21 Luxurious Wellness & Spa in Indian Sub-Continent

ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS, SPA RESORT, RISHIKESH, UTTARAKHAND, INDIA

The world’s most renowned holistic wellness retreat, Ananda is a tranquil haven amidst the majestic Himalayan foothills of North India. Residing in the former Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, it sprawls across the 100-acre grounds, gardens and surrounding forests, boasting world-class wellness facilities and a chance to return to the peaceful solitude of nature. This spiritual location, the birthplace of Ayurveda, Yoga and meditation, has attracted wellness seekers from around the world to Ananda on an annual pilgrimage. Ananda integrates traditional Ayurveda and holistic wellbeing with yoga and meditation, emotional healing, spiritual awareness, and healthy organic cuisine to restore balance and harmonize energy.

SIX SENSES VANA WELLNESS RESORT, DEHRADUN, UTTARAKHAND, INDIA

Immerse in a wellness retreat that enables you to feel, think, and be better. Through connecting to yourself, others, and nature. Moving your body, energy, and thoughts. Healing from what pains you. Accepting what is, to rebalance, rewild, and rechill. Named after the forest we take refuge in, Six Senses Vana aims to protect and nurture, providing space to discover and flourish. Ayurveda, Yoga, Tibetan Medicine, and Natural Healing Therapies combine with a kind-hearted team and personalized support. Every stay at our Six Senses retreat in Dehradun includes full-board accommodation with all meals provided and prepared with guided nutrition; daily retreat activities such as yoga, meditation, workshops, and functional fitness; wellness consultation and screening; daily treatments; airport transfers; and attire to wear.

THE OBEROI SUKHVILAS SPA RESORT, NEW CHANDIGARH, INDIA

Chandigarh, designed by the Swiss architect Le Corbusier, is India’s first planned city and boasts sprawling parks, landscaped gardens, a lake, an excellent golf course and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is dotted with Corbusier’s signature “Open Hand” sculptures; highly emotive symbols of peace and reconciliation he built in response to the partition of India in 1947. Against a backdrop of the 3,23,74,851 Square Metres of Siswan Forest Range and the foothills of the Himalayas, The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort presents a landscape of beautiful gardens with fountains, reflection pools and traditional architecture. The 5 star resort in Chandigarh offers the perfect environs for you to switch off, relax and take some time out. Listed as ‘One of the World’s Greatest Places’ by TIME Magazine in 2018, a 5 star hotel in New Chandigarh: The Oberoi Sukhvilas has been carefully designed with your utmost comfort in mind. Be it a weekend retreat or a month long detox, our personalised Ayurvedic and wellness programmes are complemented by accommodation in spacious villas and luxury tents, fine seasonal cuisine, mindfulness activities in the surrounding forest and our sincere commitment to your wellbeing.

WILDFLOWER HALL, AN OBEROI RESORT, SHIMLA, HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA

Whilst Himalayan Shimla usually experiences snow in the winter, due to its temperate summer climate and refreshing mountain air, the area was adopted as the summer capital of British India in 1863. Nowadays, Shimla is a popular destination for trekking, mountain biking and heritage walks. The former residence of Lord Kitchener, erstwhile commander in chief of the British army, Wildflower Hall is a 5 star resort in Shimla that exudes the ambience of a grand stately home; with a welcoming lounge, opulent accommodation, a snooker and billiards room, and a well stocked library. Wildflower Hall provides a unique opportunity for you to lose yourself in the romance of nature. Indoor and al fresco dining areas with mountain views, personalised spa experiences in wooded locations, energising outdoor sports and private dining. All complemented by our sincere attention to your every need, at the best resort in Shimla.

TAJ THEOG RESORT & SPA, SHIMLA, HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA

Spread across five undulating acres of forested hillside and surrounded by pristine mountains, Taj Theog Resort & Spa Shimla, welcomes you to spectacular vistas in sublime surroundings. Standing along the edge of a mountain ridge, with sweeping Western Himalayan valley views, the Taj Theog, a 5 star resort in Shimla echoes colonial charm with elements of regional architecture. Paying homage to local craftsmanship the interiors boast French windows, wooden accents and woven textiles with all rooms offering views of snow-capped peaks and Deodar forests. For those looking to explore their surroundings, there is a wealth of memorable experiences to choose from. Go skiing in Narkanda, tee off on the Naldehra Golf Course, embark on short treks or dine under the stars. The restaurants will engage your palate with local delicacies and global favourites while the pine-scented terraced gardens, a temperature-controlled indoor pool and spa therapies at the renowned J Wellness Circle, ensure a relaxing stay. Situated amid orchards, dense forests and gushing rivers, the Taj Theog offers the perfect balance of relaxation and rejuvenation for your mountain holiday.

