Six Senses has officially welcomed established Indian destination spa and retreat Vana into its portfolio.

The wellness and sustainability-centric hospitality brand announced its appointment to operate the property back in June 2022. Launched in 2014 by Veer Singh Ji, Vana is a 21-acre wellness destination in Dehradun surrounded by clusters of Sal forest and set within its own mango and lychee orchards.

The retreat blends Ayurveda, Tibetan healing traditions, natural healing therapies and yoga to create bespoke schedules for every attendee.

The line-up is complemented by a rich daily activity schedule, personalised support and nourishing food, in addition to therapies, including acupuncture, reflexology and natural alignment.

“From the moment you arrive, when your forehead is dotted with crimson, and you don your loose-fitting kurta pyjamas, to the moment you leave, and your wrist is tied with a red-string blessing, this soothing space serves as a leveller, where you can come as you are and reconnect to each other and nature without hindrance,” says general manager Jaspreet Singh.

“Even if you’re a regular retreat-goer, everyone is unique; therefore, Six Senses Vana approaches your health and wellness in a way that’s unique to you.”

The destination features 82 rooms facing either the ancient forest or the garden and yoga temple, plus two restaurants and 55 treatment and consultation rooms.

The foundation

There is no one common objective, and retreats will vary depending on the length of stay, how deep guests wish to go and the level of independence or support they feel they need.

Every stay includes full-board accommodation and personalised nutrition, daily retreat activities, a wellness consultation and screening and clothing to wear.

Guests can upgrade their journey with optional extras such as Ayurvedic spa treatments provided by skincare and spa brand Subtle Energies as well as acupuncture, reflexology, realignment, or nail services.

Adding intentionThere’s also the option to tailor the itinerary by choosing a programme based on a specific wellness intention, with diagnostics and targeted guidance from the experts:

• Sleep: Tracking sleep patterns and helping guests to reset through treatments and therapies that will include yoga Nidra, holistic massages, night-time soporific drinks and more.• Detox: With a curated meal plan, Ayurvedic treatments, therapies to slow the fight/flight response, and digital detox.

• Weight management: A mindset reset helping guests achieve gradual weight loss, or gain, through fitness activities, stimulating body treatments, meditation, biohacking and a personalised meal plan.• Yoga: For beginners and improvers, delivered by a dedicated team of instructors, with private sessions, guided meditation and breathwork with signature massages and energy treatments.

• Ayurveda: Treatments are delivered by doctors and therapists to heal imbalances in the body’s doshas.• Tibetan medicine: Six Senses Vana is one of the few places in the world where Sowa Rigpa is formally offered.

By introducing high-tech to the high-touch retreat journeys at Six Senses Vana, guests will receive help to relieve common issues like back pain and inflammation and kick-start their healing process. Compression therapy, heated back belts, and massage percussion devices will be available on arrival to take the edge off the long journey.

The wellness screening measures 40 biomarkers and, when coupled with the doctor’s consultation, adds science to ancient wisdom.

Guests can also enjoy multi-sensory treatments as they float in the warmth of the Watsu pool or meditate to Raag therapy, where the tranquil, hypnotic sounds of the flute bring out positive emotions.

Signature Six Senses experiences

Vana’s original intention, along with the existing team, remains mostly unchanged under the Six Senses brand. The ownership of Six Senses Vana also remains with Veer Singh Ji. His deep interest in and respect for sustainable farming, traditional wisdom, and nature will continue to be nurtured.

What changes is the brand’s vision to deepen and strengthen the current offering, complement it with signature experiences it has successfully tried and tested around the world, and bring it to a broader global audience.

In addition to the above programmes, guests can get creative at the Alchemy Bar to make spa products in accordance with their dosha type.

For the first time, there will also be activities aimed at children aged six and above to learn with Grow With Six Senses. Introduced later in 2023, this programme will present learning opportunities that help children navigate and derive meaning from their natural surroundings through art, music, movement, storytelling and newly-built interactive spaces.

As a social and gathering space, the bar will serve healthy drinks, shrubs, and tonics.

Along with a lifestyle concept store for sustainable fashion and spa products, there will also be a Cinema Paradiso and courts for various ball games. Arts, music, exhibitions and performances will also add to the rich cultural programming.

As of 2022, Six Senses operates 20 hotels and resorts in 17 countries and has signed a further 34 properties into the development pipeline.

Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses maintains a leadership commitment to community, sustainability, emotional hospitality, wellness and crafted experiences, infused with a touch of quirkiness.

To hear more about the Six Sense’s aspirations and gameplan going ahead, read Spa Business' exclusive interview with CEO Neil Jacobs.