Hotel details
Ananda in the Himalayas is ranked among the top 10 Wellness Retreats globally, at 30 mins from Rishikesh, and offering transformative experiences through Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Physiotherapy.
Where you are going...
Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas, Ananda in the Himalayas offers breathtaking views of the Ganges River and surrounding lush forests, creating a truly enchanting setting. It is located at a 60 minutes drive from Haridwar, a 30 minutes drive from Rishikesh (the birthplace of yoga) and 45 minutes drive from Dehradun airport. The retreat is best reached by air, with flights from Delhi to Dehradun in one hour, by road from Delhi in 5 hours or by train from Delhi in 5 hours to Haridwar.
Why you’ll love it...
Ananda in the Himalayas is a world-renowned wellness retreat and ranked among the top 10 health spas globally. Located near Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga, and Haridwar, two cities rich in mythological significance, Ananda is infused with a deep spiritual energy that enhances its unique charm. With beautiful views of the Ganges River and surrounding forests, the estate provides a serene and magical environment. Ananda offers life-changing wellness programs tailored to your specific needs, such as stress reduction, detox, weight loss, pain management, hormonal balancing, emotional healing, or musculoskeletal care. The retreat offers daily holistic experiences that go beyond yoga, meditation, and pranayama, as well as hikes through the mystical Himalayas, workshops, Vedanta philosophy talks and lectures on healthy living and the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. The Ananda Wellness Centre focuses on traditional Indian practices like Ayurveda, as well as Therapeutic Yoga, Meditation and spiritual awakening, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Physiotherapy. Ananda’s reputation for excellence is well-earned, having received numerous awards and hosted esteemed guests, including royals and Hollywood celebrities. What truly sets Ananda apart is its exceptional staff, personalized treatment approach, and light, healthy cuisine, based on Ayurvedic principles. Together, these elements create a globally recognized sanctuary for wellness and spiritual renewal.
Wellness, Spa and Health
The spa at Ananda offers a holistic approach to well-being through ancient therapies such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, alongside specialized physiotherapy. With over 80 holistic treatments ranging from Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, massages, treatments, sport training to beauty care, the spa provides a comprehensive range of options. The team, including qualified nutritionists, Ayurvedic and TCM doctors, spa therapists, yoga and fitness teachers, collaborates to create personalized treatment programs tailored to your specific wellness goals. Whether you are seeking ways to slow down, lose weight, embrace healthy aging, improve your eating habits, detox or get stronger, there are wellness programmes in each variation and size, whatever your goal is. The spa - 2500 m2 - features 24 treatment rooms, relaxation areas for men and women, a sauna, Kneipp footbaths, and a 25-meter outdoor pool. The gym is fully equipped with cardio and weight training. All guests can freely participate in the daily holistic activity schedule, with a variety of yoga and meditation classes, hikes, sport sessions, workshops and lectures.
Holistic Activities and Sports
- Outdoor Yoga platform overlooking the Valley
- Daily free activities such as Yoga, Meditation and Pranayama
- Gym with a selection of equipment and personal trainers
- Garden with jogging path
- 6-hole golf course
- Workshops from experts with various holistic specialisations
What’s on the Menu
Ananda’s cuisine is rooted in Ayurvedic principles, with all meals served in a restaurant that overlooks the stunning valley. Each meal is tailored to your dosha (Ayurvedic body type) and is gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free, prepared using fresh, natural ingredients. It’s not just Indian cuisine—you’ll find a range of international dishes, all created with Ayurvedic principles in mind. Meals are served individually, with no buffets, and the menu is majority locally sourced, featuring herbs picked from the onsite garden. As part of your program, you’ll have an initial wellness consultation to determine your dosha, and your diet will be customized accordingly. Even the tea is personalized to your body type. If you're not following a program, the à la carte menu offers plenty of delicious options. For those who enjoy company, there’s a shared table at dinner where you can meet other guests. The chefs also host cooking demonstrations, offering tips on preparing healthy meals at home. You can enjoy tea or a light snack in the cozy, romantic setting of the pavillion besides the restaurant, or savor fresh juices and salads by the pool.
We love
- A cup of fresh ginger, honey, and citrus tea to start the day—what a perfect wake-up call.
- The kurta pyjamas waiting on your bed, India’s version of loungewear, are so comfortable you won’t want to take them off.
- The Ayurvedic four-handed synchronized massage is an exceptional experience. The treatment starts with the therapists chanting a mantra, invoking the gods to help flow the energy and deliver a healing session.
- The Tibetan massage focuses on lymphatic drainage, acupressure and meridian work using hot Himalayan salt
- Ananda's core pillars: Ayurveda & Holistic Healing, Healthy Cuisine, Yoga & Meditation, Spiritual Awakening, and Emotional Healing.
Good to know
- No mobiles or laptops: the spa is an oasis of peace.
- The route to the hotel involves a 20 minute windy drive up the mountain. You’re guaranteed to meet some wild monkeys on the way.