TAJ MADIKERI RESORT & SPA, COORG, KARNATAKA, INDIA

Unending views of lush mountains and an evergreen rainforest canopy welcome you at Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg, perched 1200 meters above sea level. Cardamom, pepper, and coffee plantations, gurgling streams, a landscape doubling as a wildlife corridor through summer and winter, and soaring falcons are just some of the treasures at our idyllic and pristinely private resort. The open-air lobby with large picture windows offering panoramic views sets the tone for what lies ahead. Each of our luxury rooms and villas is designed keeping in mind regional architectural elements with views of the forested greenery, cozy fireplaces, and muted interiors. The beauty of the surroundings can also be soaked in from our restaurants. Choose between Ferntree for global dishes, Nellaki for provincial delights, Dew for farm-fresh healthy meals, Grills for barbeque, and Hive Bar for inventive cocktails. When you are not indulging your palate, choose to relax at the J Wellness Circle spa complex spread over 2,800 square meters, replete with Ayurvedic treatments, or enjoy a dip in the temperature-controlled infinity pool. As idyllic as the interiors are, you will want to explore your surroundings. Head out on treks, coffee tastings, and nature walks, or learn a few tricks with our cookery lessons – our concierge is always available to meet your demands and personalize experiences. Raw nature, serenity, signature warmth, progressive food, and refined sophistication await you at Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg, our tranquil rainforest retreat.

THE TAMARA COORG, KARNATAKA, INDIA

Lush greenery, plantations of the most aromatic coffee, cardamom and pepper, beautiful streams, and gushing waterfalls, all experienced in a stunning eco resort: All the makings of a rejuvenating vacation, making memories of a lifetime! Welcome to The Tamara Coorg; a 5 Star luxury experience nestled in the heart of the hills, where you can rediscover the joy of being in nature; where your quest for serenity ends. The Tamara Coorg spans 180 acres and is located over 3,500 feet above sea level. Here, you will experience nature and luxury at its best as you wake up to the breathtaking view and the calming silence of the hills, disturbed only by the chirping birds and the rustle of leaves. Welcome to The Elevation Spa at The Tamara Coorg; a place where time stands still and the temporal world fades away. Here, you will discover an oasis of tranquillity, where your inner silence is revitalised and your outer gleam is restored.

The Elevation Spa implements a concept of wellness called “antar mauna,” which means inner silence. During your stay, we invite you to embark on a holistic journey with us to discover the tranquillity within you.

TAJ EXOTICA RESORT & SPA, HAVELOCK ISLAND, ANDAMANS, INDIA

The Andaman Islands are an untouched archipelago that make for a surreal escape from the mundane. Here, Havelock Island plays host to the stunning Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans, where unsullied flora and fauna thrive. Dense mangroves, the Radhanagar beach and sunshine offer the perfect backdrop to its expansive 46 acres. Inspired by vernacular architecture and built from sustainable plantation timber without felling any trees, this is a slice of tropical paradise. Arrive to a customary welcome and intuitive service in our lobby before making your way to our luxurious stilted villas. Domed thatched roofs and polished interiors with king-size canopy beds and sweeping bathrooms offer you the indulgence of enigmatic views. Our dining experiences are no less authentic. Discover culinary delights in elegant settings, from delicious grills and global fare to all-day dining and regional delicacies, we have it all. Spend languid days soaking in natural beauty or indulge in a refreshing dip in our infinity swimming pool while children are kept busy with a bouquet of fun activities. Our signature J Wellness Circle organic spa experiences pamper your body and soul while the resort continues being mindful of making minimum impact on the environment with solar power, bio-gas and local produce initiatives. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans is where you can fully take in the splendor of exotic marine wildlife, pristine oceans and rainforests as you luxuriate in refined elegance.

THE BRUNTON BOAT YARD BY CGH

This restored period building that is our hotel sits well with its colonial era surroundings and counterparts – the great trading houses of British India when pepper from Kerala was considered as precious as gold. Like the cultures they celebrate and display, Brunton Boatyard is a five-star hotel whose interiors reflect an eclectic but tasteful blend of English, Portuguese and Dutch influences as seen in its high ceilings, hanging fans and a plethora of artifacts and curios from a great mercantile age known for its pomp and glamour. The scent of colonial history is all around you as you take a tour of the historic Fort Cochin area where the hotel stands. Though little remains of the fort itself there are legacies of its proud history to be seen everywhere.

