The Best Ayurveda Retreats

If you are feeling out of sorts, an Ayurvedic retreat with treatments that have helped people to feel better for over 5000 years is a good choice to address your health issues. Ayurveda considers different constitutional types to create a specific treatment plan and uses a wide array of healing techniques – from the four-handed Abhyanga massage to Shirodhara, which requires the pouring of oil onto the forehead in order to open the third eye. Our list of the best and most comprehensive Ayurveda retreats comprise of whole well-being experiences, including vegetarian meals and complementary programme activities. 

Six Senses Vana, India

Six Senses Vana is akin to a modern-day Maharaja’s palace, with incredible architecture and vast public spaces, triple-height ceilings, curvaceous sweeps of cloud-white walls, knock-out art installations and tactile natural furnishings. When it first opened in 2014 it was without doubt a real game-changer that knocked traditional wellness off its perch. It was so progressive and comprehensive, suiting those who needed to sort their weight or have a detox alongside those who needed help to heal or grieve. The scale of the various therapies and treatments on offer is perfectly reflective of Vana’s commitment to this purpose. The objective is to help guests achieve real and lasting change through three distinct practices: Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Tibetan Healing, all offered in their purest forms possible to give the most potent and transformational effects.

Soukya, India

This simple, owner-run property is a very serious health sanctuary which offers the best in Ayurvedic healing - a cure-it-all bolthole founded by the esteemed Dr Isaac Mathai. Guests come to Soukya to address serious health issues - depression, thyroid problems, migraines, diabetes - you name it, they can help fix it. It’s a fusion of the best ancient medical traditions with top-notch Ayurveda, with all the herbal concoctions and oils coming straight from their very own organic garden. Alternative therapies include everything from homeopathy and yoga to reflexology and acupuncture, all of which take place in the vast thatched shala.

Ayurveda Resort Mandira, Austria

Nestled in the Styrian hill country, not far from the little village of Bad Waltersdorf, Ayurveda Resort Mandira offers treatments based on solid traditional Ayurvedic foundations but which are tailored to Western lifestyles. Under the direction of Christina Mauracher, Ayurvedic specialists and therapists from India, alternative and complementary physicians, as well as nutrition experts all ensure a unique symbiosis of Ayurvedic expertise, alternative therapies, and Ayurvedic diagnostics. The resort offers a huge range of programmes, from short breaks to the full-on traditional Panchakarma detox, as well as acupuncture and incredible oil massages, and for activities they have yoga, breathing exercises and meditation.

Ananda In The Himalayas, India

One of the most famous spas in India, and for good reason too, Ananda In The Himalayas has something of a legendary reputation. Set in the Himalayan foothills and surrounded by lush forests, this serene resort exudes positive energy, making it the perfect place to come for a wellness retreat and some holistic healing. Ayurveda is the speciality here, although Ananda in the Himalayas is also famed for its yoga, Vedanta, and detox offerings too; you can expect your mind, body, and spirit to all feel nurtured by the extensive range of treatments and activities on offer here.

Surya Lanka, Sri Lanka

Located directly on the beach, Surya Lanka is surrounded by a large tropical garden and has a very peaceful atmosphere which is essential for a successful Ayurveda Cure and a perfect place to relax in between treatments. Their Panchakarma programme was designed with the input of two of India’s most prominent Ayurveda physicians - Professor Asok and Doctor Athul Thombare - 21 years ago and has remained true to its principles in the years since. Their staff are highly experienced with most having been at the resort for over 10 years. Surya is also a relatively small resort which allows for a more personal atmosphere where guests are able to experience a highly individualised cure.

Ayurveda Parkschlösschen, Germany

Located in Germany's Black Forest region, the family-run Ayurveda Parkschlosschen specialises in traditional Ayurvedic healing; everything from the food to the forms of treatments andexercises, with even the interiors based on the principles of this ancient system of medicine. The main event here is their Panchakarma detox cure - starting from 10 days, this intense programme aims to help you achieve top physical and mental form by ridding the body of toxins and metabolic waste. It’s not for the faint hearted, but it certainly does deliver exceptional results. For those wanting something a little gentler, the spa also offers yoga, stress management and short stay programmes.

Kalari Rasayana, India

Surrounded by coconut palms, lush flowers and idyllic villages in the heart of Kerala's beautiful backwaters is the wellness retreat of Kalari Rasayana. Its beautiful setting aside, the reason why people come to Kalari Rasayana year after year is to transform their physical, mental and spiritual health through traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Following an extensive consultation with one of the retreat's Ayurvedic doctors or Vaidyas, a personalised programme will be prescribed to help you achieve whatever your specific health and wellness goal may be. These in-depth and bespoke programmes will include a personalised Ayurvedic diet, daily morning Yoga and meditation sessions and tailored daily massages in one of the retreat's 12 light and airy treatment rooms.

Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Sri Lanka

One of Sri Lanka’s warmest and most hospitable family-run wellness retreats, Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, lies in Weligama, a coastal village at the southern tip of Sri Lanka. Apart from its serene coastal setting, what really draws people to Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort again and again is its Ayurvedic Health Centre, which is considered one of the best in Sri Lanka. Following a detailed consultation with one of their resident Ayurvedic doctors, a personalised programme which includes Ayurvedic food, herbal medications, Yoga, meditation and a variety of treatments and therapies, including head and face massages, synchronised body massages and herbal steam baths will be put together for you to help balance your mind, body and soul.

So there you have it, we hope you've enjoyed reading about the top Ayurvedic retreats and that it has inspired you to take the next step and book a Ayurveda wellness programme.