A visit post-Covid to Ananda in The Himalayas
Olympian swimmer and Arjuna Awardee Rehan Poncha tells us about his post-Covid visit to the award winning destination spa Ananda in the Himalayas, situated at the Himalayan foothills. Recognised as one of the best luxury wellness retreats in the world, Ananda integrates traditional Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta with international wellness experiences, fitness and healthy organic cuisine to restore balance and harmonize energy.
"The resort is just beautiful," says the star athlete. "It's nestled amidst dense Sal forests, in the grounds of the Maharaja's Palace and overlooks the spiritual hub of Rishikesh and the Ganges and counts celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Liz Hurley among its clientele. Being in a beautiful place, that is so focussed on holistic healing, it seemed like a great way to rejuvenate post Covid," he adds. "My programme had elements of yoga and meditation, accompanied by talks on Vedanta, as well as a thoughtful combination of spa therapies such as Shiatsu and Abhyanga with healthy nutrition to nourish the mind, body and soul," says Rehan.
"After long Covid, I was really looking to re-energise and rebalance, and Ananda in the Himalayas seemed like the perfect place to rejuvenate." says Rehan.
One of the key elements of wellness at Ananda, is the diet prescribed for individuals. Based on Ayurveda's tridosha theory, menus are derived from the understanding that every human being has a different balance of elements, earth, air, fire, water and ether, which constructs and maintains the body in a dynamic state of health. However, when these vital forces are aggravated, the body- mind connection suffers and the disease begins.
"Diet is not usually a word that you want to hear on a holiday," says the athlete who is a known foodie, "but the food at Ananda was so spectacular, it didn't feel like being on a diet!"
"I love how the resort combined traditional principles of Ayurveda with international recipes to present every meal in three courses, in a delicious variety of Asian, Continental and Indian, all of which were exquisitely plated and served."
Did he feel safe travelling during Covid, we wonder. "Well I've taken both shots of my vaccine now, and have had Covid as well. So I did practice social distancing and wore a mask right through. In addition, the property had stringent Covid protocols in place that made me feel quite safe." Sounds like a perfect getaway to us!
If you’d like to try some of the food at home, log on to the Ananda app! For more information visit: www.anandaspa.com
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