Nestled in the tranquil foothills of the Himalayas, Ananda in the Himalayas offers a transformative journey that blends ancient wellness practices with cutting-edge innovation. As it celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, this luxury retreat continues to redefine holistic well-being, providing guests with a personalized path to healing and self-discovery. From groundbreaking programs for women’s health to spiritual immersions and evidence-based treatments, Ananda promises an unparalleled wellness experience that nurtures the body, mind, and soul.
A Legacy of Wellness
Ananda in the Himalayas’ journey began with a bold vision from founder Ashok Khanna to create a sanctuary where holistic well-being could flourish. Over the past 25 years, the retreat has seamlessly blended ancient healing traditions with modern wellness innovations, cultivating a space that fosters profound transformation on every level. “The essence of Ananda has always been about fostering a deep connection with wellness on every level,” says Khanna. “From the physical to the spiritual, our approach integrates multiple dimensions of healing that are truly transformative. Our success lies not only in our exceptional services but also in the dedication of our staff, each of whom is deeply aligned with the Ananda philosophy.” This commitment to both tradition and innovation has helped Ananda evolve into a global leader in luxury wellness.
Innovative Healing Practices
At the heart of Ananda’s journey is its unwavering commitment to refining its wellness offerings. Over the years, the retreat has introduced several groundbreaking practices that seamlessly incorporate global modalities with traditional healing techniques. One of the most significant advancements has been Ananda’s integration of traditional Chinese medicine and physiotherapy, alongside a focus on emotional healing. This holistic approach creates an immersive experience that nurtures the body, mind, and soul, providing guests with a truly all-encompassing path to wellness.
Ananda’s wellness programs have also evolved to include targeted care for women’s health, addressing areas like fertility, menopause, and menstrual well-being. This thoughtful and specialized care demonstrates Ananda’s dedication to offering personalized wellness solutions for every guest, especially those whose needs may not be fully addressed by conventional wellness programs.
Addressing Modern Health Challenges
With today’s fast-paced lifestyle giving rise to chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory issues, and sleep disorders, Ananda’s wellness offerings are more relevant than ever. Through expertly designed programs tailored to address these modern-day health challenges, the retreat empowers guests to take charge of their well-being in a sustainable and transformative manner.
“Our mission is to help guests not only relax but to truly heal from within,” says Ashok Khanna’s daughter, Aashica Khanna, Executive Director of Ananda in the Himalayas. “We’ve seen the impact of our programs firsthand—whether it’s reducing the effects of stress, improving cardiovascular health, or restoring balance to the body and mind. We focus on outcomes that are both tangible and lasting.”
A Spiritual Immersion
At Ananda, wellness extends beyond the physical. The retreat offers a range of spiritual experiences designed to guide guests through personal exploration and deepening spiritual awareness. Traditional practices such as sound healing, mantra chanting, and ancient yogic teachings are an integral part of the wellness journey. With dedicated workshops and expert guidance, Ananda facilitates a spiritual immersion that invites guests to discover a greater sense of inner peace and balance.
Personalized Wellness Journeys
As wellness continues to evolve, Ananda has been at the forefront of introducing digital innovations to create a more tailored and effective experience. In 2024, the introduction of a 360° wellness management system marked a significant leap forward in offering more personalized wellness journeys for guests. This technology-driven approach allows Ananda to provide evidence-based, data-driven insights into guests’ health and wellness, ensuring a truly bespoke experience that evolves with each individual’s needs.
“We’ve integrated diagnostic tools and follow-up consultations to create a wellness journey that is truly ongoing,” explains Aashica Khanna. “Our guests now have year-round support, ensuring that their wellness journey continues well after they leave Ananda. It’s no longer just about a stay; it’s about transforming the way they live.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Wellness
As Ananda looks ahead, the focus will remain on expanding and deepening its unique approach to wellness. According to Mahesh Natarajan, Chief Operating Officer of Ananda, the future of wellness at Ananda will be defined by three key directions. First, the retreat will continue to integrate ancient Indian practices with modern techniques, including the exploration of Ayurvedic Vajikarana for fertility enhancement and other rare aspects of traditional wellness. Next, a dedicated research team will study and monitor the efficacy of wellness programs, partnering with research institutions and incorporating the latest health technologies to refine and validate the retreat’s offerings. Finally, Ananda plans to enhance its digital tools, including its wellness app, to provide guests with year-round coaching and progress tracking, ensuring that each guest’s wellness journey is supported at every stage.
“By blending ancient wisdom with modern tools, we aim to redefine the wellness experience,” says Natarajan. “Our goal is to create a future where every guest’s wellness journey is not only transformative but also uniquely tailored to their needs.”
Writen By: Lydia Kelly
Published: 27th March 2025