Taking a closer look at the luxe Ananda in the Himalayas. All photos Courtesy of Ananda in the Himalayas.
Updated: April 13, 2014, 12:00 AM
In pictures: Ananda in the Himalayas
The original palace, which houses a meditation room, library and billiards hall, sits uphill from the main guest rooms, three private villas, spa and restaurant.
The heart of the property, once home to the maharaja of Narendra Nagar, is the Viceregal Palace, built in 1910 for a visit from the Viceroy of India.
The property was restored and expanded upon in 2000, becoming India’s first destination spa.
My room, decorated in soothing shades of yellow, cream and gold, has gorgeous teak furniture and all the amenities that one might expect from a high-end getaway: a pillow menu, television and DVD player, minibar, coffee and tea fixings, a spacious separate shower and a gorgeous sunken bathtub beside a large window with a clear view of the mountains.
Golf carts are readily available for guests who opt out of walking up the sharp incline to morning hatha yoga sessions and afternoon guided meditations. There is a communal pool adjacent to the spa.
The property is surrounded by a forest of lush green sal trees.
Unlike other spas, the kitchen is utterly flexible: one morning, when our breakfast proves too small, the waiter happily brings an extra plate of banana pancakes.
The vibe at this hilltop spot — which boasts sweeping views of the Ganges, the surrounding mountain range and the Rishikesh below — is decidedly high-end Zen.