Dharana Shillim

Dharana Shillim is a solid mix of Ayurveda, clinical science, and advanced diagnostics. The idea is to thoroughly map your health thoroughly with programmes tailored for both a quick reset and a longer overhaul.

Set deep in the Sahyadri hills near Pune, within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Western Ghats, the property feels wonderfully cut off. Originally part of the Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa, Dharana has since evolved into a far more focused, fully fledged wellness institution. At 3,000 acres, you're essentially sharing a vast chunk of mountains and forest with a small handful of other guests. And unlike many wellness retreats where outdoor activities are bolted on as extras, your walks, treks, and hikes here are very much on campus.

What are the rooms like? 
Inside Dharana's 99 standalone villas, expect earthy tones and clean lines. They feel like a self-contained hideaway of sorts, albeit with floor-to-ceiling windows, leaning into a biophilic design. If you're used to five-star city hotels, this might feel like a shift, especially at this price point. But you're here to relax – not be dazzled by glossy floors and crystal chandeliers. 

The one-bedroom Garden Pool Villas are the most popular, and for good reason: sitting areas, sunken bathtubs, workspaces, outdoor terraces, and generous private pools. In the rooms, herbal teas replace your usual caffeine hits, and you'll find yourself reaching for them more than you expected.

What about the treatments? 
There are more than 80 treatments on offer, all recommended after consultations with in-house experts. These range from activated-oxygen therapies and IV drips to bioenergetic analysis and shockwave therapy; from Ayurvedic consultations and body composition analysis to iridology and physiotherapy assessments. Stays can range from 3 to 28 days.

Some of the more unusual treatments include gait analysis, which studies how you walk to identify imbalances or strain patterns, and the Oligoscan: a non-invasive technology originally developed by NASA to measure trace minerals and metal toxicity. Not your average spa menu.

What's the food like? 
Guided by the seasons and an earth-to-table philosophy, the menu here is organised by food kingdoms. The plant kingdom covers fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and herbs… basically everything your nutritionist has ever told you to eat. The kingdom of fungi brings mushrooms, truffles, and umami goodness to satisfy savoury cravings.

Time Out tip: Try your hand at the Culinary Studio workshops. These interactive cooking classes, suitable for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike, are led by passionate chefs who show you how to recreate nourishing, energising dishes back home.