Stressed. Not sleeping well. Carrying a few extra pounds after the holidays and feeling bloated. I craved an experience that would change my health and life for the better. I’m not alone in this thinking. The growing popularity of ‘transformational travel’ has been highlighted by the Global Wellness Summit research team in its annual forecast. In its 2018 Global Wellness Trends Report, the authors describe transformational travel as connected experiences – rather than disconnected programming – that challenges people on a deeply personal level. While it’s wonderful to enjoy a massage, hike up a mountain, eat a healthy meal or make new friends at a retreat, today people are looking for more – including me.
Astonishing experience After working in the wellness industry for four decades, visiting more than 1,000 locations around the world designed to help people renew body, mind and spirit, this January, I experienced transformative wellness at Vana, the destination spa retreat created by visionary Veer Singh in north, India. To describe my experience as “astonishing” is not something I do casually. I’ve been to many places – destination retreats and spas in particular – where I had a transformative experience and was a different person when I left than when I came. But I think of my experience at Vana as ‘beyond transformation’ because the dramatic changes lasted.
As I sit typing this article, it’s been two months since I returned and the unique inner feeling of stillness and confidence I discovered is still with me. I’m still drinking warm water before meals. I don’t have a desire for coffee or alcohol and I’m limiting my focused work to shorter time frames. I no longer go to bed with my iPhone next to my pillow, nor look at it first thing. In fact, I’ve reorganised my days and prioritise important projects before I even look at emails. This way I don’t let emails dictate so much of what I do. I’ve maintained most of the 5lb weight loss that resulted from my stay and in general have quieted the ‘monkey mind’ that kept me in an almost constant state of mental stress.
Moreover, the most wonderful thing about this lasting transformation is that it’s been very easy. There’s been very little willpower involved. I’ve learned more about my body and what it needs and wants. By giving it the rest and time it needs, I’ve rediscovered my younger child-like self – a self that was happy, joyful and carefree before the stresses of the world began piling on.
Wellness everywhere Set at the foothills of the lower Himalayas in its own 21-acre (8.5-hectare) estate, Vana is not opulent or showy. It’s understated and excels in an artistic way. The 80-plus rooms are relaxing and beautiful and views of the surrounding Sal forest are integral to the design. Bedding is luxurious (you can choose your pillows). Even the TV is curated with uplifting viewing options such as Louis Schwartzberg’s nature films, the Disney animal channel and spiritual presentations from the Dalai Lama. Wellness is everywhere. The bathroom is stocked with pink Himalayan bath salts to increase magnesium intake and even the technology is thoughtfully designed. With a click of a button I can control lights, heat/air conditioning, privacy button and a discreet night light from my bed. And they provide all the comfy and stylish clothes I need for my entire stay.
Expertise and personalisation The outstanding wellness practitioners who practice ayurveda, Tibetan or traditional Chinese medicine in one of 55 treatment rooms are the foundation of Vana’s transformative experience. Vana has done the work of finding them: I simply showed up and enjoyed the benefits of their expertise.
When it comes to affordable, democratic wellness, Vana is actually quite reasonable compared to many other destination type retreat experiences. Prices start at INR30,000 (US$426, €377, £324) a night for a minimum five-night stay.
Those of us in the industry hear a lot about ‘personalisation’. However, in my opinion, Vana’s doctors and practitioners went far beyond the buzz. They applied their expertise via pulse diagnoses, listened to me – my needs, desires and issues – and then designed a personal course, including treatments, programmes, food choices and lifestyle practices. And because this was a nine-day stay, I didn’t just have one reflexology session to help digestion but rather a series of appointments. I was at Vana long enough to see results and that was motivation to commit to a new lifestyle. I feel different, look different, my confidence is stronger and going back to old bad habits isn’t appealing. I can only imagine what I could feel like after 14 days or 21 days – or even longer.
A surprising revelation I found Vana’s mobile phone policy extremely effective. You can only use your phone in your room and one discreetly private lounge. Period. In addition, guests cannot take any photographs on the property. Wellness is not a frivolous social media opportunity here. In this age of technology bashing, however, I also believe Vana’s programme is transformative in part because the property has an excellent internet connection, making it easy to stay connected with loved ones and to whatever important work you’re doing.
Over the years, I’ve suggested that if people want to truly transform their wellbeing they need more than a week: rather multiple weeks would be my suggestion. But, to be honest, I’ve never found a place where I really wanted to stay for that long. Vana was the exception. I could have easily stayed a month. And one reason this was possible – here’s the surprise – I need to carve out blocks of time to connect to work. Frankly, I think that’s the case for most people these days. No one can check out of their entire life for very long. Even a day or two is a stretch.
