5 nights from £1,810 ananda himalayas

Ananda, which means bliss, is a calming sanctuary to escape to, a 100 acre pampering estate high up in the Himalayan foothills with views down to the Ganges and Rishikesh.

Tastefully designed rooms are in a modern block a seven minute walk away from the main palace, with wooden furniture, hand-tufted carpets on the floor and meditation mandalas framed on the walls. There are also three villas with private swimming pools, gardens and valley views. The restaurant has a wooden-decked veranda with views over the Doon valley, and serves a nutritious mix of Asian, Indian and European dishes as well as bespoke ayurveda meals tailored to your dosha.

Programmes in nutrition, exercise, stress management, anti-ageing and detoxification are available, led by an on-site ayurvedic doctor alongside efficient, unflappable therapists, or you can just come here to relax and dip in and out of treatments which include Thai massage, reiki, body wraps, scrubs and beauty treats inspired by Ancient Indian traditions. Enjoy small rituals before each therapy - butter lamps to represent fire, crystals to represent the earth and Himalayan water cymbals for a touch of pre-treatment sound therapy.

The sauna has a window overlooking the Ganges, and there’s a large outdoor pool. Daily set activities include yoga in the open stone amphitheatre, and local treks and Aarti water rafting can be arranged. A visit to Rishikesh is recommended – most especially for the evening ceremony of ariti on the Ganges.

Voted best spa in the world in the Conde Nast Traveller Reader's Spa Awards (UK)

Highs

• The majestic setting, complete with peacocks and Langur monkeys
• Excellent talks and one to ones with genuine yogis available   
• Top notch, dosha-based, calorie counted food

Lows

• You will feel cut off from the real India here – a bonus for some
• Some of the rooms could do with a little updating
• The bedrooms aren’t in the main palace

Healthy Traveller Tip

Don’t miss one of the fascinating talks on Vedanta, an ancient Indian philosophy packed with common sense that forms the bedrock of yoga and promotes self awareness and self control.

Room tip

Stay in a room with an even number for a valley view – all odd numbers have a view of the palace.

Who goes

Ananda attracts well-heeled Indian and western professionals.

Other ideas for wellness retreats in India

• In Kanartaka, southern India, there's Swa Swara on the famous Om beach on the west coast or for a bit more luxury, there's a Relais & Chateaux country retreat called Shreyas, about an hour from Bangalore
• In Kerala, on the south west tip of India, we would recommend Kali Kovilakom - minimum stay two weeks for the ultimate in mind / body rejuvenation.