Ananda in the Himalayas
India
Ananda in the Himalayas is a spa retreat at The Palace Estate in Narendra Nagar, Uttarakhand, overlooking the Himalayan foothills near Rishikesh and Haridwar. The property presents itself as a wellness retreat shaped by Ayurveda, yoga and Vedanta, with extensive grounds, forested surroundings and valley views. Its setting within the estate gives the experience a quiet, residential character rather than that of a conventional resort hotel, while the historic palace context remains part of the atmosphere. Accommodation includes Deluxe Suites, Garden Suites, the Viceregal Suite, the Ananda Suite and Ananda Villas. The official overview identifies Garden Suites with attached lounges, large bathrooms and secluded private gardens, which suggests a stronger sense of privacy and indoor-outdoor space than standard rooms. The range of suites and villas allows the retreat to balance palace-style accommodation with more independent stays, while keeping the emphasis on calm, spacious living. Dining centres on wellness cuisine informed by Ayurvedic principles, with menus that include healthy dishes, juices and shakes. The restaurant sits close to the rooms and spa and features a tree-top deck overlooking the valley, while in-room dining is also available. Food at Ananda is therefore closely tied to the retreat’s broader wellbeing programme, with meals presented as part of the daily rhythm of the property rather than as a separate destination restaurant. The spa offers more than 80 body and beauty experiences, supported by nutritionists, Ayurvedic and Western physicians, spa therapists, yoga and fitness experts. Guests can also use hydrotherapy facilities including steam, sauna, a chill plunge pool and a Kneipp hydrotherapy foot bath. Scheduled activities include yoga, pranayama, meditation, Vedanta talks, fitness sessions, cooking demonstrations and treks, creating a programme that combines physical treatments with guided movement, reflection and practical wellness routines.