LLM EXCLUSIVE MARCH 2025 / jüSTa Rasa Retreat And Spa, Rishikesh in India / Editing By Raul Dias / Publisher LLM Reporters

“This is not a resort, but a retreat!” I was very politely corrected by the property manager as I stepped into this cosy refuge that was to be my home for the next three nights. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayan foothills, banked beside the placid Heval River – one of the many tributaries of the Holy River Ganges – the jüSTa Rasa Retreat and Spa, I soon learned, is truly much more than a mere resort.

Tucked away on the outskirts of one of India’s most spiritual towns of Rishikesh, this place is a sanctuary for those wanting a blend of luxury, serenity, and oneness with nature. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, an adventure enthusiast, or someone simply looking to unwind, like I was, the retreat caters to all. Making it a perfect destination for relaxation, rejuvenation, and exploration.

Hotel

Designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, the retreat allows its guests to experience the beauty of the outdoors without sacrificing comfort.

Lush gardens, open spaces, and modern architecture combine to create an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, offering an ideal escape from the stresses of urban life. Here, the focus is on sustainability and eco-friendliness which is reflected in its architecture.

One that uses locally sourced materials and promotes energy-efficient designs.

The soothing sounds of the Heval and the gentle rustling of the Himalayan breeze create a calming ambiance. A place where unwinding and reconnecting with nature is imperative!

Room

The accommodations here are nothing short of luxurious. The retreat offers a variety of room options, including elegantly designed deluxe rooms, suites, and private wooden cabins, each designed to provide the utmost comfort and privacy.

With modern furnishings, spacious layouts, and private balconies offering panoramic views of the river or mountains, guests are guaranteed a serene and restful stay.

Each room is equipped with high-end amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, and spacious bathrooms with rainfall showers.

The interiors are tastefully decorated with a mix of traditional and contemporary elements, creating a harmonious atmosphere that enhances the guest experience. For those seeking more exclusivity, the private cabins offer a secluded and lavish retreat, perfect for a family or group getaway.

Food

Highlighting both local and international flavours, the retreat offers guests a diverse culinary experience. The main restaurant serves a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

The retreat also emphasises health-conscious dining, with many dishes incorporating Ayurvedic principles that promote overall wellness. Guests can enjoy their meals while taking in the beautiful views of the river, creating a memorable dining experience that delights all the senses.

Spa

The retreat’s Ekam Spa offers a range of holistic treatments, including Ayurvedic and Western therapies, massages, and wellness rituals that promote relaxation and healing.

It is this holistic approach to wellness that ensures that guests leave feeling refreshed, balanced, and restored, both physically and mentally. I particularly enjoyed the soothing, long strokes of my one hour abhyanga massage therapy that I chose from the Ayurvedic treatments section of the spa’s menu.

To do

One of the key attractions at the jüSTa Rasa Retreat and Spa is its focus on wellness and spirituality, making it an ideal destination for those looking to rejuvenate their mind, body, and soul.

The retreat offers a variety of yoga and meditation programmes, which are held in scenic outdoor spaces, providing an immersive experience in nature. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, the resort’s experienced instructors tailor the sessions to suit your level of practice.

Taking full advantage of the fact that Rishikesh is known for its adventure activities, the retreat offers easy access to some of the best experiences in the region.

From white-water rafting on the Ganges to trekking in the nearby hills, guests can engage in a variety of outdoor activities. The retreat can also arrange guided excursions to the city’s spiritual landmarks, including the iconic twin suspension bridges of the Laxman Jhula, and the Ram Jhula. Or perhaps, a holy bath at Triveni Ghat?

In a nutshell

Combining the beauty of nature with world-class amenities, this place offers a unique and luxurious retreat. Whether you’re visiting for spiritual rejuvenation, adventure, or simply relaxation, the retreat provides an unforgettable experience.

With its serene surroundings, luxurious accommodations, wellness offerings, and local dining experiences, the jüSTa Rasa Retreat and Spa is the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the mundane and immerse themselves in the peaceful embrace of Rishikesh.

Getting there

The nearest airport to the retreat is the Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun. From there, it is an easy 37km, 1.15 hour’s drive on a mountainous highway that meanders along the Holy River Ganges to reach the jüSTa Rasa Retreat and Spa. Dehradun is connected to most major Indian cities like New Delhi, Chandigarh and Mumbai by rail, road and via airlines like Air India, Spice Jet and IndiGo.

Factbox

Accommodation in the executive suites start from £200++ per night, on a double occupancy basis, inclusive of breakfast. There is an additional supplement of £10 for each additional meal like lunch, high tea, and dinner.

Address: jüSTa Rasa Retreat and Spa, Mohan Chatti, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand – 249304, India.
Phone: +91-9258126060
Email: reservations.rishikesh@justahotels.com
Website: justahotels.com

Photography courtesy of jüSTa Rasa Retreat and Spa