Kshemavana: A holistic resort for wellness
- Featured Travel & Hospitality
Anushka Manik- 7 minutes read
By Schenelle Dsouza
If you look up relaxing holiday inspiration, at least one wellness retreat is sure to pop up. Wellness retreats are longer about mundane spa resorts but rather wholesome wellness experiences that promote a healthy lifestyle in addition to a relaxing routine that is a much-needed break from a frantic life in the city. Wellness retreats are not a new concept, but have experienced a surge in popularity in the recent years as individuals increasingly prioritize holistic health, whilst seeking a tranquil escape that integrates traditional practices like yoga and Ayurveda
amidst the country’s diverse and spiritually enriching landscapes. One such escape is the recently opened Kshemvana Wellness and Naturopathy Treatment Centre. Located in the bustling city of Bengaluru in the serene surroundings of Nelamangla, Kshemavana is part of the well-known SDME Society and is headed by Chief Wellness Officer – Dr. Narendra K Shetty.
Setting the Stage: A Tranquil Oasis
Kshemavana welcomes guests to an environment that goes beyond the conventional spa retreats. The retreat is strategically located in the picturesque surroundings of Nelamangla, providing a serene backdrop for a holistic journey. The ambience itself is therapeutic, allowing guests to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in a tranquil haven that sets the stage for rejuvenation.
Surrounded by plenty of greenery and a tranquil setting, the retreat promises an escape that is conducive to relaxation, self-discovery and good health. Complementing the breathtaking landscape are ethereal spaces designed by prominent architect Ar. Mahesh Diophode along with designer Ayush Kasliwal who conceptualized the unique structures and sculptures. With hues, patterns, and constructions influenced by the kurma or turtle, Nandi or bull, and Garuda or eagle, the architectural designs embody the ancient Vaastu principles, uniting the elements of the sky, earth, and sea.
The most striking structure is called “Kurma” after an animal with considerable mythical significance. It is exquisitely constructed for yoga, meditation, and swimming in a temperature-controlled pool. The “Nandi” building contains more than 25 treatment units in addition to dining facilities that provide various personalized diet options including raw diets and juice diets. The accommodation at Kshemavana includes thirty premium suites, sixteen cottages, sixteen nests, and eighty-six duplex rooms to accommodate up to 400 people. The entire retreat embodies the principles of biophilic design, including nature, quiet, simplicity, and unique and natural
components combined with modern aesthetics.
A Comprehensive Approach
Kshemavana’s principal focus is balancing one’s inner energy and healing the mind and body through its belief of five-pillars of well beings – Mind-Body Medicine, Sleep Medicine, Nutritional Medicine, Energy Medicine, and Gut Health. The renowned Naturopathy and Yoga wellness retreat recently introduced an exclusive Wellness Retreat Package, inviting guests to embark on a transformative journey towards holistic well-being, and I had the
opportunity to experience the retreat first hand. The retreat offers two variations of the package, a comprehensive three-day retreat and a longer seven-day retreat. The three-day wellness retreat package is a thoughtful blend of cutting-edge diagnostics, expert consultations along with wholesome nutrition, and immersive wellness activities, all aimed at fostering a life-changing
experience.
Kshemavana’s three-day retreat is curated to address modern-day challenges such as stress, work-life balance, and overall well-being. The retreat begins with an in-depth assessment to help provide a personalized approach to wellness, ensuring that each guest’s unique needs are taken into account. The retreat begins with a series of specialized treatments to assess and optimize a person’s metabolic rate and energy balance. These insights serve as a foundation for personalized wellness recommendations tailored to each individual. Following after, Kshemavana employs non-invasive machines to conduct stress assessments, providing guests with a comprehensive understanding of their stress levels. This information forms the basis for targeted stress management strategies. The individual also gets a one-on-one consultation with health and nutrition experts which provides a guide map to enhance their overall well-being, long after the retreat. Food is an important part of the retreat and Kshemavana emphasizes a grain-free, nutritious, and balanced diet.
There are different dietary options which are suggested based on one’s individual health requirements. Guests indulge in healthy, boiled meals designed to nourish the body while promoting overall health and vitality. In addition to the diet, guests also engage in sessions on work-life balance to help participants gain valuable insights into managing the demands of their professional and personal lives.
And finally, guests also receive a comprehensive fitness assessment followed by a variety of activities, including
natural therapies, yoga, meditation, Pilates, and functional fitness classes all of which cater to all of the guests’
fitness levels.
Indulgent Therapies
The retreat also provides a more immersive experience which is evident in their seven-day Wellness Retreat Package. This package offers an extended array of treatments and activities. Guests can enjoy a range of relaxing treatments including Swedish and deep tissue massages, mud baths, foot reflexology, acupressure, herbal baths, and more. These therapies aim to release tension and promote physical and mental relaxation.
The retreat also includes serene sunset meditation sessions, allowing guests to connect with their inner selves giving them a sense of peace and calm. Pranayama, the practice of breath control, further enhances mental clarity and emotional well-being. Guests can also opt for more in-depth, personalised wellness treatments as suggested by the doctors on-board, receiving the attention and care needed for their individual journey towards
well-being.
