The foundation of our existence is a reverence to nature

Refuge to all sentient beings

Many beings call the Sal forests of Uttarakhand their home, and monkeys and mosquitoes are considered an intrinsic part of the natural habitat. We use essential oils to keep away insects without resorting to noxious repellents, and cleaning products are Green Seal-certified to minimize disturbance to the soil’s natural composition. The retreat is maintained with low Volatile Organic Compound paints and polish, which are low-risk to health, and biodegradable bags are a conscious choice for the few items we need to dispose of.

Sustainability in design

From the outset, the retreat was conceived on the Green Building Concept to be a part of the existing landscape, Sal forests, Mango plantations, and Lychee trees. Awarded LEED Platinum status in 2015, we are India’s first retreat to have attained this standard of environmental design. Interiors ensure natural ventilation in enclosed areas, and exteriors are lush, left to their most organic and natural form.

Sustainability in art

The soft colors and wooden furnishings throughout the retreat accentuate our connection to nature. Numerous artworks are made of 100 percent recycled materials such as Kite paper, scrap metal, and wooden (bottle) caps. Other materials used, such as clay and ceramic, leave no footprint to respect the design ethos. Blending art and music, make sure you experience our Raag therapies — live traditional music — under the Bodhi tree, a sensational sculpture made from salvaged metal.

Sustainability in materials

Shared spaces feature FSC-certified Sal, Ashwood, and Bamboo. Glass enclosures and windows meet LEED fenestration guidelines. Indian Dholpur, Khareda and Spanish Crema Marble are used for their hypoallergenic qualities and high durability. Optimal daylight saves energy and LED lights are used throughout. Our ‘In Com Control’ system detects whether the room is occupied through motion sensors, ensuring that lighting and heating are only in use when required. Even at night outdoor lighting is kept to a bare minimum, both to create minimal disturbance to the nocturnal habitat and mindfully preserve energy.

Water

Rainwater is harvested, and our efficient water treatment plant ensures that the recycled water is then used for irrigation over our 21-acre site. Thanks to specially designed faucets on our taps, wastage of water is minimal. Having our own bottling plant further allows us to reduce the use of single-use plastics by 100,000 plastic bottles per year. We can heat a sizable amount of water at the retreat for consumption through solar heating.

Less in, less out

There is ingrained mindfulness about the journey of anything procured before it comes to us and after it leaves us. Local and seasonal ingredients are grown in, not flown in –on-site or using small-scale vendors in our community – and we emphasize making our produce from scratch, such as our own versions of cheeses, miso, kombucha, nut butters, and ghee without using any preservatives.

Raw veg waste and tea leaves are used for composting, and leftovers are generally given to a local animal shelter or handed over to a local waste management company. Waste oils are transported for recycling to Bharat Oil, and electronic waste is responsibly transported to certified recycling centers in India.

Wear it like you mean it

We are committed to textiles made only with natural fibers. Our guest kurta pajamas and team uniforms are made from 100 percent cotton sourced from a farm in South India that adheres to the highest organic standards. Likewise, all bed and bath linen are organic ­– as are the disposable underwear in our treatment rooms!