The Indian Subcontinent is a region synonymous with spirituality and wellness; it is unsurprising therefore that India and Sri Lanka are home to some of the world’s greatest destination spas and healing retreats. A luxury Indian Subcontinent wellness holiday includes traditional local practices such as yoga and Ayurveda – used for centuries for detoxing and anti-ageing – combined with modern therapeutic treatments that pamper and de-stress the body and mind. 

One of the most well-known wellness practices in the Indian subcontinent is Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit through a combination of diet, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies. Wellness resorts and retreats throughout the region offer Ayurvedic treatments such as massages, yoga, and meditation to help guests achieve inner balance and harmony.

Another popular practice in the region is yoga, which has its roots in India. Yoga retreats can be found throughout the Indian subcontinent, offering a range of classes and programs for practitioners of all levels. Guests can practice asanas (yoga postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises) while enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

From its southern beaches to the northern Himalayas, India offers numerous superlative wellness properties, often incorporating Ayurvedic treatments and yoga, both of which originated here. 

We have curated a selection of the best wellness retreats in India starting with Shreyas, a luxury ashram near Bangalore. This incredible Indian wellness retreat offers Panchakarma (an intensive, ancient Ayurvedic detox), weight-loss and de-stress programmes, as well as a unique silent retreats. For one of the best yoga retreats in India, head to Swaswara near Goa, situated on a clifftop overlooking the glittering Arabian Sea. Whilst Atmantan – located high in a lush hill station close to Pune – offers fitness retreats with physiotherapy; holistic health and lifestyle management programmes and a slew of restorative and pampering spa treatments.

Often overlooked in favour of its larger cousin, Sri Lanka provides hidden wellness gems as varied as the country itself. Proving that not all the best Indian Subcontinent wellness holidays are to be had in India alone, the award-winning Santani, nestled in mountainous central Sri Lanka,  offers healthy living programmes to counter stress, sleep better and to detoxify and rebalance the body. For more Sri Lanka wellness retreats, SEN Wellness Sanctuary is a rustic, eco-conscious retreat in a pristine national park on Sri Lanka’s south coast which specialises in yoga and Ayurveda.

Overall, Indian Subcontinent wellness holidays offer a unique blend of ancient traditions, natural beauty, and modern amenities. Whether you are seeking to improve your health, de-stress, or simply relax and rejuvenate, there is something for everyone in this diverse and fascinating region.

A wellness travel expert at Wellstayed can guide you to organise a dedicated health and wellbeing holiday or combine a healthy element to your tour to the Indian Subcontinent.