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, anxiety, or simply seeking a deeper connection with themselves, Ananda's comprehensive offerings provide a path toward lasting wellness.

Luxurious Accommodation with a Sense of Purpose

The accommodation at Ananda is designed to reflect tranquility and elegance. The property offers 75 rooms, including deluxe rooms, suites, and private villas. All accommodations feature private balconies or gardens, offering sweeping views of the surrounding valleys or the historic palace. The interiors combine colonial elegance with modern comforts—bathtubs with valley views, walk-in closets, handcrafted furnishings, and eco-conscious amenities.

The Viceregal Suite, located in the original palace building, is particularly noteworthy for its period furniture, private terrace, and rooftop jacuzzi. The three private villas, named after the Ganga river and Himalayan ranges, each come with private pools, spa-style bathrooms, and butler service—ideal for those seeking complete seclusion and immersion in nature.

The Spa: A Sanctuary of Healing

Spread over 25,000 square feet, Ananda's spa is the beating heart of the retreat. It houses 24 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy areas, steam and sauna facilities, a fitness center, physiotherapy clinic, and a heated outdoor lap pool. The spa offers over 90 therapies, ranging from Ayurvedic rituals and Tibetan treatments to Western techniques and signature Ananda therapies.

A dedicated team of expert therapists, Ayurvedic doctors, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, and physiotherapists ensures that every guest receives a highly individualized and holistic treatment plan. The spa also includes boutique offerings, including Ananda's own range of herbal skincare products developed through 20 years of wellness research.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Ananda's approach to wellness extends beyond its guests. As a responsible luxury retreat, it implements robust sustainability practices—such as water recycling, food composting, solar power usage, and electric transport. The retreat also collaborates with local farmers for sustainable produce and supports educational and vocational initiatives in nearby communities.

By nurturing the land and supporting local culture, Ananda ensures that wellness flows not only within its walls but also throughout the region it calls home.

Ananda's Enduring Vision

As Ananda celebrates over 25 years of excellence, it remains committed to its original vision: to be a sanctuary for holistic living and conscious transformation. With ongoing innovations in diagnostics, evidence-based wellness, and personalized digital support, the retreat continues to evolve while staying rooted in ancient wisdom.

Every stay at Ananda is not just a vacation—it is a renewal of spirit, a restoration of health, and a reconnection with one's inner self. In a world that often pulls us away from ourselves, Ananda invites you to pause, reflect, and rediscover the balance that leads to true wellbeing.