Dharana At Shillim: A Sanctuary Where Mind, Body, And Spirit Meld
Formerly known as Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa, Dharana At Shillim cradles a sanctuary where body, mind, and spirit meld in tranquillity.
Nestled within the Western Ghats—a UNESCO World Heritage Site— Dharana At Shillim is not the regular eco-wellbeing retreat. Formerly known as Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa, Dharana At Shillim cradles a sanctuary where body, mind, and spirit meld in tranquillity. The term “Dharana” embodies the art of focused mind and breath, rooted in the Sanskrit words “dha” and “ana”, symbolising the essence of nurturing and resolution.
This retreat seamlessly blends luxury with nature, its narrative born from a profound conservation ethos kindled by two brothers captivated by the valley’s allure. “Dharana At Shillim represents a significant evolution”, says Gavin de Souza, MD, Writer Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd. Over 25 years, their stewardship transformed the landscape, guiding it from agriculture to a thriving ecosystem. Joining hands with the Shillim Institute, established in 1999, their vision revitalised over a million trees, breathing renewed life into the terrain.
Getting There
Set amidst the sublime Sahyadri Mountain range of Maharashtra, and easily accessible from Mumbai and Pune airports, Dharana At Shillim beckons travellers to embark on a transformation journey. Tucked away in the tranquil splendour of Shillim, just a three-hour drive from Mumbai’s bustling streets, it offers a serene retreat for those searching for peace and revitalisation.
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Design, Concept, And Architecture
In a world where nature imbues every instant with vitality, this space becomes a spiritual haven, reflecting a commitment to excellence and a reverence for cherished traditions. Within this space, guests are invited to traverse 2,500 acres of pristine, ancient land—an introspective landscape for renewal. This retreat unfolds as a journey—an exploration of the soul promising rejuvenation and rebirth. Personalised programmes, rooted in wisdom and evidence, steer this transformative odyssey toward holistic well-being. In this enclave, the spirit undergoes a profound metamorphosis—a “Journey to Conscious Being”—where each moment marks a step towards heightened awareness and equilibrium.
Upon initiating the planting programme, the de Souza brothers turned their attention to preserving the forest in the long term. Margie Ruddick, a landscape architect from Philadelphia, and Steven Harris, a design architect from New York, visited Shillim. Following intense discussions, they selected a 330-acre site for an eco-retreat. Yale architecture students proposed designs, which senior architects reviewed for alignment with project goals and site suitability.
“The retreat’s design ensures everything is independent rather than consolidated into a single building”, says de Souza. “This layout enables guests to mentally disconnect before entering each treatment area—whether it’s the Yogshala, where one connects with the surrounding landscape, or the acoustically designed Meditation Cave, ideal for chanting. Each space is meticulously crafted to enhance its purpose”, he adds.
Rooms And Suites
Entering the world of Dharana At Shillim marks the beginning of a journey toward inner balance and awakening. Imagine waking up to gentle sunlight filtering through dense foliage, and the morning air filled with the earthy scents of the forest. The villas, surrounded by embracing trees and without exterior walls, provide privacy within an expansive natural setting. Each bedroom offers panoramic views, immersing guests in the allure of forest living. The coexistence of flora, fauna, and human habitation is central to this ecological retreat, creating a sustainable paradise where nature and humans thrive together.
Set in the heart of the rolling landscape of Shillim, they offer an array of villa categories overlooking the hillside. For those seeking a wellbeing retreat, the One-Bedroom Garden Pool Villa includes a private pool, a separate living area, a romantic sunken bathtub, and ample wardrobe space, ideal for extended stays. For those looking for a more secluded and private experience the villa at the retreat’s highest point, an expansive Grand Residence features a private pool, a living room, a private deck with panoramic Sahyadri Mountain views, a kitchenette, and optional butler service.
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Rejuvenation, Dining, And Activities
Dharana At Shillim integrates personal well-being with environmental health through seasonal wellbeing programmes inspired by Ritucharya. These programmes follow nature’s cycles, offering rejuvenating experiences from spring renewals to autumn retreats, featuring nourishing cuisine, yoga, and meditation guided by skilled practitioners. Central to the property’s Ayurvedic approach is its daily Dincharya, which restores balance to the body and mind. Spearheaded by Dr. Arun Pillai, the spa combines genetic testing, natural healing, and traditional Ayurvedic methods to address health issues such as hormonal imbalances and joint problems. Guests enjoy meditation, weight-loss breathing exercises, and a menu featuring vegetarian thalis and broths, amidst serene Japanese-style villas.
The property offers nine distinct wellbeing programmes such as the Yogic Life and Ayurvedic Panchakarma, each beginning with detailed body analysis and personalised care planning. Core offerings include Preventative Medicine, Exercise Physiology, and Nutrition, complemented by activities such as yoga, meditation, nature walks, and ceramic therapy. These blend ancient wisdom with modern insights, offering customised journeys focused on detoxification and stress management.
“Our philosophy at Dharana At Shillim revolves around five holistic pathways inspired by the Panchamahabhutas, the five elements of nature”, says de Souza. These pathways—Preventative Medicine, Physical Restoration, Healing Nutrition, Emotional Balance, and Spiritual Harmony—are designed to guide guests on transformative journeys toward health, balance, and inner harmony. Each pathway incorporates personalised approaches, from comprehensive health evaluations to emotional counselling and spiritual practices rooted in Vedic principles.
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Nourishment here lies in natural foods with healing properties, embracing an earth-to-table philosophy rooted in Vedic principles and seasonal ingredients. This approach ensures guests benefit from the Four Kingdoms: plant, animal, fungi, and microbial life. The retreat’s dining experiences—from the serene Green Table to the Tea House & Apothecary offering signature botanical blends—are crafted to support guests’ wellbeing journeys. Vyoma delights with a nature-inspired menu, while Ojas blends local and international flavours that nourish body and spirit.
Final Thoughts:
In essence, Dharana At Shillim offers a holistic sanctuary where ancient wisdom meets modern therapies. The property exemplifies sustainability across its operations: generating nearly 80% of its power, treating all waste sustainably with composting that enriches the farm, and sourcing most produce from their own or local sustainable farms. The retreat avoids processed foods and beverages, creating its own. Bath amenities are 100% organic, featuring premium Ayurvedic ingredients such as Brahmi and neem for sanitisers.
To promote active lifestyles and environmental awareness, Dharana At Shillim plans to introduce a paddle tennis court for physical activity and launch dance and movement programmes aimed at enhancing community wellbeing. They are also committed to conservation education, with upcoming plans for a beekeeping farm to highlight bees’ vital role in ecosystems, alongside butterfly gardens to support biodiversity and ecological balance. Furthering their sustainability efforts, the team will begin producing cheese and chocolate, overseeing the process from raw beans to the final product in a dedicated food laboratory.
#DPLoves
- Each villa unveils unparalleled privacy and panoramic views amidst a tranquil, sustainable natural environment.
- Their holistic approach to nurturing personal well-being and environmental health through tailored wellbeing journeys.
- The commitment to sustainability through composting waste, sourcing local produce, and using 100% Ayurvedic bath amenities.
- The Panchamahabhutas-inspired philosophy to better health and inner harmony through preventative medicine, restoration, emotional balance and spiritual journeys.
- The earth-to-table dining integrates ancient wisdom and seasonal ingredients.
