Celebrities flock to this luxury health retreat in the Himalayas for the spectacular view and a wellness program that brings results.
A yoga class with performing monkeys? Anything is possible at Ananda, the luxury world renowned health retreat. On my first morning I went to the yoga class ( I must admit I am not a yoga fan) a parade of energetic monkeys swinging through the trees throughout the 90 minute class quickly changed my perspective.
At Ananda, you really are at one with nature, whilst sitting in the lap of luxury.
I am an Oprah fan, and have followed her journeys to Ananda for years. At one stage she was coming twice a year, and I wondered what it was that drew her back, again and again. And she’s not the only big name who has stayed here. Kate Winslet, Uma Thurman, King Charles and Camilla have all stayed at Ananda. And after a 7 night stay last month, it is clear the setting in the Himalayas is a show stopper. with fresh mountain air, and striking views, but the service and intimacy is next level.
This is a health retreat where it is truly all about you, and not in a forceful “we know better than you about you” kind of way. It IS about what is best for your health, but first and foremost the focus is on what will make you happy – as that is what brings results.
Emotional healing is a big part of the program here, and is fast becoming the most popular reason people come to Ananda.It is no surprise given the state of the world and geopolitics let alone challenges globally of relationships and family turmoil.
I have stayed at multiple health retreats in many parts of the world including India, and the Aryuvedic doctor at Ananda was the best I have ever experienced in terms of his knowledge by a long way.
Our first session was more intimate than a fortune teller – he knew and recognised things about me I didn’t know and in some cases had forgotten. It was so insightful and helpful. It was a great lesson in how to live a better, more balanced life.
With its stunning scenery, world-class spa facilities, and holistic wellness programs, Ananda is the perfect place to relax, rejuvenate, and restore balance to the body, mind, and spirit.
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
Ananda brings together the every best wellness practises from around the world and combines them to heal and support every guest. Chinese medicine, physiotherapy, Ayurvedic medicine, massage, personal training and yoga are just some of the practises and treatments available.
Each day the doctors and heads of department communicate regularly abut every guest to ensure they are all working together and that every guest is supportive and working towards their goals.
Guests go to Ananda for multiple reasons from weight loss to health recovery, stress relief and overall wellness.
Location Rating: 9.5/10
Ananda is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, overlooking the holy River Ganges and the Doon Valley. The setting is simply breathtaking, and the air is crisp and clean.
Guests enjoy stunning views from every corner of the resort, from their private balconies to the restaurant terrace. and even within massage and treatments rooms.
There is something about the healing energy from the Himalayas that takes the whole experience here to another level.
Style Rating: 8/10
Ananda is a former Maharaja palace that has been beautifully restored and converted into a luxury health retreat. There are several different areas and sections and the property is large.
There is a yoga pavilion that sits in a lush green forest where monkeys play, and has towering ceilings and is flooded with natural light. The energy within it is peaceful, calm and at one with the leafy surrounds of nature.
The restaurant is lush and surrounded by green filled gardens and has a large terrace for outdoor dining at breakfast, lunch and dinner weather permitting.
The resort retains much of its original charm and character, with its elegant architecture, lush gardens, and ornate furnishings.
Rooms Rating: 8/10
The rooms at Ananda are spacious and comfortable, with private balconies and stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains and valleys.
The décor is simple and elegant, with a focus on natural materials and earth tones. My room had a separate bath and shower, and an incredible balcony overlooking the view with a gorgeous lounge chair to chill and take in the surrounds.
Food and Beverage Rating: 9.5/10
Ananda serves a variety of healthy and delicious meals, and caters to so many food allergies. diets, and demands, and all prepared with fresh, organic ingredients. It is hard to believe what you are eating is healthy.
Chefs are on hand to talk to guests about any issues and promptly change dishes if guests are not totally happy. The food is a highlight of a stay here.
The menus are designed to promote balance and harmony, and work with the ayrurvedic principles – if you wish or as was the case with me, I had a fitness menu as I work out a lot. And guests can choose from a variety of main stream dietary options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.
Wellness Rating: 10/10
Ananda is a truly world-renowned wellness retreat, and its spa and wellness programs are second to none. The biggest stand out is that each and every one is bespoke. Guests undergo a huge series of interviews and discussions so the retreat really understands them holistically. I can see that is one of the meany reasons why this is a retreat guests want to return to.
The spa offers a wide range of top level Ayurvedic treatments, as well as yoga, meditation, and other holistic therapies. Each treatment starts with a prayer and in some cases a mantra and meditation. Every little detail takes the stay to the next level.
In terms of health and wellness, Ananda’s wellness programs are again bespoke and tailored to each guest’s individual needs and goals, and guests can choose from a variety of programs, including detox, weight loss, emotional healing, stress management, and more.
Fitness and Health Rating: 9/10
Ananda has a state-of-the-art fitness center and a variety of fitness classes available. The resort also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and swimming.
Expert coaches and trainers are on hand and every turn, so guests feel supported and able to achieve their goals and objectives.
Overall
Ananda in the Himalayas is a truly unique and exceptional luxury health retreat. With its stunning setting, world-class spa facilities, and holistic wellness programs, Ananda is the perfect place to relax, rejuvenate, and restore balance to your body, mind, and spirit.
Renae says:
Who should Stay here: Anyone looking for holistic wellness and healing.
Who shouldn’t Stay here: Anyone who cannot sit with themselves.
Location: A short flight from Delhi airport to Jolly Grant aiport Dehradun, then a 20 minute drive.
Best culinary delight: The healthy low calorie food is extraordinary.
The Highlight: A rose petal filled bath overlooking the himalayas from your room. Wow.
The lowlight: Check the weather before you go as it is very seasonal and you are in the mountains.
Fly from Sydney:
There are seven flights a day (most days) from Sydney to Delhi ( and Ananda can also be reached form Mumbai or Delhi and flying into Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun, a short drive to the resort.
| Day | Airline | Flight Number | Departure Time (Sydney) | Arrival Time (Delhi) | Duration | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Air India | AI-305 | 9:45 AM | 6:05 PM | 12h 20m | 4.5/5 |
| 2 | Qantas | QF-52 | 10:30 AM | 6:30 PM | 12h | 4.7/5 |
| 3 | Cathay Pacific | CX-113 | 11:15 AM | 7:15 PM | 12h | 4.8/5 |
| 4 | Singapore Airlines | SQ-221 | 12:00 PM | 8:00 PM | 12h | 4.9/5 |
| 5 | Emirates | EK-413 | 12:30 PM | 8:30 PM | 12h | 4.6/5 |
| 6 | Etihad Airways | EY-445 | 1:00 PM | 9:00 PM | 12h | 4.7/5 |
| 7 | Qatar Airways | QR-913 | 1:30 PM | 9:30 PM | 12h | 4.8/5 |
Here is a daily flight chart for Jakarta to Delhi with high ranking SEO:
| Day | Airline | Flight Number | Departure Time (Jakarta) | Arrival Time (Delhi) | Duration | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Air India | AI-405 | 9:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 4h | 4.5/5 |
| 2 | Garuda Indonesia | GA-819 | 9:30 AM | 12:30 PM | 4h | 4.7/5 |
| 3 | Malaysian Airlines | MH-171 | 10:00 AM | 1:00 PM | 4h | 4.8/5 |
| 4 | Singapore Airlines | SQ-961 | 10:30 AM | 1:30 PM | 4h | 4.9/5 |
| 5 | Emirates | EK-537 | 11:00 AM | 2:00 PM | 4h | 4.6/5 |
| 6 | Etihad Airways | EY-403 | 11:30 AM | 2:30 PM | 4h | 4.7/5 |
| 7 | Qatar Airways | QR-907 | 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 4h | 4.8/5 |
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