India reopened its international borders to tourism fully since the onset of the pandemic just this past March 2022. Famed for its iconic cultural and heritage sites, India is also well known for its emphasis on wellness and healing amidst majestic mountain ranges, lush valleys, tranquil rivers and more. Award-winning wellness retreat Ananda in the Himalayas emerges from the pandemic with an even more specialized and focused wellbeing mission and recently announced the launch of several new wellness programs and extensive renovations reflecting the importance and emphasis of prioritizing one’s physical and mental health.
Ananda’s wellness programs which integrate traditional Ayurveda with classical Yoga and Meditation have now introduced an entirely new platform of Emotional Healing and therapy. Emotional Healers with expertise in spiritual healing, hypnotherapy, and energy work help guests understand their challenges from a deeper level of awareness to create a life of emotional balance. Expanding the range of traditional healing techniques are Oriental therapies including Acupuncture, Cupping, Moxibustion, Tibetan Kuu Nye and other practices to rebalance and center the physical and energy systems.
Located in a Maharaja’s palace estate surrounded by a 100-acre forest nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and overlooking the ancient Ganges river valley, Ananda in the Himalayas is a multi-award winning, destination spa and wellness retreat. Since its inception 20 years ago, Ananda in the Himalayas is a pioneer in holistic health and wellness and is dedicated to those searching for harmony, and wellbeing. Grounded in Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation and Vedanta philosophy and integrating contemporary international experiences, Ananda is the ultimate escape from the mundane to the spiritual, where every corner spells harmony and every color soothes the senses. The expert team of over 60 Ayurvedic Physicians, Yogis, therapists, Emotional healers, Physiotherapists and Chefs trained in healthy cuisine ensures a complete wellness transformation for their guests. Ananda uses its own signature range of spa products, made locally from the purest indigenous essential oils, muds, clays, gels, and vegetable oils, all lovingly blended for their therapeutic energy.
NEW WELLNESS PROGRAMS
Ananda’s signature wellness programs such as Ayurvedic Rejuvenation, Panchakarma, Holistic Detox, Dhyana Meditation, and Stress Management are an annual pilgrimage for many. New wellness programs to meet our changing world include:
Rebalance Program
Newly introduced Oriental therapies to treat hormonal imbalances. Addresses changes in the symptoms of the menopause in women and testosterone and other hormones in men.
Ayurvedic Rejuvenation & Immunity Booster
Improves vitality through Panchakarma, Ayurvedic treatments, a nourishing diet, immunity-boosting rasayanas and yoga.
Chronic Pain Management
A highly customized balance of physiotherapy procedures, topical Ayurvedic therapies, stress-relieving yogic postures, and an anti-inflammatory diet.
Post Covid Rejuvenation Program
Seeing the prevalence of Long Covid (nearly one in five American adults still suffer from long haul symptoms including fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive problems and several other issues according to the CDC), Ananda now offers a Post Covid Rejuvenation wellness program to build immunity, nourish and revitalize all systems. The new program starts with a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s specific symptoms and system dysfunction. Treatment program includes Ayurvedic therapies, diet, herbal medicines and supplements, yoga, pranayama, and meditation.
NEW RENOVATIONS
In June 2022, Ananda in the Himalayas completed the final stage of a 3-year renovation program that began in 2019. The final stage focused on the renovation of the villas, restaurant, and enhancements to the spa. The exquisite 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom villas with their temperature-controlled pools amidst Sal forests offer unparalleled privacy. The new designs are inspired by local Himalayan craft and vibrant colors reflecting the natural flora of the surrounding forests. The expansive 45 sq meter deluxe rooms renovated earlier this year combine a timeless charm with modern amenities and balconies that offer relaxing views of the gardens or the valley.
Ananda’s renovated restaurant integrates the calming environment of Ananda and blends in elements of traditional gond and yantric art with colorful tapestries inspired by the ancient Himalayan hill kingdoms. The restaurant now offers a new show kitchen where weekly classes by the experienced Chefs showcase signature dishes from around the world inspired by Ayurvedic principles. Gourmet wellness menus at Ananda present locally sourced, fresh seasonal ingredients fortified by Ayurvedic and native Indian medicinal ingredients from the herb garden on the estate.
The refurbished spa now includes a new Physiotherapy facility with state-of-the-art equipment including Cryoscreening, Gait and posture analysis, laser therapy and includes a new Infra-Red sauna chamber. Programs integrate Physiotherapy with Ayurveda and other wellness offerings to provide customized solutions to address various musculoskeletal issues.
Five Pillars of Wellness
Ananda in the Himalayas’ mission centers on five pillars of wellness that represent its philosophy and long-standing tradition: Ayurveda and Holistic Wellness, Healthy Cuisine, Yoga and Meditation, Emotional Healing, and Spiritual Awareness.
Ayurveda and Holistic Wellness
At Ananda, the Ayurvedic experience is transformational, from massages and detoxifying therapies to specialized diet programs. Its commitment to this ancient life system is evident in the use of authentic ingredients, herbal supplements, and treatment rituals, with therapists trained in traditional Ayurvedic schools and guidance from expert Ayurveda physicians.
Healthy Cuisine
Ananda’s menus are tailor-made for each individual based on their specific wellness programs and needs. From Ayurvedic menus for each body type (dosha), to detox diets, to fitness regimes and balancing yogic menus, the culinary offering at Ananda is a nutritious, balancing, and healthy journey incorporating fresh, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Yoga and Meditation
Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga Meditation at Ananda are a completely traditional practice to balance and harmonize the body, mind, and spirit. This is achieved through asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha, shatkarma and meditation, all a pathway to a higher level of consciousness. The aim is to curate a personalized everyday sustainable practice for each individual.
Emotional Healing
On the path to a balanced self, release of emotional blockages is critical to come to terms with circumstances that have shaped us. Spiritual Hypnotherapy, regression, inner child healing and energy therapies are just some of the techniques used to heal stress, release blockages, and create a life in alignment with one’s greatest potential.
Spiritual Awareness
With the preparedness of Ayurveda, yoga, and emotional healing, one is prepared to awaken the inner self. Ananda offers different paths to enlighten oneself, from exploring the ancient philosophies of Vedanta, to higher states of meditation and mantra chanting, to self-study or swadhyaya and conscious spiritual practice or sadhana.
For more information, visit www.anandaspa.com or email reservations@anandaspa.com.
