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.


Ayurbay at The Bheemili Resort Offers Coastal Ayurveda Retreat in Visakhapatnam

Ayurbay at The Bheemili Resort Offers Coastal Ayurveda Retreat in Visakhapatnam

By Hariharan U

Published on February 10, 2026

Set along the serene coastline of Bheemunipatnam, Ayurbay Wellness Centre at The Bheemili Resort, managed by Accor, presents a thoughtfully curated wellness retreat rooted in the principles of classical Ayurveda. Designed for guests seeking balance, renewal and deep relaxation, Ayurbay blends time-honoured healing traditions with the natural calm of the sea.

Each wellness journey begins with a detailed consultation that assesses individual dosha, lifestyle and wellness goals, allowing therapies to be customised with care and precision. The centre offers a range of authentic Ayurvedic treatments including Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Kati Basti, Greeva Basti, Pinda Sweda, Udwartana and Nasyam. Using traditional medicated oils and age-old techniques, these therapies aim to relieve stress, improve sleep quality, ease muscular and joint discomfort, support detoxification and restore overall vitality.

Sharing his perspective, Dr Satya Sai Vissavajjula, Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Ayurbay Wellness Centre, said that personalised care combined with the resort’s coastal environment allows guests to experience deeper relaxation and long-lasting rejuvenation.

Wellness at Ayurbay extends beyond the treatment rooms. Guests can participate in daily yoga and Zumba sessions, unwind along the pristine beachfront, stroll through expansive green lawns or connect with nature in the resort’s organic fruit and vegetable garden. The open skies, gentle sea breeze and lush surroundings naturally enhance the restorative effects of Ayurvedic healing.

With its focus on authenticity, personalisation and nature-led wellness, Ayurbay at The Bheemili Resort offers guests an opportunity to pause, reconnect and return feeling calmer, lighter and refreshed.


Evolve to Launch India’s First Women-Only Wellness Club in New Delhi

Evolve to Launch India’s First Women-Only Wellness Club in New Delhi

By Hariharan U

Published on January 24, 2026

Evolve, India’s first wellness club exclusively designed for women, is set to open in January 2026 at Dhanmill Compound, New Delhi. Conceptualised as a holistic sanctuary, Evolve addresses physical, mental, emotional and hormonal well-being, areas that remain largely underserved in the current wellness landscape.

Built around its guiding philosophy, She deserves the care she gives,” Evolve places women’s lived experiences, recovery and long-term health at the centre of its design and programming. The space is intentionally created to support preventive care, hormonal balance, lifestyle health and restorative practices, offering a more inclusive and thoughtful approach to women’s wellness.

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Evolve is founded by Anu Bajaj, an entrepreneur, certified yoga trainer, wellness advocate, philosopher and art curator. Her personal journey in holistic health and yoga forms the spiritual and functional foundation of the club. She is joined by her son, Shivam Bajaj, Founder of Personal Nutrition, a serial entrepreneur focused on modern, evidence-led wellness solutions rooted in Ayurveda.

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A sports enthusiast with a strong interest in preventive and performance health, Shivam Bajaj also founded The Pad, a pickle and padel facility at Gulmohar Centre. His work bridges traditional Indian wellness practices with data-driven lifestyle medicine, playing a key role in shaping Evolve’s forward-looking, science-backed wellness model.

While women continue to be the primary consumers and drivers of the global wellness industry, many wellness spaces still fall short of addressing women-specific needs. Evolve seeks to redefine this by creating a space designed by intent for women, prioritising recovery, balance and long-term well-being.

The venture has raised a seed round of USD 500,000 (approximately INR 4.3 crore) at a valuation of INR 30 crore (USD 3.8 million), backed by Delhi-based founders and investors aligned with the brand’s vision. Looking ahead, Evolve plans to expand across major Indian cities, followed by international hubs such as London, Dubai and Los Angeles, alongside the launch of a digital vertical focused on women’s health.


The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal Launches Swasthya Retreat, Redefining Conscious Luxury

The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal Launches Swasthya Retreat, Redefining Conscious Luxury

By Hariharan U

Published on January 19, 2026

As the new year invites reflection and renewal, The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal has introduced the Swasthya Retreat, a thoughtfully curated wellness experience where conscious luxury meets ancient healing practices. Set amid Kerala’s tranquil natural landscapes, the retreat is designed for travellers seeking restoration through slow, intentional living rather than fleeting escapes.

Nestled at the serene confluence of the Nombili River and the Arabian Sea, the all-suite resort spans lush greenery and features 38 spacious suites, each offering private jacuzzis and calming lagoon views. At its heart lies a 20,000 sq. ft. Ayurvedic spa with 11 dedicated treatment rooms, envisioned as a sanctuary for privacy, deep rejuvenation, and personalised healing journeys.

Rooted in the Sanskrit philosophy of Swasthya, representing balance and harmony of the self, the retreat reflects the belief that wellbeing is a way of life. Through Swasthya Retreat, The LaLiT Bekal reinforces its positioning as a destination for immersive wellness, seamlessly integrated into the experience of a luxury stay.

Developed in collaboration with Spiceology, a modern wellness brand inspired by India’s ancient spice wisdom and refined through French techniques, the retreat adopts a sensorial approach to healing. Bespoke spa rituals, customised therapies, and thoughtfully curated nutrition come together to create an experience that feels restorative yet indulgent.

Guests can choose from six structured wellness journeys, including Panchakarma Detox, Anti-Ageing & Rejuvenation, Weight Management, and De-Stress & Burnout Recovery. These programmes unfold gently through sunrise yoga sessions, personalised therapies, nourishing regional cuisine, and unhurried evenings by the backwaters.

Commenting on the launch, Cyril Feuillebois, Founder of Spiceology, said, “Swasthya Retreat at The Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal is my ode to unapologetic indulgence wrapped in holistic wellness. Set between river and ocean, amid blooming flowers, birdsong, and endless blue horizons, this is where luxury slows down, and self-care takes centre stage. I believe relaxation should be extraordinary; there can be no compromise on beauty, comfort, or experience. From our serene Spiceology spa and expansive suites to the freshest flavours and bespoke wellness rituals, Swasthya is designed to spoil you sensorially and restore you completely. You don’t just leave relaxed, you leave renewed, radiant, and irresistibly alive.”

Aligned with The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group’s philosophy of conscious luxury, the retreat emphasises locally sourced ingredients, mindful culinary practices, and a deep respect for regional culture and craftsmanship. As 2026 begins, Swasthya Retreat at The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal presents a renewed definition of luxury, one that restores balance, nurtures wellbeing, and encourages guests to journey inward as much as outward

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