"External things are not the cause of my trouble, but my judgement about them is.” – Epictetus (135 AD), Ancient Greek Philosopher.
A quote I learnt during my Vedanta session at Dharana at Shillim has stayed with me. It made me slow down and turn my focus inward. This is just one of the many lessons I took away from my six days at the award-winning luxury wellbeing retreat, Dharana at Shillim.
More often than not, we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, moving almost mechanically. When someone suggests taking six days to focus on ourselves, the initial reaction is stress and apprehension. “How can I cut off from work for so long? Do I really need six days just for myself?” While these concerns are valid, let me start by saying that wellbeing is a necessity. I took the plunge and visited Dharana at Shillim—and I have no regrets.
The Location
Nestled in the Sahyadri Mountains of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, Dharana at Shillim is a UNESCO heritage site located in a small village, about a two-hour drive from Pune and three hours from Mumbai. Spanning 2,500 acres, with 320 acres of built space, this family-owned retreat is a sanctuary for those seeking a break from the fast pace of modern life. It offers the perfect setting to disconnect from daily stresses and reconnect—with nature, with loved ones, and most importantly, with oneself.
The Philosophy of Dharana at Shillim
The Sanskrit word Dharana means the art of concentration or holding a single point of focus. However, the wellbeing practices at Dharana at Shillim go beyond this, rooted in five key pillars—Preventative Medicine, Physical Restoration, Healing Nutrition, Emotional Balance, and Spiritual Harmony. The philosophy is simple: to follow a personalised Dinacharya (a daily self-care routine) designed for each individual based on scientific diagnosis, helping restore balance. The ultimate goal is to live with awareness and higher values, focusing on how you think, eat, communicate, work, exercise, sleep, shop, and behave in everyday life.
The Beginning of a Journey to Wellbeing
The journey to conscious wellbeing begins amidst tranquillity, surrounded by nature and the soothing sounds of chirping birds and buzzing insects, an indication of a thriving ecosystem. As I stepped onto the property, a wave of positivity took over my body. Breathing in the clean air and taking in the lush greenery, accompanied by calming music at the Gate House (reception), set the tone for my journey.
The experience begins with a ceremonial bell, to create positive vibrations between you and your surroundings. A warm welcome follows, with an aarti and a tulsi bracelet, symbolising protection and positivity. Sustainability is a core principle at Dharana at Shillim, where 60% of its electricity comes from solar panels. Additionally, all guest transportation within the retreat is with electric vehicles (EVs), providing a refreshing contrast to today’s world.
The Programme
I opted for the five-night, six-day Mental Resilience Programme, hoping to feel de-stressed, rejuvenated, and reset while also embracing healthier eating and lifestyle habits. Initially, I was apprehensive about the diet plan and unsure how the holistic retreat would impact me, but I was ready for the experience.
After checking into my spacious Garden Pool Villa, I made my way to The Green Table for a wholesome meal—a nourishing thali featuring dal, roti, brown rice, vegetables, salad, and a quinoa kheer. The intent was to balance my doshas before starting the programme. Following lunch, I headed to The House of Healing for consultations with a team of doctors specialising in naturopathy and Ayurveda. My journey began with advanced diagnostic assessments—nadi analysis, body composition, bio-energy analysis, and a physical evaluation—curating a personalised Dinacharya. The retreat also integrates DNA analysis and genomic studies for a deeper, science-backed approach, enabling tailored solutions for stress, burnout, and overall health. With my results analysed, a customised wellbeing plan was created, incorporating warm therapies, a clean diet, sound healing, meditation, pranayama, outdoor activities, and daily yoga. Dharana at Shillim further enhances its holistic approach with a cold plunge, infrared therapy, oxygen therapy, and IV drips.
The Spaces
Throughout my stay, I explored various spaces designed to enhance well-being, each offering a unique avenue for relaxation, learning, and self-discovery. The House of Healing marked the starting point for long-stay guests, featuring 17 therapy rooms and three consultation rooms. The Green Table, with its breathtaking mountain views, served light, clean living dishes tailored to complement a wellbeing journey. The Tea House & Apothecary offered home-brewed tea infusions and signature blends crafted with premium botanicals like chamomile and ashwagandha, blending traditional tea ceremonies with modern wellbeing.
