AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE – A MUST GO!
I don’t usually write many reviews but this place definitely deserves one as it turned out to be a really special place.
I visited in March and it was the first time I was going for something like this on my own. From the meticulous enquiries about my arrival timings, etc, till the time I was dropped off, I felt safe, welcome and taken care of. Moreover, the service that had been given was phenomenal throughout.
Veda5 is situated within the gorgeous mountains of the Himalayas surrounded by beautiful scenery of mountains in all directions and away from the noise of the main city.(giving you that true wellness feeling) It was the perfect getaway place, peaceful, and truly unforgettable. The way it is built and decorated is astonishing. The detail and love can be seen at every step you take around the site.
Upon arriving at Veda5 you are greeted religiously by the the staff with drums and music. What a way to be greeted! I felt both blessed and welcome. Angna at the front desk provided a spectacular service. If anything was needed, it was done. She was always super helpful, confident, kindhearted and worked with a lovely smile and was a delight to speak to. She also ensured all guests were comfortable during the stay. Dipak ji who was the manager of the resort certainly ensured the place was running smoothly and it was. He definitely ensured that the guests are his number one priority and they they are entertained and having a good time.
I was shown around by Megha who explained how everything is organised and what is available during the duration of my stay. She is not only someone who keeps the place together but is also willing to help and ensures that the guests have all that they need and more. She’s a wonderful and caring person and full of knowledge. I mentioned in passing about some pain I was experiencing and this got immediately relayed to the doctor, which shows how she takes full care about her residents well-being. We also had the chance to attend some of her instructed yoga and meditation classes which were excellent. (She’s even got her own YouTube channel too. Certainly worth checking out- Vama Yog)
Rooms and Housekeeping- The rooms are clean, spacious, comfortable and well maintained (daily). They have beautiful large windows with a balcony giving you an incredible view of the mountains. It’s a beautiful scene to wake up to.
The bathroom has plenty of space, always has warm running water if required and if you’re cold at night the beds have been provided with heated blankets, or if you’re hot there is AC/Fan. The housekeeping staff were always there when needed regardless of the time and always ensured the rooms were equipped with all the necessities.
Treatment Center – Depending on the package, the doctor will schedule a set of treatments that is done daily along with any Ayurvedic medication. There is a huge range of treatments that can be taken if you want extras over what has been recommended.
This was the first time I was undergoing any Ayurvedic treatments and it is a completely unique, remarkable and relaxing experience to which you’ll soon start noticing the positive differences.
I tried a variety of these treatments such as the body oil massage, body scrubs with a Tumeric mask, Potli Massage (therapy done using heated herbal pouches known as potlis – amazing for pain) and Shirodhara (dripping oil on forehead – pure relaxation)
As I was there for International women’s day I was given a free facial – Amazing!
They also have Naturopathy therapies available however, I didn’t have a chance to try these but those that did enjoyed it.
The therapy room is clean, maintained well, comfortable, relaxing and well organised and always on time. The staff in this department were wonderful. Kirtika who organises and manages that department always welcomes you respectfully with a lovely smile, ensures you’re comfortable with the stay and treatments and of course happy with the experience. She’s an amazing person inside and out with a beautiful heart. Very easy to get along with and made a great friend. She’s also very talented and ran a few mediation classes which were incredible. She showed great devotion to the class which was portrayed in her teaching. Moreover, she has a lovely voice which is very soothing to the ears when meditating.
The therapists you’re given are all amazing with great knowledge on why they do everything and the way they do it. My therapist Vineeta was awesome and did absolute wonders. She was very knowledgeable and I learnt a lot from her. Her technique was great and adaptable by being accommodating if we wanted any minor changes or needed to focus elsewhere. She ensured that the guest’s comfort was her main priority.
There are two doctors onsite, Dr. Neil and Dr Suchita. I had Dr. Suchita and I was just amazed by her knowledge and analysis with little or sometimes no information at all.
Both doctors have a vast amount of knowledge on Ayurveda and we were given the opportunity to attend their talks to educate ourselves more on Ayurveda. They are very friendly and very easy to talk to. At the end you’re given information on your doshas and how you can maintain and keep them in balance. This was certainly very helpful and is something I’ve taken away.
Classes and Facilities – You never run out of things to do. Yoga starts at 7:45am and runs throughout the day, with varying levels and numerous varieties such as Hatha Yoga, Kundalini yoga, Power Yoga, Ashtanga and more. I quite enjoyed the early morning classes whereby Hatha yoga was accompanied by mantra chanting and pranayama. At least 1 meditation class ran everyday and there were varieties to choose from. Our yoga masters; Negi, Ira, Kirti and Megha were wonderful. The main masters were Negi and Ira who are very knowledgeable and used great techniques in teaching the ways of yoga and meditation. Thank you to all of you in what you’ve taught me, I’ll not forget this.
Alongside yoga and meditation there are several other activities and these include Ayurvedic talks with the doctor, cooking classes, painting, games, evening entertainment such as musical and dance nights and bbqs. Or if you want to do something else, there is a pool, outdoor and indoor gym and also medication caves. The yoga shalas were great. I loved the one that is outdoor that overlooks the valley and faces the scenic mountains. I also spent quite some time in the garden on the hammock, reading. Such a lovely place to relax.
Additionally, if you are visiting when an indian festival or religious event is on the cards, you’re certainly in for a treat. I was there for the festival of Holi and it was a lot of fun with all guests and staff. We were all given Holi t-shirts as a lovely memoir, and had access to plenty of powdered colour and other items that are used to play Holi. There was great music, dancing, games and food. Unforgettable day! All the staff joined us on such nights and it’s a wonderful way to get to know everyone as well have a fun time with both staff and guests.
Restaurant and Food – The food at the restaurant was delicious. The quality and flavours of the Sattvic food as well as the way it was presented and how it was served was spectacular. Regardless of the time you go for food it was always hot and if by any chance you are running late, the staff at the restaurant are very kind to call and suggest the option of sending the food to the room.
There was a lot of variety and there were menu changes for each meal of the day. The restaurant staff service was incredible – Ashutosh was always welcoming and made sure I had everything I needed.
I’ll always remember that Beetroot Halwa and also the effort and kindness of Chef Ashok who made my favourite dish during my last night (punjabi kadhi). Chef Ashok was very kind to also share some of his recipes. His food was always full of vibrant flavours and his teachings have been taken away by many including myself.
Excursions – Additionally, you can choose from a list of great excursions. I did the temple village trek and the the trip down to see the Ganga Aarti which was beautiful. – a must see.
Overall, I’ve had an amazing time staying there. It’s the first time leaving a hotel or what I thought to be home away from home, I felt sad and teary. You meet some incredible people, both staff and guests, from around the world, make memories and form lifelong friendships. Each day felt peaceful, full of love and happiness- a truly mindful and gratifying experience.
Thank you team Veda5 for making my trip amazing and a very special one. You all made me feel like part of the family and it’s the memories I’ll always cherish.
I wouldn’t think of going anywhere else and highly recommend trying this place. You would not be disappointed – a true wellness resort.
I for one will be surely returning in the future!
