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.


TIA Wellness Resort Introduces Immersive Bath Rituals for Rest and Renewal

TIA Wellness Resort Introduces Immersive Bath Rituals for Rest and Renewal

By Hariharan U

Published on March 25, 2026

TIA Wellness Resort is redefining how guests unwind with the launch of its new range of wellness bath rituals, designed to bring together relaxation, indulgence, and thoughtful experiences.

Set along the scenic coastline of Da Nang, the resort introduces four distinct bath rituals, Deep Slumber, Detox Harmony, Radiant Glow, and Romance Bliss each created to suit different moods and wellness needs. These experiences go beyond the usual soak, combining curated lighting, infused bath ingredients, personalised wellness drinks, and themed treats to elevate the overall experience.

Each ritual also encourages guests to begin with a pre-bath treatment, helping the body fully relax and making the soak more effective.

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There are many trends in wellness that come and go but a relaxing soak in a tub has long been known to be beneficial,” said Ramon Imper, general manager of TIA Wellness Resort. “We’ve taken a simple yet effective wellness practice and elevated it into an experience that we hope guests will remember long after their holiday.”

The Deep Slumber ritual focuses on improving sleep quality, starting with calming therapies before leading into a lavender-infused bath with natural ingredients like Epsom salts and dried mugwort. Soft lighting and a Lavender Reishi Latte add to the calming atmosphere, helping guests ease into rest.

For a more cleansing experience, the Detox Harmony ritual draws from traditional Vietnamese botanical practices. It blends native forest herbs with ingredients like ginger and lemongrass, complemented by a detox tea and healthy treats, creating a refreshing reset for both body and mind.

The Radiant Glow ritual is centred around skin nourishment, featuring a floral bath infused with green tea, rose petals, honey, and coconut milk. Guests can pair this with a refreshing collagen-based drink and skincare elements for a complete glow-focused experience.

Meanwhile, the Romance Bliss ritual is designed for couples, offering a candlelit bath setup with floral elements, essential oils, and indulgent touches like chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne, creating a warm and intimate setting.

With these new offerings, TIA Wellness Resort continues to focus on holistic wellness, blending traditional practices with modern comforts to create meaningful and memorable stays. 


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.

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