Six Senses Vana is a full-board wellness retreat on 21 acres of sal forest and orchards in Dehradun, in India's Himalayan foothills. It suits anyone who wants a structured stay built on Ayurveda, Tibetan medicine (Sowa Rigpa) and yoga, including the many guests who come alone.
What it's like
Six Senses Vana is the brand's first dedicated wellness retreat, spread over 21 acres just outside Dehradun. Tall sal trees, gardens and mango orchards surround the buildings, and most rooms look out onto one of the three. The city has grown up around the edges, but step inside and it feels like its own small world.
The retreat has a gentle ritual to it. On arrival, guests receive a crimson dot on the forehead and change into loose kurta pajamas, which everyone wears during their stay. When you leave, a red string blessing is tied around your wrist. The shared clothing is meant to level everyone out, and it works: many guests come on their own and settle in quickly.
A Forbes Travel Guide inspector singled out Vana in early 2026 as a place they'd gladly return to for a longer stay.
How a stay works
Every stay is full board and comes with a lot built in. Based on the official factsheet, a stay includes all meals and afternoon tea, an arrival wellness consultation and screening, one private treatment or session per night, daily compression therapy, airport transfers from Dehradun and the clothing you wear on site. The minimum stay is three nights.
The daily program runs from 7am to 7pm, and you join as much or as little as you like. A typical day has four yoga classes, at least one meditation, raag (music) therapy, fitness sessions such as aqua and circuits, chanting and talks.
The programs
If you want a specific goal, there are intention-based programs with longer minimum stays:
- Five nights: Sleep, Detox, Yoga and Tibetan Medicine
- 14 nights: Weight Management and Ayurveda
- 21 nights: Ayurveda Panchakarma
Vana is one of the few places offering Sowa Rigpa, the traditional Tibetan medical system, in full. There are separate Ayurveda, Tibetan Healing and Natural Therapy centers, plus yoga studios, indoor and outdoor heated pools, a Watsu pool, saunas, a steam room and a meditation cave.
Food
Meals follow your body type and goals. Salana is the main restaurant, with seasonal menus that include vegetarian, vegan and allergy-friendly dishes as well as meat and fish. Añayu serves Indian-inspired Ayurvedic food built around the three doshas, and a tea bar brews herbal remedies. An on-site apothecary prepares herbal mixtures prescribed by the doctors.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
Vana is a strong match for solo travelers, first-timers to Ayurveda and anyone who likes a full schedule with expert support. Children aged six and up can stay and join a kids' program.
It's less suited to people who want a beach or nightlife, or who'd rather not follow a structured routine.
Getting there
Transfers from Dehradun's Jolly Grant airport take about an hour and are included. Dehradun railway station is around 30 minutes away, with trains from New Delhi taking roughly six hours. Driving from Delhi takes about five to six hours, depending on traffic.
Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum stay?
Three nights, with longer minimums for specific programs, from five to 21 nights.
Can I come on my own?
Yes. The retreat says many guests travel alone, and the group activities make it easy to meet people.
What is Sowa Rigpa?
It's the traditional Tibetan system of medicine. Vana offers it alongside Ayurveda and natural therapies.
Are airport transfers included?
Yes, return transfers from Dehradun airport are part of every stay. Details here come from the retreat's 2024 factsheet, so confirm current inclusions on the official Six Senses Vana website.
