Wellness has become a word stretched thin by overuse, but for the people who actually chase it, the meaning stays specific — a mountain climbed in silence, a boat with no fixed itinerary, a festival built entirely around the idea of letting go.
The Hollywood Reporter India asked celebrities where they go when they want to disconnect, the retreats and destinations they return to when they want to slow down, reconnect and recharge, and the answers say less about luxury and more about what each of them is quietly trying to recover.
Wellness for me isn’t really about one specific destination, but more about finding a place where I can completely disconnect from work and spend time in nature. I love places that are quiet, surrounded by greenery or close to the beach, where I can wake up early, work out, eat well and just slow down for a few days. I think that’s the biggest luxury now — to be able to switch off your phone for a while and enjoy simple things. Whenever I come back from a trip like that, I feel much more refreshed, both mentally and physically, and ready to get back to work.
My favourite wellness retreat is a few hours from Mumbai, about a two- to three-hour drive, near Mulshi. It’s called KARE Ayurveda Retreat. I like it because it’s very simple, very quaint, and it offers great Iyengar yoga and nice sattvic (pure) food. There are also Ayurvedic treatment massages, and evening breathing yoga sessions. I do Panchakarma there, which is a detox treatment. The right exercise in the morning, the right food, the right mindset, out in nature, that's exactly how I like it. Plus, lights out at 7.30 p.m., before waking up to do yoga again at 7 a.m. It’s the perfect circadian rhythm too.
Amanbagh in Rajasthan is one of my favourite wellness destinations. My family is originally from Rajasthan, so every visit feels like a chance to reconnect with my roots. There’s something incredibly grounding about being surrounded by the landscape, the history and the slower pace of life the region is known for. One of my favourite memories is waking up to the sound of birdsong. It’s one of those simple moments that instantly puts you at ease. I start the morning with a quiet walk through the property with the Aravalli Hills as the backdrop and then sit down to a traditional Rajasthani breakfast. I always leave feeling physically refreshed, mentally recharged and more connected to my roots.
When it comes to wellness retreats, the multi-level onsens (hot springs) in Japan top my list. I’ve also been to a few wellness centres in the Maldives and Thailand, which I loved. The Arabic spas, too, are amazing. For me, anywhere outdoors becomes a space for wellness and balance.
I’ve hardly ever travelled anywhere to stay indoors. I find my wellness in the outdoors. Norway has been extremely therapeutic for me. I love how outdoorsy Norwegians are and how much their idea of fun is climbing mountains, skiing and spending time in nature. I remember doing the Via Ferrata climb in Loen last summer. It took a lot of effort to get to the top, but the incredible sights along the way made it worthwhile. Time spent in silence, with your thoughts and in the embrace of nature, has endless things to teach you.
I recently attended the Kayan Wellness Festival in Abu Dhabi and was stunned by its scale and beauty. The entire festival took place by the beach, with white sand, blue waters and a view I couldn’t take my eyes off. It was divided into four themes — Heart, Mind, Body and Soul, with activities, meditations, movement and music centred around each one. People from across the world came together to teach, learn and unlearn, and share new techniques and technologies. Some incredible artistes performed transcendental music and encouraged us to free our minds and bodies by creating animal sounds and completely letting go. That session was my favourite. The food was wonderful and the overall vibe was wholesome and beautiful. It’ll always remain a memorable retreat, as will the city itself.
Wellness isn’t about escaping life, it’s about finding a space that helps me reconnect with myself and return feeling lighter, calmer and more present. One retreat that left a lasting impression on me is Viveda Wellness Village in Nashik. Nestled amidst nature, it has a quiet, unhurried energy that immediately makes you slow down. I always leave feeling calmer, recharged and carrying a little bit of that serenity back into my everyday life.