Six Senses has opened its first dedicated wellness retreat, taking over operation of Vana in India’s Himalayan foothills.
Established in 2014, the 66 rooms and 16 suites Six Senses Vana is located near the town of Dehradun – some 5 to 6 hours from Delhi. The retreat’s ethos is to immerse guests into a personalised wellness journey where ancient wisdom meets innovation.
Named after the sal forest it takes refuge in and spread over 21 acres, Six Senses Vana aims to protect and nurture, providing space to discover and flourish. Ayurveda, Yoga, Tibetan Medicine, and Natural Healing Therapies combine with a rich daily activity schedule and personalised support. Nourishing food, including an Ayurvedic specialty restaurant; therapies, including acupuncture, reflexology, and natural alignment; and a kind-hearted team complete the retreat.
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Every stay includes full-board accommodation and personalised nutrition, daily retreat activities, wellness consultation and screening, and attire to wear. Guests can boost the impact with optional extras such as Subtle Energies treatments, acupuncture, reflexology, realignment, or a pampering mani-pedi.
Guests can also take part in yoga, have their sleep patterns tracked, engage in dietary detoxes and weight management assessments.
Further, Six Senses Vana offers Ayurveda – treatments that are delivered by doctors and therapists to heal imbalances in the body’s doshas; and Tibetan Medicine – one of the few places in the world where Sowa Rigpa is formally offered in its complete avatar.
By introducing high tech to the high-touch retreat journey at Six Senses Vana, guests will relieve
common issues like back pain and inflammation and enjoy a kick-start to their healing process. Compression therapy, heated back belts, and massage percussion devices will be available on arrival to take the edge off the long journey. The wellness screening measures 40 biomarkers and, when coupled with the doctor’s consultation, adds science to ancient wisdom. Guests can also enjoy multi-sensory treatments as they float in the warmth of the Watsu pool or meditate to Raag therapy, where the tranquil, hypnotic sounds of the flute bring out positive emotions.
Six Senses Signature Experiences
Close to Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga, and north of Dehradun on the approach to the Himalayas, loyal guests have enjoyed Vana as a sanctuary for rebalancing, healing, and learning since it first opened in January 2014. View a video on the original Vana on the link below.
The original intention, along with the existing team, remains mostly unchanged under the Six Senses brand. The ownership of Six Senses also remains with Veer Singh Ji. His deep interest in and respect for sustainable farming, traditional wisdom, and nature will continue to be nurtured.
What changes is the brand’s vision to deepen and strengthen the current offering, complement it with signature experiences it has successfully tried and tested around the world, and bring it to a broader global audience. In addition to the above programs, guests can get creative at the Alchemy Bar to make their own spa products in accordance with their dosha type. For the first time, there will also be activities aimed at children aged six and above to learn and thrive with Grow With Six Senses. Introduced later in 2023, this program will present learning opportunities that help children navigate and derive meaning from their natural surroundings through art, music, movement, storytelling, and newly built interactive spaces.
Learn more at sixsenses.com/en/resorts/vana