Introducing Dharana at Shillim Eco Retreat & Spa

Dharana at Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa is an eco-wellness retreat located in the majestic Sahyadris mountain range in the Western Ghats of Maharastra: a UNESCO World Heritage Site little-known to UK travellers.

Located three hours south east of Mumbai or just over two hours from Pune, Shillim is one of the most exciting retreats in the sub-continent – one of three exceptional Indian spas, alongside Ananda and Vana.  Spread over 3,000 acres of its own fertile valley, scattered with ecologically-designed luxurious villas, everything at Shillim is focused on environmental sustainability and the holistic rejuvenation of mind, body and soul according to ancient Ayurvedic principles. Guests are encouraged to take short excursions, hikes and nature walks through the rice fields, bamboo plantations, lush fields and organic garden which all nurture a thriving flora and fauna eco system.

At the heart of the retreat is a philosophy of ‘Dharana’ (pronounced Dah-na) – a way of life that promotes health and wellbeing in line with the life forces of nature.  Dharana is the sacred sense of stability achieved when one aligns the inner core to the outer environment – and is the starting point for any form of healing.  

The Dharana way of life aims to help achieve long-term internal and external wellbeing through tailor-made programmes, helping you to choose lifestyle options that balance your energies, focused on achieving calmness and contentedness.

Shillim’s extensive range of wellness programmes are all designed to help guests establish healthy habits for life and the eco-wellness retreat boasts the most comprehensive wellness facilities in Asia. Working with a focused approach, Dharana wellness experts integrate the essential philosophical, spiritual and artistic wisdom of past civilizations with contemporary, life-enhancing practices and modern diagnostics – all focused on understanding each and every guest and what they aim to achieve.

Dharana Life Science Programs offer a comprehensive, bespoke healing regime with deliberate attention to key issues including conflict resolution, stress management, anti-aging, weight management – focusing on fitness through wellness activities and cognitive stimulation, mindfulness through meditation and nourishment through sustainability. A consultation is offered to every guest by resident Dr. Arun Pillai, who curates a bespoke programme dependent on guest’s needs – ranging from three to 27-day schedules. The itinerary encompasses a wide array of Dharana traditions including Acupressure, Acupuncture, Reiki, Pranic Healing, Ayurveda, Yoga, Chakra Cleansing, Shamanism, Meditation, Naturopathy, Hydro Therapy, Ozone Therapy, Fire Healing, Music, Dance and Body Work.

Dr. Arun Pillai, Director of Wellness says, “We focus on the five core elements (earth, fire, water, air and sky) to design the Dharana programme.  The programme starts with a full body composition analysis to determine the prakruti (nature/issues) and identify the doshas (the three energies that define every person’s makeup) of our guests. We aim to make Dharana as a way of life and not just a programme so that all our guests can sustain a healthy lifestyle and lead the ideal wellness path within and outside the retreat” 

Nourishment through Sustainability

The holistic approach of the Dharana programme is folded into every aspect of the retreat, especially at the wellness restaurant – The Green Table – which takes inspiration from a planetary diet, incorporating the five elements of Ayurveda (Water, Air, Fire, Ether and Wind), with special emphasis on organic ingredients.  The menu is a 100% forest-to-table concept with all ingredients sourced from the Shillim forest and farm. The Chef’s commitment in using organic, locally-sourced and sustainably-grown ingredients of the highest quality is apparent in every dish served from the Ayurveda Thali to the à la carte selection. Healthy offerings at The Green Table can be complimented with an aromatic treat at the Tea Room, emphasizing the medicinal properties of different ingredients and illustrating the ancient Asian culture of healing.

Getting there from the UK

Direct flights go from both London and Manchester to Mumbai approx. 9 hours, plus 3.25 hour road transfer, or indirect flight to Pune, approximately 12.5 hours with a stop-over in Delhi or Abu Dhabi followed by a 2.5 hour road transfer.