A Valley Reborn: Dharana at Shillim Blends Wellness with Conservation

A Valley Reborn: Dharana at Shillim Blends Wellness with Conservation

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 21, 2025

Before Dharana at Shillim became a sanctuary for holistic wellness, it was simply a valley in the Sahyadri ranges—rich in biodiversity but battling deforestation and degradation. Touched by its beauty and the environmental damage unfolding before their eyes, brothers William and Denzil de Souza set out on a mission to preserve this untouched corner of the Western Ghats.

What followed was a remarkable act of guardianship: the acquisition of 2,500 acres of land—not for development, but for protection. Over the next 15 years, the family committed themselves to restoring Shillim’s natural ecosystem. Through afforestation, water conservation, and careful land stewardship, the valley was allowed to heal. Today, it is home to over one million trees and a thriving native habitat.

In 2013, this journey evolved into something even more profound with the launch of Dharana at Shillim by Gavin de Souza, second son of the late William de Souza. Spread across 320 acres within the protected 2,500-acre valley, Dharana is more than just a retreat—it’s a living, breathing model of mindful luxury that blends wellness, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.

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Not a single tree was felled in its construction. Instead, Dharana’s architecture was shaped by the contours of the land, using earthen and bamboo materials. Rooted in Ayurveda and functional medicine, the retreat’s wellness approach honours both ancient traditions and modern science.

At the heart of Dharana are six key sustainability pillars:

  • Nature-Integrated Design: Built to exist in harmony with the landscape, every structure deepens the connection between guest and nature.

  • Earth-to-Table Nutrition: Food is sourced from on-site organic farms using regenerative agriculture.

  • Zero-Waste Living: From composting to plastic-free packaging, Dharana leads by example in waste reduction.

  • Forest Conservation: Thousands of native species have been planted to rebuild biodiversity, with a goal to reforest 10% of scrubland by 2030.

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  • Clean Energy: Solar panels meet 20% of Dharana’s energy needs, reducing diesel consumption by 90,000 litres annually.

  • Community Empowerment: Training local women in sustainable practices, Dharana aims to support over 5,000 families by 2030.

This Earth Day, Dharana at Shillim stands as a reminder that true luxury lies in living with purpose, in harmony with the earth. Here, every guest is invited not just to unwind—but to reconnect, rejuvenate, and play a part in a greater story of healing and hope.


Subuthi Spa at Sterling Lake Palace Alleppey Wins Big at Spa & Wellness Summit 2025

Subuthi Spa at Sterling Lake Palace Alleppey Wins Big at Spa & Wellness Summit 2025

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 19, 2025

Sterling Holiday Resorts proudly celebrates the recognition of Subuthi Spa at Sterling Lake Palace Alleppey as one of the Top 10 Resort Spas in India, awarded at the Spa & Wellness Summit 2025 held in Mumbai. The award was presented by none other than Dr. Mickey Mehta, a pioneer in India's wellness movement, cementing the spa's reputation for authentic and immersive Ayurvedic experiences.

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Renowned for its traditional therapies rooted in ancient science, Subuthi Spa offers personalized treatments like Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Pizhichil, and Njavarakizhi—each tailored by expert Vaidyas using Nadi Pariksha, a diagnostic method that identifies an individual’s doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These treatments go beyond relaxation, creating a path to inner alignment and lasting wellness.

As the monsoon season unfolds—considered by Ayurveda as the most effective period for detox and rejuvenation—Subuthi Spa transforms into a tranquil haven for holistic healing. The spa’s lush setting and mindful treatments invite guests to reconnect body, mind, and spirit in harmony with the climate.

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“Subuthi Spa has been crafted to deliver immersive, mindful experiences that nurture every dimension of wellbeing—physical, emotional, and spiritual,” said Anupam Dutta, Chief Marketing Officer, Sterling Holiday Resorts. “This recognition reaffirms our promise to create sanctuaries of healing across India—be it through our award-winning spas or our curated ‘What A Trip’ wellness retreats.”

The success of Subuthi Spa at Alleppey is part of a larger wellness initiative by Sterling, with over 20 Subuthi Spas across India. Guests can experience these therapeutic offerings at properties such as Sterling Palm Bliss Rishikesh, Sterling Wayanad, Sterling Munnar, and Sterling Arunai Anantha Tiruvannamalai, where Ayurveda Acharyas and trained chefs collaborate to offer complete rejuvenation through therapies and wellness cuisine.

Travelers seeking structured wellness getaways can now explore ‘What A Trip’ programs offering 3, 7, or 14-day packages, tailored for conscious rejuvenation. Bookings and details are available at www.whatatrip.sterlingholidays.com.

