Six Senses Vana Celebrates World Environment Day with Launch of Earth Lab

Six Senses Vana Celebrates World Environment Day with Launch of Earth Lab

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 6, 2024

As World Environment Day approaches, Six Senses Vana, a pioneer in sustainable hospitality, unveils its latest initiative, Earth Lab. This new venture underscores the retreat's deep commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns with this year's global theme focusing on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.

Earth Lab is a testament to Six Senses Vana's foundational philosophy that nature is integral to our existence, not just an external element. This commitment is evidenced by the retreat's attainment of LEED Platinum Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2015, a first for the Indian hospitality industry. The lab serves as a dynamic hub for sustainability efforts, displaying the retreat’s energy consumption and waste management statistics prominently, educating guests on the importance of environmental conservation.

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Located in the serene surroundings of Six Senses Vana, Earth Lab offers a range of engaging activities aimed at enhancing guests' connection to the environment. These include Seed Bomb Making workshops, where guests can create seed-laden clay balls to aid in reforestation efforts, and Workout while Watering sessions that combine physical fitness with the watering of the retreat's extensive gardens. Additionally, the Bamboo Basket & Craft Making Workshop teaches the sustainable use of bamboo, emphasising its environmental benefits.

The retreat also features several interactive displays such as Birds of Vana and Trees of Vana, which educate guests on the local flora and fauna, further enriching their stay. The Sustainable Practices Wall provides insights into the retreat’s numerous green initiatives, from responsible sourcing and eco-friendly construction methods to advanced waste management techniques.

Six Senses Vana’s commitment to sustainability extends to its architectural choices, featuring biophilic design elements like living walls and natural lighting, which reduce energy consumption and enhance guest health. The use of low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and FSC-certified wood furniture in guest rooms and common areas highlights the retreat’s commitment to indoor environmental quality and responsible forestry.

Further solidifying its environmental initiatives, Six Senses Vana operates an in-house water bottling plant, significantly cutting down on plastic usage, and a high-efficiency sewage treatment facility that recycles greywater. Additionally, the retreat’s mushroom hut and organic gardens allow for a farm-to-table dining experience that supports local farmers and reduces food miles.

With the launch of Earth Lab, Six Senses Vana not only celebrates World Environment Day but also reinforces its role as a leader in sustainable tourism, providing guests with a transformative experience that respects and nurtures the natural world. This initiative is a step forward in Six Senses Vana's journey towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious hospitality industry.

For more information about Earth Lab and Six Senses Vana’s sustainability initiatives, visit Six Senses Vana's official website.


Rest and Reset in Luxury at the World's Best Spas

Rest and Reset in Luxury at the World's Best Spas

By Hariharan U

Published on October 24, 2025

In today’s fast-paced world, carving out time to rest and rejuvenate has never been more essential. From the rolling hills of South Wales to the bustling medinas of Morocco, and even the icy expanses of Antarctica, spas across the globe are redefining wellness with innovative treatments that promise to elevate the conventional spa experience.

UK and Ireland

Ellenborough Park, Cotswolds offers an ultimate retreat for relaxation, combining nature and technology in its tranquil Spa Garden Retreat. Guests can enjoy six treatment rooms, thermal suites, a heated outdoor pool, and a Scandinavian sauna designed for digital detox. The retreat also introduces an ice bath for cold-water therapy and exclusive touches like a rare Taittinger yacht box. Ellenborough Park recently launched its Japanese Head Spa, a TikTok-trending hair and scalp treatment, offering one of the few such experiences in the UK.imageThe Vineyard, Berkshire presents a five-star spa retreat amidst the scenic South of England, perfect for wine lovers and wellness enthusiasts alike. Its award-winning spa partners with Irene Forte Skincare and Elemental Herbology to offer bespoke treatments, including the Forte Face and Body Ritual, age-defying Etna facial, and hot and cold stone massages. Guests can also relax in a rejuvenating Jacuzzi or indulge in personalized wellness therapies. imageThe Montenotte, Cork offers an urban spa oasis at the Bellevue Spa, where guests can enjoy deep tissue massages, holistic body treatments, customized facials, and therapeutic sessions in the Himalayan Salt Room. The spa also features a pool, sauna, and jacuzzi within The Motion Health Club. 

Malta and ItalyimageTreville Positano’s La Traviata Spa on the Amalfi Coast provides a serene retreat surrounded by natural beauty. Housed in a greenhouse once used as part of an opera set, the spa offers Thai and holistic massages, facials, exfoliation treatments, a sea-view cold plunge pool, Turkish bath, private relaxation area, and a state-of-the-art gym. imageIl Salviatino, Florence combines history and wellness in its Aquae Vitali Spa, offering Kneip showers, infrared sauna, hammam, steam rooms, hydromassage pool, and ice bath. Guests can experience bespoke wellness programs including crystal therapy and cacao ceremonies tailored to sleep, detox, and emotional balance. imageIniala Harbour House, Valletta features the Essensi Spa set in historic 17th-century vaults, blending contemporary design with ancient architecture. Guests can choose from over 80 treatments, including Thai, Asian, and Ayurveda therapies, alongside bespoke scrubs and oils at the Herbal Bar. 

