Top 5 Ayurveda Detox Retreats

To many, the word ‘Detox’ is just another fashionable buzzword, while others think of it as something harsh and punishing. When we refer to the ancient Ayurveda detox known as Panchakarma both of these perceptions are untrue. If you have the time to do a Panchakarma, grab it with both hands. It is one of the most effective, transformative and healing experiences you can do. The treatments are profound and immersive, the purification and detoxifications deep reaching, giving a full body and mind reset. Below are our some of our favourite places to enjoy this transformative detox experience.

VANA, INDIA

Based on the sheer number of people who have booked with us, Vana is definitely our clients’ favourite place to go to retreat, with many guests returning again and again.

Maybe this is due to its isolated forest location, overlooking Dehradun in the Himalayan foothills, and to its profound reverence for both nature and ancient wisdom? It could be because it is the perfect haven for de-stressing and re-balancing, or perhaps it is the assembly of experts available - Ayurvedic doctors, yoga teachers, Tibetan healers, fitness experts, inspiring Ayurvedic chefs and an extremely talented acupuncturist?

Whatever the reason, Vana has become our go-to place for healing. All programmes at Vana are bespoke and will be tailored for you after your arrival consultation has taken place.

AYURVEDA RESORT MANDIRA, AUSTRIA

Nestled in the Styrian hill country, not far from the little village of Bad Waltersdorf, Ayurveda Resort Mandira offers treatments based on solid traditional Ayurvedic foundations but which are tailored to Western lifestyles.

Under the direction of Christina Mauracher, Ayurvedic specialists and therapists from India, alternative and complementary physicians, as well as nutrition experts all ensure a unique symbiosis of Ayurvedic expertise, alternative therapies, and Ayurvedic diagnostics. The resort offers a huge range of programmes, from short breaks to the full-on traditional Panchakarma detox, as well as acupuncture and incredible oil massages, and for activities they have yoga, breathing exercises and meditation.

SOUKYA, INDIA

You may know Soukya because Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall are big fans and have visited many times. However, we know it as a world class retreat offering some of the best Ayurveda healing around. Founded by the world renowned Dr Isaac Mathai and set amongst acres of beautiful orchards and herb gardens on the outskirts of Bangalore, guests come to Soukya to address serious health problems such as depression, migraines and diabetes. Each retreat starts with an in-depth consultation with one of their doctors, who will create a programme that is personalised to your exact requirements. It truly is a fusion of the best ancient medical traditions with world class Ayurveda, and also all the food and oils for their treatments comes straight from their very own organic garden!

AYURVEDA PARKSCHLOSSCHEN, GERMANY

The family-run Ayurveda Parkschlosschen in Germany's Black Forest specialises in traditional Ayurvedic healing; everything from the food to the forms of treatments & exercises, with even the interiors based on the principles of this ancient system of medicine.

The main event here is their Panchakarma detox cure - starting from 10 days, this intense programme aims to help you achieve top physical and mental form by ridding the body of toxins and metabolic waste. It’s not for the faint hearted, but it certainly does deliver exceptional results. For those wanting something a little gentler, the spa also offers yoga, stress management and short stay programmes.

ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS, INDIA

Set in the foothills of the Himalayas and surrounded by lush forests, Ananda is one of India's most famous retreats and with an extensive range of activities and treatments on offer is the perfect place to come to nourish your mind, body and spirit. Ayurveda is what Ananda is really known for, however it also offers great meditation and yoga too. There is an excellent spa that features 24 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy pools and more all geared at offering guests the most relaxing and rejuvenating experience possible. There is also a state of the art gym and restaurant serving some of the very best healthy Ayurvedic cuisine.