Swastik Wellbeing Sanctuary, ensconced in the Peacock Valley near Pune, redefines wellness in a holistic perspective, including spirituality as the primary force to unite health, wealth, love and bliss.
The 51-acre property is more than a wellness retreat, with the visitors considered as seekers and service providers as sevaks. It is not a weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle but a place to pause and ponder life’s purpose, understand the need to amalgamate spirituality into day-to-day living to be blissful. Seekers are revered as souls and this reflects in the greeting ‘Atma Naman’ which means “greetings to the soul”.
Swastik tries to strike the spiritual chord of every soul visiting the property through a slew of ancient practices that initiate peace and calmness within the heart.
On entering the premises, the significant theme appearing repeatedly is a leaf motif without a stalk. The logo, pathways and reception desk showcase the leaf pattern prominently. Even the buildings and paraphernalia in the property are designed with the leaf as centre of the structures. Swastik logo adapted from the traditional right-angle bent lines, depicts four leaves juxtaposed as a cross.
The positive vibes in the air can be felt right from the welcoming ritual to the farewell, all crafted carefully to resonate the connection with the divine, ushering in calmness in the seeker. Tucked away from the chaotic noises of the city, amidst the Western Ghats, Swastik pampers the body and soul, trying to align them in harmony to enjoy the ethereal experience and actualize one’s true potential.
The green herbal plantations profusely adorning the surroundings draw numerous avians, bestowing a delightful experience to the seekers on the premises.
The guest houses, called guhas, are intentionally built in the shape of caves to amplify the energy levels of the seekers visiting the premises. The swing in the portico, hanging down with ropes allows the seeker to relish the picturesque view of the Western Ghats in leisure and embrace the rhythm of life.
The rustic floor in off-white tempts one to walk barefoot in the guha, establishing the connection with Mother Earth. The uniform colour across the guha gives a soothing feeling to senses. Without any rough edges or corners and pictures on the walls, energy in the guha aids ascends from the floor to the walls and to the ceiling. The washroom floor also displays the leaf motif on the floor.
Leaf forms the basis of Swastik’s logo because it is the primary source that absorbs sun’s energy and gives life to other living creatures. One other reason for the choice is that a leaf is always curved. There are no rectangular or square leaves with corners. The curved leaf tapers at the other end indicating that life energy is always flowing and does not end abruptly.
The Anand Vihar, Utsav Vihar, Dhyan Vihar, Ayu Vihar and Sukh Vihar (guhas) were heart-crafted (yes, heat-crafted) to give a wholesome experience, celebrating and nurturing every moment to delve deep into the spiritual realms of seekers. The care in detailing every corner of the buildings.
The Anand Vihar is composed of three leaves — one leaf pointing forwards and the other two flanking it at an angle. The Ayu Vihar building is designed as two leaves in opposite directions, attached to a circular central area. Even the carpets have leaf motifs incorporated into them.
The green herbal plantations profusely adorning the surroundings draw numerous avians, bestowing a delightful experience.
The culinary journey at Swastik is exceptional and elaborate with five courses included in each gourmet meal. The signature indoor and outdoor dining spaces, Rasa and Sama, offer an exclusive spectacle of nature with the lush green forest on the mountains at the backdrop.
Savouring the consciously-curated diet enhanced by the delectable desserts in the idyllic environs is a heavenly experience, compelling the heart to crave for more.
Medical diagnosis followed by remedial therapies and massages helps every seeker flush out the toxins and rejuvenate to face life’s challenges ahead. The sound therapy at the Sonorium offers an ethereal experience as the soothing music generated with unique instruments transcend the soul to the next level of bliss. Disease-based therapies are also offered with discounts, under the special package.
At Swastik, seekers can comfortably immerse in taking delight in the serene and tranquil surroundings as the Dinacharya (day’s activities) is mindfully chalked out, ensuring that they have a complete experience of the entire property.
Every day begins with the sacred Agnihotra followed by yoga and then the heart-warming breakfast. Release ritual, consultation with the doctor to avail the necessary massages and therapies like the halo therapy, walking on the misty grass barefoot, petting the Punganur cows, treading the reflexology path are among the daily rituals of seekers.
Swastik Shuddhi (mediation involving cleansing of the five elements in nature) and Swastik Parichay introduce souls to spirituality. Spiritual sermons and speeches on science-based evidence that reveal the secrets behind many traditions and rituals ignite the enthusiasm of seekers.
Sustainability is the cornerstone of Swastik and this reflects in the linen provided in the guhas. The commitment to organic living can be prominently felt in every nook and corner of the property. To get soaked in the experience and imbibe a couple of practices, Swastik has designed packages with the least of three days and beyond. Now, setting second thoughts aside, head to Pune to bask in the beatific peace.
