In an increasingly digital world, travellers understand the need to unwind and relax; here, wellness retreats, spa resorts and ayurvedic centres offer a motley crew of experiences that work to help you pause and restart, often in an idyllic setting
Wellness And Ayurvedic Resorts Offer The Perfect Cocktail Of Rejuvenation and Travel. Credit: iStock
The travel landscape is undergoing a metamorphosis. Gone are the days of breathlessly ticking off landmarks and museums in a whirlwind tour. The motto for travellers today? Stop and smell the roses. Better yet, get a rose oil deep cleanse. Today’s discerning adventurer craves experiences that nourish the mind, body, and soul. This is where Ayurvedic and wellness retreats are emerging as the hottest trend, offering a unique fusion of travel and holistic wellbeing.
At Amal Tamara, guests often seek solutions for various lifestyle-related disorders
Post-Pandemic Blues
The upheaval that the coronavirus pandemic caused has probably upended many of our intrinsic ideas about travel and wellbeing, and for good measure. In an increasingly digital world, travellers understand the need to unwind and relax; here, wellness retreats, spa resorts and ayurvedic centres offer a motley crew of experiences that work to help you pause and restart, often in an idyllic setting. This interest has made wellness tourism grab a significant share of the industry’s pie, with Global Wellness Institute’s data pegging the world’s wellness tourism market to reach $1 trillion in 2024.
Global Wellness Institute’s data expects the world’s wellness tourism market to reach $1 trillion in 2024.
Set in the tranquil backwaters of Kerala’s Alleppey, Amal Tamara is one such retreat that combines the goodness of Ayurveda with contemporary luxury to offer personalised treatments to travellers. And the takers have increased exponentially over the last 2-3 years. “At Amal Tamara, guests often seek solutions for various lifestyle-related disorders. Common inquiries revolve around orthopaedic care, stress management, skincare concerns, and various autoimmune conditions. Rather than providing quick fixes that offer temporary relief, we focus on implementing therapeutic interventions that promote long-term wellbeing. By tackling issues at their core, we empower our guests to experience sustainable improvements in their health and vitality. Our expertise in Ayurveda allows us to offer treatments with minimal side effects, tailored to individual needs and administered under expert medical supervision,” shares Dr Reji Raj, General Manager and Senior Ayurveda Physician at the resort.
At Amal Tamara, different programmes run for 7, 14, or 21 days
At Amal Tamara, different programmes run for 7, 14, or 21 days and cater to the varying needs of the body. “From stress relief to specialised orthopaedic care, Panchkarma therapies, rejuvenation treatments, and immunity-boosting, we offer a comprehensive range of programmes that address the underlying causes of chronic health conditions,” Dr Raj shares.
In addition, various actionable steps propel visitors towards a healthier lifestyle, including reducing screen time and social media usage and following specific diet plans that eliminate processed foods, caffeine, smoking, and alcohol. Additionally, they offer packages involving exercise, yoga, meditation, hiking, and other physical activities.
At Moksha, Slow Travel is the buzzword.
Detox, Rejuvenate, Reconnect
In the majestic Shivalik ranges of Himachal Pradesh, a timber trail ropeway in Parwanoo takes you to the sprawling Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort, which asks travellers to indulge in relaxing activities far away from the din of city life. Guests attend 6 am yoga sessions before indulging in local and sustainable culinary experiences. A sprawling 70,000 square feet spa is the biggest draw for travellers here and offers varied therapies and treatments.
“Our spa offers authentic Ayurvedic treatments like Abhyanga (oil massage), Shirodhara (forehead oil pouring), Pizichil (oil bath), Udwarthanam (herbal powder massage), Patra Pinda swedana (herbal bundle massage), Kati Vasti (lower back treatment), Tarpana (eye care), and more, all aimed at enhancing physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing,” shares Dr Maneesh Damodharan, Director of Wellness, Moksha. The spa retreat also boasts one of India’s only Turkish Hamam, an experience to be had. “Our standout offering is the Moksha Signature Experience, also known as Hamam, which is a traditional Turkish massage experience that combines steam, scrubbing, and massage techniques to cleanse, exfoliate, and rejuvenate the body, promoting overall relaxation and wellbeing,” he adds.
Moksha organises trekking experiences and village tours
At Moksha, Slow Travel is the buzzword. There are inviting and cosy relaxation spaces within the resort where guests can unwind – the stunning infinity pool framed by open-air jacuzzis with a view of the cityscape is one example. They also organise activities like trekking and village visits, allowing guests to connect with local culture and cuisine. The focus is on slow, immersive experiences to help you reconnect with nature and yourself.
With wellness tourism expected to grow by 20.9% annually until 2025, it is no secret that travellers will place self-care at the top of their agenda. From silent retreats and forest bathing retreats to hot springs resorts and thermal springs, avenues for wellness are many. As hotels and resorts find new ways to put our holistic wellbeing at the centre of their offerings, the industry is poised to transform travel into an experience beyond sightseeing.
