Monday Wanderlust: A luxury yoga retreat in the foothills of the Himalayas

A personal fitness consultation, weekly hike, Avurveda therapy treatments and cooking lessons
A luxury yoga retreat in the Himalayas

Set within a 100-acre Maharajah’s palace, Ananda in the Himalayas is arguably the most luxurious retreat in India.

Its spa is legendary, while its proximity to the holy waters of the Ganges and the town of Rishikesh, where The Beatles learned transcendental meditation in 1968, means there’s plenty to explore for intrepid travellers as well as those seeking spiritual solace.

Why go

Ananda’s yoga retreats are luxury wellness breaks that set the standard. There are three options available, depending on how long you have and how much you’re willing to spend.

However, whether you choose the seven, 14 or 21-day break, you get a full personal fitness consultation, a place on a weekly hike through the surrounding forests and foothills, Avurveda therapy treatments and even cooking lessons.

The aim here is to offer guests the chance to hit the reset button. So, as well as group and personal yoga sessions that focus on asana (poses) and pranayama (yogic breathing), there are also private meditation classes, access to counseling and daily sessions in the steam room, sauna and plunge pool.

The focus isn’t just on getting into shape, but also giving you the chance to wholly reset.

Teachers use Hatha yoga techniques, which claim to detox your system in a natural way. Leaving aside the increasingly questionable concept of detoxing, a break at Ananda will doubtless ensure your batteries are recharged and may just make you question whether you ever want to go home once your time is up.

Monday Wanderlust: A luxury yoga retreat in the foothills of the Himalaya
Credit: Ananda in the Himalayas

Where to fly into

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Air India all fly direct to Delhi International Airport from London Heathrow. From there, it’s a 45-minute flight to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.

Flights are operated by Air India, Indigo and Spice Jet. It’s then a 40-minute drive to Ananda.

How much

The Yogic Detox programme starts at $990 per night until 22 December, when it rises to $1140 per night until 2 January.

Prices include airport transfers, breakfast, lunch and dinner, and all classes. Flights are not included.

For more information on the retreat click here.

Main image credit: Ananda in the Himalayas

Tags:    Yoga
Tagged    Yoga