TAJ FISHERMAN’S COVE RESORT & SPA, TAMIL NADU, INDIA

Nestled within the ancient walls of a Dutch fort, Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa is where bespoke hospitality meets an idyllic tropical coastal escape. This delightful 5-star hotel in Chennai graces the shores of the Bay of Bengal, with Chennai to the north and the UNESCO-designated site of Mahabalipuram to the south. You will discover resort cottages and villas dotted along the hillside, providing a constant caress of sea breezes and mesmerising views that encompass verdant tropical foliage and the extensive, sun-kissed beachfront. Our beach resort in Mahabalipuram also promises a tantalising culinary adventure. Savour the catch of the day and regional delicacies at Seagull, indulge in sumptuous coastal fare at Bay View, or unwind with a signature cocktail at Upper Deck. Our celebrated dining establishments offer an irresistible array of choices. Enhance your sojourn with a visit to our renowned J Wellness Circle. Our holistic spa pampers you with cleansing therapies and treatments that will rejuvenate your body and spirit to their zenith. For special events, Fisherman’s Cove in Chennai boasts nearly 2,975 square metres of open event space. This includes outdoor seaside venues measuring 1,858 and 372 square metres, as well as indoor area spanning up to 809 square metres. With an array of 13 distinct room types and an extensive range of amenities, we cater to every palate. Whether it is a family getaway, a romantic escapade, or a business gathering, Taj Fisherman’s Cove welcomes you to a cocoon of relaxation.

TAJ BEKAL RESORT & SPA, KERALA, INDIA

Landscaped gardens, manicured lawns and the Kappil Beach shoreline welcome you at the tranquil Taj Bekal Resort & Spa. Simplicity and elegance reign supreme with the serene backwaters creating the perfect backdrop for languid evenings. High ceilings and intricate detailing in the lobby of our 5-star resort in Bekal highlights laid-back luxury. Inspired by the Kettuvallam houseboats, it boasts of woven bamboo roof lines, laterite red stone walls, Chitra Pothi drawings weaved into tussar silk and hand painted murals. Rooms are minimal and sophisticated with white marble and neutral tones adding to a relaxing vibe. The overall effect is that of a charming vintage ambience in luxurious comforts. Our three restaurants serve expertly crafted fare from local Kerala delicacies to world cuisine while the Ivory Bar concocts inventive cocktails. For those seeking a holistic holiday, the J Wellness Circle at Taj Bekal invites you to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul with our renowned Ayurveda therapies and personalised wellness menus. If you prefer a workout, we recommend you head to the fitness centre and large outdoor pool. Or try your hand at a host of outdoor activities – the options are abundant and the service is relentlessly efficient. Amidst a canopy of lush greenery and swinging palms, a stay at the Taj Bekal Resort & Spa will leave you feeling pampered, nourished and relaxed.

THE LEELA KOVALAM, A RAVIZ HOTEL, KERALA, INDIA 

This heritage hotel, India’s only clifftop 5-star luxury resort, was designed by architect Charles Correa. It stands on the rocky promontories of the seaside town of Kovalam. The exterior features pristine white walls and red-tiled roofs, with expansive sundecks offering panoramic views of the seascape. The 67-acre resort includes the historic Halcyon Castle, now called The Kovalam Palace, the erstwhile summer retreat of the Travancore royal family. Soak in the salty sea breeze and the sounds of the restless waves lashing over the rocks below. Go on a beach ramble, stopping to shop for local delights: handlooms, spices, Kerala handicrafts… For adventurous souls, beach boating, snorkelling, and scuba diving are on offer. Visit Aaramam, our sprawling 5-acre organic vegetable garden. Relish mouthwatering seafood delicacies cooked with the freshest catch of the day. Afterwards, head to our luxury spa for Ayurvedic treatments. The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel, isn’t just a stay—it is a taste of life, the traditional way, in God’s own country.

KUMARAKOM LAKE RESORT, KERALA, INDIA

Kumarakom Lake Resort, acclaimed as the finest luxury heritage resort in India, nestles on the serene banks of the Lake Vembanad, the vast stretch of tranquil, emerald green backwaters, in one of India’s popular holiday spots, Kerala. Sprawling across 25 acres of lush greenery and set in soul-stirring ambience, Kumarakom Lake Resort, the winner of the much acclaimed World Travel Award as India’s Leading Resort for four years, exudes the charm of Kerala’s true heritage while offering a complete range of New Age amenities for a luxuriously comfortable stay. Luxury laden rooms, villas and suites; Ayurmana, the Ayurveda Spa; swimming pool galore; health club; multi-cuisine and specialty restaurants; traditional Kerala teashop and countless other attractions in and around the resort offer you the simple luxuries of life, in the grandeur of the royalty of yore.

