Six Senses Vana is a 21-acre retreat set in the dense, hilly Sal forest just outside Dehradun, in the North Indian State of Uttarakhand. Founded in 2014 by Veer Singh, the retreat was conceived as a modern-day Ashram that helps its guests achieve “the best physical, mental, emotional and spiritual potential” through its all-inclusive wellness programs. To this end, the retreat has assembled an impressive roster of Ayurvedic doctors and chefs, Yoga teachers, Tibetan healers, fitness experts, acupuncturists, reflexologists, and therapists.
Six Senses Vana’s design approach, although unmistakeably contemporary, takes its inspiration from the surrounding nature, through the use of natural and sustainable materials, thoughtful lighting, and a neutral colour palette. Conscious of its ecological impact, the retreat uses sustainable materials wherever possible, such as bamboo flooring, FSC-certified wood, and certified organic linen.
The retreat was designed by Esteva i Esteva Arquitectura, a boutique design studio based in the Spanish Balearic Islands, in close consultation with the retreat’s founder. The design layout is expressed in straight-cut architectural parallels and perpendiculars, to create an uncomplicated, chic-rustic space.
The muted, soothing tones of the retreat are complemented by the artworks by Siraj Saxena, who has created almost 700 pieces of bespoke art in a span of ten years. The artworks are expressed in several different mediums including oil on canvas, oil on paper, kite paper, metal mesh, mirror, and a prolific variety of ceramics.
The retreat’s interiors are flush with a palette of neutral colours and mood lighting, complemented by a soothing backdrop of ragas or subtle music, all carefully selected to evoke a sense of tranquillity. The retreat’s design philosophy is carried forward seamlessly in its living spaces as well.
A total of 66 guest rooms, 16 suites and 4 Casas are available and all of them have balconies or terraces overlooking the Sal Forest, the gardens and the fruit orchards. The forest and garden rooms have the same layout and are comfortably appointed for a guest on their own, or two guests sharing.
The Bodhi suite, with its unique layout, provides intimacy in its living room and bedroom, and the ability to meditate or have a private treatment in its snug meditation room. Forest suites, with their generous living rooms, feel ethereal and almost part of the forest. The unique Esteva suite, paying homage to the retreat’s architects, is filled with natural light and provides a sense of space.
The Vana suite offers 180-degree views of the hills and forest and is the most generous suite at the Retreat. It has two sunlit bedrooms – ideal for a family of three or four – that are interconnected, yet large enough to be private spaces of their own. The centre of the house is a large living space that is perfect for relaxing, lounging or meditation. For small daily needs, a pantry provides basic utilities.
Six Senses Vana offers a bespoke experience for every guest, based on the information shared during consultations held before and upon arrival to determine the objectives each guest wishes to work on. Selections are flexible and always open to change but usually include some of the core offerings of Ayurveda, Tibetan Healing, and Yoga, combined with other treatments such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, or movement-based fitness activities.
At Six Senses Vana, Ayurveda is offered in its most authentic form under the guidance of specialists and therapists. The Panchakarma program is the most extensive, lasting a minimum of 21 nights. It includes careful handholding with attention given to every aspect of the guest’s routine, from their treatments to their meals and the quality of their rooms.
Six Senses Vana is one of the few places in the world where Sowa Rigpa – traditional Tibetan medicine – is formally offered in its complete sense. Sowa Rigpa has roots in Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine and Buddhism, but adapted to local herbs and plants depending on their health benefits. It is this amalgamation that makes it unique.
Sowa Rigpa treatments are offered under the guidance of specialists who are trained and certified by the Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan Medical and Astrology Institute in Dharamsala. All Sowa Rigpa oils, products, herbs and teas are also sourced directly from the Men-Tsee-Khang.
At Six Senses Vana, yoga is practised in a form that goes back to the roots of the science and includes body postures (aasan), meditation (dhyana), breath control (pranayam), and nutrition. Under the skilful guidance of yoga practitioners, yoga is taught comprehensively in group and bespoke private sessions throughout the day.
Natural therapies at Six Senses Vana play a vital role in the healing process and are given by qualified practitioners, including acupuncture, moxibustion, chi nei tsang, cupping, reflexology and Physiotherapy, along with nutrition. Raag and flute therapies are music-based and designed to provoke relaxation and deeper rest.
The classic repertoire of treatments at the retreat’s spa includes Swedish massage, manual lymphatic drainage, deep tissue massage, synchronized “two hands” massages, as well as a selection of fresh scrubs, wraps, and facials. The spa uses massage oil, essential oils and other products supplied by Vanaveda, an organic cosmetic brand located in Dehradun.
The retreat also has a state-of-the-art 1500-square-foot gymnasium fitted with the latest Technogym Kinesis equipment, a 20-meter heated outdoor pool, an indoor pool, and tennis courts. The fitness offering includes private training, stretching, and advice from their nutritionist.
The retreat relates fitness to movement and thus addresses flexibility, agility, and balance, as well as overall physical health, weight, muscular, and cardiovascular strength. The steam, sauna, and infra-red sauna provide much-needed benefits before and after fitness sessions.
Watsu and aqua therapies are offered in the retreat’s private watsu pool, while the indoor pool hosts group aqua therapies such as ai chi and aqua moves, using the unique properties of water to provide gentle yet effective total body strengthening and relaxation.
Given the holistic nature of the treatments at Six Senses Vana, the cuisine served at its two venues are prepared using ingredients that are local, seasonal and organic. The menus include vegetarian and vegan choices as well as mindfully sourced meat, fish, and poultry. The culinary team produces everything in-house from bread and butter to ice creams. Nothing is flown in.
Salana is a communal dining space serving contemporary wellness cuisine, while Anayu is a speciality dining space offering cuisine inspired by ayurvedic principles and gastronomy techniques. Nutritional values and other information are displayed on the menu to help guests make informed choices.
Vanavas means to take abode in the forest and those that do are called Vanavasis. Every aspect of Six Senses Vana, from its aesthetics to its treatments and its cuisine is designed to make it a modern-day Ashram that nurtures and nourishes twenty-first-century Vanavasis. It is a safe space for self-discovery, rejuvenation and growth, all in the midst of the lush Himalayan foothills.
