2023 has been a gruelling, though rewarding, and year in my personal and professional journey. Loads of writing, lots of travel, and a few health concerns had left me weary by the time December rolled around. Hence, a chance to break away from the world and revel in a complete detox seemed exactly what the doctor ordered. So, I found myself on a solo wellness retreat at the beautiful Six Senses Vana located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The experience proved to be unforgettable.
From the moment I entered its green forested environs, I felt an all-pervading calm descend over me. Phones and other gadgets had to be put away as they are strictly prohibited in all public areas of the property. For the first time in years, I was left to my own devices without the extra limb of technology to rely on for entertainment, and it felt wonderful.
After checking in to a lovely forest-facing suite, I met their in-house team for a wellness consultation. They assessed my needs on the basis of checking my pulse, a few technological devices, and an in-depth questionnaire. A packed and curated itinerary consisting of massages, healing treatments, consultations with experts across fields, and recommendations on what to include and what to avoid in my diet, was handed over to me after the consultation. Over the next four days, I followed their recommendations and left completely rejuvenated, with the stresses and concerns of daily life removed from my mind and body.
The wellness program at Six Senses Vana relies on the ancient Indian science of Ayurveda, and the ancient Tibetan practice of Sowa Rigpa. Yoga, natural healing therapies combined with a rich daily movement schedule, meditation, lessons, talks, music and more are interspersed with these. They collectively address concerns of weight loss, detox, sleep problems, and a variety of other lifestyle issues. However, its stellar wellness program isn’t its only claim to fame. A strong focus on sustainability that moves beyond the facilities on the property; a striking design with soothing yet impactful art and architectural elements; and a concerted effort at providing delicious and wholesome meals are other reasons this wellness retreat stands out among its counterparts.
“Six Senses Vana aims to protect and nurture mind and body by providing space for personal discovery to flourish on well-being retreats. Some of our new signature programs include Eat With Six Senses, Sleep With Six Senses, Wellness Screening, Biohacking, and Alchemy Bar workshops where guests can get creative and make their own spa products in accordance with their dosha type, each aimed at enhancing their wellness goals,” explains Jaspreet Singh, the General Manager at Six Senses Vana.
Other offerings aimed at the holistic entertainment of guests are movies shown at Cinema Paradiso at different locations on the property, and the multi-sports arena which offers tennis, badminton, paddle court, football, basketball, and net practice. Children can also avail of the Grow with Six Senses activities where they learn to interact with their natural surroundings through art, music, movement, storytelling, and newly built interactive spaces. However, children can only stay at the family villas. Unique excursions that represent local culture, such as treks to the nearby Jabarkhet National Park, are also popular offerings amongst guests.
When one enters the gates of Six Senses Vana, one feels transported to a world far from the madding crowd. Ask Singh about the retreat’s design and he responds with, “We take inspiration from the surrounding nature and aim to be in harmony with it. From the moment guests enter and meander through the pebbled pathways towards the residence, they transition into a retreat mindset. The unique architecture and striking aesthetics are based on contemporary shapes, natural and sustainable materials including bamboo flooring and FSC
Certified wood, thoughtful lighting, and a neutral colour palette to evoke a sense of comfort, harmony, and well-being. These values are artfully expressed at each and every turn.”
The building has been designed by Spanish boutique design studio Esteva i Esteva Arquitectura, in consultation with the founder of Six Senses Vana, Veer Singh. The former is known for combining contemporary design with chic rustic simplicity. Every wall, nook and cranny of the spacious property is adorned with over 700 artworks by Siraj Saxena who marries the philosophy of Six Senses Vana with his own artistic sensibilities displayed through various mediums including oil on canvas, oil on paper, kite paper, metal mesh, mirror, and ceramics. His work is complemented by architect Angus Hutcheson’s lighting fixtures and installations made from innovative natural materials like silkworm cocoons, rattan, and mulberry tree bark and sea kelp.
Whether one has checked into Six Senses Vana for weight loss or general wellbeing, the personalised focus on one’s culinary intake is noteworthy. “Our cuisine philosophy is beauty and balance in every bite,” shares Singh. “Wellness objectives and personal preferences are provided for, and nutritional and dietary information is made available, to help guests make choices they can continue to follow back home. The cuisine philosophy also embraces traditional values and Indian cultural nuances, in the hope that one day it will reach beyond the boundaries of Six Senses Vana.”
The menus at Vana rely on the principles of the SLOW food movement and therefore include vegetarian, vegan as well as mindfully sourced meat, fish, and poultry options. Food is organic or sourced locally as far as is possible. Its two restaurants – the communal dining area called Salana and Anayu, the Ayurvedic eatery serving food based on one’s doshas – entice both for their delicious food offerings as well as their peaceful environs.
An apothecary that recommends concoctions, infusions, herb mixtures, and topical applications based on the principles of Ayurveda, Tibetan medicine, naturopathy, and contemporary western nutrition, is also popular.
Greater even than their commitment to enhancing their guests’ wellness journeys, is their commitment to remaining sustainable in every aspect of running the property. “Sustainability is a way of life at Six Senses Vana, evident in the design, art, materials, water management, plastic freedom approach, and textiles made with natural fibres. From the outset, the retreat was conceived on the Green Building Concept to be a part of the existing landscapes of sal forests, mango plantations, and lychee trees. Awarded LEED Platinum status in 2015, it is India’s first retreat to have attained this high standard of environmental design. Since the early days of Vana, sensitivity to ecology has played an intrinsic role in thinking, creating, and maintaining harmony with the natural world,” explains Manish Kumar, the Director of Sustainability.
Over a dedicated sustainability tour, this passionate young man explained to our group that Six Senses Vana was designed to ensure that all guests seamlessly follow eco-friendly habits while on the retreat. Rainwater is harvested and an efficient water treatment plant allows the recycled water to irrigate the 21 acres of Six Senses Vana. An in-house bottling plant reduces the use of single use plastics significantly, and a sizable amount of the water is heated through solar heating.
“Six Senses Vana is committed to using textiles made from only natural fibres. The guest clothing and team uniform is made from 100 percent cotton. The cotton is sourced for the retreat attire from an organic cotton farm in South India that adheres to the highest organic standards. Similarly, all bed and bath linen are organic,” says Kumar, highlighting a few of the numerous ecological measures taken across the property.
There is a lot to be said for a team that is truly passionate about wellness. Six Senses Vana is the ideal location for people looking for the ultimate luxury detox. It does cost a pretty penny, but all said and done, peace, calm and good health is priceless.
Noor Anand Chawla writes on lifestyle for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com.