Six Senses Vana

Deluxe

Six Senses Vana (Vana means forest) is set within 21 hectares of dense sal forest near Dehradun, with the Himalayan foothills of Mussoorie to the north. It is a sanctuary where you can arrive just as you are and connect freely with yourself and nature. Recently rebranded as Six Senses, this luxury retreat offers holistic therapies designed to support physical, mental, emotional and spiritual balance, as well as sustainable transformation. The strong philosophy and loyal following of the retreat, which has operated as Vana since 2014, were shaped by its founder, Veer Singh, and his deep interest in and respect for sustainable agriculture, traditional wisdom and nature. The unique concept — carefully upheld under the Six Senses brand — gives guests, affectionately known as “Vanavasis”, the opportunity to choose from a wide range of naturopathic and traditional healing methods to find what best suits their individual needs. Achievable goals are set and measurable results pursued, bringing wellbeing to life through holistic treatments and regenerative prevention. The therapeutic dimension of each stay is framed by luxurious surroundings, designed down to the smallest detail, and a close connection with nature. An innovative energy concept, thoughtfully integrated down to the finest detail, creates an ideal setting for your wellbeing.

Dehradun, the capital of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, lies nestled in the picturesque Doon Valley and is considered one of the greenest and most pleasant destinations in northern India. With its mild climate, colonial architecture and proximity to the holy cities of Rishikesh and Haridwar, Dehradun is a place where nature, spirituality and culture come together in a distinctive way. Highlights include the impressive Forest Research Institute, with its colonial architecture and extensive gardens; the mysterious Robber’s Cave, where streams run between towering rocks; and the Sahastradhara waterfalls, renowned for their natural beauty and healing sulphur springs. The Tapkeshwar Temple, built inside a cave, also draws visitors with its spiritual atmosphere. Dehradun’s location also makes it a gateway to popular hill stations such as Mussoorie and spiritual destinations along the Ganges, making the city an ideal base for relaxation, culture and experiences in nature.

In India, food has long been regarded as a gift to the divine. The Vana chefs share this belief, presenting each dish as a gift to their Vanavasis. Two restaurants serve delicious, beautifully presented cuisine as part of the “Eat With Six Senses” philosophy, supporting your wellbeing through natural, locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, with a less-is-more approach. Masters of Indian cookery combine their craft with Ayurvedic principles. Lunch is served buffet-style, while dinner is à la carte. Dishes are prepared using fresh, local and organic ingredients, some grown on the estate. Menus include nutritional information, so you can choose what suits you while enjoying your food. Dietary rules are not imposed unless they are essential to a specific retreat goal. Options include dishes suitable for guests with allergies, vegetarian and vegan choices, as well as carefully sourced meat, fish and poultry.

“Set a new intention and manifest the magic.”

Every stay at Six Senses Vana includes accommodation with full board, personalised nutrition, a wellness screening and consultation, a daily retreat programme (sleep, detox, yoga, weight management, Ayurveda or Ayurveda Panchakarma) with private treatments, access to group activities (see the sample weekly schedule in the PDF below) and clothing, including accessories. Based on your arrival consultation and wellness screening, doctors will plan additional treatments during your stay, drawing on the expertise of leading practitioners in Ayurveda, yoga, Tibetan medicine and naturopathy. More than 50 treatment and consultation rooms are spread across the modern Ayurveda centre, a wellness centre, a spa, the Tibetan Healing Centre and the Watsu pool. Treatments and therapies using the property’s own products are delivered by a dedicated team of professional, experienced specialists and therapists from a wide range of disciplines. On the doctors’ instructions, and based on the principles of Ayurveda, Sowa Rigpa and naturopathy, the on-site pharmacy prepares decoctions, infusions, herbal blends and topical treatments, which are used locally and mindfully.

Traditional Tibetan medicine is a healing system rooted in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and Buddhism. It is based on the five elements: earth, water, fire, wood and metal. The focus is on maintaining a harmonious balance between the elements. When they are deficient, excessive or disrupted, they affect one another, which can lead to illness. When the elements work together in harmony, a person is healthy. Diagnosis involves not only a detailed consultation with the patient, but also pulse and tongue examinations. Tibetan medicine comprises several branches, all aiming to help people restore their healthy balance. These include diet, herbal medicines and external treatments such as massage. The right state of mind is especially important: healing is impossible when the heart is filled with hatred, envy or greed.

A heated indoor and outdoor pool, four yoga studios and pavilions, and a gym equipped with the latest equipment support each guest’s personal pursuit of wellbeing. Walking path through the 8-hectare estate. Lobby and lounge with a library and a bar area serving teas and fresh juices.