Ananda in the Himalayas: A Journey of Stillness and Renewal

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Travel has a way of shifting perspective, of pulling us out of the rhythm of everyday life and into something altogether more profound. Last month, I had the privilege of experiencing India for the very first time, and my journey led me to the foothills of the Himalayas, to a place that felt both otherworldly and deeply grounding: Ananda, a luxury wellness retreat unlike any other.


The Journey to the Mountains

The trip began with Emirates Airlines, a smooth flight that set the tone with its comfort and ease. After a quick transit in Delhi, we boarded an Air India flight to Jolly Grant Airport—the nearest airstrip to the retreat. From there, the adventure shifted into something slower, more intimate. A car whisked us through winding mountain roads, each curve revealing hints of the landscapes to come. By the time we pulled up to Ananda, it felt as though the pace of life itself had softened.


The First Impression

Stepping onto the property was like exhaling after holding your breath for too long. The Himalayas stretched across the horizon in quiet majesty, and the retreat itself radiated a serene calm. Yet what struck me most wasn’t the grandeur of the setting, but the human warmth woven into every detail.

The staff greeted us with smiles that felt genuine, and there was an almost invisible attentiveness in the way they anticipated needs before they were spoken. From the thoughtful placement of flowers in the room to the way schedules were handed over with patience and clarity, it was clear this wasn’t just another luxury stay. Ananda had a way of making you feel not like a guest, but like you belonged.


A Rhythm of Balance

Each day unfolded with a balance that felt effortless. I was given a personalized itinerary—structured enough to guide my experience, but flexible enough to let me choose rest over activity if that’s what I needed.

Mornings often began with yoga, held in spaces that opened to the crisp mountain air. Ayurvedic treatments followed, where ancient traditions of healing were seamlessly woven into modern luxury. Afternoons offered options ranging from guided meditation and sound baths to talks that left me reflecting long after they ended.

What surprised me was how naturally this rhythm unfolded. There was no sense of rushing from one activity to the next. Instead, the days carried a gentle cadence, like being guided through an experience of slowing down and tuning in.


A Culinary Ritual

Food at Ananda was not simply nourishment—it was part of the journey. Guests could opt for tailored wellness plans, designed to align with their personal needs, or choose freely from the à la carte menu. Each meal was crafted with care, rooted in health yet never lacking in flavor.

And then there was tea time. It quickly became one of my favorite daily rituals: the clink of cups, the fragrant steam rising into the cool air, and the unhurried conversations that flowed around it. Somehow, it encapsulated everything Ananda stood for—beauty in simplicity, and joy in presence.


Why It Felt Different

I’ve stayed in beautiful hotels and visited serene destinations before, but Ananda left a different imprint. It wasn’t just about the scenery, though waking up to Himalayan views each morning was unforgettable. It wasn’t just about the treatments or the food, though both were extraordinary.

It was the intention behind it all—the sense that every detail was carefully considered not for extravagance, but for balance. There was a philosophy of well-being here, one that stretched far beyond spa menus and yoga mats. It was about reminding you of stillness, guiding you back to yourself.


A Place to Return To

Reflecting on my time there, I can say with confidence that Ananda in the Himalayas was one of the most remarkable experiences I’ve ever had. It was travel as it should be: restorative, inspiring, and transformative in ways that are hard to put into words.

As I left, I carried more than just memories of mountain views or delicious meals. I carried the feeling of calm that had seeped into me, the sense of clarity that came from days spent in harmony. Ananda is not a place you simply visit—it’s a place that stays with you, and one that calls you back.


Highlights from My Stay

  • The Arrival: That moment of stepping out and seeing the Himalayas for the first time.
  • Yoga in the Mountains: Moving and breathing in sync with the quiet power of nature.
  • Ayurvedic Treatments: Ancient wisdom brought to life with modern comfort.
  • Tea Time: A ritual that slowed the day and brought people together.
  • The People: Warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in making the experience feel personal.

If I could describe Ananda in one phrase, it would be this: a sanctuary for the soul. It’s the kind of place that makes you rethink how you define luxury—not as extravagance, but as the rare gift of peace.

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