Ananda – In the Himalayas is voted World's Best Destination Spa by Condé Nast Traveller The acclaimed publication ranks the spa best in the world for second consecutive year

For the second year in a row, India's only lifestyle destination spa - Ananda -In the Himalayas has been voted the world’s no. 1 destination spa by the readers of the Condé Nast Traveller magazine. Ananda -In the Himalayas was also ranked 8th best in a list of world’s top 100 that included countries, islands, cities, hotels, airlines and airports.

Condé Nast asked its readers to select the Best Spa in the World on a criteria of 10, which includes ambience, accommodation, body treatments, cuisine and above - all relaxation. Ananda in the Himalayas scored an impressive average of 95.15%, which ranked us No. 1 in India amongst all hotels, resorts and spas.

"The award reinforces our position as the best destination spa in the world. The fact that we have got this award for 2 consecutive years speaks volumes of our commitment in the area of health and well being," Mr. Ashok Khanna, Managing Director, Ananda Spa, said.

With the highest standards of service, luxurious accommodation and innovative dining, Ananda is an internationally recognised oasis offering an enriching experience designed to restore, renew and revitalise. “It is this dedication to excellence in service, cuisine and a holistic approach to wellness and healing that has consistently won top honours for Ananda,” Mr. Khanna added.

The destination spa has been winning the coveted Condé Nast Traveller Awards and other prestigious awards since its inception in 2000. Among the Conde Nast Traveller Awards won by Ananda are the following:
· Runner up for the Best Overseas Lifestyle Destination Spa of the Year in 2003,
· One of the Best Spas in the World in 2002,
· Hot List in 2001 and most sublime center of the year to renew body & soul in 2000.
· Ananda was rated, and adjudged the Best Pampering Spa by Harper's Abroad in 2002.
· It has also had the distinction of being judged as One of the Best Spas in the World by Tatler in 2003, Tatler Travel Guide – 2002, Sunday Times, London – 2001. In addition it has also enjoyed the status of being one of the Yoga Retreats Of The World - A List by Harper's & Queen in 2001.

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NOTE TO EDITORS:

Ananda - In the Himalayas is rich in spiritual history and set in the foothills of the Himalayas near Rishikesh, the birthplace of Yoga and Ayurveda. Winner of “Best Destination Spa” in the 2005 Condé Nast Traveller Reader Awards, Ananda is located in the Palace estate of the Maharajas of Tehri Garhwal and is located 260 kilometres north of New Delhi. The resort features a restored Viceregal Palace, 21,000 square feet spa and 75 deluxe rooms and suites. Ananda is easily accessible by road, rail and air. Various travel options include a 45-minute flight from New Delhi’s domestic airport to Jolly Grant airport, a four-hour train journey from Delhi to Haridwar station and a scenic five-hour drive from New Delhi to Ananda. Ananda also has its own private helipad. Personal helicopters can land within the spa grounds.


IHHR Hospitality Private Limited: Founded in 1998, IHHR Hospitality Private Limited owns and manages destination spas, luxury spa resorts and business hotels. Ananda - in the Himalayas, India's premier destination spa is the company's flagship property. IHHR is due to open its second destination Spa resort, Shanti Ananda Maurice, in Mauritius in December 2006.
IHHR forayed into business hotels with the opening of Ista Bangalore in July 2006. Under the brand "Ista", IHHR will open 5 more properties over the next three years, all located in primary business cities including Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad.