Ananda

Set in the foothills of the Himalayas, Ananda is an Ayurvedic destination spa offering a range of wellness programs.

• The pure and authentic Ayurvedic treatments
• The views of the Ganges River Valley from the Valley View guestrooms
• The delicious and healthy cuisine designed for each Ayurvedic body type

From its hillside setting, Ananda overlooks holy ground: Just downhill is Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga, while the sacred Kunjapuri Temple sits a few miles up, with views of the snow-capped Himalayas. The property is spread across a 100-acre estate owned by the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal, and the lobby is housed inside a former palace that was built for the Viceroy of India. The palace opens onto leafy grounds with shaded paths, an outdoor yoga pavilion, an amphitheater, a swimming pool, a jogging track, a small golf course and a restaurant overlooking the valley, where monkeys can be heard rustling in the trees. Next door is the spa, where garlands of marigold are strung and the halls are filled with music.

The acclaimed destination spa is rooted in the ancient Indian medicine of Ayurveda, which prescribes holistic healing to balance the mind, body and soul. Though guests can come here for a short spa getaway, Ananda excels in its five- to 21-day wellness programs, specializing in Ayurvedic rejuvenation, yoga, meditation, weight management and more. The programs were designed by a team of Ayurvedic doctors, yogis, nutritionists, therapists and chefs, and every guest’s journey begins with a consultation with one of the in-house doctors in order to customize a program and dietary plan. The programs are designed to create sustainable changes that guests can integrate into their daily lives after departure.

While the wellness programs are thorough, time spent at Ananda feels relaxing and rejuvenating. The Ayurvedic meals are healthy and delicious, not miniscule. The cuisine uses local, organic produce and features whole grains, fresh vegetables, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products. Guests who prefer to skip the diet plan can indulge in a long menu of Indian and international dishes, as well as a wine list.

The yoga practiced here is traditional Hatha, aimed at balancing the mind, body and soul, so the classes are not as rigorous as Vinyasa classes offered in the U.S. Private meditation classes are available in a variety of techniques, including the unique Yoga Nidra, which keeps its practitioners just on the edge of sleep. There is always a visiting master on property, specializing in a particular field.

The 70 rooms are elegant and comfortable, with balconies off the bedrooms and picture windows in the bathrooms. Room designs are all identical, with the best views found in the Valley View Rooms on premium floors. For guests seeking more space, three Garden Suites and the luxurious Ananda Suite are housed in the main building. One- and two-bedroom villas with private pools are set in their own section of the property, promising more privacy but a longer walk to the main facilities. The only room in the palace is the elegant Viceregal Suite, with antique furnishings and sweeping views from a wraparound terrace.

During their stay, guests should plan to go into Rishikesh one evening to see the memorable Ganga Aarti. Held each night, the mystical ceremony honors the holy Ganges River with fire.

The wellness programs are the main draw at Ananda, and guests who commit to a program for five nights or more will get the most out of their stay. The property draws a diverse mix of solo travelers, couples, families with adult children and groups of friends.

5 to 7 nights

From Delhi, it is a 45-minute flight to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, followed by a 40-minute drive to the property. Guests can also take a two-hour helicopter ride from Delhi to a private helipad located five minutes from Ananda.