Holistic and totally Instagrammable
The trick to getting through life is to always have a vacation booked every few months (even weeks if you’re lucky), especially with the grind of daily living and the challenges of adulting. And we’re not talking about just basic stays but luxe spots that give new meaning to living life king-size. Here are the best across the country.
Starting price: Rs. 71, 000*
Address: Mussoorie Road, 248001 Dehradun
There’s a reason that Vana’s a popular retreat for a host of global editors, fashion stylists and entrepreneurs. It offers wellness programs that focus on earthly living and combine Ayurveda, yoga, Tibetan medicine (Sowa Rigpa), and natural healing at a luxurious property you’d never want to leave. On site, every guest’s provided with a sustainable outfit: a loose-fitting kurta pajama to wear during their time there. Plus, all the food is 100% local and seasonal, with even their nut butter and cheese made in-house. All of this besides a volley of intention-based detoxing treatments and self-discovery practises helping you pause and find solace in the vanas (meaning forests). Just in case you thought we forgot to mention new updates, well we haven’t— the Six Senses Earth Lab is slated to open this year, serving as a platform to host fun life-skills workshops that’ll have you return with a souvenir.
Starting price (family suite): Rs 41, 881*
Address: Zero Garjia, Dhikuli Ram Nagar, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand
The Taj Corbett Resort & Spa seduces you with its scenic views of verdant gardens, the mystic Kosi River and dense forest foliage. Spread across 11 acres of land, there’s plenty to savour at this tranquil retreat with a wholesome mix of curated in-house and hyper-local experiences. For those wanting to stay cooped up indoors and soak up a laidback vibe within the comfort of the cottage-style property, treat yourselves to a session at the J Wellness Spa, followed by a scrumptious Kumaon feast.
Starting price: Rs. 27, 140
Address: 38/1, Niranjani Akhara Marg, Sharvan Nath Nagar, Haridwar, Uttarakhand
A century-old noble house is now the discerning luxe traveller’s haven. An opulent spiritual getaway, the Pilibhit House in Haridwar transports guests to a world where the little things are cherished—forest riverbed picnics, a nomadic village tour and Parthiv snaan (an immersive experience comprising aromatherapy, a mud bath with water from the Ganges) among a host of interesting in-house activities like a private session of genealogy. Insiders suggest taking time out for a Jiva spa session, which entails age-old Indian healing techniques aimed at leaving you recharged and rejuvenated.
Starting price:Rs. 60,000*
Address: House No. 56, Frank Andrade Rd, Jackni Vaddo, Sateri Nagar Colony, Parra, Goa
The sunny shores of Goa are synonymous with wild partying and memories that mirror the vigour of heydays. But if you’re on the other side of thirty, Goa may have a whole new world to unravel before you. The allure of this Goan-Portuguese 5,550 acre villa in Parra eggs young working adults on to take a breather at the airy property that features expansive arched doors, Juliet balconies, and a grand balcao, alongside state-of-art amenities like an on-call chef. With “nature’s bounty” being one of its highlights, Amger in north Goa is an idyllic spot to make time for mindful indulgences while soaking up the peace and quiet around you. Head To Amger, if a slice of countryside solitude is what you seek.
Starting price: Rs. 120,000 + GST*
Address: Chamba – Mussoorie Rd, Kanatal, Tangdhar, Kaudia Range, Uttarakhand
Set against the backdrop of the snow-laden Himalayas and a cedar forest, Kaudia Estate serves as a timeless getaway that offers interesting activities like detox sessions and musical evenings around the campfire. For those looking for outdoorsy, the property arranges a host of activities like trekking, valley crossing, zip lining, and hiking up the hills.
Starting price: Rs. 12,000*
Address: Noormahal Crossing, National Highway 1, Sector 32, Karnal, Haryana
True to its name, the Noormahal Palace in Karnal exudes a palatial grandeur, making it an ideal venue for big fat Indian weddings and uber-luxe staycations. The heritage property also boasts a living museum—a vast collection of rare antiques and paintings by the founders’ Col Manbeer Choudhary and Mrs. Choudhary collected from across the country over the years. Quite the spot to play out your royalty fantasies, Noormahal has now branched out into the realm of wellness with their latest offering, The Spa, a leisurely experience that takes self-care to a whole new level. We’d recommend Abhyangam and aromatherapy rituals on the menu.
Starting price: Rs. 42,480*
Address: Narendra Nagar, Rishikesh
If you’ve been putting quality me-time on the back burner, this is your sign to book yourself a holiday at the idyllic Westin Resort &Spa, Himalayas. Inspired by biophilia, the wellness haven features 141 valley-facing guestrooms and royal garden villas with private pools, gazebos, and a swim-up bar. While you get to personalise your stay at the property, signature offerings include the iconic Heavenly Bath rain showers and spa, a state-of-art fitness studio, camping and trekking activities at the hilltop and an opportunity to partake in the revered Ganga Aarti in real-time. Basically, everything you need for a holistic experience.