COCONUT LAGOON KUMARAKOM, KERALA, INDIA

Coconut lagoon is located upon the Vembanad lake, one of India’s largest inland lakes with its own distinctive ecology that supports a plethora of natural life. There’s only one way to get to Coconut Lagoon: over the water. From our private jetty about a kilometer upstream, the boat ride over the lake’s gentle swells, past lazy coconut palms and houses, to the resort sets the tone of your holiday to come – exciting and novel, yet relaxed and nurturing! If you are a bird lover then Coconut Lagoon will give you many days of happy bird spotting. It will not be far fetched to say that the guest cottages at the coconut lagoon are individual works of art. They were built from the remnants of old mansions – tharavads, that were once the family homes of the nobility of the land. They were brought here in sections and painstakingly reassembled by skilled craftspeople so that you could experience first hand what it is to live in these ancient and celebrated houses of yore. In homage to the environment that supports and sustains us all, we have our very own sacred grove in the property. It is a piece of pristine ‘forest’ dedicated to nature, while keeping with a time honoured tradition.

MARARI BEACH, KERALA, INDIA

The fisherfolk of Mararikulam and their gentle ways of life have been the inspiration for Marari beach. Everything, from our thatched cottages to the upkeep of our property, echoes the simplicity, beauty and harmony that underlie Malabar’s coastal cultures. Nature and wellness are omnipresent at Marari and oversee all your experiences. The bracing but gentle sun here will touch and tone your skin, holding you in its warm and invigorating embrace as you stroll, swim or sit by the sea. For nature lovers of every shade, know that Marari is a rare showcase of diversity. Our naturalists will tell you about the complex ecosystems that define the unique ecology of the Malabar coasts. We have cataloged 97 species of butterflies, 350 species of endemic plants, 3 varieties of turtles, 10 types of frogs and around 80 species of birds that you will encounter depending on the season.

ITC GRAND GOA RESORT AND SPA, INDIA

Hidden away in a tranquil, unspoilt corner of south Goa, this exquisite resort holds out the promise of an invigorating or intimate relaxed getaway. With direct access to the pristine, sun-drenched Arossim Beach, this 246 room resort sprawls over 45 acres of lush landscaped area & its 6 signature food & beverage outlets invites its guests to joyous culinary explorations from its home of Goa and across the world. The resort offers multiple outdoor & indoor venues for bespoke banqueting, special events and weddings. Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa weaves its own brand of magic on mind, body & soul.

ITC MUGHAL RESORT & SPA, AGRA, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Sprawled over 93077 sq. m of Mughal-style gardens, with the characteristic use of water channels, fruit trees, flowers and shaded walkways, the resort is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. In close proximity to the Taj Mahal, this luxury resort offers 233 opulent rooms and suites, a resplendent spa, signature cuisine offerings and a range of elaborate banqueting facilities. It recreates a paradise for the contemporary Mogul – exemplifying the splendour and perfection that was the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty.

STORII BY ITC HOTEL, DEVASOM RESORT & SPA, KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Sprawled over 93077 sq. m of Mughal-style gardens, with the characteristic use of water channels, fruit trees, flowers and shaded walkways, the resort is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. In close proximity to the Taj Mahal, this luxury resort offers 233 opulent rooms and suites, a resplendent spa, signature cuisine offerings and a range of elaborate banqueting facilities. It recreates a paradise for the contemporary Mogul – exemplifying the splendour and perfection that was the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty.

ITC GRAND BHARAT RETREAT, GURUGRAM, HARYANA, INDIA

Set amidst the ancient Aravalli Range ITC Grand Bharat is a tribute to five thousand years of unbroken civilization. The expansive 1214056 sq.m.retreat expresses inspiration through an architectural blend of ancient, medieval and modern Indian influences. Just a short drive from New Delhi, this mosaic of luxury experiences encompasses 4 Presidential Villas, 100 suites, 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, elaborate culinary experiences, conferencing facilities, 3,251 sq.m. Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa & a host of recreational facilities. The retreat has earned a status of one of the finest destination wedding venues.