Realising that many people work remotely these days, there’s no reason why that can’t happen from a place of body/mind/spirit transformation. I suggested to Singh that he consider offering a wellness sabbatical programme where the guest engages in a deep dive Vana programme for the first few weeks and then adds on extra weeks as desired. And then I thought there’s no reason this couldn’t take place at other destinations such as Lanserhof, Canyon Ranch, Rancho La Puerta, Gwinganna, or Chiva-Som.
The timing could be perfect for people putting together their own wellness sabbaticals of a month or more. And come to think of it, even if Vana doesn’t offer something like this when I visit next year, I just might decide to move my workplace there anyway.
Vana at a glance
Bedrooms: 82
Treatment rooms: 55 – clustered around three treatment pavilions
Skin, body and haircare: In-house, nature inspired brand Vanaveda
Basic package: Minimum five-night stay includes food, a private consultation, one treatment a day and yoga, meditation, cuisine lessons, functional fitness, talks, music and more
Cost: INR30,000 (US$426, €377, £324) a night
Susie Ellis is chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Institute and Global Wellness Summit
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Stressed. Not sleeping well. Carrying a few extra pounds after the holidays and feeling bloated. I craved an experience that would change my health and life for the better. I’m not alone in this thinking. The growing popularity of ‘transformational travel’ has been highlighted by the Global Wellness Summit research team in its annual forecast. In its 2018 Global Wellness Trends Report, the authors describe transformational travel as connected experiences – rather than disconnected programming – that challenges people on a deeply personal level. While it’s wonderful to enjoy a massage, hike up a mountain, eat a healthy meal or make new friends at a retreat, today people are looking for more – including me.
Astonishing experience After working in the wellness industry for four decades, visiting more than 1,000 locations around the world designed to help people renew body, mind and spirit, this January, I experienced transformative wellness at Vana, the destination spa retreat created by visionary Veer Singh in north, India. To describe my experience as “astonishing” is not something I do casually. I’ve been to many places – destination retreats and spas in particular – where I had a transformative experience and was a different person when I left than when I came. But I think of my experience at Vana as ‘beyond transformation’ because the dramatic changes lasted.
As I sit typing this article, it’s been two months since I returned and the unique inner feeling of stillness and confidence I discovered is still with me. I’m still drinking warm water before meals. I don’t have a desire for coffee or alcohol and I’m limiting my focused work to shorter time frames. I no longer go to bed with my iPhone next to my pillow, nor look at it first thing. In fact, I’ve reorganised my days and prioritise important projects before I even look at emails. This way I don’t let emails dictate so much of what I do. I’ve maintained most of the 5lb weight loss that resulted from my stay and in general have quieted the ‘monkey mind’ that kept me in an almost constant state of mental stress.
Moreover, the most wonderful thing about this lasting transformation is that it’s been very easy. There’s been very little willpower involved. I’ve learned more about my body and what it needs and wants. By giving it the rest and time it needs, I’ve rediscovered my younger child-like self – a self that was happy, joyful and carefree before the stresses of the world began piling on.
Wellness everywhere Set at the foothills of the lower Himalayas in its own 21-acre (8.5-hectare) estate, Vana is not opulent or showy. It’s understated and excels in an artistic way. The 80-plus rooms are relaxing and beautiful and views of the surrounding Sal forest are integral to the design. Bedding is luxurious (you can choose your pillows). Even the TV is curated with uplifting viewing options such as Louis Schwartzberg’s nature films, the Disney animal channel and spiritual presentations from the Dalai Lama. Wellness is everywhere. The bathroom is stocked with pink Himalayan bath salts to increase magnesium intake and even the technology is thoughtfully designed. With a click of a button I can control lights, heat/air conditioning, privacy button and a discreet night light from my bed. And they provide all the comfy and stylish clothes I need for my entire stay.
Expertise and personalisation The outstanding wellness practitioners who practice ayurveda, Tibetan or traditional Chinese medicine in one of 55 treatment rooms are the foundation of Vana’s transformative experience. Vana has done the work of finding them: I simply showed up and enjoyed the benefits of their expertise.
When it comes to affordable, democratic wellness, Vana is actually quite reasonable compared to many other destination type retreat experiences. Prices start at INR30,000 (US$426, €377, £324) a night for a minimum five-night stay.
Those of us in the industry hear a lot about ‘personalisation’. However, in my opinion, Vana’s doctors and practitioners went far beyond the buzz. They applied their expertise via pulse diagnoses, listened to me – my needs, desires and issues – and then designed a personal course, including treatments, programmes, food choices and lifestyle practices. And because this was a nine-day stay, I didn’t just have one reflexology session to help digestion but rather a series of appointments. I was at Vana long enough to see results and that was motivation to commit to a new lifestyle. I feel different, look different, my confidence is stronger and going back to old bad habits isn’t appealing. I can only imagine what I could feel like after 14 days or 21 days – or even longer.
