A spiritual palace in the sky, Ananda is where ancient Ayurveda meets luxury soul reset in the Himalayan foothills.
LOCATION
The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar, Tehri-Garhwal, Uttarakhand, 249175, INDIA
Ananda in the Himalayas – Quick Facts
Location: Narendra Nagar, Rishikesh, India
Price: $600–$950 AUD per night / $4,500–$12,000 wellness packages
Reviews: Voted Destination Spa of the Year – Condé Nast 2024
Wellness Programs: Detox, Weight Loss, Hormones, Immunity
Best Time to Visit: Sept–Feb (peak season); June–Aug (for detox)
RETREAT SNAPSHOT
The BioHax Edit:
This isn’t just a spa — it’s a full-blown soul reset in the Himalayan foothills. Welcome to the gold standard. Perched in the Himalayan foothills and built on the bones of a Maharaja’s palace, Ananda isn’t just the world’s top-ranked destination spa — it’s the spiritual home of modern integrative wellness. This is where Ayurveda meets clinical precision, where yoga becomes lineage-led, and where detox isn’t code for ‘starve quietly’.
If you’re chasing burnout recovery, hormone balance, gut reset, or a full metabolic overhaul, this is not your average pamper session. It’s personalised, evidence-backed, and deeply immersive. Ananda has hosted everyone from global executives to health practitioners to exhausted mothers who’ve done all the protocols—and still needed more.
Ananda also draws CEOs mid-burnout, royals on reset, actors between roles, and wellness pilgrims from around the globe who’ve outgrown retreats that treat symptoms instead of systems. Oprah’s been. Prince Charles came for the Vedanta. Condé Nast crowned it Destination Spa of the Year. You don’t come here for pampering, you come to recalibrate.
A Glimpse Into Ananda:
Video courtesy of Ananda in the Himalayas
Ananda in the Himalayas retreat overview video showcasing spa, yoga, and luxury wellness experiences in Rishikesh.
THE EXPERIENCE
A tranquil 100-acre estate in the Himalayan foothills, Ananda isn’t just about spa days and silk robes (though you’ll get those too). It’s a full-spectrum wellness reset grounded in Ayurvedic tradition, yogic science, and ancient Vedanta philosophy, all layered with just enough luxury to make the transformation feel like a reward, not a punishment.
Set in a former Maharaja’s palace with panoramic views over the Ganges Valley, this place is built for deep recalibration. Daily schedules are tailored to your dosha (that’s your Ayurvedic constitution, not your star sign), and include everything from abhyanga and shirodhara to breathwork, meditation, and private yoga sessions. If you’re burned out, bloated, fried, or spiritually flatlined, they’ll meet you where you’re at and guide you back to centre.
Photo Credit: Ananda - Ayurvedic massage at Ananda Spa in Rishikesh, India
But let’s be clear: this isn’t just a retreat for quiet reflection. Ananda also caters to the restlessness. Think white-water rafting on the Ganges, jungle safaris in Rajaji National Park, guided hikes to mountaintop temples, or forest walks with herbalists who know their shatavari from their stinging nettle. You can be deep in a detox and still chasing waterfalls.
What you get is choice. Flow and stillness. Fire and restoration. Cold-pressed juices followed by controlled adrenaline spikes. It’s integration, not isolation.
Photo Credit: Ananda - Luxury palace retreat exterior at Ananda in the Himalayas at night
At a glance:
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100-acre palace estate in the Himalayas
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78 rooms, suites, and villas, most with valley views, private gardens, or in-room spa treatment spaces
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Fully personalised wellness immersions based on Ayurvedic principles
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Program pathways include detox, stress management, weight loss, fitness, hormonal balance, and immunity
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Daily schedule can include yoga, Vedanta lectures, guided meditations, Ayurvedic treatments, and curated rituals + all-inclusive vegetarian meals
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Optional adventures: white-water rafting, Ganges hikes, temple treks, village visits, and wildlife safaris in Rajaji National Park
- World-class spa with 24 treatment rooms
Photo Credit: Wild elephants spotted on safari in Rajaji National Park — one of Ananda’s signature offsite excursions.
WHO IT’S FOR
BioHax Snapshot:
For high performers, health professionals, solo travellers, and global executives who’ve reached their limit — mentally, physically, or both. Ananda is built for those who aren’t looking for a surface-level reset, but a complete systems recalibration grounded in evidence-based tradition.
Guests arrive from all over the world to address chronic stress, adrenal fatigue, immune dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, metabolic slowdown, and burnout that no amount of supplements or spin classes can touch. Many have done the retreats, the biohacking, the best doctors, and come here because it’s different.
If you’re post-viral, post-crisis, mid-transition, or simply running on fumes, Ananda provides structured, personalised recovery in one of the most sacred settings in India. Quiet, exacting, and deeply effective.
