Wellness travel guides

A practical guide to choosing an Ayurveda retreat in Kerala, covering government classifications, NABH accreditation, regions, programme length and the questions to ask before you book.

A plain-language explainer on Panchakarma as described in Ayurvedic texts and Indian government sources, covering the five procedures, the preparation and recovery phases, safety notes and questions to ask a provider.

What shapes the cost of an Ayurveda retreat in India, from the type of centre and programme length to inclusions, taxes and booking-platform deposits, plus a checklist for comparing quotes fairly.

How to check whether an Ayurveda centre in India is legitimate. Covers NABH accreditation, Kerala's Ayur Silver, Gold and Diamond classification (formerly Green Leaf and Olive Leaf), doctor qualifications and common red flags.

When to go to Kerala for an Ayurveda retreat. Covers the traditional monsoon season, the October-to-March travel season, the pros and cons of each, and how to plan around festivals, crowds and prices.

A summary of India's AYUSH visa category and the e-Medical (e-AYUSH) e-Visa route for foreign nationals seeking treatment under Indian systems of medicine, with documents, timing and official sources.

A summary of the Blue Zones food guidelines published by Dan Buettner's Blue Zones organisation: plant-heavy eating, beans, limited meat, and how the approach translates to an Indian kitchen, plus the scientific debate around it.

A summary of the nine lifestyle habits that the Blue Zones organisation calls the 'Power 9': natural movement, purpose, downshifting, the 80% rule, plant slant and more, with notes on the debate around them.

A data-led look at longevity and wellness travel, covering Global Wellness Institute market figures, India's wellness tourism numbers, the Blue Zones effect, the rise of personalised health, and what it means for travellers.

What shapes the cost of an Ayurveda retreat in India, from the type of centre and programme length to inclusions, taxes and booking-platform deposits, plus a checklist for comparing quotes fairly.

An overview of the wellness landscape around Auroville and Pondicherry, including integrative health services, wellness centres, Ayurveda clinics and meditation retreats, with tips on planning and etiquette.

An overview of yoga retreat options across South India, from integrated yoga and Ayurveda retreats near Bengaluru and Gokarna to beach and backwater centres in Kerala and community spaces near Auroville, with tips on choosing.

A practical, step-by-step checklist for your first wellness, yoga or Ayurveda retreat in India, from choosing and checking a provider to visas, packing, health questions, payments and coming home.

A data-led look at longevity and wellness travel, covering Global Wellness Institute market figures, India's wellness tourism numbers, the Blue Zones effect, the rise of personalised health, and what it means for travellers.