Established Indian destination spa and retreat Vana has been taken over by global hotel group Six Senses. The property in Dehradun, India, has since been renamed Six Senses Vana.

Launched in 2014 by Veer Singh, Vana is a 21-acre wellness destination surrounded by clusters of Sal forest, and set within its own mango and lychee orchards. The retreat draws on ancient healing modalities from Ayurveda, Tibetan healing traditions and yoga to create bespoke schedules for every retreat attendee.

Six Senses’ goal is to work with Vana’s team to weave in new experiences to the existing formula and bring it to a broader global audience. The hotel group will operate the property, which will be renamed Six Senses Vana in Q3.

Wellness facilities include a Tibetan Healing Centre, Ayurveda Centre, Yogasala, Wellness Centre, spa, private watsu pool, gym, thermal and wet areas, tennis courts, paths for walking and two slate-lined pools – including one on the rooftop with views over the forest and into the hills beyond.

“With its ancient healing traditions and spiritual practices, India has long been heralded as the ultimate wellness gateway and, in a gentle but intentional way, this plays to who we are too,” says Neil Jacobs, CEO of Six Senses.

“Vana comes to us with a strong philosophy and loyal clientele manifested by Veer. The seed was sown in his mind through his deep interest in and respect for sustainable farming, traditional wisdom and nature, which we’ll continue to nurture under the Six Senses brand.

“This marriage made in the Himalayas allows us to build on what exists with some of our signature experiences.”

Commenting on the latest chapter in the Vana story, Singh adds: “Vana becoming Six Senses Vana is the most natural and logical progression for this precious and beautiful retreat.

“I’m humbled by the care and sensitivity Six Senses has shown to protect and nurture everything good about Vana and I’m excited to see how they will deepen and strengthen our current offering and complement it with signature experiences they have successfully tried and tested around the world.

“I see no reason why Six Senses Vana will not become what we set out to be when Vana first opened: the most iconic wellness retreat in the world.”

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 new deal will see Six Senses Vana join the brand’s debut property in India, Six Senses Fort Barwara in Rajasthan.

Creating the right journey

Six Senses Vana will continue to welcome guests with a thorough wellness screening to inform the creation of their bespoke retreat.

From Q3 of this year, guests will also be able to try making their own spa products at a signature Six Senses Alchemy Bar and enhance their recovery with new biohacking offers.

Meanwhile, Sleep With Six Senses programming will be implemented to ensure guests dismantle old habits using smart tools and guidance to sleep soundly.

In India, food has always been seen as an offering to the divine, and the retreat’s mindfully prepared menus will match the Eat With Six Senses guiding principles of natural ingredients, local and sustainable, and less is more.

Thanks to the new management, the organic gardens are being extended so ingredients can be influenced by the seasons and personal preferences while being themed to the location, contributing to the preservation and revival of local culture and traditions.

Along with a lifestyle concept store for sustainable fashion and spa products, Six Senses Vana will also be a Cinema Paradiso, courts for various ball games, and experiences that tap into the retreat’s location to encourage movement and reconnection with nature.

Exhibitions, visiting artists, and performances will also continue to be woven into the retreat’s programming.

Sustainability

Since the early days of Vana, sensitivity to ecology has played an intrinsic role in its philosophy.

Energy, water and waste are managed in LEED Platinum certified buildings, and all textiles and solvents are sourced in compliance with sustainable standards.

These principles are aligned to core values at Six Senses, which will be communicated through one of its signature Earth Labs, where guests will be encouraged to be the change they want to see during hands-on workshops.

Regenerative travel experiences will offer guests a tangible connection to the local community and wildlife projects, infusing their Vana journey with purpose.