Dharana at Shillim is a new superlative wellness retreat in India


Combining ancient wisdom, cutting edge science and nature’s healing 
Built out of a family’s love and commitment for conservation and holistic healing, Dharana at Shillim is an award-winning luxury wellbeing retreat immersed in the tranquillity and healing atmosphere of the Sahyadri Mountains in Maharashtra, India, three hours from Mumbai. Explore 2,500 acres of beautifully pristine and ancient landscape, and embark on a transformative wellbeing experience designed to deeply revitalise and rejuvenate one’s inner self.
Dharana at Shillim’s Approach to Wellbeing
  Dharana at Shillim embraces the role of guiding one towards a state of Dharana cultivated through inner strength, peace, enthusiasm, love, and knowledge. 
Dharana signifies focused concentration leading to higher states of meditation and blissful living. Through comprehensive health assessments and a holistic approach blending Ayurvedic wisdom with modern science, the Dharana at Shillim team addresses all aspects of a person’s wellbeing: physical, emotional, and spiritual with personalised programmes that guide towards deeper self-discovery and sustainable health practices. The research-led, personalised care programmes encourage guests on a journey to optimal health, vitality, purpose, and meaning, ultimately experiencing the profound ‘Journey to Conscious Being’.

Dharana’s Five Pathways to Conscious Being

A day at Dharana at Shillim is informed by a unique Dincharya, or daily routine, that is highlighted by five holistic pathways inspired by ancient Ayurvedic wisdom that build the foundation of Dharana’s wellbeing philosophy. These are:

1) PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE
Each wellbeing programme begins with a thorough evaluation and a series of diagnostic tests to help determine a guest’s current health status and needs.

2) PHYSICAL RESTORATION
A plan to rebuild strength, flexibility, and overall wellbeing is designed through in-depth analysis to rediscover your peak physical condition.

3) HEALING NUTRITION
Wholesome, fresh, pure, seasonal and local – the food philosophy at Dharana at Shillim is simple. With its roots in age-old Ayurvedic traditions, menus are inspired by modern food research and nutritional philosophies across its six dining outlets. Slow cooking techniques and a reverence for the earth’s abundance help to preserve the natural flavours of the food.

4) EMOTIONAL BALANCE
The expert team offers personalised approaches, from in-depth counselling to behavioural assessment profiling called ‘DiSC®’ (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness), to understand your unique emotional landscape and equip you with tools to manage your responses effectively.

5) SPIRITUAL HARMONY
Embodying core Indian Vedic principles, and embracing the timeless practices of Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation, guests are gently encouraged with their own spiritual growth and journey to conscious being.
.
Wellbeing Programmes for Transformational Healing

The wellbeing programmes last between five and 28 days and focus on the following areas:Detox and CleanseAyurvedic Panchkarma Programme
The Dharana Art of DetoxFitness and Weight ManagementDharana Fitness and Weight ManagementDharana Fitness Focus ProgrammeDe-stressDharana Reset and Revive Programme
Dharana Mental Resilience Retreat Programme
The Dharana Yogic Path ProgrammeSpecialised Focus on Age and ImmunityDharana Age Rejuvenation Retreat
Dharana Immunity Rasayna RetreatIndividualised programmes for specific health issuesCarved out in the Shillim Forest, Dharana at Shillim’s wellness programmes take place across various healing spaces including Dhyana, Yogshala Jalayu, a tranquility pool, and Physical Restoration Lab, consultation rooms, 17 Healing treatment rooms with private gardens and al fresco showers and five types of IV Drip Therapy Sessions. Learning and wellbeing experiences are entwined within the programmes that take guests, both adults and children, into the heart of nature for conservation walks, birdwatching, stream exploration, painting and clay therapy to learn about the deep connection between this scenic landscape and overall wellbeing.
An Integrated Sustainable Design ApproachOverseen by award-winning designer, Margie Ruddick, Dharana at Shillim has been designed adhering to the Green Globe 21 Certification Standards (global leaders in sustainable tourism certification) with minimal impact to the environment and using a completely integrated approach. This has resulted in a destination that is powered by alternate energy, recycles its wastewater, responsibly manages its waste, organically farms with all building designed with an environmentally sensitive approach. 
Each of the 99 Villas and three Grand Residences are of minimalist design in earthy greens and creams, built from coconut wood, cane, bamboo, banana fibre and terracotta accessories sourced from marginalised groups. The result is a tranquil, spacious forest retreat that lays the foundation for an unforgettable stay.
The Magic of Shillim
The beauty and immensity of the landscapes of Shillim provided the catalyst for the birth of Dharana. An ideal retreat location, occupying a calm, hidden section of the valley, Dharana at Shillim today is a space for healing, community, and regeneration where guests can come together to connect with this ancient land. The Western Ghats is a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula. It contains a very large proportion of the country’s flora and fauna, many of which are only found in India and nowhere else in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the eight biodiversity hotspots in the world.
When to Visit
Shillim’s magic unfolds year – round, with the forest embracing each season uniquely. From November to February, enjoy crisp, cool air that invigorates body and mind. March to May the weather transitions to delightful warmth where you can bask in the sun. June and July often bring refreshing thunderstorms, while the monsoon from late June to September paints the landscape in vibrant hues. Despite being the wettest months, July and August hold a special charm as torrential downpours nourish the earth, transforming Shillim into lush greens. This introspective time is ideal for transformative programs like Panchakarma, traditionally believed more effective during the monsoon.www.dharanaretreat.com
Healing Holidays (healingholidays.com; 020 7843 3597) can arrange a 7-night wellness programme at Dharana at Shillim from £3,449 per person based on two people sharing, including transfers, full board accommodation