Nestled in the lush foothills of the lower Himalayas, Ananda is more than a luxury spa—it’s a transformative journey into India’s ancient traditions of wellness, set on a 100-acre estate that once belonged to royalty. My wife Andrea, daughter Zara, and I arrived after a winding ascent from the airport and were greeted by panoramic views of the Ganges and the spiritual town of Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga and a magnet for seekers worldwide.

 

From the moment we entered the grand palace—built in 1910 for the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal—there was a sense of stepping back in time, surrounded by regal architecture and manicured gardens. The resort’s reputation as a world-class wellness retreat is well-earned, blending personalized Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, and gourmet cuisine tailored to each guest’s needs.

 

The drive up was unforgettable, with troops of black and red monkeys commanding the treetops and roadside. We quickly learned the black monkeys were playful, while the larger red ones were fiercely territorial—security guards armed with slingshots kept them at bay during meals. Andrea had her own run-in with a bold red monkey in our room —arms full of stolen fruit as he ran for the open balcony door was a daily reminder to lock up anything shiny or edible.

 

Immersive Wellness and Adventure 

Each day began with sunrise yoga overlooking misty valleys, followed by world-class massages and mindful dining, either al fresco or in the palace’s elegant halls. Zara and I hiked winding up mountain paths through small villages, and past school children on their way to school.  As we reached the summit, where there was a spectacular hilltop temple, with breathtaking views of the Ganges below and the snow-capped Himalayas beyond—and the songs from the children in schools below echoing up the mountainside, it was a scene straight out of a movie, but infinitely more magical.   We shrugged off the car ride back and hiked our way back to enjoy the experience to fullest.

 

We took a day trip to Rishikesh was one of the highlights: we joined a traditional Ganga Aarti ceremony at sunset, setting candle-lit leaves afloat on the sacred river. The spiritual energy experience was joyful to say the least, and the city’s connection to yoga’s roots—made famous by the Beatles—added to the sense of wonder.

 

Ananda is a place where ancient wisdom meets modern luxury, and where every detail—from the palace suites to the attentive staff—invites you to unwind, reconnect, and find true balance. The only challenge: outsmarting the resident monkeys, who, like the mountains themselves, remind you who’s really in charge.