Vana Retreat

Set on the gentle slopes of a lychee and mango plantation, the dense Sal forest to its west, the hills of Mussoorie to its’ north, Vana Retreat is an international ashram, a wellness retreat, a world-class sanctuary – all healing and nourishing. Designed by Spanish architectural company Esteva i Esteva, it’s designed is both dramatic and serene; sculptured sleek stone and sheer glass, modernist polished buildings with pale wooden floors, and all surrounded by a large courtyard shaded by a grove of mango trees. Bedrooms are soothing and calm - the colour scheme is muted, with wall-to-ceiling windows overlooking the trees and hills. It is the brainchild of owner Veer Singh, a perfectionist with exacting standards.

So who would Vana suit? The answer is every one that is besieged by the challenges of living in the modern world. For Vana is a haven to escape to, to discover, to be still in, and to heal. There are no pre-determined programmes at Vana; your schedule will be custom-made for you, following your in-depth consultation with one of the doctors, where you will list your goals for your stay – de-stress, detox, weight loss or maybe some natural healing. The doctors will devise a programme which will nourish you inside and out. Quiet reflection time is an important part of the healing process at Vana.

Food is artistically displayed and delicious and served to you based on your body type and the objectives of your retreat. All, of course, are locally sourced, seasonal, fresh and organic. The menu is not about absence or deprivation at Vana, but sensible eating that offers a feast for the senses as well as being healing to the body.

Ayurveda healing is offered alongside traditional Chinese medicine and Tibetan healing – Sowa Rigpa. There are on-site nutritionists, visiting monks and experts, Sufi singing sessions and lectures. There are steam rooms, saunas, indoor and outdoor pools, infrared cabins and a well-equipped gym. In the extensive grounds, there are also tennis courts, a herb garden and lots of spots for Yoga and meditation.

The treatment menu is vast. There is stretching like you have never known before with Mayank - limb by limb, muscle by muscle, every knot kneaded until you spring back to life. The fragrant Ayurvedic oils of the heavenly four-handed abhyanga massage, (which finishes with your hair being wrapped in a saffron turban to keep your head warm), the Ku Nye massage performed by two therapists who whisper Sanskrit mantras as they press hot pods into your energy channels. There are many other massages on offer; all performed by magical hands, all from different ancient practices, all working seamlessly together, to make you whole again. All massages are listed for a purpose, all are expertly performed, and are part of your journey to improvement. Vana quite simply is exquisite, it’s a life-changing, profound experience, somewhere to connect with your inner stillness.