Fire
January 21, 2025 - A sun-kissed tropical beach, blissful romance reconnection, or sacred fire ceremony are all ways to boost those happy hormones. Check out our winter sun and fun offers at our resorts in India, Vietnam, and Thailand.
It’s no secret that clear sunny days lift our mood, especially when paired with vibrant feasts and festivals as we gather around a fire at sunset, fostering a sense of community and connection.
Ignite your senses in India
There’s nowhere quite like India for a festival. Both our resort in Rajasthan and wellness retreat in Dehradun combine culture, community, and winter sun.
In March, Holi – the festival of colors – is held on the last full moon in the lunar month of Phalguna. Holika Dahan, also known as Chhoti Holi, is a Hindu festival that takes place the night before Holi on March 13, 2025.
Sharad Dixit, Director of Rooms at Six Senses Fort Barwara explains, “Chhoti Holi marks the beginning of spring, a time of renewal and rejuvenation. It’s a great moment to join us around the fire as our pandit ji (priest) offers special prayers based on the story of Holika, which symbolizes that good will always triumph over evil.”
Holi is not only a celebration of vibrant colors, but a delightful festival of flavors. Among the iconic treats are the crispy pastry Gujhia, the delicately spiced drink Thandai, and our own Six Senses Holi platter featuring spicy stuffed puris, lentil dumplings, and tangy street-style chaat and chutneys.
In India, Havan (also known as a homa) is a Hindu ritual performed on special occasions and celebrations at Six Senses Vana are unique in their own way. It involves offering substances like ghee, grains, and herbs into a sacred fire while chanting mantras and is believed to purify the environment, invoke divine blessings, and fulfill desires.
Many people already use a candle for relaxation and meditation, a throw-back to our ancient ancestors. As General Manager Jaspreet Singh elaborates, “The term ‘Trataka’ or ‘fixed gazing’ refers to one of the six cleansing techniques prescribed by ancient Hatha yogis to prepare and maximize the benefits of other Yogic practices. During the session, you may perform eye exercises before gazing steadily at a candle flame. The Trataka practice improves eyesight, mental clarity, concentration, clairvoyance, and intuitive abilities. It may aid in reducing brain fog, insomnia, attention deficit conditions and induce mental calm.”
If you have never done much yoga or meditation before, this is the perfect place to start. Jaspreet continues. “Trataka is considered a foundation block for meditation practices, but we combine this with a personal daily wellness program that includes yoga, all cuisine, functional fitness, and treatments, as well as a whole range of fun group activities to explore.”
How to visit both
If you’re arriving from Delhi, you may opt for a five-hour drive to Six Senses Fort Barwara to start your stay. Subsequently, you can continue your journey to Six Senses Vana by driving for 2.5 hours to Jaipur Airport, followed by a direct flight to Dehradun, complemented by a one-hour scenic drive to Six Senses Vana.
Alternatively, if you’d like to experience Six Senses Vana first, you may choose to take a direct flight from Delhi Airport or drive three hours (with the upcoming expressway). Their journey to Six Senses Fort Barwara would then involve a direct flight from Dehradun to Jaipur, followed by a 2.5-hour road transfer.
Come for the sun, stay for the fun in Vietnam
Warm up under the signature tropical sun on the gently shelving shores of the South East Vietnam Sea at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. When we say warm up, we mean starting at our jungle gym, an outdoor workout space set right in the heart of the jungle. You may find your exercise routine comes with birdsong and the occasional langur swinging through the trees as you conquer rugged cliffs and scale new heights with rock climbing challenges. If you’re craving an adrenalin rush, our rock formations will capture your attention.
Or fuel the fire with a trek along one of our hiking trails, where breathtaking views of Ninh Van Bay reward you at every step. Afterward, treat yourself to a private beach picnic and let the calm waves cool you down. Incidentally, water is another element we have a deep evolutionary connection to – for starters, our bodies are mostly made of water. Research by the European Centre for Environment and Human Health found that not only do we prefer the ocean compared with other outdoor settings, but also spending time on the coast is more likely to create a sense of well-being.
Discover the true Six Senses essence with our 20 Treats Selection, whether you choose to taste local and seasonal cuisine, experience the out-of-the-ordinary, find the inspiration to prioritize your well-being, or simply master the art of pure relaxation.
Sense of Element at Six Senses Samui
Once-in-a-lifetime experiences are the greatest things about traveling. Sometimes, those travel experiences become memories that last a lifetime. This winter, cozy up at Six Senses Samui and escape the chill with your special someone for a truly blissful Romance Reconnection.
Put some fire in your belly by learning the art of Thai Cooking, keep the flame burning during our signature indulgence, and head to the spa for a 90-minute couple’s massage: all the elements you need for a warm winter escape.
Whether gathering around the coals for a sense of community, embracing renewal, warming up with fun activities under the tropical sun, or igniting your heart with a loved one, join Six Senses for a host of cultural experiences and wellness retreats.