Discovering the Wellness Retreat
Sometimes, you just know you need a break.
But finding the right kind of break is a different challenge altogether.
This happened to me six years ago.
I wasn’t looking for adventure or excitement—no pubs, no sightseeing, or no “seeing things” at all.
I needed something that promised to calm my mind and soothe my soul without the involvement of alcohol.
That’s when I Googled solo trip ideas and was pointed toward something I had never considered before—a wellness retreat.
It promised wellness, massages, meditation, yoga, and other spiritual activities I hadn’t even considered. But honestly, the part that hooked me was the idea of uninterrupted sleep, pampering, quiet meals, and massages!
At that moment, all I wanted was the luxury of doing nothing, seeing nothing, and letting someone else take care of things while I just… existed, being me.
Choosing the Wellness Retreat: YOLO Moment
Reality quickly set in as I scanned through the various wellness retreats that Google presented.
This wasn’t going to be a budget-friendly experience. The prices made me pause for a second, but something inside me whispered, “YOLO, Suman!”
I mean, how often do you get the chance to truly unplug, pamper yourself, and embrace some serious “me-time” when you have two teens in higher secondary school
I figured this would be the perfect investment in my well-being.
So, I closed my eyes to the price tag and booked it, convincing myself that sometimes self-care is worth the splurge.
The Journey Begins
My wellness retreat promised serenity.
It also promised spirituality.
I didn’t doubt it for a second.
After all, we are talking about the foothills of the Himalayas!
The holy, pious home where many sages achieved nirvana.
All I was looking for was a five-day getaway.
That would be my equivalent to Nirvana.
So, I packed my bags for the cold weather, made sure I had enough layers to survive the chill, and with a mix of excitement and nerves, I booked my flight.
Flying with anticipation and a dash of YOLO energy, I was ready to go on my first ever wellness- retreat.
Arrival at the Wellness Retreat: First Impressions
As I arrived, I was greeted with a kind of silence I hadn’t experienced in years. The crisp mountain air felt like an instant detox for my lungs and mind.
The soft chime of bells and the subtle scent of incense in the air welcomed me to a space that immediately felt sacred. And the water fountain added to the ambiance.
This ayurvedic wellness retreat was massive, with expansive green spaces that seemed to absorb my stress before I could unpack. What more could I ask for?
My room was a sanctuary of its own. Simple yet elegant, it had an open balcony and all the breathing space I didn’t know I needed.
Every corner of the room exuded peace, inviting me to let go.
As I stepped onto the balcony, I could feel the layers of my daily life– chores, errands, schedules—falling away.
Here, no one would ask me what’s for dinner. No one would demand my time.
In that moment, I realized I wasn’t just away from the world. For the first time, I was away from the roles I carried—mother, wife, friend, sister, daughter. I was just me, existing in this peaceful bubble.
It wasn’t about escaping responsibilities but reconnecting with who I was without them. This was my time to breathe, to be no one’s Suman for a few precious days.
The peace was palpable, and I allowed myself to lean into the quiet.
Adapting to the Special Diet: Chai Withdrawal and Portion Control
One of the biggest challenges for me during the retreat wasn’t the meditation, the quiet, or even the detox exercises—it was the diet. As someone who has lived on desi chai with milk and sugar, the shift to green tea felt like a betrayal to my taste buds.
I denied having it.
I was coaxed.
I pleaded.
I was explained.
I begged.
They succumbed, and we reached a negotiation number of two desi cups of tea in a day against four that I was used to
It wasn’t just a drink.
it was a part of my routine, my comfort.
I have pretty strong feelings for my desi chai, which you can read about here
The food at the retreat was good but served in rationed portions—small and perfectly calculated.
The meals were balanced, wholesome, and clean, but I couldn’t help but miss the heartier meals I was used to.
I was adjusting to a new way of eating that prioritized health over indulgence.
They compensated for the small portions with two snacks and three meals daily, all meticulously designed to aid the detox process.
There was special herbal water served twice a day, meant to further help with cleansing. This routine was strict, and while it was a shock to my system at first, I could feel it starting to make a difference.