Photo Credit: Morning movement under the canopy at Ananda’s open-air yoga pavilion.
THE PRICE
(Because Wellness Like This Doesn’t Come Cheap)
You’re looking at $600–$950 AUD per night for a standard room with full board — that’s Ayurvedic meals, daily yoga, guided meditation, and full spa access bundled in.
Going deeper with one of Ananda’s signature wellness programs? Expect to invest $4,500–$12,000 AUD per person for a 5–14 night stay depending on your program, room category, and season.
Now scroll on to see exactly what you get for that price — and why people fly across the world for it.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
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Palace View Rooms – Elegant interiors with views of the Maharaja’s Palace
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Valley View Rooms – Overlooking the sacred Ganges valley
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Garden Suites – Private gardens and generous living spaces
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Ananda Villas – Private pools, butler service, and in-suite treatment areas
Photo Credit: Luxury suite with timber ceiling, daybed, and balcony at Ananda in the Himalayas wellness retreat
WELLNESS INCLUSIONS
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Ayurvedic therapies: Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Pizhichil
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International spa therapies: aromatherapy, Thai massage, reflexology
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Yoga, pranayama, meditation, Vedanta philosophy
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Personalised fitness: TRX, aqua fitness, hiking
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Wellness consultations and ongoing health reports
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Healing rituals and ceremonies
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Sound healing, Reiki, and crystal therapy (on request)
Image Credit: Daily rituals like this guided meditation session are tailored to your dosha and energy state.
FACILITATOR TEAM
Includes Ayurvedic doctors, yoga masters, fitness experts, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and visiting international specialists.
DINING & NUTRITION
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Ayurvedic dosha-based menus tailored to your prakriti
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Organic produce sourced locally and grown on-property
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Alcohol-free, refined-sugar-free cuisine with therapeutic value
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Culinary team includes Ayurvedic chefs and functional nutrition experts
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Tea lounge and spa café with detox elixirs and infusions
Photo credit: Sattvic Ayurvedic meal with coconut curry, dal, and herbed rice at Ananda in the Himalayas
ECO / SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES
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Organic gardens and plant-based apothecary
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Refillable glass water systems and zero plastic policy
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Ayurvedic oils, herbal remedies, and spa products made onsite
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Sustainable architecture and energy-efficient practices
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Staff wellness programs and community health outreach
HIGHLIGHT FACILITIES
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World-class spa with 24 treatment rooms
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Outdoor temperature-controlled pool
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Gym, yoga pavilions, and meditation garden
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Nature trails and sacred Ganges excursions
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Onsite Vedanta library and temple space
Photo Credit: One of Ananda’s private villa infinity pools overlooking the forest canopy—restorative views included.
WHAT TO BRING
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Comfortable clothing for yoga and meditation
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Personal journal or intention-setting items
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Products and books also available in their online store: Ananda Spa Store
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
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Condé Nast Traveller Spa Awards 2024: Destination Spa of the Year
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Voted among the Top 10 Spas in the World – CN Traveller, Tatler, and Travel + Leisure
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Healing Holidays Wellness Awards - Best Ayurveda Program
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Winner: World Spa Awards, Asia’s Best Wellness Retreat
Photo Credit: Ananda in the Himalayas, via Condé Nast Traveller
SEASONAL PROGRAMS
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Monsoon Detox (June–September)
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Winter Immunity Reset (December–February)
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Spring Awakening Yoga Series
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Summer Weight Management Intensive
DURATION / PACKAGES
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Programs available for 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 nights
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Wellness Immersion options: Ayurvedic Rejuvenation, Detox, Stress Management, Weight Management, Yoga, Meditative Awareness
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Pre-arrival wellness questionnaire + consultation required
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All stays include full board and a curated treatment schedule
GETTING THERE
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Closest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 1 hr drive)
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Helicopter transfer options available
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Transfers from Delhi (5–6 hours by road)
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schedule
Photo credit: Ananda in the Himalayas (Resort Property Map)
“Got questions? We’ve covered everything from what to pack to what to expect. Browse our full Ananda retreat FAQ below.”
FAQ's
Living at Ananda
What is a typical day like at Ananda?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Your schedule is tailored daily based on your Ayurvedic constitution, wellness goals, and energy levels. Expect a curated mix of yoga, breathwork, spa treatments, Vedanta lectures, and soul-restoring downtime. You’ll have time to nap, journal, wander the forest, and sip something green that isn’t envy.
Is there Wi-Fi at Ananda?
Yes, but it’s deliberately low-stimulation. You won’t find Netflix on blast or Zoom calls poolside. This is digital detox territory. Wi-Fi is strongest in common areas and weakest where you’re supposed to be sleeping or meditating. Coincidence? We think not.