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About Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd.:

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited operates a network of over 60 resorts across 54 destinations in India, covering hills, beaches, jungles, heritage sites, and more. With over 3,200 rooms and offerings spanning leisure stays, destination weddings, group travel, and MICE events, the company stands as a leader in the Indian hospitality space. Sterling is a wholly owned subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., part of the Fairfax Financial Holdings Group.

For more, visit: www.sterlingholidays.com


Westin Hotels Celebrate Global Wellness Day with Rejuvenating Experiences Across Asia Pacific

Westin Hotels Celebrate Global Wellness Day with Rejuvenating Experiences Across Asia Pacific

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 19, 2025

Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global brand portfolio, is once again reaffirming its dedication to wellness travel as it marks Global Wellness Day on June 14 with a region-wide celebration across Asia Pacific (excluding China). Themed around #ReconnectMagenta, this year’s initiative focuses on fostering meaningful connections and moments of intentional self-care.

With wellness deeply embedded in its brand ethos, Westin’s approach for 2025 moves beyond individual health to embrace a more holistic idea of well-being. From invigorating morning rituals to calming nighttime practices, Westin is inviting guests to rediscover balance, nurture personal connections, and slow down for a day of mindful rejuvenation.

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“At Westin, wellness isn't a trend – it's a commitment that runs deep in the brand's DNA,” said John Toomey, Chief Commercial Officer, Marriott International, Asia Pacific excluding China. “This Global Wellness Day, our hotels are bringing to life this commitment through thoughtful, guest-centered experiences that offer moments of stillness and intentional self-care.”

Hotels across the region will transform into hubs of renewal, featuring a variety of activities rooted in the brand’s signature Pillars of Well-being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, and Move Well. From sound baths and meditative rituals to curated wellness markets and sensory escapades, every offering is designed to help guests connect with their body, mind, and the world around them.

Each experience is carefully tailored to meet guests wherever they are on their personal wellness journey, making wellness travel both intuitive and accessible.

This Global Wellness Day, Westin Hotels & Resorts invites you to pause, breathe, and take the time to reconnect—because a balanced life begins with small, meaningful moments.


Meliá Pattaya Unveils YHI Spa with Signature Thai Healing and Global Wellness Touch

Meliá Pattaya Unveils YHI Spa with Signature Thai Healing and Global Wellness Touch

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 10, 2025

Meliá Pattaya Hotel has officially launched its YHI Spa, offering a thoughtfully curated menu of wellness treatments that promote physical and mental well-being — from improving metabolism and easing tension to boosting circulation and enhancing sleep quality.

This marks the fourth YHI Spa in Thailand under Meliá Hotels International, following successful rollouts at Meliá Koh Samui, Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, and Meliá Chiang Mai. Named after the goddess of life and light from the Karraur First Nations mythology, YHI Spa blends ancient Asian healing wisdom with contemporary wellness techniques.

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With four serene treatment rooms and a traditional Thai herbal sauna, the spa is designed for ultimate rejuvenation. The spa’s signature treatment, “YHI Oriental Harmony”, combines Swedish and Thai massage techniques to target pressure points and aid muscle recovery — ideal for guests with persistent back, neck, or shoulder tension.

Highlighting Thai heritage, the “Siam Serenity Herbal Compress” features the traditional Luk Pra Kob infused with lemongrass, turmeric, camphor, and ginger, offering relief from inflammation and improved circulation.

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For those seeking a full immersive experience, the “Blue Ocean Bliss Signature Treatment” blends a detoxifying marine salt scrub, yoga stretches, and an oil and seawater massage — topped with a local snack and herbal drink. Couples can enjoy the “Lot of Love” package, beginning with a romantic milk bath and followed by a shared massage.

The spa also offers facials and body treatments like the “Yuzu Scrub and Vitiver Body Polish” with Himalayan salt, konjac sponge, and caffeine to brighten and rehydrate the skin. The “Ageless Facial Treatment” uses natural extracts from water lily, licorice, and cactus to combat signs of aging.

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Shorter hydrotherapy rituals, such as the “Citrus and Salt Bath Voyage” and “Royal Rice Milk Soak”, provide 30 minutes of pure relaxation and detox.

All treatments use products from HARNN, an organic Thai wellness brand known for natural, artisanal formulations passed down through generations.

Open daily from 10am to 8pm, the YHI Spa at Meliá Pattaya offers three single treatment rooms with showers, a spa suite for couples with hydrotherapy, and a Thai herbal sauna to complete the wellness journey.

For bookings, visit melia.com, email info.pattaya@melia.com, or call +66 33 168 555.

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