Founded in 2014 by Veer Singh as *Vana Retreats* and later integrated into the Six Senses collection in 2023, this 21-acre estate in the Shivalik foothills near Dehradun was conceived with a singular purpose: to create a refuge for physical, mental, and spiritual restoration. Rather than functioning as a standard luxury resort with a spa attached, the entire infrastructure of Vana exists solely to support structured, multi-day wellness retreats.

The retreat’s architecture, designed by Spanish studio Esteva i Esteva, relies on muted neutral tones, local limestone, and natural timber—deliberately avoiding high-contrast luxury tropes or ornamental distraction. The buildings are tucked unobtrusively into a dense, ancient Sal forest, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that keep guests visually tethered to nature. Upon arrival, guests transition into loose-fitting organic cotton attire (*Kurta-Pyjamas*) provided by the retreat, immediately stripping away external social markers and equalizing the community of residents.

What fundamentally sets Six Senses Vana apart on a global scale is its integration of traditional Sowa Rigpa—the ancient Tibetan system of medicine rooted in Buddhist philosophy—alongside authentic Ayurveda, Yoga, and contemporary Western diagnostics. Every guest undergoes a comprehensive doctor’s consultation upon arrival to determine their body constitution (*Doshas* or *Nyes pas*), after which a custom daily itinerary of therapies, herbal treatments, private yoga sessions, and dietary guidelines is prescribed.

Dining at Six Senses Vana is an integral extension of the medical protocol rather than an indulgent indulgence. The estate’s primary dining venues—*Salana* and *Anayu*—prepare seasonal meals using organic produce sourced directly from regional farms or the estate’s own gardens. Menus are coded according to body humors and dietary goals, ensuring that nutrition actively complements the daily treatments without ever sacrificing culinary finesse or flavor.

A stay at Vana requires a minimum commitment—typically five to seven nights—to allow the body and mind to properly adjust to the daily rhythm. Days move quietly between specialized treatment centers, reflection spaces, thermal suites, and forest walks. There are no televisions in the rooms, public digital device usage is strictly regulated, and alcohol is largely restricted, ensuring the atmosphere remains quiet, restorative, and deeply respectful of every guest’s personal healing journey.