The Enchanted Forest

A perfect refuge for city-weary folk, Six Senses Vana, the global brand's first dedicated wellness retreat in India, is where you go to retrieve yourself: Rest, reset and rejuvenate, the blockbuster RRR of the wellness universe.

- CHUMKI BHARADWAJ

LETTING GO

Watsu, a form of water therapy, comes from "water" and "shiatsu" (traditional Japanese massage). The entire flotation exercise is carried out in a warm water tank, where the therapist uses the resistance of water to soothe physical tension. The subliminal idea is to recreate a womb-like experience where submission is the ultimate release. The result: Emotional catharsis, especially for those who can't let go easily; it is almost quasi spiritual in its treatment and effect.

The graceful ballet of the mustard Sal leaves slowly floating earthwards is mesmerising. Inspired by the Sal shedding skin, I'm hoping I can do a 'Sal' at the Six Senses Vana, and shed at least some of the physical, neurological and emotional pounding that daily life has exacted thus far. Lounging lazily in the gentle sun filtering through the wood and glass forest suite I'm ensconced in, it almost seems like an easy ask. After all, the 21-acre retreat, named after the Sal forest, offers the perfect blend of diagnostics, detox diet, energy rebalancing and de-stressing based on Ayurveda, Yoga, Tibetan and Chinese Medicine, and Natural Healing Therapies, combined with cutting-edge biohacking, which makes it all believable, and possibly achievable.

Simply arriving at this wooded retreat is panacea in itself. From my gorgeous suite at the end of a glass-walled corridor, the shifting palette of light from the surrounding green is instantly soothing. The pared-down suite too-subtly clad in earthy colours like ecru, ivory and minty shades of greenserves as a constant reminder that contemplative reflection is an inward journey. These lovely rooms and suites have been designed in a way to slough off any noises unhelpful to a peaceful retreat; the calm, contained feel is only punctuated by intermittent birdcalls.