The New Standard of Travel: Wellness Escapes in India
In the ever-evolving world of travel, a fresh wave is sweeping through the industry—a trend that’s less about indulgence and more about renewal. The new standard isn’t about luxury. It is about leaving your journey feeling better, more balanced, and deeply rejuvenated. Welcome to the era of wellness travel, where the destination promises more than just a change of scenery. And there’s no place that embodies this movement more than India, a land where ancient wisdom meets modern well-being.
India has long been a beacon for those seeking spiritual and physical renewal, but today, it’s also at the forefront of wellness travel. The country’s deep-rooted Ayurvedic traditions are drawing a new kind of traveler—one who values transformative experiences over material excess. At the heart of this movement are wellness retreats that offer therapies as sophisticated as they are soothing.
Take, for instance, Ananda in the Himalayas, a retreat that’s less about pampering and more about realignment. Here, amidst the serenity of the Himalayan foothills, guests can immerse themselves in therapies like *Abhyanga* (a synchronized four-hand massage that’s as rhythmic as it is relaxing) and 'Shirodhara' (where a gentle stream of warm oil is poured onto the forehead, believed to calm the mind and enhance mental clarity). Ananda’s offerings are complemented by daily yoga and meditation sessions, designed to harmonize the body and soul.
Further south, in Kerala, CGH Earth offers a different, yet equally compelling experience. At their retreats like Kalari Kovilakom and Kalari Rasayana, guests are introduced to the 'Udwarthanam' therapy (a stimulating massage using herbal powders to exfoliate and detoxify) and 'Pizhichil' (a therapeutic oil treatment that combines massage with the pouring of warm oil to nourish and rejuvenate). These treatments are as much about cleansing the spirit as they are about healing the body.
Rishikesh, often dubbed the "Yoga Capital of the World," is where spiritual seekers and wellness travelers alike converge. Nestled along the sacred Ganges River, Rishikesh offers a unique blend of ancient wisdom and natural beauty. Whether you’re meditating on the riverbanks or participating in a traditional 'Yajna' (fire ritual), the spiritual energy of Rishikesh has a way of deepening your wellness journey.
This wellness revolution isn’t limited to retreats; it’s reshaping how luxury is defined. According to Harry, the General Manager of Amanbagh, “Today’s luxury travelers prioritize personalization, privacy, and purpose. They seek immersive cultural experiences and holistic retreats that go beyond physical relaxation to provide mental and emotional renewal.” At Amanbagh and Aman-i-Khás, this ethos is seamlessly integrated into their offerings. Amanbagh’s Yoga and Mindfulness Immersion retreat combines yoga, meditation, personalized Ayurvedic treatments, and mindful cuisine crafted by an expert Ayurveda chef. Meanwhile, at Aman-i-Khás, guests can connect with local traditions through unique experiences such as learning henna art from Rajasthani women or enjoying farm-to-table cuisine sourced from the resort’s organic gardens.
Conscious luxury is also redefining sustainability in Indian hospitality. Harry emphasizes that guests increasingly value eco-luxury and community engagement. “Our resorts focus on low-impact travel, eco-building innovations, and organic farming, while 90% of our staff are employed locally, contributing to the region’s economy.” This integration of wellness, sustainability, and cultural immersion exemplifies a broader shift in luxury travel. It’s no longer about extravagance—it’s about authenticity and connection. As Harry puts it, “Today’s traveler wants to return not just with memories, but with a sense of renewal and purpose.”
India’s wellness retreats, steeped in ancient wisdom and modern innovation, are leading the way in this transformation. Whether through Ayurvedic therapies, spiritual practices, or sustainable luxury, these experiences are shaping the future of travel—one that’s not just about where you go, but how deeply it transforms you.
The rise of wellness travel in India reflects a broader shift in how we think about travel itself. It’s no longer about how much you spend or how far you go; it’s about how profoundly you return. In India’s wellness retreats, the focus is on experiences that heal, renew, and inspire. This isn’t just the future of travel—it’s the present. And it’s redefining what it means to truly get away.
To continue reading our interview with Harry Fernandez, Regional Director for India, Bhutan & Sri Lanka, please see below.
Q. Your view on the evolving preferences of luxury travellers in recent years (especially after the reset), especially in terms of personalized experiences and wellness.
HF: In recent years, luxury travel preferences have evolved significantly, driven by shifting values, technological advancements, and a changing global landscape. Today’s luxury travellers seek highly personalised, immersive experiences. From curated cultural interactions, private tours, exclusive access, immersive dining, and bespoke adventures, travellers are increasingly searching for authentic experiences tailored to their individual interests and preferences.
Wellness has become a central focus, with growing demand for holistic retreats offering yoga, meditation, and nature-driven activities that promote mental and physical wellbeing, emphasising the need to recharge both mentally and physically. Additionally, privacy and safety are paramount, driving increased interest in private jets, secluded villas, and remote destinations.
Q. Also, what are the trends or expectations noticeable among inbound travelers in terms of sustainability, and cultural immersions at destinations like Amanbagh and Aman-i-Khas?
HF: As conscious luxury becomes a growing trend, an increasing number of travelers are considering sustainability and ethical practices when choosing where to stay. These discerning travelers are opting for destinations that provide low-impact travel experiences, eco-luxury accommodations, and opportunities to participate in conservation efforts or community-focused initiatives. Today’s luxury travellers prioritise authentic and immersive experiences, aiming to connect deeply with the culture, history, and traditions of the places they visit.
At Aman community engagement has always been central to our values. Embracing greener, more efficient, and impact-driven practices has been an exciting journey for both Aman-i-Khás and Amanbagh. These resorts exemplify our commitment to seeking clean-energy solutions, eco-building innovations, organic farming, and community outreach and support.
Q. Is there anything that the hotels are now doing to match these expectations?
HF: Aman has consistently evolved to meet the growing demand for meaningful, authentic, luxury experiences. As pioneers in creating serene, intimate retreats, we continue to focus on curating immersive, story-rich experiences that foster genuine connections with local culture and traditions.
At Aman-i-Khás, guests can participate in authentic indigenous rituals, such as an open-air shave in the traditional Indian style by the resident barber or learn the art of henna application from local women. Our farm-to-table cuisine celebrates regional flavours, with 80% of the ingredients, exotic herbs, vegetables, and more, sourced from our organic gardens or local farmers. The four-acre farm at Aman-i-Khás is integral to our sustainability efforts, reducing our foodprint and promoting responsible consumption with initiatives to minimise food waste.
Additionally, across both Aman India properties, we emphasise hyperlocal employment, with 90% of our staff coming from nearby Rajasthani communities, further strengthening our connection to the region and contributing to the local economy.
For those seeking wellness and mindfulness, Amanbagh offers the transformative Yoga and Mindfulness Immersion retreat, designed to promote deep relaxation and rejuvenation. The retreat includes yoga, meditation, personalized spa treatments, and a specially curated Mindfulness Menu crafted by an expert Ayurveda chef, all aimed at providing a holistic, mindful experience for our guests.
By integrating these unique cultural and wellness experiences with our commitment to sustainability, Aman continues to set the standard for meeting the expectations of today’s conscious luxury travellers.