Lisa Ray Instagram – #SitaraHimalaya is a Well-Being Center imbued with the profound joys of good design; an indulgence of all the senses grounded in a distinctly Indian approach towards living well. It contains the creative stamp of Anita Lal, the visionary founder of iconic lifestyle brand @goodearth everywhere; authentic expressions of hospitality, beauty, nature and Indian wisdom. In a world that standardises and applies rigid interpretations of wellness, #SitaraHimalaya is unique. Here, good health is equated to joy while incorporating traditional approaches to healing. As a veteran of Wellness Resorts and Retreats I can honestly say I’ve never experienced another place quite the same. Nestled in the scenic village of Kothi at an altitude of 8200 feet, surrounded by the magnitude of Himalayan peaks, a ballet begins between the environment and yourself as soon as you enter the grounds of landscaped wild flowers. The interiors are unparalleled as you would expect. Sensual and earthy fragrances, Banarasi silk wallpaper, snow capped views and velvety ‘gossip corners’ beckon at every turn. There’s a stunning glass roofed ‘Skylight’ conservatory where you can experience the galaxies at night or curl up with a book in the day, absorbing the purity of mountain light. Spa therapies at Svasthi are holistic affairs, rooted in the concepts of the Vedas and the hot water plunge pool scented with Deodar became a daily indulgence. The daily yoga class is held amongst astonishing views. While we breathed and moved I recalled Mrs Lal sharing that the very spot – they say- where Rishi Ved Vyas meditated for 12 years before inscribing eternal, revealed wisdom of the four Vedas lay behind us. We hiked, we gathered over exquisite meals and revealed at times, our hearts to each other. Here, design is more than a visual tool. It leads to the alchemy of the right environment to amplify potential, to experience connection and all the astonishments of the world: sparkle, joy, peace and dare I say, healing. Thank you @neroliblooms for your warmth and wisdom. Thank you @pareinathapar and the staff who are more family at Sitara and everyone who made this experience magical.