It feels wonderful to be in the lap of nature and enjoying services that relax and calm the mind and soul. Nature has gifted us with resources that have always proven to be beneficial to mankind and all of it becomes more beautiful when entrepreneurs know how to utilize the serenity of nature in the best way. In a conversation with Ashok Khanna, Founder and Managing Director, IHHR Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., he tells us about his brand, what made him set up a luxurious brand and many more.
Kindly give a brief about your brand.
The uniqueness comes from the offerings and the location of this destination spa- Ananda in the Himalayas. Located on a 100-acre Maharaja’s Palace Estate, Ananda is surrounded by the graceful sal forest, overlooking the spiritual town of Rishikesh and the Ganges river valley.
Let us know about your entrepreneurial journey.
In 1989, the seed for Ananda was planted, but the brand opened its doors in 2001 to the world, and since then has received numerous awards and worldwide recognition. It remains at the forefront of innovation in health and wellness and strives to constantly improve. Ananda has accomplished exactly what I had envisioned- changing lifestyles and assisting guests on a path to personal wellbeing.
What are some of your most memorable moments with your brand?
The brand was voted World’s Best Destination Spa by Condé Nast Traveler, the UK in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2012 and by Condé Nast Traveler, India in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Ananda was also voted the Best Spa for Mind, Body and Spirit, Yoga and Healthy Cuisine by Spa Finder Wellness Travel Awards 2015. Functioning under the IHHR Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., India’s premier spa operator, Ananda Spa started the Ananda Spa Institute in Hyderabad in Sept 2008.
What’s the USP of your brand, Ananda in the Himalayas?
Ananda is known to integrate traditional Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta with international wellness experiences, fitness and healthy organic cuisine to restore balance and harmony in the mind, body and soul. One can enjoy meditative discourses, active fitness regimes, physiotherapy sessions and the traditional Tibetan massages using authentic Himalayan Salt and the in-house brand of Ila. At Ananda, choose from the offering of nine wellness programs. These cater to relaxing the stress points, rejuvenation, renewing of body rhythm and also weight management apart from detoxification routines and a specialized Yoga program, not to miss the unique fitness and meditation-based program. The whole experience takes you to dream world where guests enjoy the advantage of an amphitheatre and Hawa Mahal, for you to sounds of nature as a way of relaxing the being.
Kindly share with us the aims and vision the brand holds?
Unlike other spas, at the Ananda, the staff and founder is extremely serious about health- whether it is mental, physical or spiritual. The spa promotes and prides in their specialized programs to promote holistic health comprising a delicate balance of physical, mental and emotional constituents. The clientele is the affluent world traveller who understands the needs of ‘soulful time’ in a fast-paced stressful life.
What all does your brand offers to its customers?
Ananda’s signature all-inclusive wellness programs are tailor-made for individual health goals. Clients can enjoy the QEPR (Quantum Emotional & Physical Release) for 55 minutes with awarded Paul Emery or The Feldenkrais Method by Mandy Kealy or even meet Richard Curral for spiritual healing and more. All the programs follow a holistic approach towards achieving the best results in a safe, nurturing atmosphere guided by our team of expert Ayurvedic doctors, skilled therapists, nutritionists, yogis and chefs trained in healthy cuisine.