The Start of My Detox
On day one, I had a one-on-one meeting with an Ayurvedic doctor. The consultation covered everything from my medical background to my current habits.
The doctor seemed to see right through my answers, nodding knowingly as if she could see through my lifestyle, my stress levels, and dietary weaknesses.
After the assessment, I was handed a bottle of Ayurvedic tablets to support digestion, improve immunity, and flush out toxins.
At that moment, I trusted the process, and why wouldn’t I?
Being born and raised in a country that swears by and prides itself on Ayurveda, doubting it wasn’t even a consideration.Those practices are abundant in our households.
The first part of my detox program was all about gut cleansing. It became clear that they didn’t want me carrying any residual baggage from my old life—whether tangible or intangible.
They were thorough, ensuring I was starting fresh inside and out.
Massages: The Blissful Escape
The second part of the detox program in that wellness retreat is something that heaven must feel like.
I was treated to not just one but two massages a day. Yes, you read that right—two massages! One at 11:00 a.m. and the second at 3:00 p.m.
This was not your ordinary spa experience, though. These massages, rooted in Ayurvedic practices, were each more relaxing than the last.
One of the most memorable was Shirodhara, in which warm herbal oil is gently poured over the forehead (on the third eye) in a continuous stream.
After the hair is generously soaked in that therapeutic oil, a head massage is followed by a whole-body massage.
It SPELLS bliss and deep relaxation.
It worked—so well that even after six years, I remember the warmth, the melt-in-the-moment feeling!
I had two Shirodhara treatments in massage-o thon I was being treated to.
Then there was the Hot Potli Massage, which involved small bundles of oatmeal and other stuff soaked in milk—heated and pressed against my skin. The warmth seeped into my muscles, releasing tension I didn’t even know I had.
Over the next five days, I was treated to many more massages, each aimed at detoxifying, rejuvenating, and relaxing the body.
To be completely honest, I didn’t even bother to remember the names of most of them. All I cared about was the fact that those massages sent me into such a blissful state.
In those moments, I was just floating in some otherworldly realm where stress didn’t exist, and life was just a series of gentle, rhythmic hand movements.
The Ambience: Serenity at Every Step
The retreat’s ambiance was designed to calm the mind from the moment you stepped in. Mornings often began with yoga beside a pool, where the gentle sound of water and the open air made every stretch feel more connected to nature.
Other times, the sessions were held in a serene, holistic hall that seemed to radiate peace from its walls.
One of my favorite parts of the day was strolling in their garden—a quiet, blissful experience all on its own.
The garden seemed designed to encourage mindfulness. Slow, calming music played softly everywhere I walked.
It wasn’t easy to stroll on your own, thinking about peace. Your mind is used to the cacophony and chatters from back home.
Blissful Balance of Mind, Body, and Spirit
This wellness retreat wasn’t just about relaxation, it was about restoring balance in the body.
Everything—from my food to the yoga sessions, massages, and sauna treatments—was geared toward restoring me to alignment.
They left no stone unturned in their mission to ensure I reached a state of calm and balance, something I had been craving for so long.
One of the aspects I appreciated most was the peaceful, unspoken connection between everyone there.
I met people from different parts of the world, but there was no forced chit-chat, no obligatory exchanges of pleasantries.
Instead, we shared something deeper—just a warm, calm smile and eyes filled with the silent gratitude of being in such a peaceful place.
Conclusion: Renewed, Rejuvenated, and Filled with Gratitude!
This wellness retreat gave me far more than just a temporary break from the daily grind.
It helped me slow down and reconnect with myself.
It took my attention from my outward routine and helped me feel the rhythm inside me.
I found a new sense of balance—both physically and mentally.
It sent me home with a reminder that self-care isn’t a luxury but a necessity for long-term well-being.
It sent me home with a clearer mind, a lighter heart, and a renewed perspective on how I wanted to approach life- in a less hassled way.
I could never replicate the same experience of a balanced diet, Ayurvedic body treatments, and saunas, but I can’t recommend a wellness retreat enough.
I’ve been to various places and experienced bliss in installments, but nothing compares to that.