The Healing Spaces were equally enriching. The open-air Yogshala hosted daily yoga sessions, while Dhyana, a meditation cave, was designed for deep relaxation, strategically located in a spot with maximum positive energy. Dhyana also offered Tibetan bowl sound healing and pranayama, easing stress with divine energy.
For physical fitness and rehabilitation, The Physical Restoration Studio employed cutting-edge Sudden Dynamic Impulse technology to enhance neuromuscular engagement, improving strength, reflexes, and cognitive function while minimising joint stress. For deep relaxation, the Tranquillity Pool and Jalayu Hydrothermal Pavilion featured heated pools, saunas, and steam rooms with panoramic views of the Sahyadri Mountains. The House of Knowledge encouraged connections with nature through trekking and birdwatching. Creativity flourished at the Ceramic Studio, where clay therapy workshops and painting sessions provided a meditative escape, while the Culinary Studio offered hands-on lessons in mastering nourishing, energy-boosting recipes.
A Day at Dharana at Shillim
Wearing the comfortable cotton white kurtas provided in my villa, I embraced the retreat lifestyle. My typical day began with a 6:30 am sunrise yoga session at the Yogshala, which overlooks the surreal landscape of the hills. Imagine walking on a chilly morning with temperatures as low as 17 degrees to a yoga studio surrounded by nature, all while it's still pitch dark. The path is illuminated by moonlight, and as you practice yoga, you can gaze outside through the transparent blinds, watching as the sun gradually casts an orange hue over the hills and the sky transitions from dark to light. When you wake from Savasana, you are welcomed by the gentle sunlight, a bright blue sky, the harmonious sounds of birds chirping, and the warmth of the rising sun. As the day unfolds, the temperature rises to a crisp 30 degrees or more.
On a carefully curated diet plan, my meals at The Green Table were designed to balance my doshas, promoting calmness while cleansing my system following the earth-to-table philosophy. Completely free of caffeine, sugar, and flour, the restaurant’s earth-to-table philosophy meant ingredients were sourced fresh from Shillim’s organic farm. The vegetables tasted pure and naturally sweet—a sharp contrast to their city counterparts. Every meal was nourishing, light, and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The team of doctors provided a daily diet chart with room for flexibility. My meals ranged from ragi idli with sambar and chutney to healthy oat pancakes with honey, soba noodles, Buddha bowls, zucchini noodles with pesto, paneer curry with quinoa, jowar roti, and Mediterranean egg salad. Fresh fruit platters, detox juices, buttermilk, quinoa salads, smoothies, and hearty yet light dishes showcased just how delicious healthy eating can be.
Post-breakfast, I visited The House of Healing for my therapies. On weekends, I attended Vedanta sessions engaging in deep discussions that challenged perspectives and encouraged higher self-awareness. Other days were spent exploring the organic farm, lounging by the Tranquillity Pool, or enjoying herbal tea at The Tea House. The aim was to cut off from the world and immerse myself in nature, observing silence and often interacting with other individuals at the luxury wellbeing retreat.
Each therapy was designed to detox, calm, and energise my body while releasing stress and muscle tension. I underwent Shirodhara, Deep Tissue, Tan Lepa, Ku Nye Tibetan, Activated Oxygen Therapy, and Vanaushadi 60. Shirodhara involves warm oil poured over the head, followed by acupressure and a soothing massage. The Tan Lepa therapy was a 90-minute detox ritual, beginning with a light massage, followed by steam in a wooden chamber, and concluding with a naturopathy body mud pack to eliminate toxins. My favourite was Ku Nye Tibetan therapy, a deeply relaxing treatment involving a gentle massage, hot oil potlis, and a hot stone massage to realign my energy. The 20-minute Activated Oxygen Therapy left me refreshed and recharged.
As the day progressed, I prioritised attending at least one meditation session at Dhyana. A wave of calm washed over me the moment I stepped into the cave My voice softened, my heart rate slowed, and my mind stilled. The divine energy in the space, combined with the soothing acoustics, created an immersive experience. Whether engaging in yoga nidra, Tibetan bowl sound healing, or pranayama, I felt transported into a realm of serenity. Mihika Paranjpe’s “Sleep Like a Baby” sound healing session worked wonders for my restless sleep patterns.
