Making the most of your time here
Even if you are a regular retreat-goer, you are unique; therefore, Six Senses Vana has a truly personalized approach to your health and wellness. There is no single common journey; however, the following information might give you an idea of how to prepare for your stay and what to expect during your retreat. Beyond your stay, we hope you incorporate your experiences with us into a new way of being you!
Need further help?
reservations-vana@sixsenses.com
+91 135 351 1111
The journey begins before you arrive
Your whole being and well-being journey begins long before you arrive at Six Senses Vana.
To get the most out of your time with us, bringing you closer to your personal goals, we recommend following these tips at least a week before your arrival.
- Reduce your intake of sugar, salt, and carbohydrates.
- Limit your intake of meat, alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated beverages.
- Start your day with a glass of hot water.
- Include fiber-rich foods in your meals.
- Avoid eating dinner after 8:00 pm.
- Prioritize sleep and rest.
- Increase your daily step count and active moments.
- If you're traveling to India from overseas, download the TimeShifter app to get your ready for a new time zone and avoid jet lag.
Your personalized consultation
During your arrival consultation, our physicians will take a deep dive into your current and historical health to curate a bespoke retreat for you that suits your preferences and previous wellness experiences. In order to help us prepare, please share as much information as you can.
You may find some of the questions slightly personal, but there is no need to hesitate as we have utmost respect for your privacy. Your information will only be shared with the wellness team to deliver the best outcome for you and to address your needs, goals and preferences.
For guests on a Panchakarma program, or anyone with a specific health goal or an extensive medical history, a pre-arrival wellness consultation is also essential – which can be completed via email or over the phone.
To join us is to live in harmony with us
Six Senses Vana is conscientious about what it wishes to be and what it is not. We aspire to do our best in every facet of our work, but we don't always follow expected conventions. We are, above all, a place for well-being, so please consider the following advice to ensure a supportive environment for everyone to achieve their retreat objectives.
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All enter as equals
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Unless you are in the gym or pool, wearing your kurta pajama during your retreat is a sign of respect and intention to leave material differences outside.
The retreat is strictly for resident guests. Personal attendants may accompany guests staying in the Casas for an additional fee.
We do not conform to political, cultural, or social benchmarks where certain people are designated as VIPs. The retreat is, therefore, unable to welcome any guests that require personal security, pre-arrival inspections, or other security protocols that disturb our guests, team, or life at the retreat.
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Paying homage
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At Six Senses Vana, we mark the seasons, auspicious days, phases of the moon, festivals, and important days of prayer and revere them through music, prayer, cuisine, and creative expression. It is our way of paying homage to wisdom, our traditions, nature, and those beings who have contributed to our lives in a profound way. Our retreat has daily quiet hours, conducts various Pujas throughout the month, and makes daily music offerings to honor our gurus and deities – everyone is welcome but not required to join in.
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Reset your relationship with tech
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No phones or other devices can be used outside your room or the Sketchbook – it is surprisingly liberating and may even reset your relationship with tech.
No photography is allowed at the retreat except within the privacy of your room.
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Food is not restricted
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Portions may be smaller than you are used to, but you will not go hungry. Meals are served three times a day with afternoon tea available to break up the afternoon. Alcohol is limited to wine and beer within the restaurants or library. Food, beverages, and liquor cannot be brought inside the retreat
Smoking is restricted to a single designated outdoor space only..
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Time for you
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There is so much to do at the retreat with multiple group activities each day and personal wellness sessions and treatments, but you can always carve out time to read a book, meditate, deepen your practices or catch up on sleep. Your time at Six Senses Vana is just that, yours. Surrendering to the experience brings freedom and unexpected outcomes.
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Community
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Many guests travel to the retreat alone. This is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded people during group activities, hikes, and excursions. You may wish to sit at one of the group tables at mealtimes and many people find they make friends for life.
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Wildlife
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Alongside our guests, Six Senses Vana is a haven for monkeys, butterflies, birds and all sentient beings. Please join our Sustainability Tour to find out more!
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Dedicated team
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Held together by its skillful team, the experiences at Six Senses Vana reflect its sincere intentions and generosity.
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Excursions
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If you are staying at the retreat for seven days or more, we recommend stepping out on an excursion. A hike into the Mussoorie and Rishikesh Aarti is at the top of our list.
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Grow With Six Senses
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Wellness starts young at Six Senses Vana. The retreat welcomes guests of 6 years and above to stay and take part in our dedicated activities based on the six dimensions of wellness (social, environmental, physical, spiritual, emotional, and intellectual).
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What to carry
- We provide all our Vanavasis with comfortable kurta pajamas to wear at the retreat. These are made from organic cotton in southern India and are laundered each day without charge.
- You'll find rubber slippers in the summer and Crocs sandals in the winter in your room to use while you're with us, as well as a cloth bag for you to use at the retreat and take back home.
- Please wear a swimsuit in our swimming pools. If you have forgotten to bring one, we have a great selection in our boutique, Dukan.
- Please bring suitable shoes for sporting activities and trekking, and to use in our indoor gymnasium.
- Between October and February, we provide our Vanavasis with woolen capes. Shawls are available in shared spaces. You may also bring and wear additional warm clothing.
- Yoga mats, meditation cushions, and tennis racquets are available to borrow on request. Tennis and swimming accessories are also available in our boutique, Dukan.
- We have a professional in-house laundry. Prices are listed on the laundry note in your room.
Life after Six Senses Vana
Making a smooth transition to life back home starts by easing into your normal routine, taking time to reflect on what you have experienced at the retreat and remembering to be kind and gentle with yourself.
You will receive detailed and personalized advice from your consultant which will include dietary recommendations and tips for maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being once home.
Six Senses Vana is not an end; we wish to be a journey and a springboard. We urge you to discover, wander and wonder. The world appears different, and the mind expands. At home, in India, elsewhere, and hopefully one day back here too.
Namaste.