Where ancient wisdom meets innovation, Six Senses Vana is the latest establishment to join the Six Senses portfolio.
Named after the forest it takes refuge in – the Sal Forest – the sanctuary is located in the Himalayan foothills of India, near Dehradun. Approximately five to six hours from Dehli, the retreat will feel a world away from the rush of society. Here, it offers a healing menu of Ayurveda, yoga, Tibetan medicine, and natural healing therapies combined with a rich daily activity schedule and personalized support.
Spread across nearly nine hectares, Six Senses Vana offers a space for self-discovery and flourishment. Each experience is personalised to suit the individual’s preferred length of stay, how deep they wish to delve into their journey and how independent or guided they wish to be. Included in the stay is full-board accommodation, specialised nutrition, daily retreat activities, wellness consultations and screening. Plus, comfortable attire to wear during the retreat.
You can solo venture to the retreat or embark on the journey alongside friends or loved ones. The communal dining theme in Salana, and several daily group activities, including hikes and excursions, offer meaningful connections with other like-minded travellers.
A Six Senses Vana experience
Close to Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga, guests have enjoyed Vana as a sanctuary for rebalancing, healing, and learning since it first opened in January 2014.
The 66 rooms and 16 suites are designed with both dramatic and serene flair. Spanish architectural company Esteva i Esteva has evoked a sense of harmony through soothing tones, bamboo flooring, cool linens and graceful artwork. The featured balconies, terraces and wall-to-ceiling windows offer guests breathtaking views of the Sal forest, surrounding gardens and mango orchards. Perfect for a meditative escape.
Innovations and exploration
A new program ‘Grow with Six Senses’ will present learning opportunities for children six and above that help them navigate and derive meaning from their natural surroundings. The program will consist of art, music, movement, storytelling, and newly built interactive spaces. There will also be a cinema and courts for ball games to keep them active and engaged.
You can get creative at the Alchemy Bar and make your own spa products in accordance with your dosha type (life force in Ayurveda). The onsite bar will serve healthy drinks, shrubs, and tonics. There’s also a lifestyle store that will offer sustainable fashion and spa products.
Plus, to further elevate your experience, indulge in reflexology, realignment or a pampering mani-pedi.
The retreat will also welcome high-tech to its therapies including, compression therapy, heated back belts, and massage percussion devices – which 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. You can also enjoy multi-sensory treatments like floating in the warmth of the Watsu pool or meditating to Raag therapy, where the tranquil, hypnotic sounds of the flute bring out positive emotions.
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