KALARI KOVILAKOM, AN AYURVEDIC TREATMENT CENTRE AND HOSPITAL, KERALA, INDIA – 14 Days Onwards

Mindfulness, awareness, a therapeutic engagement of the senses and an inward integration of the body, mind and spirit. All these and more aspects of the Ayurvedic healing process are what one gains at Kalari Kovilakom. In an ethos where the best of tradition spills over to all aspects of living and an ambience where history and culture are a throbbing, living presence, Ayurveda in Kalari Kovilakom, offered by the CGH Earth Group and certified and accredited by the NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers), is an experiential definition of the traditional standards and values of this system of healing. Located near Kollangode in the Palghat District of North Kerala, India, and fringed on one side by the majestic Western Ghat mountain ranges, Kalari Kovilakom the 200 year old palace, is where history meets natural tranquility. Belonging to the Vengunad chieftains, direct descendants of Prince Dharmavar- man, the Kalari Kovilakom Palace was originally surrounded by land rich with Venga trees that have healing properties. The place naturally caught the attention of prince Dharmavarman, who turned it into a kingdom. Dharmavarman is believed to have come to Kollangode to seek healing for a serious skin ailment. The fresh spring waters and the mountain air cured him. Later his grandson Vira Ravi is said to have inherited the land and begun the legacy of Kalari Kovilakom. According to history scholars, when the Zamorins of Cali- cut established their powers over the Vengunad kingdom, one of their own family members took over the reins there and is believed to have brought with him a lamp or’villakku’ which was passed down the generations and worshiped as Goddess ‘Bhagavathy’. The shrine of this goddess is still a place of worship in the present Kalari Kovilakom palace, built by ‘Dhatri Thampuratti’, the Ranee of Vengunad in the 19th century. This palace remains the last surviving aspect of this erstwhile kingdom. It took the visionary zeal of the CGH Earth Group to retain the palace’s legacy and historical value while converting it into a place for traditional Ayurvedic healing. Thanks to their efforts, the spirit of tradition has been kept alive at Kalari Kovilakom.

KALARI RASAYANA, AN AYURVEDIC TREATMENT CENTRE AND HOSPITAL, KERALA, INDIA – 14 Days Onwards

An expansive feeling of oneness with the environment, an all pervading sense of openness that envelopes your body and spirit, a gentle throwback to a quieter pace of life where Nature is an ever tangible presence. At Kalari Rasayana, the journey to healing is filled with many discoveries. Located in the heart of Paravoor village in Southern Kerala, this NABH accredited hospital is nestled in verdant nature, surrounded by thick coconut groves and floating mini-islands. Healing in the lap of Nature – One moment the vibrant garden is bathed in golden sunlight; tiny butterflies feed on bright little yellow blossoms popping out shyly between the grasses and the birds are chirping away in happy abandon and the next moment, the sky darkens, the backwaters right in front is a sea of million pearls as rain drops fall in fierce rhythm and all is still except the sound of water falling on water and the distant echo of an approaching train. Welcome to Kalari Rasayana where one can experience the quiet unfolding of Nature’s play in all its hues and moods and bask in the peaceful rhythm of everyday life. Located in the heart of the backwater area of the erstwhile Venad kingdom in Kerala, the place is a veritable abode of peace with the rolling expanse of the Paravur backwaters being the dominant presence. Gazing at its gentle waves, watching the fishermen going about their daily rounds on their boats, hearing the distant roar of the sea beyond the horizon, tracking the trains moving to and fro across the bridge over the backwaters and observing the Kingfishers, the Cormorants, the Mynahs and other birds that habitually visit this place, absorbing the warmth emanating from the staff members and the happy ambience of an open space, all these and more can by themselves calm the nerves fraught by the vagaries of an urban lifestyle. But beyond this, central to the whole experience, is Ayurveda itself, practiced at its authentic and traditional best. In fact, the Ayurvedic treatments are offered here by a team passionately devoted to the cause of the natural way of life, as espoused in the ancient texts. The Ayurvedic therapy as prescribed by the Vaidyas (doctor) includes various treatments suited to individual conditions along with their accompanying detox processes such as ghee intake and massages, besides internal and external medicines. This in combination with Yoga, Meditation and cultural programmes enable the transition to health and vitality. Further, with food being a core factor in Ayurvedic treatment, the kitchen at Kalari Rasayana is managed by a chef fiercely dedicated to the preparation of health-inducing food for the guests using natural and organically grown ingredients . He, along with his team, make sure that the food is high on both taste and medicinal value with no compromise on quality and hygiene. Each meal is in fact tailor-made under the direction of the Vaidyas to suit each guest’s health condition and body type and served with love and care while unobtrusively conforming to the discipline of traditional rituals.