Embark on a luxurious and relaxing journey to the picturesque Himalayas. In a dreamlike atmosphere, enjoy holistic therapies that blend Ayurveda, alternative healing methods, Emotional Healing, Yoga, and Fitness at one of the world's top 10 Spa & Yoga Retreats, a member of the Healing Hotels of the World.
The majestic former palace of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal sits at approximately 1,300 metres at the foothills of the Himalayas, offering a unique view of the Doon Valley and the Ganges. Ananda in the Himalayas, known as a very powerful spiritual place, is spread over several terraces (about 40 hectares) and blends harmoniously with the surrounding nature.
The hotel offers a healthy, diverse 'Ananda Rejuvenation Cuisine' featuring Indian, Asian, and Western specialties with vegetables and herbs from its own organic cultivation. Dining is available at 'The Restaurant', 'The Pavilion', or on the terrace of 'Tree Top' with views of the Himalayas. Spa guests are served a wellness menu according to Dosha, tailored to allergies and intolerances. Vitamin-rich drinks and snacks can be enjoyed at 'The Poolside'. Diets can be accommodated upon request.
In the luxurious Ananda Spa, spanning approximately 2,000 sqm (for guests over 18), a team of Ayurvedic and Western doctors, spa therapists, physiotherapists, and nutrition experts are dedicated to your well-being. The facility includes 27 treatment rooms, a suite for couples, 2 lounges, a hydrotherapy center (sauna, steam bath, Kneipp pool, etc.), a boutique, and a beauty salon. Furthermore, over 80 different treatments are available, such as Ayurvedic and Thai massage, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, facial, skin, hair treatment, and Tibetan treatments.
All programmes are based on the principles of Yoga, Ayurveda, Meditation, and Vedanta (life coaching), combined with Far Eastern and international medicine/therapy. Offered oriental treatments include, for example, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, Tibetan Kuu Nye, Kundalini, and Japanese Shiatsu. When booking, you can choose a focus and decide whether you prefer a Foundation/Basic programme with 5 nights (selected programmes only) or a Comprehensive/Intensive programme starting from 7 or 14/21 nights.
From 7 nights onwards, the Ananda Resort integrates a psychological "Emotional Healing" consultation into its programmes, allowing guests to work on their health not just physically but also emotionally. Techniques such as Reiki and Chakra cleansing are employed alongside exercises from neurolinguistics, hypnotherapy, (hypnotic) regression, and psychotherapy (e.g., on the theme of the "Inner Child"). The aim is to delve into the depths of the mind to uncover early causes of negative behaviours, heal stress and inner traumas, and awaken the inner self.
The extensive range of offerings allows for a varied yet flexible daily schedule. Amenities include a heated outdoor pool, a relaxation area with panoramic views, and a fitness centre. Yoga and meditation are offered in the Yoga Pavilion, in the conservatory, or on the glazed palace roof in the Board Room. Guests can unwind in the billiards salon, browse in the over 100-year-old library, or retreat to the tea lounge. Activities such as hiking to the Kunjapuri Temple (approx. 7 km), jogging, golf on the 6-hole golf course, as well as music and dance shows from the Ananda Art & Culture Programme are available. There is also the opportunity to visit the Rajaji or Chilla National Park or take a trip to Rishikesh for the traditional Ganga Aarti.
The hotel offers 70 deluxe rooms with balconies (approx. 484 sq ft), 4 suites with gardens (approx. 915-1184 sq ft), 1 historic Viceregal Suite (approx. 2368 sq ft) with a private terrace and rooftop pavilion, as well as 3 villas (approx. 2583-3229 sq ft) with 1 or 2 bedrooms and a pool. These accommodations blend the flair of royal past with modern amenities, including a bathroom, shower/toilet, hairdryer, walk-in wardrobe, air conditioning, telephone, satellite television, minibar, safe, coffee/tea set, Kurta (Indian dress), and Wi-Fi. The rooms are furnished with high-quality colonial-style furniture. The view from the large balcony of the palace, the valley, and the Himalayan mountains is breathtaking.
3 verified reviews by travelersOnly customers who have traveled with us are allowed to leave a review
5.0 Outstanding
100% recommend the hotel to others
Joanne L.
May 2024
solo | 50 to 59 years | 9 - 11 days
Dear entire Ananda team, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for everything you have done to make my visit to Ananda so incredible. I feel like the luckiest woman in the world to have had the privilege of being pampered by your world class team and am just so grateful to have had the opportunity to visit you. As I left, I could hardly hold back the tears; tears of gratitude. There are just too many individuals to highlight - and that would not do justice to everyone else on your team - but from your welcoming receptionists, the dynamic general manager, the spa team, the outgoing and dedicated chefs and their staff, to the highly professional yoga instructors, hardworking garden staff, courteous security personnel and the delightful room cleaning team. Everyone was so dedicated, warm, committed, friendly and exceptional - at times I really felt like I didn't deserve to be treated with such care and kindness. Their fine details, going above and beyond guest expectations, were also highlighted. The gentleman who came every evening at dusk to play the bagpipes at the flag ceremony, the humble gentleman who played the flute at reception and in the spa - and the little bowl of flowers placed at the entrance to my room - and the little chant before each treatment in the spa. These gentle touches were much appreciated. Of the very few and minor points where improvements could be investigated, I completed the form on check out. Finally, I would like to thank your garden staff for looking after your grounds so passionately. What would Ananda be without you - AND all the trees that attract all the abundance of birds. It is truly special that destinations like Ananda exist and where birds, monkeys, deer and others can thrive in such a peaceful place - a rare paradise. My fondest memory will be sitting in the grass at dusk and just listening to the calls of Indian nature, which were a healing music to my soul. I hope to return soon - and once again, my sincere gratitude for how the visit to Ananda has enriched my life.
emil H.
December 2017
solo | 30 to 39 years | 4 - 8 days
A premium segment spa, well worth a visit Quite incredible air, tranquility and conditions for recovery. Great talented instructors and a wonderful place to do yoga in. Beautiful, nice views, incredible food, very courteous staff.
Lena M.
February 2013
solo | 40 to 49 years | 9 - 11 days