A journey of self-discovery, health and healing in the foothills of the Himalayas in India /

Six Senses has included the beloved and established Vana in its portfolio. The ethos is to immerse guests in a personalized wellness journey where ancient wisdom meets innovation. Six Senses Vana is named after the saline forest where it takes refuge and spread over 21 hectares. It aims to protect and nurture, providing space to explore and flourish. Ayurveda, yoga, Tibetan medicine and natural healing therapies are combined with a rich daily activity schedule and personal support. Nutritious food, including an Ayurvedic specialty restaurant; therapies including acupuncture, reflexology, and natural alignment; and a kind-hearted team complete the retreat. Unlike anywhere else, the magic lies in how these elements fuse to best benefit guests, based on their current state of mind and body, and personal goals for the stay.

“From the moment you arrive, when your brow is dotted with crimson, and you put on your loose-fitting kurta pajamas, to the moment you leave and your wrist is tied with a red cord blessing, this restful space serves as a leveler, where you can come as you are and connect with each other and nature unhindered,” says General Manager Jaspreet Singh. “Even if you are a regular retreater, everyone is unique; that is why Six Senses Vana approaches your health and well-being in a way that is unique to you.”

The foundation

There is no one common goal and retreats vary depending on length of stay, how deep guests want to go and the level of independence or support they need. Each stay includes full board accommodation and personalized nutrition, daily retreat activities, wellness consultation and screening, and is attractive to wear.

Taking the experience to the next level

Guests can amp up the impact with optional extras such as Subtle Energies treatments, acupuncture, reflexology, realignment or a pampering mani-pedi.

Add intent

There is also the possibility to tailor the journey by choosing a program based on a specific wellness intention, with diagnostics and targeted guidance from the experts:

Sleep: Track sleep patterns and help guests reset through treatments and therapies including Yoga Nidra, holistic massages, nightly sleep-inducing drinks and more.

Detox: With a curated meal plan, Ayurvedic treatments, therapies to slow down the fight/flight response and digital detox, energy levels are reset, bringing new clarity.

Weight Management: A mindset reset that helps guests gradually lose or gain weight through fitness activities, energizing body treatments, meditation, biohacking, and a personalized meal plan.

Yoga: for beginners and advanced in the motherland of mantras, taught by a unique team of instructors, offering private sessions, guided meditation and breathwork with signature massages and energy treatments.

Ayurveda: Treatments are given by doctors and therapists to cure imbalances in the body’s doshas.

Tibetan Medicine: Six Senses Vana is one of the few places in the world where Sowa Rigpa is formally offered in its full avatar.

Introducing high tech into the high touch retreat journey at Six Senses Vana, guests will relieve common issues such as back pain and inflammation and enjoy a kick start to their healing process. Compression therapy, heated back belts and massage percussion devices are available upon arrival to take the strain off the long journey. The wellness screening measures 40 biomarkers and, when combined with the doctor’s consultation, adds science to ancient wisdom. Guests can also enjoy multi-sensory treatments while floating in the warmth of the Watsu pool or meditate at 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 of the Himalayas, loyal guests have enjoyed Vana as a haven for rebalancing, healing and learning since it first opened in January 2014. The original intent, along with the existing team, remains largely unchanged under the Six Senses brand. Ownership of Six Senses also remains with Veer Singh Ji. His deep interest in and respect for sustainable agriculture, traditional wisdom and nature will continue to be cherished.

What changes is the brand’s vision to deepen and enhance its current offerings, complement it with signature experiences it has successfully tried and tested around the world, and bring it to a wider global audience. In addition to the above programs, guests can get creative at the Alchemy Bar to create their own spa products according to their dosha type. For the first time, there are also activities aimed at children ages six and up to learn and thrive with Grow With Six Senses. Launching later in 2023, this program will provide learning opportunities that help children navigate and derive meaning from their natural environment through art, music, movement, storytelling, and newly constructed interactive spaces.

As a social and meeting space, the bar serves healthy drinks, shrubs and tonics. In addition to a lifestyle concept store for sustainable fashion and spa products, there will also be a Cinema Paradiso and courts for various ball games. Art, music, exhibitions and performances will also add to the rich cultural programming.