A surprising revelation I found Vana’s mobile phone policy extremely effective. You can only use your phone in your room and one discreetly private lounge. Period. In addition, guests cannot take any photographs on the property. Wellness is not a frivolous social media opportunity here. In this age of technology bashing, however, I also believe Vana’s programme is transformative in part because the property has an excellent internet connection, making it easy to stay connected with loved ones and to whatever important work you’re doing.
Over the years, I’ve suggested that if people want to truly transform their wellbeing they need more than a week: rather multiple weeks would be my suggestion. But, to be honest, I’ve never found a place where I really wanted to stay for that long. Vana was the exception. I could have easily stayed a month. And one reason this was possible – here’s the surprise – I need to carve out blocks of time to connect to work. Frankly, I think that’s the case for most people these days. No one can check out of their entire life for very long. Even a day or two is a stretch.
Realising that many people work remotely these days, there’s no reason why that can’t happen from a place of body/mind/spirit transformation. I suggested to Singh that he consider offering a wellness sabbatical programme where the guest engages in a deep dive Vana programme for the first few weeks and then adds on extra weeks as desired. And then I thought there’s no reason this couldn’t take place at other destinations such as Lanserhof, Canyon Ranch, Rancho La Puerta, Gwinganna, or Chiva-Som.
The timing could be perfect for people putting together their own wellness sabbaticals of a month or more. And come to think of it, even if Vana doesn’t offer something like this when I visit next year, I just might decide to move my workplace there anyway.
Vana at a glance
Bedrooms: 82
Treatment rooms: 55 – clustered around three treatment pavilions
Skin, body and haircare: In-house, nature inspired brand Vanaveda
Basic package: Minimum five-night stay includes food, a private consultation, one treatment a day and yoga, meditation, cuisine lessons, functional fitness, talks, music and more
Cost: INR30,000 (US$426, €377, £324) a night
Susie Ellis is chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Institute and Global Wellness Summit
Promotional feature: Lemi - Italian Touch
From humble beginnings in a small Italian village, Lemi has grown a hugely successful global business in the massage bed market. As it celebrates its 30th anniversary year, we talk to GM Matteo Brusaferri
Spa Programmes: On the menu
Olivia Newton-John skincare, Sounds of Africa and jet lag butlers feature in our programming series
Interview: Dale Hipsh
The senior VP of hotels at Hard Rock International tells Katie Barnes why its music-centric spa menu is striking the right chord with consumers and the media
Promotional feature: ISPA
After almost three decades serving members and contributing to the growth of the industry, we talk to ISPA’s Crystal Ducker about the work of the association and the future of spa
Spa Design: Jungle VIP
Kim Megson ventures deep into Mexico’s jungle to discover how two Chablé resorts with Mayan spas are aiming to redefine wellness
Interview: John & Karina Stewart
The inspirational couple behind Kamalaya in Thailand talk to Neena Dhillon about emotional therapies, why stress-busting is the new detox and how they’re evolving the concept
Promotional feature: Gharieni - Luxury Recognition
Gharieni has long been known as an industry innovator. Now, Forbes Travel Guide has named the company as its official Spa & Wellness Equipment Manufacturer. Sammy Gharieni tells us more
Promotional feature: Comfort Zone - Beauty Reloaded
Skincare brand Comfort Zone has partnered with Wellness for Cancer to create a new programme of spa treatments for people touched by cancer. Barbara Gavazzoli tells us more
Family spa: Multi-story
With the rise in multi-generational tourism, family spas are growing in popularity. Jane Kitchen reports
Software: Training & education
From bespoke training programmes to 24/7 support teams and company super-users, how are software suppliers helping spas get the most out of their systems?
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam, has put together a Global Wellness Day
(GWD) agenda with activations rooted in nature and shaped by four pillars of Joy – in
alignment with the day’s theme #JoyMagenta.
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the 2026 event in
Phuket, Thailand, later this year with the theme: The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness.
Auko, an all-inclusive development, is opening in Phong Nha in Vietnam in Q3 2026, with a
series of 30 tented eco-lodges and wellness hospitality operations by Lumina Wellbeing.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, has opened a 2,800sq m spa called The Sanctuary,
with the design and concept inspired by the Native American people that populated Florida’s
Southwest coast – the Calusa.
Swire Hotels’ luxury hospitality brand Upper House has revealed it will roll out its two-day
House of Healing retreats at its three hotels in Hong Kong, Chengdu and Shanghai.
LVMH-owned beauty house Guerlain will launch up to five spas with partners a year as part of
its plan to expand globally, according to the brand’s international spa and wellness director,
Diane Davody.
A new global study by Kevin Kelly and Peter Yesawich, called WELLSurvey 2.0, has revealed
more than half of consumers in the UK, US and Germany would not choose numerous high-
profile wellness resort brands for a future trip.
Luxury hospitality and wellness pioneer Jeremy McCarthy has launched Leisure Alchemy, a
digital platform that will provide professionals with strategic guidance on how to build
transformational leisure experiences that drive profit.
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to
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