• By: NP Traveller
• Jan 10, 2025
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Peak Indulgence: Top Luxury Himalayan Retreats in India

Image Credit : JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa

In the stillness of a retreat, we find the whispers of our soul that prove to be worthwhile when high above the chaos of everyday life, where snow-dusted peaks kiss the heavens and whispering pine forests embrace the soul, lies a realm of serene indulgence- the luxury retreats of the Himalayas. In these retreats, the air meets with opulence and is a gateway to rejuvenation, where the mountains cradle you in their timeless embrace. Join in this exploration of top luxury retreats in the Himalayas of India:

1. Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh: It’s hard to put the Ananda experience into words, but what it comes down to is: that you will feel like a king or queen in the palace, immersing into the ancient Indian healing practices, experiencing an environment and energy that is nowhere else to be found. 

• Location: Narendra Nagar, Uttarakhand, near Rishikesh which can be accessed through JollyGrant Airport or by road from Delhi which is approximately a 6-7 hour drive. 

• Features: For accommodation, it has 70 rooms with a garden, and valley view; 4 suites with a private garden, and 3 luxury villas of 40 sqm with a private pool. It offers Ayurvedic cuisines according to body type with fresh natural foods,  grown under the Himalayan skies so you get a healthy sun-kissed tan as you lounge by an aquamarine pool enjoying organic greens with a unique dining experience.

• Healing Programs & Retreats: The program is curated into two levels; Introduction & Comprehensive. An expansive spa spread across 25,000 sq ft. with its 24 treatment rooms, state-of-the-art gymnasium, outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pool, and luxurious hydrotherapy facilities is the center of attention at Ananda. The retreat program includes Stress management, Holistic Detox, Yoga Package, and Weight Management.

• Pricing: Daily tariffs begin at Rs.40,000 per night with wellness consultation and meals while on the other hand, Wellness package ranges from Rs. 1,50,000 to 6,00,000 for programs spanning 5-14 days.

2. Wildflower Hall, Shimla: Wildflower Hall, Shimla, an Oberoi Resort is a stunning retreat perched at an altitude of 8,250 feet amidst the majestic Himalayan mountains surrounded by lush cedar forests and offering panoramic views combining colonial charm with modern luxury, making it one of the most sought-after retreats in India.

• Location: Charabra, Shimla which is near Jubbarhatti Airport and takes 1 hour 30 minutes from there and is well connected by road from Chandigarh and Delhi.

• Features: For accommodation, it has premier rooms, deluxe suites, and luxury villas with Victorian-style furniture. It is renowned for its wellness experience, combining ancient Indian therapies with modern spa techniques such as The Oberoi Spa, Infinity Pool, Indoor Heated Pool, and yoga with meditation.
• Retreats: It offers a blend of relaxation and adventure with Nature Walks, Mountain Biking, Rafting on the Sutlej River, Heritage Tours like that to the Viceregal Lodge, and picnic experiences.

• Pricing: It starts from Rs.35,000 per night for premiere rooms and customized wellness packages range from Rs. 1,50,000 for a 3-day stay depending on activities and spa inclusions.

3. Six Senses Vana, Dehradun: Set in a dense Sal forest just outside Dehradun in the Himalayan foothills of Mussoorie to the north. Six Senses Vana resort is a refuge for all beings, including, flora, birds, and the odd monkeys. From the moment you arrive,  your forehead is dotted with crimson and you don your loose-fitted kurta pajamas, to the moment you leave, your wrist is tied with a red string blessing, this soothing space serves as a leveler where you can connect with nature without hindrance. It started in 2014 with a deep interest in and respect for traditional wisdom.

• Location: From JollyGrant Airport it takes around 60 minutes via a scenic route.  Additionally, the yoga capital Rishikesh, and the spiritual town of Haridwar are only a 90-minute drive south of here

• Features: For accommodation, it has rooms and suites with over 50 treatment spaces offering a range of therapies; and indoor and outdoor pools including a Watsu pool for aquatic therapy.

• Retreat: The wellness journey begins with a 45-minute consultation including a traditional pulse reading and a high-tech screening of 30 biomarkers to assess your needs. It offers signature Ayurvedic Healing alongside traditional Chinese Medicine and Tibetan Sowa Rigpa. The four-handed Abhyanga massage blends fragrant oils with artful knot kneading. The Ku Kye masseuse presses hot pods into your energy channels while chanting Sanskrit mantras. There are guided treks and a trip to Rishikesh for Ganga Aarti is the main highlight of the retreat.

• Pricing: Rates start from Rs.1,00,000 for a three-day program.

4. Shakti 360 Leti, Kumaon: The retreat is nestled at an elevation of 8,000 feet in the serene Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, and offers an intimate retreat far from the noise of urban life known for its immersive experiences in nature, blending modern luxury with traditional Himalayan aesthetics.

• Location: It is situated in the Bageshwar district near Almora town and Kathgodam which serve as the nearest access points for visitors.

• Features: It features four stone-crafted guest pavilions that combine traditional Kumaoni building techniques with nature retreat

• Retreat: It begins with a walk from the village of Chitai for about 2 hours to reach your first village and then you spend your days hiking, enjoying picnics, or optional overnight camping at Lodhura top to witness some stunning views.

• Pricing: Prices for a six-day experience begin approximately from Rs.2,00,000.

5. JW Marriott Walnut Grove Resort & Spa, Mussoorie: It is a luxurious retreat set amidst the serene hills of Uttarakhand offering breathtaking valley views and a range of rejuvenating experiences. It is truly a gateway for guests who want to experience and enjoy the serenity of nature in the lap of luxury.

• Location: It is located about 6 km from Kempty Falls, the resort is accessible by road from the nearest airport Jolly Grant   which is  62 Km away  and the Dehradun Railway Station is 39 km away

• Features: The resort has rooms offering stunning views of the valley and suites with large sitting areas and valley-facing balconies. It has a variety of dining options such as JW Cafe, Teppan, Wisteria Dech, and Perch.

• Retreats: It has a world-class Spa & Wellness Center including L’Occitane therapies with an indoor swimming pool and sauna rooms. It has an adventure zone, bowling & billiards, and kids club and offers trekking opportunities.

• Pricing: Spa facilities range from Rs.25,000 to Rs.50,000 in a deluxe room.

CONCLUSION

Luxury Himalayan retreats are transformative experiences with unique offerings catering to diverse preferences, whether you seek adventure, wellness, or simply a serene escape. So pack your bags and head to these Himalayan havens for a slice of indulgence amidst nature’s grandeur.