The year-end is finally the time when the restful Holiday season begins. Work is wrapped up, Chtistmas shopping begins, homes are decorated and endless travel plans are on the cards. This year, if you’re living in Delhi and are done with dreary dystopian days of pollution, then then opting for clean and calming wellness retreats is the best idea for mental and physical rejuvenation. Wellness tourism is booming globally where it was valued at USD 814.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 2,100 billion by 2030. And why not? It lets guests reset their mind, body, and spirit in a positive way perhaps at a Ayurveda-centred sanctuary tucked into the Himalayas to breezy coastal retreats down South of India.
But truth be told, wellness travel is anything but new. Its origins date back to centuries old time when Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans championed thermal baths and mineral springs—many still standing across Europe—while ancient cultures in Asia and the Middle East laid the foundation of wellness activities in yoga, meditation, massage, and herbal medicine. Today, these time-tested practices have transformed into new-age wellness practices like science-backed longevity retreats, biohacking, sound therapy, women-centric healing, family-friendly spa programmes, forest bathing, and digital detox escapes. For travellers craving best wellness travel destinations for their New Year plans, head to these Indian retreats that stand out.
Six Senses Vana, Dehradun
Tucked into a dense Sal forest, Six Senses Vana is the solace and solitude you’re looking for a mental reset. Expect days to unfold through a wellness journey encompassing Ayurveda, Tibetan medicine, Watsu therapy, breathwork, forest walks, and a consciously digital-light philosophy. It’s a magnet for global wellness travellers who return year after year for its quiet rigour and transformative calm.
Best time to visit: October to April
Atmantan Wellness Resort, Mulshi (near Pune)
Set amid the Sahyadris with panoramic views of Mulshi Lake, Atmantan is where wellness meets precision. Known for its results-driven programmes which range from metabolic resets and physiotherapy-led rehab to weight management and deep detox, the property attracts CXOs, founders, and fitness-focused travellers who want measurable outcomes, not just another relaxing spa.
Best time to visit: October to March
SwaSwara, Gokarna
Overlooking the crescent of Om Beach, SwaSwara is a retreat for beach lovers. Here Ayurveda and yoga sit alongside meditation, coastal walks, pottery, and art therapy. With villas opening into forested courtyards and an unhurried rhythm, it draws writers, creatives, and nature lovers seeking depth and quiettitude.
Best time to visit: November to March
Pema Wellness, Visakhapatnam
For those who want stunning clifftop views of the Bay of Bengal, Pema Wellness is where Ayurveda, naturopathy, hydrotherapy, and personalised nutrition come together to relieve stress, sleep, weight, and burnout. Its doctor-led, science-backed approach has earned a loyal following among entrepreneurs and South Indian celebrities alike.
Best time to visit: October to February
Relais & Châteaux Sitara Himalaya
Rising 8,200 feet above the Kullu Valley, this adults-only sanctuary is a love letter to gentle healing and nature-led living. Snow-capped views frame interiors layered with Tibetan rugs, handwoven brocade, and refined English touches. On the plate is a seasonal and locally sourced cuisine which honours ancestral wisdom. The property also has a wellbeing space that offers yoga, fire rituals, Reiki, marma massage, and sound healing. Add a deodar-infused plunge pool, infrared sauna, and steam room, and you have cosmos, comfort, and calm coming together beautifully.
Best time to visit: February-June
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra, Kovalam
Stunningly perched on a cliff above the Arabian Sea, Niraamaya pairs traditional Kerala-style villas with award-winning Ayurveda, ocean-facing yoga pavilions, and soul-soothing beach walks. Ideal for personalised detoxes and Abhyanga therapies, it’s a beautiful boutique alternative for those who prefer quiet refinement over grand scale.
Best time to visit: December to March
