Six Senses Vana

Health and healing at the foothills of the Himalayas in India

From mantras to meditation, massages and the activation of the Mula Bandha: Six Senses Vana will guide its guests to a profound and purposeful transformation with a soft heart but nevertheless with determination.

For many years, Vana has been a sanctuary for balance, healing and new insights. Its foundation is based on a self-imposed commitment to helping guests intensively develop their greatest possible spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual potential.

The retreat offers a journey of self-discovery and transformation that is completely tailored to the personal needs of the guests. With a minimum stay of three nights, traditional treatments such as Ayurveda, yoga and Tibetan medicine are a fundamental part of the offer, complemented by therapies for the daily routine that gently accompany guests on their path to vitality. The Ayurvedic Panchakarma retreats are available for up to one month for a complete detoxification of body and mind.

Vana means forest and indeed Six Senses Vana is hidden amongst organic kitchen and herb gardens in a sal tree reserve in India's lush green Mussoorie region. Located near Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga, and north of Dehradun at the foot of the Himalayas, this is the perfect place to rediscover your own path.

The goals that guests want to achieve are diverse in nature. The entire journey will be based on the findings of an in-depth consultation on arrival and an extensive wellness screening. The uniqueness of each guest is the basis for a personalized program with ancient practices, complementary therapies and plenty of exercise. For some, the focus is on natural healing, deepening their yoga practice or holistic weight loss; others come for a Panchakarma treatment or simply to rest and relax.

From this fall, guests will have the opportunity to make their own spa products in the Alchemy Bar and boost their recovery with the biohacking offer. Sleep With Six Senses will ensure that guests break old habits and reverse physical and mental exhaustion by using clever tools and guidance to sleep deeply and wake up invigorated to enjoy the day again.

In India, food has always been seen as an offering to the gods and the carefully prepared dishes at the retreat are in line with the guiding principle of Eat With Six Senses:. Natural ingredients, sustainably and locally grown, and 'less is more'. The organic gardens are expanded so that the ingredients can be influenced by the seasons and personal preferences, while being in tune with the environment. This also helps to preserve and revive local culture and traditions. What the kitchen has to offer therefore comes deliberately from its own garden and is not flown in.

Healthy drinks, shrubs (sweet and sour fruit syrup) and tonics are served at the bar. At the same time, it is also the place to go to strengthen the sense of community. In addition to a lifestyle concept store for sustainable fashion and spa products, there will also be a Cinema Paradiso and courts for a wide variety of ball sports. The retreat area will offer activities that encourage movement and facilitate a connection with nature.

Art and music have healing powers, and creative expression can be an emotional and physical lifeline. Exhibitions, visits from outside artists and events will continue to be part of the retreat's program. Whether guests come alone or with friends and family: When they leave, they are part of a whole new Vana family.

Sustainability as a way of life
Since its beginnings, ecological understanding has played an essential role in Vana's thinking, as well as in creating and maintaining harmony with the natural environment. Energy, water and waste are managed efficiently in "LEED Platinum" certified buildings and all textiles and cleaning products are sourced in compliance with sustainable standards. These principles are in line with Six Senses' core values and are communicated through the Earth Lab. There, guests are encouraged to be part of the change they want to see in the world through hands-on experiences and workshops. Regenerative excursions will give guests the opportunity to engage with the local community and learn about animal conservation projects. This will give their Vana journey meaning and positive impact.

Style and elegance
As oases of mindfulness away from India's hallmarks of intense color, noise and activity, the naturally colored rooms and suites - all with balconies or terraces - overlook the Salbaum forest or gardens and are comfortably furnished to create a sense of harmony.

www.sixsenses.com/en/new-openings/vana