Can I travel with a friend or partner?
Absolutely. Whether you’re a duo doing dosha-balancing together or travelling solo and needing space to recalibrate, Ananda accommodates both. Note: double rooms don’t mean double programs. Each guest gets their own wellness plan.
What should I wear?
Keep it comfortable. Activewear, loungewear, and breathable fabrics rule the day. There’s no dress code, but flowing whites, earthy tones, and nothing tight around your third eye is always a safe bet.
Is Ananda alcohol-free?
Yes. This is not the retreat where you sneak in a mini bottle of Moët. All food and beverages are aligned with Ayurvedic and therapeutic principles. Your liver will thank you.
How do guests typically feel after leaving?
Lighter, clearer, calmer, and surprisingly more awake—even without caffeine. Many guests report deeper sleep, improved digestion, balanced hormones, and a totally new relationship with their nervous system.
Are phones or devices allowed?
Phones are allowed but discouraged in public spaces. This is about presence, not scroll holes. Unplugging isn’t enforced—but you’ll be surprised how quickly you choose it anyway.
FAQ's
Dining at Ananda
What kind of food is served at Ananda in the Himalayas?
Ananda serves Ayurvedic-inspired cuisine that aligns with your dosha (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha). Expect a rotating menu of sattvic meals using fresh, organic ingredients—think light, plant-based curries, kitchari, herbal teas, and vibrant veggie broths tailored to support healing, balance, and digestion.
Is the food at Ananda vegetarian?
Mostly, yes. The menu is predominantly vegetarian and sattvic, in keeping with Ayurvedic tradition. However, small amounts of lean, white meat and fish are occasionally offered depending on your wellness consultation and personal preferences.
Can I get non-Ayurvedic meals if I’m not doing a detox or wellness program?
Yes. While Ayurvedic meals are the default, Ananda also offers a gourmet wellness menu with lighter international options that still align with clean, balanced eating—no greasy curries or heavy sauces here.
Is caffeine or alcohol served at Ananda?
Nope. Ananda is a dry, caffeine-free wellness retreat. Instead, you’ll sip on healing herbal infusions, warm decoctions, and fruit- or flower-infused water—all included in your stay.
Do they cater to dietary restrictions like gluten-free or dairy-free?
Absolutely. Ananda can cater to gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and low-FODMAP diets on request. Everything is made fresh to order, and the staff is trained in nutritional therapies. You’ll be well fed and gut-happy.
Where do meals take place?
You’ll dine with a view. Meals are served in the elegant Restaurant Pavilion overlooking the valley—or al fresco if you prefer. In-room dining is also available if you’re doing a deeper detox or just need a quieter space.
How often are meals served?
Three daily meals are included—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—served at set windows to support digestion and circadian rhythms. Herbal teas and broths are available throughout the day.
FAQ's
Ananda Spa & Treatments
What makes the spa at Ananda so special?
It’s not your average cucumber-on-eyelids situation. Ananda’s spa is internationally awarded for its integrative wellness approach, fusing Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and Western therapies across 24 luxe treatment rooms. Think shirodhara one day, lymphatic drainage the next.
What types of treatments are offered?
Over 80 treatments spanning Ayurvedic therapies (like Abhyanga, Pizhichil, and Udvartana), detox rituals, body wraps, Oriental acupuncture, and aromatherapy. Add sound healing, Reiki, and crystal therapy if you're energetically inclined.
How are treatments personalised?
Every guest begins with a detailed wellness consultation. Your Ayurvedic dosha, lifestyle, and health goals guide a bespoke program—whether you're after adrenal repair, hormone balance, or post-viral immunity support.
Can I do just spa treatments without a full program?
If you're staying at Ananda, yes—à la carte treatments can be booked. But most guests opt for a curated immersion. Walk-in spa day guests are not accepted; this is a closed retreat experience.
Are male and female therapists available?
Yes, and you can request your preference. All therapists are professionally trained and many have specialised certifications in Ayurvedic or traditional Eastern healing.
What’s the spa environment like?
Quiet, serene, and absolutely no phones. Expect Himalayan oils, warm wood interiors, calming soundscapes, and private spaces designed for genuine nervous system reset—not TikTok footage.
Do treatments use natural or organic products?
All Ayurvedic oils, scrubs, and herbals are formulated in-house using organic ingredients, many sourced from Ananda’s own apothecary garden.
FAQ's
Ananda Programmes
How do I choose the right wellness programme?
Before arrival, you’ll complete a detailed health and lifestyle questionnaire. Based on this (plus an Ayurvedic consultation on Day 1), the team will tailor a programme to suit your physical, mental, and emotional needs — whether you're detoxing, de-stressing, or dealing with a decade of adrenal fatigue.
What types of programmes are available?
