The white lotus effect: Wellness retreats as girl-gang getaways
For Indian women juggling careers and social expectations, wellness retreats are becoming spaces to heal, celebrate and connect. Echoing the White Lotus effect, where scenic escapes become stages for self-discovery and emotional unravelling, these retreats are no longer just about yoga or detox. From solo travellers to girl gangs marking birthdays, breakups or bridal transitions, women are checking in to pause and realign. These retreats nurture emotional well-being, hormonal balance and meaningful bonding, not just with oneself but with others as well. Friendships often bloom over shared therapies, quiet meals and reflective forest walks.
Sisterhood & solitude
Whether travelling solo for introspection or arriving with a group of friends to celebrate milestones, women are embracing wellness retreats with intention. Entrepreneur Priti Agarwal shares, “These retreats offer a vital physical, mental & emotional reset.” Event manager Sandhya Khaitan echoes, saying, “I’ve been to multiple retreats and each visit helped me reconnect with myself. No pressure to perform, no social drama, just soulful grounding amidst nature.” Education professional Priti Satpute adds, “I avoid going with family as I would end up caring for them too. This is my time to detox, reconnect and make new friends.”
Wellness, the White Lotus way
The White Lotus effect, inspired by the hit comedy-drama series of the same name, reflects a growing trend amongst women, where they are choosing luxury wellness retreats as spaces for emotional reset, bonding, and personal transformation over just indulgence.
Modern therapies with ancient roots
Doctor-led programmes for immunity and glow:Personalised wellness plans designed by medical experts to boost immunity and enhance skin health
Holistic health retreats: Comprehensive programmes addressing physical, mental, and emotional well-being through integrative therapies
Radiance rituals: Treatments combining natural ingredients and traditional techniques for a glowing complexion
Master cleanse detox: A guided detoxification regimen aimed at flushing out toxins, improving digestion, and kickstarting weight loss
Daily potli massages: Therapeutic massages using warm herbal pouches to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.
Halotherapy: Salt-based therapy that helps clear respiratory pathways and improves skin health through controlled salt exposure
Reflexology: A pressure-point foot massage technique believed to stimulate internal organs and restore the body’s natural balance
Sessions with psychologists: Mental wellness support through one-on-one or group therapy to address stress, anxiety, and emotional blocks
Aqua Zumba: A fun, low-impact water workout combining dance and fitness to tone the body & lift the mood
A Day at the retreat:
Surya pooja at sunrise
Aerial Yoga in silk hammocks
Mandala art sessions
Pure vegan feasts
Chakra cleansing and gut reset
Emotional therapy with certified psychologists
Alchemy Bars to blend your own botanical wellness products
Walk through silent corridors for mindful living
Mindfulness-led coaching for thought mastery
Mental health in focus
With phone-free zones, candlelit evenings and mindfulness rooted in nature, today’s wellness retreats offer something that is becoming increasingly rare – silence and stillness. Wellness coach Karan Kakkad, who leads two-day retreats across different cities, says, “70 to 75% of our guests are women. When they do breathwork or journaling together, they connect deeply because it is a shared practice.” Most retreats now include tools for emotional well-being such as guided therapy sessions, group sharing circles, journaling workshops, sound healing and somatic practices. At many centres, digital detox is encouraged.
Quote Blurbs:
When women engage in positive activities together, they connect deeply with themselves and each other. Wellness retreats foster both emotional bonding and inner transformation – Karan Kakkad, wellness coach
Wellness retreats make getting healthy a luxurious and deeply transformative experience – Dr B Rajesh Srinivas, general manager of a wellness retreat in Pune
Women now seek deeper healing though hormonal balance, emotional clarity and long-term well-being. Whether solo, celebrating milestones, or healing together, they leave our retreat lighter & centred
– Sharmilee Agrawal Kapur, founder‑director of a wellness retreat near Mulshi Lake, Pune
Seven nights. Zero distractions. Infinite clarity. Being at a retreat helped me reconnect with myself. It has become essential to my personal growth – Priti Agarwal, entrepreneur
Sisterhood & solitude
Whether travelling solo for introspection or arriving with a group of friends to celebrate milestones, women are embracing wellness retreats with intention. Entrepreneur Priti Agarwal shares, “These retreats offer a vital physical, mental & emotional reset.” Event manager Sandhya Khaitan echoes, saying, “I’ve been to multiple retreats and each visit helped me reconnect with myself. No pressure to perform, no social drama, just soulful grounding amidst nature.” Education professional Priti Satpute adds, “I avoid going with family as I would end up caring for them too. This is my time to detox, reconnect and make new friends.”
Wellness, the White Lotus way
The White Lotus effect, inspired by the hit comedy-drama series of the same name, reflects a growing trend amongst women, where they are choosing luxury wellness retreats as spaces for emotional reset, bonding, and personal transformation over just indulgence.
Modern therapies with ancient roots
Doctor-led programmes for immunity and glow:
Holistic health retreats: Comprehensive programmes addressing physical, mental, and emotional well-being through integrative therapies
Radiance rituals: Treatments combining natural ingredients and traditional techniques for a glowing complexion
Daily potli massages: Therapeutic massages using warm herbal pouches to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.
Halotherapy: Salt-based therapy that helps clear respiratory pathways and improves skin health through controlled salt exposure
Sessions with psychologists: Mental wellness support through one-on-one or group therapy to address stress, anxiety, and emotional blocks
Aqua Zumba: A fun, low-impact water workout combining dance and fitness to tone the body & lift the mood
A Day at the retreat:
Surya pooja at sunrise
Aerial Yoga in silk hammocks
Mandala art sessions
Pure vegan feasts
Chakra cleansing and gut reset
Emotional therapy with certified psychologists
Alchemy Bars to blend your own botanical wellness products
Walk through silent corridors for mindful living
Mindfulness-led coaching for thought mastery
Mental health in focus
With phone-free zones, candlelit evenings and mindfulness rooted in nature, today’s wellness retreats offer something that is becoming increasingly rare – silence and stillness. Wellness coach Karan Kakkad, who leads two-day retreats across different cities, says, “70 to 75% of our guests are women. When they do breathwork or journaling together, they connect deeply because it is a shared practice.” Most retreats now include tools for emotional well-being such as guided therapy sessions, group sharing circles, journaling workshops, sound healing and somatic practices. At many centres, digital detox is encouraged.
Quote Blurbs:
When women engage in positive activities together, they connect deeply with themselves and each other. Wellness retreats foster both emotional bonding and inner transformation – Karan Kakkad, wellness coach
Wellness retreats make getting healthy a luxurious and deeply transformative experience – Dr B Rajesh Srinivas, general manager of a wellness retreat in Pune
Women now seek deeper healing though hormonal balance, emotional clarity and long-term well-being. Whether solo, celebrating milestones, or healing together, they leave our retreat lighter & centred
– Sharmilee Agrawal Kapur, founder‑director of a wellness retreat near Mulshi Lake, Pune
Seven nights. Zero distractions. Infinite clarity. Being at a retreat helped me reconnect with myself. It has become essential to my personal growth – Priti Agarwal, entrepreneur
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