Nurturing Nature at Ananda

At Ananda in the Himalayas, wellness is deeply rooted in the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda, which posits that the body and mind are sustained by five elements or the Panchamahabhutas: Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jala), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), and Space (Akasha).

Just as these elements serve as a foundation for holistic healing, they can also be regarded as pillars of balance in the natural world.

Every sustainable initiative at Ananda nurtures the panchamahabhutas. Here's how the 5 elements are addressed through both philosophy and action at Ananda.

Prithvi (Earth):

The element of Prithvi or Earth symbolises stability, nourishment, and grounding. At Ananda, reverence for the land is woven into our sustainability efforts.

One of our most significant steps has been towards food sustainability. With a strong emphasis on wellness cuisine, we source the majority of our seasonal produce from farms in the local region. Our menus are designed to reduce waste by changing daily and using fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. Leftover food scraps are sent to nearby animal farms, ensuring minimal wastage.

Ananda has also eliminated single-use plastic across guest services. Initiatives like stainless steel bathroom dispensers, the use of our signature glass water bottles from our in-house bottling plant, and mindful packaging choices in our kitchens have all been implemented to reduce plastic waste and minimise our contribution to landfills.

Biodiversity is another key focus. We created a bee colony on our property in order to support local pollination and ecology. Bird feeders and bamboo water troughs have been placed throughout the property to nourish the local fauna, while also encouraging guests to engage with nature through birdwatching and seva (volunteer) activities.

Ensuring the longevity of the land which nourishes, provides a space to exist, and keeps us tethered, is a driving factor behind our work towards increased sustainability.

Jala (Water):

Water, or Jala, signifies purification, adaptability, and circulation. In the lush green landscapes of Ananda, preserving this resource is a top priority.

Ananda has achieved a zero-wastewater discharge through an advanced sewage treatment plant (STP) that uses MBBR technology without chemicals. All treated greywater is then repurposed for landscaping and used to water the property’s gardens and green spaces. With the aim of optimising water usage, we have also adopted automatic pop-up sprinklers, saving over 3,600 kilolitres of water annually.

In guest areas, our opt-in linen reuse program, has minimised the unnecessary washing of bed and bath linen, encouraging conscious consumption.

It is a cycle of taking and giving, of using and reusing, of nurturing one element by eco-consciously utilising another, and this is the ethos underlying the water conservation efforts at Ananda.

Read more about our water conservation efforts

Agni (Fire):

In Ayurveda, Agni is not just the fire that digests food, but also the fire of transformation and vitality. At Ananda, this transformative force is channelled into energy conservation and carbon reduction in order to revitalise our natural environment.

The energy infrastructure at our property has seen a significant shift in recent years. Our hot water systems have been fitted with 15KW heat pumps, reducing diesel usage by 84% and cutting over 32,000 kilograms of CO2 emissions per year. The laundry facility now operates with 40% electrically powered equipment, further reducing fossil fuel consumption.

LED lighting has been installed across Ananda, leading to a reduction in daily electrical consumption by approximately 450 units, which translates to almost 408 kg of CO2 emissions per day. Our property is also fitted with Smart energy controls, such as balcony door micro-switches that automatically turn off air conditioning when the door is open, further minimising electricity wastage.

At Ananda, the serenity of the environment flows into every individual during their stay, instilling a sense of harmony and connection. Through efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and energy consumption, we aim to instill this harmony between human activity and the natural world, creating a sustainable balance between the two.

Vayu (Air):

Vayu represents breath, movement, and the invisible force that sustains life. In today’s world, reducing air pollution is essential for collective wellbeing, a principle that guides Ananda’s choices in transportation, sourcing, and cleaning practices.

One of the key strategies to minimise carbon emissions has been local procurement. By sourcing food, materials, and amenities from suppliers in nearby regions, we reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation.

Ananda also provides group transportation for staff, reducing individual commuting emissions. Within the property, eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning agents and pesticides are used to protect both indoor air quality and the surrounding environment. Additionally, Wi-fi is limited in outdoor spaces to encourage guests to turn their focus towards themselves and their surroundings.

As it flows within and around us, forming the foundation of life and wellbeing, nourishing the air and minimising pollution is at the heart of our efforts.

Akasha (Space):

Finally, Akasha, or space, is the most subtle of the five elements. It contains all life, making possible their existence. At Ananda, Akasha is not just the silence between thoughts or the stillness of Himalayan air, but also the space we occupy in our surrounding community, and our responsibility to nurture that space in return.

Wellness cannot be confined within a boundary. It must ripple outward, reaching the people and environment that, in turn, provide us with something invaluable. Giving back to the community is an integral part of Ananda’s ethos, and over the years, we have cultivated meaningful relationships with the local region.

One of Ananda’s most purposeful initiatives has been a wellness education and training program for women from underprivileged backgrounds. This three-month program involves a comprehensive training in holistic spa therapies, providing local women with skills and certifications for employment at Ananda and other wellness establishments. Our engagement also extends to local schools in and around Narendranagar. Ananda assists with their maintenance, infrastructure, and basic amenities to support and promote primary education.

This also extends into seva, the idea of selfless service. Guests are invited to take part in experiences such as herb garden maintenance or participate in our bird and fauna exploration activities led by the horticulture team. These small yet meaningful actions cultivate a deeper connection between the guest and the space.

At Ananda, Akasha is both spatial and spiritual. By nurturing our surroundings and contributing meaningfully to it, we honour the invisible strings that connect our wellness with the world around us.

At Ananda in the Himalayas, sustainability is woven into the very philosophy of wellness we follow.

Being guided by the five elements that sustain life, we seek to heal not only the individual, but also the environment we are a part of. From the way we grow and prepare our food, to how we treat our waste, power our systems, design our buildings, and connect with our community, each initiative is designed with the elements of Prithvi, Jala, Agni, Vayu, and Akasha at its core.