Vana
Calm, deliberate, and quietly serious about healing. Spanish architect Esteva i Esteva designed the whitewashed complex as a minimalist reinterpretation of a maharaja's palace — muted tones, wall-to-ceiling windows, floor plans that frame views of the Sal forest. Guests don loose kurta pajamas from day one, which levels the playing field nicely. Phones stay in your room or in Sketchbook (the co-working space). This is not a party hotel. It rewards people who are genuinely ready to slow down.
Book at least 5 nights — shorter stays barely scratch the surface, and some programs (Detox, Sleep, Yoga) have a 5-night minimum
Why It Matters
One of only a handful of places on earth where you can access alumni of Men-Tsee-Khang — the Dalai Lama's Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute. The Dalai Lama allowed this arrangement for the first time at Vana in 2014. Combine that with a full Ayurvedic medical team, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, and naturopaths all working together around your specific biomarkers and goals, and you have something genuinely different from a resort with a nice spa.
Six Senses Vana is a fully all-inclusive wellness retreat on 21 acres of dense Sal forest on the outskirts of Dehradun, with the Himalayan foothills of Mussoorie visible to the north. Originally opened in 2014 as Vana by founder Veer Singh, it joined the Six Senses portfolio in 2023 while retaining its philosophy, team, and loyal following. This is not your standard luxury hotel with a spa tacked on — wellness is the entire point. Every stay comes with full-board meals tailored to your body type, a daily retreat program (yoga, meditation, functional fitness), one private treatment per night, airport transfers, and even the clothes on your back (kurta pajamas, footwear, and seasonal accessories).
Where You'll Stay
10 room types available
Bodhi Suite
A step up into real suite territory. A separate living room with a small dining table, two private balconies, and — the standout feature — a dedicated meditation room for private treatments or personal practice. Comes with a meditation cushion and singing bowl.
King · 98 sqmEsteva Suite
Named in honor of architects Bartomeu and Antonio Esteva, this suite pays homage through abundant natural light and a sense of real space. A fireplace sets it apart from lower categories — useful in Dehradun's cool winter months. Private terrace with loungers faces the forest.
King · 145 sqm
Forest King
Same size as the Garden rooms but facing the Sal forest — the taller slender trunks make for genuinely meditative views. Thoughtful lighting and all the same modern conveniences.
King · 49 sqmForest Suite
Generous living room that feels almost part of the dense Sal forest stretching out in front. The layout is more open than the Bodhi Suite — no separate meditation room, but the views from this one are among the best on the property.
King · 98 sqmForest Twin
Front-row Sal forest views with a twin bed configuration. Everything in the Forest King, just without the king bed — good for traveling companions who want their own space.
Twin · 49 sqmGarden King
The entry-level room at Vana, which still manages to feel genuinely peaceful. Muted, soothing tones throughout, wall-to-ceiling windows, and a private balcony with outdoor furniture. Views face the gardens rather than the forest, but the atmosphere is calm either way.
King · 49 sqmGarden Twin
Same footprint and amenities as the Garden King, but configured with twin beds — useful for friends traveling together or guests who prefer separate sleeping arrangements. Same private balcony with garden views.
Twin · 49 sqmThree Bedroom Casa
The largest of the home-style accommodations, sleeping six. Same duplex layout as the Two Bedroom Casa but with the extra bedroom — ideal for a group retreat or multi-generational family stay. Private terrace with swing overlooks the orchard.
King (x3) · 209 sqmTwo Bedroom Casa
Located at the top of the retreat in a family-style duplex layout. A large living space with separate pantry opens onto a terrace with swings overlooking the mango orchard. Good for friends or families traveling together, and one of the few room types where pets are allowed (extra INR 2,000/night).
King (x2) · 163 sqmVana Suite
The top of the property. At 3,140 sq ft, it includes a private plunge pool on the sundeck with a 180-degree view of the surrounding hills and Sal forest, a dedicated treatment room, a meditation room with cushions and singing bowl, kitchenette, large dining room, powder room, and an optional connection to a second bedroom. This is not a room for one night — it's built for someone committing to a multi-week deep dive.
King · 292 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Hands-on sessions where guests create their own spa and wellness products — scrubs, oils, blends — calibrated to their dosha type under guidance from the wellness team.
Courts for various ball sports available on-site.
An outdoor cinema in the garden / temple area of the retreat, used for film screenings and cultural events.
Multiple yoga styles delivered by a team of instructors whose individual approaches complement each other. Classes run from beginner to advanced in the on-site Yogasala and outdoor orchard spaces. Included in every stay.
Daily fitness activities as part of the retreat foundation program. Can be personalized based on Movement Efficiency Test results.
Daily guided meditation as part of the retreat program. Spaces include the indoor meditation room and outdoor settings under the Bodhi tree.
Programming for children aged 6 and above. Learning opportunities through art, music, movement, storytelling, and interactive spaces that help children connect with their natural surroundings.
Guided hikes into the Himalayan foothills surrounding the retreat, including through the forest and surrounding hills. A structured Stress Relief Hiking program is also available as a dedicated retreat option.
An organized private excursion to Rishikesh (~30 minutes away) to witness the evening Ganges Aarti ceremony. Included in the 10-night+ stay offer.
A guided tour of the retreat's sustainability practices, herb gardens, and organic growing methods — part of the overall commitment to the SLOW (Sustainable, Local, Organic, Wholesome) philosophy.
Daily educational programming on topics spanning Ayurveda, TCM, dosha theory, mindfulness, nutrition, and seasonal wellness. Included as part of the retreat foundation program.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
The retreat's designated area for mobile phones, tablets, and computers. The only shared space outside guest rooms where electronic devices are permitted.
A dedicated guest experience maker assigned to help plan and personalize each guest's retreat itinerary.
Free WiFi in public areas and rooms at 25+ Mbps. Note: devices are restricted to guest rooms and Sketchbook only — not permitted in outdoor or shared spaces.
No service charges or gratuities are added to any bills. Note: all rates are subject to 18% GST.
All guests receive kurta pajamas, footwear, and seasonal accessories (summer and winter) to wear throughout the retreat — included in all room rates.
Circular indoor pool, also used for Watsu aquatic bodywork sessions.
Outdoor infinity pool with sun loungers and towels. Open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
A curated collection of books and a social lounge space serving healthy drinks, shrubs, and tonics. Also hosts music and evening cultural programming.
An on-site boutique offering sustainable fashion and spa products.
Return airport transfers to/from Dehradun Airport included in all stays.
An on-site herb garden providing ingredients for the Ayurvedic apothecary, which produces decoctions, infusions, herb mixtures, and topical applications prescribed by doctors.
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