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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.
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.
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.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on July 8, 2025
Kairali Ayurvedic Group has inaugurated its first Kerala Ayurveda wellness treatment centre in Jaipur, Rajasthan, marking the group’s 11th centre in India and 17th globally. Located in Paschim Vihar, Vaishali Nagar, the centre features four well-equipped treatment rooms and aims to deliver authentic Ayurvedic therapies in a city that is rapidly becoming a wellness destination. Executive Director Abishek K Ramesh highlighted Jaipur’s ₹1,400 crore wellness tourism economy and its alignment with Ayurveda’s growing relevance in modern India. Partnering with Dr. Rahul Sharma, Chief Embryologist at Ishwa IVF Pvt. Ltd., the centre is envisioned as a sanctuary for healing, rejuvenation, and preventive care.
With Vaishali Nagar’s upscale infrastructure and excellent connectivity, the centre is poised to become a trusted space for holistic wellness. Dr. Sharma emphasized that Rajasthan’s strong Ayurvedic education ecosystem makes it the ideal location for promoting authentic Indian healing traditions. Built on Kairali’s legacy of over three decades, the Jaipur centre promises to uphold the brand’s commitment to purity, professionalism, and personalized care in every treatment it offers.
Published on June 24, 2025
Marriott India has successfully wrapped up its International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations, echoing the national theme of "Yoga for One Earth, One Health" through a series of wellness-focused initiatives across its hotels. Aligned with the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Ayush, the campaign reflects Marriott’s dedication to holistic living, not just for its guests but also for its associates.
The hotel chain launched curated wellness packages, dedicated yoga sessions, and guided practices across properties to reinforce the significance of integrating yoga into everyday life. These activities were designed to promote physical health, emotional balance, and mental resilience.
Sanjay Gupta, Chairman of the Marriott India Business Council, shared,
“Yoga is a timeless practice that offers unparalleled benefits for both individual and collective well-being… We aim to inspire our guests and associates to embrace yoga as a powerful tool for holistic living, contributing to a healthier planet and healthier communities.”
One of the standout moments of the celebration was a collaborative yoga session held in Bengaluru, where over 180 associates from 18 Marriott hotels gathered for a high-energy session led by Ms. Usha Rao, in collaboration with Warrior Rhythm.
The event, hosted at Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, ended with a mindful breakfast, reinforcing the message of balance in mind, body, and nourishment. The energy and unity of the participants reflected Marriott’s growing wellness culture.
Participating Bengaluru hotels included:
Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield
The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore
JW Marriott Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru
Sheraton Grand at Brigade Gateway
Courtyard Outer Ring Road, Hebbal, and Whitefield
Fairfield Rajajinagar, Whitefield, Outer Ring Road
Four Points by Sheraton Whitefield
Aloft Outer Ring Road and Whitefield
Mulberry Shades Nandi Hills (Tribute Portfolio)
Moxy Bengaluru Airport
Marriott Executive Apartments UB City
The enthusiastic response further reinforces Marriott India's wellness-forward vision and support for India's mission to embed Yoga into daily life. These efforts showcase Marriott’s ongoing commitment to build healthier communities through shared, inclusive well-being practices.
By Author
Published on June 22, 2025
Aloft Bengaluru Whitefield celebrated the International Day of Yoga 2025 with great enthusiasm and purpose, aligning with the national theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health." This initiative, led by the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Ayush, inspired a series of wellness-driven activities at the hotel, showcasing its deep commitment to holistic well-being for guests and associates alike.
The hotel transformed into a space of serenity and mindfulness, inviting participants to engage in rejuvenating yoga sessions that emphasized not only physical fitness but also emotional and mental resilience. The day’s activities reflected Marriott India’s broader wellness philosophy—where hospitality goes beyond service to embrace harmony, health, and healing.
Recognizing the timeless relevance of yoga, Aloft Bengaluru Whitefield is integrating wellness practices into everyday guest experiences. Curated wellness packages, guided yoga sessions, and thoughtful health-centric programming are becoming part of the hotel's evolving offerings, ensuring that guests leave not just refreshed, but rebalanced.
Mr. Hafizullah Baig, General Manager of the hotel, expressed, “Yoga is a timeless practice that offers unparalleled benefits for both individual and collective well-being. We at Marriott India are deeply committed to fostering a culture of health and mindfulness. By aligning with the 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health' theme, we aim to inspire our guests and associates to embrace Yoga as a powerful tool for holistic living, contributing to a healthier planet and healthier communities.”
The celebrations stood as a testament to Aloft Bengaluru Whitefield’s proactive approach to well-being, sustainability, and community engagement. Through its dedication to integrating yogic principles into everyday hospitality, the hotel continues to lead by example—demonstrating that true care begins from within and radiates outward, benefitting not just individuals but the world around them.
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