The new Ananda Active package is for those who find invigorating exercise more of a stress-buster than merely flying and flopping. A hearty timetable of early morning hikes to local places of interest such as the Kunjapuri temple and Ranichouri, an area known for its National Geographic-worthy views of snow-capped mountains, and excursions such as white water rafting on the Ganges, are complemented by morning yoga, core workouts and spa treatments designed to ease aching muscles and ward off blistered feet.
Our experience After a deluxe flight stretched out on a flat bed in Jet Airways Premium Club Class and having got into the Indian experience with a Michelin starred cabin curry, I had a surreal sense that I had merely hopped to the spiritual land. That said, I welcomed my caring embrace on arriving at Ananda. A reflexology session sent me drifting into a sea of dreams, while easing my jet lag and, cleverly, allowed my therapist to ensure my feet were fit for a week of mountain treks.These were well worth the 6am rises. As the ragged inclines gently warm up your muscles and the altitude gets your heart throbbing, the sights of villagers tending their cattle, school children zig-zagging down the mountain paths and the glistening snow-capped mountains gives little time to focus on the physical exertion.
The methods may be subtle but the effects are far-reaching. As a vata (air) type with a tendency to over-think things, the gentle hikes served to pacify my whirring mind. Ditto, the warming herbal drinks and ayurvedic pulse curries and tofu stir fries prescribed for my type/dosha whose lightly spiced yet tantalising flavours had a soothing effect.
Most touching was the way that, even on a programme that seems focussed on the physical, a sense of spiritual wellbeing pervades. Being in the first tumultuous throws of a relationship break-up, the emotional solace I needed was there at every turn. Arriving at a tranquil clearing mid-hike, my guide Danesh turned wise councillor as he offered up pearls on acceptance and letting go. Swapnil’s evening Vedanta lectures, rich in easy-to-relate-to anecdotes, gave me the practical tools to leading a more contented life, while a Sirodhara treatment (where hot oiled is poured onto the third eye) prompted vivid dreams that served to animate then disperse my darkest fears.
Feel good factor Every hour spent in the spa. The deep tissue and four-handed Abhyanga massages obliterated tightness in even the most curious places, while the Ila Tibetan massage (an extra to my package), using stones blessed by a Tibetan monk and performed to a soothing soundtrack worked of Tibetan chants worked on a deep energetic level to leave me feeling calm and emotionally fortified.Most luscious experience An evening spent partaking in the spiritual Ganga aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges at Haridwar. As the swami’s chants permeate the throng of gatherers, you can’t help but be moved by a profound sense of unity.
Refreshing The touching attention to detail in the added extras. During colder months a hot water bottle is delivered to your bedroom each evening. Plus, you can forget your glad rags. All guests (be they Hollywood actors, Russian oligarchs, businessmen or retirees) are provided with a pair of white kurta pyjamas to wear during their stay. These both serve as a great leveller and mean packing light is easy. Those on the Ananda Active package not only benefit from tour guide Danesh’s encyclopaedic knowledge of medicinal local plants (used for everything from cuts to TB), but his keen photographer’s eye means they also come home with a disc of professional photos from their hikes. Good for Getting fit in body and mind without the boredom of the treadmill.Facts 5 nights at Ananda – in the Himalayas (www.anandaspa.com) experiencing the Ananda Active programme start from £2,050 per room based on two sharing for 5-nights in a Palace View Room including all meals, spa treatments and treks listed in itinerary. Premiere Class flights from Heathrow to Delhi start from £1732 return (www.jetairways.com / 0808 101 1199). Ananda packages including accommodation, international and internal flights can be booked through Kuoni (www.kuoni.co.uk / 01306 747008).
