What can one say about Ananda that hasnt already been said.
It is the pioneer of destination spas in India. The Indian flavour enhanced by free Yoga, Meditation and Vedanta ( from Swami Parthasarthy's Vedanta Academy) classes is definitely the order of the day. I was first invited by Ashok to hold a retreat there and have been there several times since then. Held many retreats, set up their visiting Masters format, sent many guests and even accompanied several groups. Their spa is very well designed and includes western therapies as well as Ayurveda, and has won several awards.
I have also had several treatments there and have enjoyed hanging out in the spa lobby just listening to the sacred chant for health, the Maha Mrityunjay. Inside the spa building the hydro area offers a reflexology walk, a jacuzzi, a plunge pool, sauna and steam. All can be used free of cost if you are a resident of the hotel. The treatments are well designed and with Ananda's new Spa Institute for training spa staff, Im sure they will continue to be pioneers of new treatments and techniques. I am not sure about all the new age workshops they are now offering (perhaps to be in line with other international destination spas) when we have so much spiritual heritage in our own country. Even a simple but authentic meditation programme could be more appropriate in India. Meditation needs to come out on its own and not just be an ancillary to Yoga. We in India need to spearhead that.
My favourite place in the resort is the small discreet room where Maa Anandamayi (a born mystic form Bengal) used to come and stay as the guest of the King of Tehri Garhwal. Its a simple room, with the saints bed still in tact and open to the public. Not many know about this. Next time you go there do offer a lamp and some incense and remember me!!
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