Nestled in a private valley where the Mussoorie Hills rise sharply to the north and the city Dehradun Resting towards the east, there is a place where architecture is completely dedicated to nature. This is Six Senses Wana, a 21-acre sanctuary where towering sal trees, holistic healing practices, and conscious living come together to provide an escape from the urban chaos.
When I first briefly read about the trip, my Gen Z skepticism was on high alert, picturing a “wellness center” as a clinical concept best suited to an older demographic, assuming that my casual spa days and workout routines were all the self-care I needed. But after a short flight from Delhi and a beautiful drive through Rajaji National Park, I found a soulful relaxation that completely shattered my preconceptions and redefined what it really means to heal a tired mind and body. (Also read: Bhopal’s best-kept wildlife secret is just an hour from the city: 100 bird species, 18 mammals and not a single TV )
Step inside Six Senses Wana
My journey began with a short flight from Delhi to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant airport, followed by a scenic drive through winding roads surrounded by dense greenery and distant hills. For someone prone to motion sickness, a mountain drive is usually more hardship than pleasure. Luckily, the thoughtful team had stocked the car with dry ginger, handmade sweets and a refreshing tamarind drink. By the time my nausea subsided, the landscape outside had transformed into a dynamic postcard, of mist-covered mountains, endless expanses of forest and glimpses of the surrounding forest. Rajaji National Park.
Nestled in its own secluded valley, Six Senses Wana feels a world away from the noise of everyday life. Originally established as Vana Malsi Estate in 2014 by founder Veer Singh and later brought under the Six Senses umbrella in 2023, the retreat has retained the soul that made it special in the first place.
Designed by Spanish architecture firm Esteva i Esteva Arquitectura, the property embraces a restrained aesthetic. The buildings blend seamlessly into the landscape through muted tones, natural materials and open spaces that invite outsiders inside. As soon as I stepped inside, the soundtrack of city life disappeared. In its place came the chirping of birds, rustling of leaves and the faint sound of running water. The silence felt almost unfamiliar, a reminder of how rarely we experience true peace.
Like many first-time visitors, my instinct was to immediately take out my phone and document everything. I quickly learned that Vana encourages guests to disconnect. Phones remain on silent mode and are restricted to shared spaces, a simple rule that takes visitors back to the present moment. Here, every detail reflects a deeper philosophy: Nature is not separate from us; We exist within it.
I stayed in one of the retreat’s forest suites, where floor-to-ceiling windows offered uninterrupted views of towering sal trees. The interior furnishings were simple but elegant, dressed in soft creams and browns that reflected the surrounding landscape. Even from the stone bathtub the forest canopy was visible. There were mango and litchi trees outside my balcony, and I was warned – jokingly – to keep the doors closed unless I wanted any curious monkeys to visit them.
living a forest life
Perhaps the most fascinating part of the experience was my trading every day wardrobe For Vana’s signature kurta-pajama. Each guest receives a comfortable cotton robe, a knitted bag and slippers to wear in what the retreat is affectionately called a “vanavasi”, a forest dweller. There was something unexpectedly liberating about putting fashion choices away for a few days and embracing simplicity.
My wellness journey officially began with a detailed consultation with a doctor, who assessed everything from physical health markers and lifestyle habits to stress levels and emotional well-being. Based on this conversation, a personalized itinerary was created for my stay. The schedule included a mix of treatments, movement sessions, and restorative therapies designed based on my individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all wellness formula.
Swedish massages on the first day took away the travel fatigue, but it was during subsequent sessions that the holistic approach of the retreat really came to the fore. A combination of personal training, yoga, Tibetan healing, and acupuncture revealed how much stress was in my body. During one session, my instructor pointed out considerable stiffness in my lower back, the result of sitting at a newsroom desk for long periods of time. This was a warning. The discomfort I had normalized as part of my profession was, in reality, my body demanding attention.
The next day focused on restoration through guided meditation, Ayurvedic massage and 24 karat gold facial. While the facial made my skin glow, the meditation left a deeper impact. Perhaps for the first time in many months, my mind felt at peace. No distractions, no planning, no tackling a dozen unfinished tasks, just still.
Watsu, food and the philosophy of slowing down
Yet the most memorable experience awaited me on my last day.
My itinerary listed a treatment called Watsu, which is a form of aquatic exercise done in hot water. As someone who isn’t particularly comfortable in the pool, I approached it with equal amounts of curiosity and skepticism. However, within a few minutes my reservations were dispelled. Under the guidance of a skilled expert, I floated weightlessly, while gentle stretches and movements released tension I didn’t even realize I was holding. The experience felt surprisingly emotional, part AttentionPart healing, part surrender. Hanging in the water, I felt a feeling of peace that is difficult to explain in words. For a few moments, I felt completely free from the mental clutter that often accompanies modern life.
The food at Wana follows the same philosophy as its treatments: intentional, balanced and deeply personal. Portions are carefully crafted rather than excessive, and meals are designed according to each guest’s health goals. Ingredients are seasonal, sourced locally wherever possible, and transformed into dishes that prove healthy eating doesn’t need to be restrictive or boring. Each plate was carefully considered, encouraging nutrition rather than indulgence.
What impressed me most about Six Senses Wana was how seamlessly wellness is woven into every aspect of the experience. This is present not only in the treatments, but also in the architecture, food, silence, rituals and people who make the retreat feel welcoming rather than intimidating. Here luxury is not defined by extravagance. It is defined by focus, attention to detail, focus on health, nature and the individual.
As my car headed towards Dehradun airport, I thought about how dramatically my perception of health had changed in just a few days. I came in thinking this was a place reserved for the older generations; I left understanding that wellness is a necessary investment for us, especially in a world that constantly demands our attention.
Back in the newsroom, deadlines will keep coming, information will inevitably pile up, and life will resume its familiar pace. But whenever the noise feels overwhelming, I know I will think of that moment floating in the warm water, under a canopy of peace. More than a luxury escape, the Six Senses Vana offered something far more valuable: the reminder that slowing down is not a weakness, but a necessity.
how to reach: Six Senses Wana is approximately 60 minutes from Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport and 30 minutes from Dehradun Railway Station. It is a 5-6 hour drive from Delhi, while both Rishikesh and Haridwar are within a 90-minute drive.
price: packages start ₹Rs 1.3 lakh per night (subject to change) with a minimum stay of three nights. Rates include all meals, health consultations, one treatment per guest per night, airport transfers, access to wellness facilities and curated group activities.
This article was prepared by the author at editorial invitation after a three-night stay at Six Senses Vana.
