Ananda in the Himalayas Introduces New Deluxe Suites and Renovations
Design philosophy invites guests to connect with the natural surroundings
As Ananda in the Himalayas prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025, it’s hard to imagine a more fitting tribute to its legacy than the exquisite new additions and thoughtful renovations that have recently graced this iconic wellness retreat. Nestled in the peaceful embrace of the Himalayas, a mountain range revered not only for its sheer majesty but for its spiritual significance, Ananda has long been a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility, transformation, and harmony. And now, as the retreat marks a quarter-century of serenity, its latest evolution invites guests to experience luxury through an even deeper connection to the nature that surrounds it.
The Himalayas — the great, sacred mountain system that rises in ethereal splendor between the Tibetan Plateau and the alluvial plains of the Indian subcontinent — have long been a source of awe. Known for their towering peaks, including the most famous of them all, Mount Everest, the range reaches staggering heights that touch the heavens themselves. Here, the mountains soar above 24,000 feet (7,300 meters) and into the realm of eternal snow, offering a constant reminder of the raw beauty and power of nature.
In the heart of this sublime landscape, Ananda in the Himalayas stands as a modern testament to the wellness philosophy, where nature’s healing powers are woven seamlessly into every experience. The retreat’s recent renovations, under the visionary direction of Delhi-based designer Deepa Sama, focus on enhancing that connection. Through her thoughtful redesign, she has created spaces that feel like extensions of the surrounding mountains and gardens, inviting guests into a world of subtle elegance, mindful luxury, and serene comfort.
The latest additions include a stunning new category of suites: the Deluxe Suites. These elegant havens overlook either the peaceful Rishikesh Valley or the majestic Maharaja’s Gardens, with each offering a private balcony that allows for quiet contemplation amidst nature’s beauty. The suites themselves are spacious, bathed in soft light, with sophisticated interiors that evoke both calm and refinement. Inside, the design balances sleek modernity with timeless tradition. Plush bedrooms open into intimate sitting areas, while the bathrooms, with their oversized mirrors and indulgent bathtubs, frame views of the lush gardens or sweeping valley vistas. Each Deluxe Suite also offers the luxury of two fully appointed bathrooms, ensuring privacy and convenience for couples or those traveling together.
For those seeking even more seclusion, the new Garden Suite provides an extra layer of tranquility. Nestled within its own private garden, this suite extends a perfect place for guests to unwind — whether it’s on the outdoor deck with a chaise lounge or at the tea table, savoring the peaceful surroundings in complete privacy.
But it’s not just the new suites that have been transformed; the property’s most iconic suites have also undergone magnificent refurbishments. The ground-floor Ananda Suite, with its three expansive bays, offers sweeping views over a private garden complete with a gazebo — an ideal setting for moments of quiet reflection or mindful relaxation. Meanwhile, the historic Viceregal Suite, nestled in the precincts of the Maharaja’s Palace, has been reimagined to embrace the outdoors with a private terrace and rooftop gazebo, commanding breathtaking views over the landscaped gardens and the distant Ganga Valley. These regal accommodations now feel even more attuned to the surrounding natural beauty, thanks to a design that accentuates the flow between the indoors and outdoors, creating a harmonious space.
The soul of Ananda remains unchanged — a sanctuary for well-being, surrounded by the timeless and sacred energy of the Himalayas. But with each thoughtfully designed update, the retreat continues to raise the bar for luxury wellness, inviting you to experience the very best of nature, culture, and rejuvenation in a place where every detail has been crafted to inspire. Aashica Khanna, Director of Ananda in the Himalayas, said: “At Ananda, we are deeply committed to a design philosophy that harmonizes each space with the natural beauty of our surroundings, creating an immersive experience that brings guests closer to a sense of inner peace and renewal. In response to a growing desire among our guests for more spacious accommodations, we reimagined our guest rooms into three luxurious new suites- two spacious two-bay Deluxe Suites and a new Garden Suite. At the same time, we renovated our timeless Ananda and Viceregal suites.
These enhancements reflect our dedication to providing not just a stay, but a sanctuary for the soul in the heart of the Himalayas.”
In June of 2022, Ananda in the Himalayas emerged from an expansive three-year redesign that reimagined its villas, restaurant, and spa — and the results are nothing short of transformative. With each thoughtfully executed renovation, the retreat has elevated its sanctuary-like atmosphere, inviting guests into spaces that feel as though they were always meant to be. The redesign was not just about aesthetics; it was a deliberate step forward, one that also introduced an exciting new culinary show kitchen and a host of wellness programs aimed at addressing modern health concerns. With a focus on hormonal balance, sleep enhancement, fertility, and more, these new initiatives are tailored to provide a holistic approach to the body’s most intimate needs.
Ananda’s commitment to well-being is unwavering, and its legacy is anchored in the time-honored traditions of Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), yoga, and meditation. It’s a retreat where the ancient meets the modern — a space where wisdom from the past merge with a forward-thinking approach to health. This is not merely a destination for physical rejuvenation, but a place where the spirit, mind, and body can align, heal, and flourish. Ananda’s holistic philosophy offers more than just short-term relief; it offers a profound opportunity for long-lasting health, emotional clarity, and spiritual peace.
By focusing on the deep, transformative potential of personalized care and ancient wellness systems, Ananda has set an unwavering standard in the wellness tourism industry. It has become a touchstone for others, a shining example of how travel can go beyond luxury and indulgence to offer true, life-changing experiences. At Ananda, guests leave not only feeling renewed but empowered, with the knowledge that their time here has set them on a path toward personal growth and societal well-being.
About Ananda in the Himalayas
Ananda in the Himalayas is a world-renowned sanctuary for wellness nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India. Overlooking the spiritual town of Rishikesh and the sacred Ganges River, this retreat is set within the former Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, sprawling across 100 acres of lush grounds and surrounded by verdant hills.
As the birthplace of Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation, the region offers a spiritual depth that reverberates throughout the retreat. Ananda embodies this legacy of wellness, creating a space that fosters enlightenment, healing, and balance. The retreat’s philosophy revolves around a deep commitment to holistic wellness, incorporating Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, emotional healing, and nourishing cuisine to nurture the body, mind, and spirit.
At the heart of Ananda lies its expansive 25,000-square-foot wellness center, where natural beauty and healing converge. Here, therapy rooms offer sweeping views of nature, open-air yoga pavilions allow guests to practice in harmony with the elements, and a variety of international and Ayurvedic therapies are offered for full-body cleansing and restoration. With a physiotherapy center, gymnasium, outdoor pool, and more, every detail of Ananda’s wellness offerings has been designed to guide guests on a journey of profound transformation — one that will resonate long after their stay.
