With treat yourself as your birthday bash motto, you could either head into celebrating another year around the sun by gathering your friends at a local spa for mocktails and massages, or you could really shake things up and opt for a zen-centric trip to the Himalayas.
Even better if you can gather a few wellness-loving peeps to tag along and turn this birthday celebration into crossing another travel-must off your bucket list! An Indian sanctuary for the body, mind and spirit, Ananda in the Himalayas is just the getaway you’re looking for. Oh, and there’s an amazing infinity pool overlooking the valley too.
Photography: Ananda in the Himalayas
The Scene
Located on a hundred-acre Maharaja’s Palace Estate, this luxury destination spa and resort sits in the foothills of Northern India. Overlooking the Sal forests and Ganges River Valley, the colonial style of the architecture at this 78-room palace complements its surroundings with windows that highlight the views and gorgeous gardens just outside the palace doors. Because your birthday bucket list definitely includes a stroll through palace gardens in the Himalayas.
Mind, Body, Spirit
Ananda focuses on a holistic approach to wellness, offering courses in hatha yoga and Ayurvedic experiences, Vedanta talks, meditation, detoxes, stress and weight management packages, and even Dhyana self realization. There’s an expansive spa on-site with hydrotherapy facilities and a team of nutrition and fitness gurus available to coach you through a personalized regimen. If a healthy life is the key to a long-lived one, you can bet you’ll be spending more than one birthday bash at this relaxing getaway.
Organic Eats
Because a bucket list worthy birthday getaway wouldn’t be complete without some amazing meals, Ananda at the Himalayas serves up gourmet cuisine in a variety of gorgeous settings. With a restaurant overlooking the treetops, a tea lounge sitting room and a poolside dining option, you’re sure to be stocking up on delicious and organic eats throughout the day. The menus here take an Ayurvedic approach to meals, focusing on fresh and natural foods that highlight local produce, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Reconnecting with Nature
As if lounging around a palace all day every day isn't on your bucket list, there’s a whole lot of adventure to be found nearby. The trails throughout the Himalayan Mountains are stunning, and safaris in Rajaji National Park are a cool way to spend some time ogling wildlife. White water rafting in the Ganges River is another highlight, with rapids ranging from class 1 to class 4. Sound like 3 bucket list items in one birthday go if you ask us.
Credits
Venue + Photography: Ananda in the Himalayas
