In a world that moves frenetically from one moment to the next, a 51-acre sanctuary in Pune dares to slow you down. Not as a trend, but as a return – to breath, to balance, to being. At first glance, it seduces with its minimalist curves and elemental architecture, but if you linger longer, you’ll discover a layered narrative woven with Vedic wisdom, mindful rituals, and the purest intentions. You don’t just check in here, you arrive into a deeper version of yourself.
In the serene embrace of Pune’s Peacock Valley, where the Sahyadri hills meet the tranquil waters of Khadakwasla Lake, lies a sanctuary that redefines the essence of wellness. Swastik Luxury Wellbeing Sanctuary, sprawling across 51 acres, is not merely a retreat; it is an immersive experience that harmonizes ancient Vedic wisdom with contemporary therapeutic practices.
Conceived by Dr. Nitin Nyati through the Nyati Foundation, Swastik embodies a philosophy rooted in five interwoven dimensions — Health, Wealth, Love, Bliss, and Spirituality. This holistic approach aims to restore balance and purpose to life, guiding individuals on a transformative journey that transcends conventional wellness.
As Dr. Nyati says, “Our vision for Swastik is to create a space where individuals can rejuvenate and rediscover themselves in ways that extend beyond conventional wellness.” He further adds, “By integrating the timeless wisdom of Vedic traditions with modern wellness practices, Swastik offers a route to profound inner peace, balance, and harmony.”
Swastik’s architecture is in harmony with nature
Swastik’s design is a testament to the seamless integration of architecture with nature. The sanctuary is divided into distinct spaces, or ‘Vihars,’ each dedicated to a specific aspect of wellbeing.
The Ayu Vihar offers holistic healing through Ayurveda, naturopathy, and alternative therapies, featuring therapy rooms, relaxation zones, and unique amenities like the Surya Kund (hot tub) and the Lavanam (salt cave).
Sukh Vihar, comprising 64 luxury suites and villas, provides a tranquil environment for reflection and inner peace.
Overlooking the serene Khadakwasla Lake, Anand Vihar is devoted to rejuvenation, with offerings like Ninadika (a sound healing space), the Smitam (a poolside lounge), and Rasa, a restaurant that serves global wellbeing cuisine.
Dhyan Vihar supports spiritual enrichment, featuring a vast 11,000-square-feet meditation hall, Dhyan Mandir, and the Nakshatra Van (zodiac garden) for cosmic alignment.
Utsav Vihar brings creativity and nature together to enhance spiritual and artistic growth, offering seekers the opportunity to explore yoga, music, dance, and more. It includes an open amphitheater, Rang Mandal, and a reflexology path,
Anant Mandal, where the interplay of water, soft pebbles, and gravel gently stimulates the reflex points on the soles and their connected organs, promoting optimal function.
The Guha experience
The accommodations at Swastik, known as ‘Guhas,’ are designed to blend into the natural landscape, offering both luxury and a deep connection to nature. These cave-like structures, devoid of sharp edges, create interconnected womb-like spaces – a ‘garbhmala’ of Mother Earth (Bhumi).
Architect Manish Banker explains, “These guhas became a profound source of inspiration for me, guiding the vision to create a series of interconnected womb-like spaces—a garbhmala of Mother Earth (Bhumi). These organic cocoons are designed to provide guests with an immersive experience, allowing them into a richer, deeper sense of oneness.”
The use of ferrocrete as the primary building material allows for self-sustaining, homogeneous, and organic shapes. The interiors feature natural materials and textures, with furniture made of salvaged teakwood and environmentally-friendly fabrics. The design incorporates stack ventilation systems and minimal use of water and electricity, making the villas climate-responsive.
Swastik’s culinary journey is aligned with wellness
Dining at Swastik is an integral part of the wellness experience. The cuisine philosophy echoes the credo of ‘food as medicine,’ with all-vegetarian meals created using organic and process-free ingredients. Dishes are prepared without white sugar, substituting natural sweeteners like honey and coconut jaggery.
Healthy fats such as A2 cow’s milk ghee, virgin coconut oil, and other cold-pressed oils are used in the preparations. The menu spans from local Indian dishes like stewed lentils served with cassava rotis and brown rice kheer for dessert to international classics like roasted cauliflower with saffron yogurt and mushroom stroganoff teamed with herbed millet. Each meal is designed to nourish both body and soul, aligning with the retreat’s holistic approach to wellness.
Your wellness journey at Swastik is personalised
Swastik offers personalised wellness journeys tailored to individual needs and life stages. The Discover Programs, starting from three nights, provide an introductory yet immersive wellness experience. Heal Programs, lasting seven nights or more, offer deeper therapeutic journeys, such as ‘Holistic Detox’ and “Panchakarma,” focusing on both body and soul. For those seeking to cultivate long-term vitality, Empower Programs like ‘Graceful Ageing’ and ‘Essence of Womanhood’ are designed to support life’s transitions. Yearly Signature Programs — such as ‘Acing Adolescence’ and ‘Roots & Relations’, strengthen family bonds and personal growth, offering seekers lasting support throughout the year.
Sustainability at Swastik
Swastik is deeply committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The property has implemented a range of eco-friendly initiatives, including a 700-kilowatt solar power plant and a state-of-the-art water filtration system. Over 2,000 native trees have been added to the property, and efforts are underway to minimize waste. Dr. Srinivas, a member of the Swastik team, shares, “We are very conscious of our impact on the environment. We want to give back to nature, not take away from it.” This commitment to sustainability ensures that guests can enjoy their wellness journey while contributing to the preservation of the natural world.
Swastik invites seekers to step into a world where every experience, from meals and therapies, each meditative moment is crafted to enrich life. With a harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and modern science, Swastik is set to become one of India’s premier destinations for those seeking a journey that is as fulfilling as it is transformative.
