Top 10 Himalayan Spa Resorts

Top 10 Himalayan Spa Resorts

The backdrop of the evocative Himalayas provides an alluring setting for a quiet and restorative getaway. Hence, it’s not surprising that you’ll find some of the best places to pamper yourself in the mountains, in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a healing retreat, or exploration of the great outdoors (or even a combination of all three!), you’ll find it at these top Himalayan spa resorts.

Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

World famous Ananda in the Himalayas is one of India’s top luxury spas, built on a Maharaja’s palace estate. For holistic wellness, there’s nowhere better to immerse yourself than Ananda. Therapies, based on traditional Indian practices, are personalized according to individual needs and can be designed to de-stress, cleanse, and relax. Anti-aging and weight loss programs are also available. Locally grown organic herbs and vegetables are used in cooking. Plus, there’s an enticing spa boutique, stocking everything from music to organic food. The Himalayan Bliss package will give you a taste of everything Ananda has to offer, including delicious cuisine, spa experiences, and activities in and around the resort. It’s not cheap though! Visit their website for more information.

Rates: Expect to pay $10,000 rupees per night for stay and spa for a couple, including special cuisine and treatments.

Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa, Gulmarg, Kashmir

Located 8,825 feet above sea level in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa is set over seven acres of pine valley. It has 85 rooms, including four luxury cottages, all built in traditional Kashmiri architectural style. They’ve been designed to offer stunning panoramic views. The resort is conveniently located within walking distance of the Gulmarg Gondola, which takes skiers and sightseers up to Kongdoori Mountain, the highest ski point in the Himalayas. Its Alaya Spa has five treatment rooms, each with its own steam room, offering Ayurvedic therapies and aromatherapy to deep tissue massages. Gulmarg is one of the top places to visit in Kashmir, and is about 2 hours drive from Srinagar.

Rates: From 14,500 rupees per night, including breakfast.

Wildflower Hall, Shmila, Himachal Pradesh

Wildflower Hall has another of India’s top luxury spas. Part of the Oberoi chain, it consistently receives five star reviews and has a string of awards. The blissful spa pavilion is set among cedar forests, with fresh air and a view of snow capped mountains. It uses plant and flower essences in its aromatherapy and Ayurveda based treatments. Yoga is also offered. The hotel is located about 40 minutes drive from Shimla.

Rates: From around 20,000 rupees per night, plus tax. Breakfast is included.

Tucked away amidst apple and cherry orchards, The Himalayan is one of the best luxury resorts in Manali and will transport you back to the Medieval era in the mountains. Built in Victorian Gothic Revival style, it consists of a meticulously furnished (with antiques and collectables) Gothic facade castle, and eight cottages interspersed around an outdoor swimming pool and orchard garden. The spa offers a wide range of massages and skin treatments designed pamper and detoxify the body, and there’s a couples room as well.

Rates: From around 7,000 rupees per night for a double, plus tax.The Himalayan Spa Resort, Manali, Himachal Pradesh.

Mayfair Spa Resort and Casino, Gangtok, Sikkim

The gorgeous award-winning Mayfair Spa Resort is situated in Sikkim’s capital of Gangtok, surrounded by mountains and enveloped in dense Himalayan forest. It combines Colonial architecture with Monastic influences. The resort’s substantial spa is operated by Pevonia and has 12 therapy rooms. The wide array of specialized treatments available include facials, massages, reflexology, wraps, manicures and pedicures, cellulite reduction, and packages for couples. The resort has 30 guest rooms, cottages, and suites. It also has a live casino, along with restaurant, lounge, cafe, bar, and poolside bar.

Rates: From around 16,000 rupees per night, plus tax. Breakfast is included.

The Chumbi Mountain Retreat and Spa, Pelling, Sikkim

If remote is what you want, then Chumbi Mountain Retreat is perfect. This luxurious resort and spa is the newest luxurious addition to the Chumbi Group of Hotels, owned by filmmaker and hotelier Ugyen Chopel (it even has a cinema with rare movies from his private collection). The resort is situated in Naku-Chumgbung, a small village below Pelling in West Sikkim. The most unforgettable thing about it is the views — all the way to Kanchenjunga! Menlha, the Medicine Buddha spa, has a sauna, steam bath, meditation huts, massage and gym. A highlight is the traditional herbal stone bath, native to Sikkim, called Dottho. It uses locally grown herbs renowned for their ancient healing powers. The resort also has its own garden that grows fruit, vegetables, spices, herbs, and tea. All organic regional ingredients are used in cooking.

Rates: From 8,500 rupees per night, plus tax. Breakfast is included.

JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa, Uttarakhand

This new JW Marriott resort and spa is set on five acres of land that’s lush with fruit and walnut trees. There are 105 ultra-luxurious rooms and 10 suites with fabulous views of the mountains. The L’occitane Spa offers signature treatments inspired by the cedar trees of Mussoorie. Parents will be pleased that there’s also a huge kids’ entertainment center (complete with bowling alley, pool tables and gaming consoles) to keep the children occupied while they unwind.

Rates: From 15,000 rupees per night, plus tax.

The Terraces, Kanatal (Garhwal District), Uttarakhand

Not far from Mussoorie, Kanatal is home to this delightfully tranquil boutique spa resort. There are 20 rooms and a suite, built over a sprawling five acre plot that’s surrounded forests, fruit trees, and birds. The views, which appear from everywhere, are breathtaking. The resort’s spa provides a range of skin treatments and massages, and you can design your own depending on your requirements. There’s also a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, fitness center, and couples treatment room.

Rates: From 14,500 rupees per night, plus tax. Breakfast and dinner are included.

Manuallaya The Resort Spa, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manuallaya is a very popular spa resort, nestled into the mountains to the north of Manali town. It’s well positioned with a captivating outlook over the Beas River and snowy peaks. The resort’s TVA Spa provides a range of calming and balancing therapies including Ayurvedic and deep tissue massages, foot reflexology, and beauty elixirs. Packages for men and women are available. There’s also a hammam, indoor swimming pool, children’s play area, and games room.

Rates: Expect to pay around 10,000 rupees per night.

Moksha Spa, Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh

Moksha Spa is not only versatile in what it offers guests, it’s also located conveniently close to Delhi (5 hours drive) for a weekend Himalayan getaway. Guests can choose from three distinct experiences: Pampering, Wellbeing, or Discovering. Perched in the Shivalik Ranges, the resort is reached by a 10 minute cable car ride up a hill. Its facilities include six yoga and meditation pavilions, Turkish Haman, outdoor heated pool, Jacuzzi, luxury spa, gym, children’s club, Thai massage salon, and nail bar and hair salon. Daily Himalayan Discovery Experiences (activities) are organized. If you’re keen for a side trip, Parwanoo is only a few kilometers from Kalka, where the historical toy train starts its spectacular journey to Shimla.

Rates: Expect to pay around 18,000 rupees per night.