Six Senses to open second India property

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is set to welcome Vana wellness resort into its portfolio this autumn, marking the group’s second property in India.

Located in the Himalayan foothills of India, Vana offers a journey of self-discovery and transformation, where everything is personalised according to each guest’s needs. Staying for a minimum of three nights, traditional practices such as Ayurveda, yoga, and Tibetan Medicine are integrated alongside the latest complementary therapies into a daily routine. For complete detoxification of body and mind, the Ayurvedic Panchakarma retreats welcome guests for up to a month.

Vana’s approach is authentic and soothing yet determined and effective. Six Senses plans to honour and build on these foundations when it brings this well-established wellness gem into its portfolio later this year.

The hotel group’s goal is to work with Vana’s team to weave in new experiences to the existing formula offered by the retreat and bring it to a broader global audience. The property is also a great addition for the brand in India, alongside Six Senses Fort Barwara in Rajasthan.

There is no one common objective that guests come to achieve, and the arrival consultation will continue to guide the entire journey with a wellness screening providing additional analysis and insights. Each guest’s uniqueness is fundamental to creating a personalised program with ancient practices, complementary therapies, and plenty of movement. Some wish to focus on natural healing, deepen their yoga practice, or address their weight holistically; others come for Panchakarma, or rest and relaxation.

From this autumn, guests will be able to try their hand at making their own spa products at the Alchemy Bar and enhance their recovery with a biohacking offering. Sleep With Six Senses will ensure guests dismantle old habits and reverse physical or mental exhaustion using smart tools and guidance to sleep soundly and wake up ready to embrace each day.

In India, food has always been seen as an offering to the divine, and the retreat’s mindfully prepared menus match the Eat With Six Senses guiding principles of natural ingredients, local and sustainable, and less is more. The organic gardens are being extended so that ingredients can be influenced by the seasons and personal preferences while being themed to the location, contributing to the preservation and revival of local culture and traditions. The cuisine will therefore be grown in, not flown in, and indigenous and intentional.

The bar will serve healthy drinks, shrubs, and tonics and become a gathering point to activate the power of the “we” in wellness. Along with a lifestyle concept store for sustainable fashion and spa products, there will also be a Cinema Paradiso, courts for various ball games, and experiences that tap into the retreat’s location to encourage movement and reconnection with nature.

Since the early days of Vana, sensitivity to ecology has played an intrinsic role in its thinking, creating, and maintaining harmony with the natural world. Energy, water, and waste are managed effectively in LEED Platinum certified buildings, and all textiles and solvents are sourced in compliance with sustainable standards. These principles are aligned to core values at Six Senses, communicated through the Earth Lab, where guests are encouraged to be the change they want to see during hands-on and light-hearted workshops. Regenerative travel experiences will offer guests a tangible connection to the local community and wildlife projects, infusing their Vana journey with purpose and positive impact.

As a mindful oasis away from India’s trademark, intense colour, noise, and activity, the natural-toned rooms and suites, all with balconies or terraces, overlook the sal forest or gardens and are comfortably appointed to evoke a sense of harmony.

“With its ancient healing traditions and spiritual practices, India has long been heralded as the ultimate wellness gateway and, in a gentle but intentional way, this plays to who we are too,” says CEO of Six Senses Neil Jacobs. “Vana comes to us with a strong philosophy and loyal Vanavasi clientele manifested by founder Veer Singh. The seed was sown in Veer’s mind through his deep interest in and respect for sustainable farming, traditional wisdom, and nature, which we will continue to nurture under the Six Senses brand. This marriage made in the Himalayas allows us to build on what exists with some of our signature experiences.”

Commenting on the latest chapter in the Vana story, founder Veer Singh adds: “Vana becoming Six Senses Vana is the most natural and logical progression for this precious and beautiful retreat. I am humbled by the care and sensitivity Six Senses has shown to protect and nurture everything good about Vana. I am excited to see how they will deepen and strengthen our current offering and complement it with signature experiences they have successfully tried and tested around the world.”