Ananda offers targeted pathways in:
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Ayurvedic Rejuvenation
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Detox & Panchakarma
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Stress Management
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Weight Management
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Yoga & Meditative Awareness
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Renewed You (for hormonal balance, immunity, and vitality)
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Holistic Cancer Care (post-treatment support)
What’s included in the wellness packages?
Every programme includes:
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Daily spa or Ayurvedic therapies
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Private yoga and meditation sessions
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Nutritional guidance
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Wellness consultations and diagnostics
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Group lectures, fitness activities, and curated rituals
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All-inclusive dosha-specific meals
Can I modify the programme after I arrive?
Yes — it’s dynamic. You’ll have ongoing consultations and daily adjustments based on how your body responds. If you arrive for detox and your liver says “not today,” the team will pivot.
How long do I need to stay for results?
Short stays (3–5 nights) offer a taster, but real transformation typically starts after 7–14 days. For deep recalibration (especially hormonal or post-viral recovery), the magic happens in the 14–21 day range.
Can programmes accommodate health conditions or post-surgery recovery?
Yes. With a team that includes Ayurvedic doctors, physiotherapists, and integrative medicine experts, Ananda regularly supports guests dealing with chronic illness, fatigue, burnout, and recovery post-surgery or cancer treatment. You’re not just "allowed" to come — you’re their people.
Is there a minimum stay?
Yes. Most wellness immersions require a minimum 3-night stay, but many programmes (like Panchakarma or Holistic Cancer Care) begin at 7 or 14 nights.
FAQ's
Ananda Experiences
What can I do beyond the spa at Ananda?
A lot. Ananda isn’t a ‘wrap-yourself-in-a-robe-and-do-nothing’ kind of place (unless that’s the vibe you want). You can immerse yourself in sacred rituals, hike through the Sal forest, white-water raft on the Ganges, or deep-dive into Vedanta wisdom with guided spiritual lectures.
Are excursions included in the package?
Some experiences are included — like Vedanta sessions, group yoga, and sunrise forest walks. Others, like safaris and rafting, are optional add-ons but easily arranged through your wellness consultant.
What kind of outdoor activities are available?
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Guided treks to Himalayan temples
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White-water rafting on the Ganges
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Wildlife safaris in Rajaji National Park
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Village visits and tea estate walks
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Nature trails and riverside meditation
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Forest bathing and herb foraging with Ayurvedic guides
Is it possible to explore Rishikesh or Haridwar while at Ananda?
Yes. Day trips to nearby spiritual hubs like Rishikesh (yoga capital of the world) and Haridwar (for the Ganga Aarti ritual) can be arranged on request. It’s a beautiful way to add context to your personal healing journey.
Can I do something every day, or is it more relaxed?
Totally up to you. Some guests opt for full schedules — yoga at dawn, treatments mid-morning, treks in the afternoon. Others keep it fluid. Ananda’s experience team helps you structure your time to match your energy and goals.
Are experiences tailored to fitness or detox goals?
Yes — if you’re in a weight loss or fitness programme, your movement and adventures will be dialled accordingly. Want to hike 10km before your colonic? Sorted. Prefer a meditative nature walk after shirodhara? Also sorted.
FAQ's
Ananda Events
Does Ananda host wellness events throughout the year?
Absolutely. In addition to personalised programmes, Ananda runs limited-edition events and intensives throughout the year — think deep-dive yoga immersions, Panchakarma residencies, and visiting master series.
What kind of events are held at Ananda?
Signature events include:
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21-Day Panchakarma Detox with Ayurvedic doctors
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Yoga & Pranayama Immersions led by lineage-based teachers
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Vedic Astrology Retreats
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Ayurveda & Culinary Workshops with the in-house chefs
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Visiting Master Series featuring international healers and wellness specialists
Are the events included in regular stays?
Some are integrated into extended packages (like the Panchakarma), while others are separate and must be booked in advance. Dates fill quickly — especially when guest teachers are involved.
When is the best time to visit for events?
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Monsoon (June–September) is peak detox season
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Winter (December–February) is ideal for immunity resets and yoga intensives
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Spring (March–May) sees more fitness and metabolic events
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Year-round: Vedic workshops and Vedanta lectures run continuously
Do I have to commit to a full retreat to attend an event?
Not always. Some events can be layered into your existing wellness programme — others require full participation for the full reset effect.
How do I find out what’s on?
Ananda’s events calendar is regularly updated. But fair warning: if a Visiting Master is coming, spots can vanish faster than a turmeric shot on day one of detox.
Need support before or after your retreat?
Whether you're prepping for detox, managing hormones, or navigating post-retreat reintegration, we've got your back. Explore our go-to guides and practitioner picks:
➡️ BioHax Wellness Directory
➡️ Practitioner & Wellness Clinics
Article Dated: 10 July 2025