Nature played a central role in my well-being, and the team at Dharana at Shillim incorporated it seamlessly into my Dinacharya schedule. My evenings often involved an outdoor activity—a forest walk exploring the diverse flora and fauna, a trek, or simply a relaxing therapy. I was fortunate to witness the rare Karvi flower in bloom, a phenomenon that occurs once every 7-8 years. Alongside, I spotted funnel spider webs, vibrant birds, butterflies, and more. Adventure seekers would love the two-hour Shillim Peak Trek, which offers the option of a sunrise breakfast or sundown tea experience. Though moderately challenging, the panoramic view from the top was breathtaking, overlooking the Shillim Peak on one side and Pawna Lake on the other—a picture-perfect spot to leave all worries behind. A must-visit is the echo point, where a scream helps release pent-up stress!
A newly introduced practice I loved was Shinrin Yoku, or Japanese forest bathing, which involved mindful breathing in nature, followed by a ritual of tree-hugging to express thoughts. For those inclined towards sport, soft archery at the House of Knowledge provided a refreshing activity. Monsoon months replaced treks with waterfall explorations, surrounded by lush greenery. Stargazing was another mesmerising experience, and those with a curious mind could learn about composting, growing microgreens, or visiting local villages, Buddhist caves, and Hindu temples.
For those drawn to art and craft, the Ceramic Studio at The House of Knowledge and Shillim at Paint provided an artistic escape, encouraging creativity while reducing screen time. The day ended with the soothing Dharana Aarti, a moment of gratitude and reflection.
Physical Rehab: A Journey to Restoration
Arriving at Dharana at Shillim with a lower back and spinal injury, the Physical Restoration Studio became my sacred space—a place that reassured me I could soon return to my original workout methods. What captivated me most was the Reaxrun Technology, featuring treadmills and flat surfaces that mimic natural movements to activate every muscle in the body. As India’s first neuroactive training lab, it offers a groundbreaking approach to physical restoration and neurological fitness. This method fosters a strong mind-body connection, emphasising correct posture—often overlooked in HIIT and intense workouts. The Sudden Dynamic Impulse technology enhances neuromuscular engagement, while the weights, filled with water, make stability the real challenge.
A Shift in Mind and Body
On day one of the wellbeing programme, I learned that The Green Table was entirely free of caffeine, sugar, and flour—an announcement that immediately made me anxious. The first two days were tough, with caffeine withdrawal triggering severe headaches, making me confront my dependence on it. However, the dedicated doctors at Dharana at Shillim ensured comfort by incorporating small doses of dark chocolate with minimal caffeine, helping ease the transition. Over time, I felt lighter and more energised, and by the end of the programme, I realised I had gone days without caffeine, sugar, flour, low-carb meals, and even bread. It was an eye-opening revelation that I could thrive without them.
In terms of stress and sleep, the transformation was remarkable. My mind felt more at peace, and my sleep improved drastically—I was consistently getting eight hours of deep rest, sleeping by 9:30 pm and waking up at 5:30 am. The experience not only left me feeling relaxed and restructured my routine but also helped me form meaningful connections without excessive screen time. In fact, my screen time reduced significantly, and being caffeine-free felt liberating. Though my body took two days to adapt to the new schedule, and day six felt like a bit of a shock, I ultimately left feeling well-rested and recharged.
Lessons to Carry Forward
The departure consultation, complete with personalised notes and advice from the doctors, became a catalyst for planning my meals and yoga practice post-retreat. As I packed my bags, I took home more than just memories, I carried friendships spanning across ages and nationalities, a renewed understanding of my dietary needs, corrected posture, a slower and more mindful approach to life, and the power of deep breathing to restore balance.
However, my greatest takeaway was a profound lesson in Vedanta philosophy:
"You are the architect of your fortune, you are the architect of your misfortune." — A. Parthasarathy (1927–), Vedanta Philosopher
And with that, I leave you to dwell in the thoughts of how important it is to cut off and take time out for yourself.
ADDRESS: Dharana At Shillim, Village Shilimb Pawana Nagar, Taluka Maval, Pune 410406 INDIA
For Reservations: reservations@dharanaretreat.com
Phone: +91 124-4344344
Nearest Airport: Pune airport which is a one-hour and 20-minute drive. Mumbai International Airport is a two-hour and 30-minute drive.
Best time to visit: October to February, the weather is hot and dry; June to September, the monsoon
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