AfricaimageLa Sultana Marrakech, Morocco offers a world-class spa in the heart of the medina, featuring individual hammams, balneotherapy baths, saunas, and massage cabins. Guests can enjoy the Royal Hammam and traditional Moroccan treatments using locally sourced oils. imageLa Sultana Oualidia, Morocco provides a tranquil coastal escape with cathedral-inspired spa facilities, including an indoor pool, hammams, jacuzzi, sauna, and fitness room. Treatments incorporate organic oils, rose, almond, lemon, and orange blossom aromas for a holistic wellness experience. imageO&L Leisure, Namibia integrates wellness into four distinct properties: Strand Hotel Swakopmund, Mokuti Etosha, Midgard, and Chobe Water Villas. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, fitness facilities, nature-based activities, and immersive wellness experiences connected to the country’s landscapes. 

AntarcticaimageWhichaway Camp, White Desert is introducing a Wellness Dome overlooking glacial landscapes, allowing guests to practice breathwork, meditation, and connect with nature. A biokineticist and dedicated instructor will guide wellness activities in this remote setting. 

From the ice baths of the Cotswolds to hammams in Morocco and wellness domes in Antarctica, these spas showcase the diverse ways global destinations are reimagining relaxation, offering guests unparalleled opportunities to reset, rejuvenate, and reconnect with themselves.


Antara Cruises Strengthens Sustainable Tourism at Bhitarkanika

Antara Cruises Strengthens Sustainable Tourism at Bhitarkanika

By Hariharan U

Published on October 20, 2025

Antara Cruises, a leading name in India’s luxury river tourism, continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainable travel at Bhitarkanika National Park. The cruise operator has implemented strict cleanliness and waste management measures at the Gupti jetty and during all guest excursions.

The team ensures that the entire jetty area, from entry gates and access stairs to the boarding point remains spotless, free from litter such as plastic bottles and wrappers. Onboard garbage is carefully collected and brought back to land for disposal in dustbins provided by the Forest Department.

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Extending their eco-responsibility further, naturalists and forest guides accompanying guests actively pick up any plastic or waste encountered during jungle walks, ensuring it is properly discarded in designated bins.

Bhitarkanika is one of India’s most pristine and biodiverse mangrove ecosystems. Our team takes immense pride in preserving its purity by maintaining high standards of cleanliness and environmental care,” said Vineet Arora, Chief Operating Officer, Antara Cruises. “At Antara, sustainability is not an initiative, it’s an integral part of how we operate and engage with nature.”

These efforts highlight Antara’s leadership in responsible river tourism, blending authentic exploration with respect for the environment and local communities. Guests can enjoy immersive journeys through India’s iconic rivers while being assured that their travel footprint is minimized.

About Antara Cruises

Antara Cruises is India’s premier luxury river cruise company, offering unique voyages across the country’s most iconic rivers. With a focus on sustainability and cultural immersion, Antara combines refined comfort with conscious travel practices to provide experiences that celebrate India’s heritage, nature, and craftsmanship.


Ridhira Group to Build Luxury Resort and Global Wellness Centre in Telangana

Ridhira Group to Build Luxury Resort and Global Wellness Centre in Telangana

By Hariharan U

Published on October 3, 2025

Ridhira Group has announced plans to develop Ridhira Zen, a flagship luxury wellness project in Telangana, after receiving the official Letter of Award from the state’s Youth Advancement, Tourism, and Culture (YATC) Department.

The ambitious development, set near Shankarpally in Ranga Reddy District, involves an investment of approximately Rs 200 crore. Spread across six acres, Ridhira Zen will feature a 5-star branded resort, a 10,000 sq. ft. Global Wellness Centre and Spa, upscale villas, and premium plots. Once complete, it is expected to become the region’s largest wellness-centric resort and a landmark in India’s growing wellness tourism sector.

Highlighting the vision behind the project, Ritesh Mastipuram, Founder and Managing Director, Ridhira Group, said, “We are delighted to receive this government recognition for our visionary project, as it reinforces our long-term commitment to revolutionize wellness hospitality in Telangana. This development, with its unprecedented scale and investment, is designed to set new benchmarks in sustainable luxury and holistic living, combining innovation with deep respect for nature and well-being. With the government’s proactive support, we are confident of ensuring timely and seamless execution, and we look forward to contributing meaningfully to the region’s overall growth, while also shaping Telangana’s reputation as a global destination for wellness tourism.”

The project reflects Ridhira Group’s focus on integrating wellness, sustainability, and modern luxury into hospitality. It also strengthens Telangana’s positioning as a hub for world-class tourism and wellness experiences.

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