Case Study
Ananda in the Himalayas
“Committing Deeper for a Wellness Reset”
Introduction
Named the #3 best destination spa in the world in Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 (US & UK) and #3 international destination spa in Travel + Leisure’s World Best Awards 2023, Ananda in the Himalayas is a multi-award winning holistic wellness retreat in North India. From a referral from a fellow travel journalist, I was introduced to Ananda in early 2020 and represented the luxury spa retreat as their North American public relations agency. With a pause due to the pandemic, I resumed doing PR for Ananda in July of 2022, and they are a current client.
About Ananda in the Himalayas
Ananda in the Himalayas is a world-renowned holistic wellness retreat in the Himalayan foothills in North India, overlooking the spiritual town of Rishikesh and the river Ganges. Located in the former Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, the retreat spans 100 acres of lush grounds and gardens and is surrounded by a forested hillside.
As the birthplace of Ayurveda, Yoga, and meditation, this spiritual destination embodies and facilitates wellness and enlightenment. The philosophy of Ananda revolves around Ayurveda, holistic wellness, yoga, meditation, emotional healing, spiritual awareness, and healthy cuisine. The heart of Ananda lies in its 25,000 square-foot wellness centre, offering beautifully designed therapy rooms with nature views, open-air yoga and meditation pavilions, an outdoor pool, a physiotherapy centre, a gymnasium, and a comprehensive range of Ayurvedic and international therapies for holistic cleansing of the body, mind, and soul.
Working with Amanda in the Himalayas
For over 23 years, Ananda in the Himalayas has been catering to an affluent and well-traveled global audience with their primary customer base stemming from the USA. With great success in building a brand over two decades in a fast-growing wellness tourism industry, Ananda sets itself apart from competitors by staying true to its original founding philosophy rooted in Ayurveda.
My role as their PR agency focuses on building new relationships with media, identifying solid opportunities for experiential stories, and increasing the awareness of the retreat’s new offerings, programs, and treatments. Through several comprehensive media tours in NY, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, I’ve coordinated, planned, and hosted multi-day schedules, introducing Ananda’s Chief Operating Officer to media in luxury travel and health and wellness. These in-person media meetings have led to articles, first-person experiences, profiles, and increased recognition for Ananda.
I have successfully put Ananda in front of media in their niche markets, resulting in feature stories and mentions in top-tier outlets including Departures, Vogue, Town & Country, AFAR, Travel + Leisure, Elite Traveler, Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Robb Report, Robb Report MUSE, Prevention, Haute Living San Francisco, CNBC, Bold Traveller Magazine, The CEO Magazine, The Agency Magazine, Vogue Japan, enRoute, The Globe & Mail, Prestige, Organic Spa, Well + Good and many more.
Ananda in the Himalayas Highlights