Soukya: Holistic sanctuary in Bangalore

On the outskirts of Bangalore, India’s technology capital, lies a place that few travelers know about yet, but which has been attracting celebrities from all over the world for years. Soukya, the international holistic health center founded by Dr. Isaac Mathai, is much more than just an Ayurvedic center: it’s a veritable longevity clinic ahead of its time, where traditional Ayurveda, naturopathy, homeopathy and modern integrative medicine come together. Set in unspoilt countryside, this 30-acre sanctuary has become a world reference, welcoming King Charles III and Queen Camilla on regular visits. Luxe Wellness Club takes you on a tour of this unique place, where scientific rigor, age-old traditions and absolute serenity come together.

An oasis of nature on the outskirts of Bangalore

Some thirty kilometers from the bustling center of Bangalore, Soukya unfolds like a bubble of greenery and peace. As you step through the gates, you enter a certified organic farm where orchards, aromatic gardens and over 130 varieties of medicinal plants flourish. Here, nature is not decorative, it’s therapeutic. The medicinal oils used for massages are made from herbs grown on site, and the organic vegetable garden supplies up to 80% of the fruit and vegetables served to guests. Self-sufficiency and ecology are rare in the region, and this contributes to the atmosphere of purity that emanates from the estate.

The buildings that welcome guests are sober and elegant, perfectly integrated into their surroundings. The 25 rooms and suites, all opening onto private gardens, emphasize simplicity and serenity. No television screens, no useless distractions: here, everything is designed to refocus attention on oneself, one’s body, one’s mind. Some suites even feature outdoor showers or private Jacuzzis, but the overall aesthetic remains true to the idea of discreet luxury, conducive to contemplation.

A demanding international clientele

Soukya caters for both travellers seeking a preventive cure and patients suffering from specific pathologies. Many come to regain energy, manage stress or lose weight, but some also seek solutions for chronic illnesses or metabolic disorders. The diversity of our approaches means that we can offer protocols to suit every profile.

The resort’s worldwide reputation attracts an international clientele, often made up of public figures or business leaders in search of a deep reset. The stay of King Charles and Queen Camilla, revealed in the British press, has only strengthened Soukya’s reputation as an exceptional retreat.

The founder, a visionary doctor

Soukya is the brainchild of Dr. Isaac Mathai, an Indian physician with a diploma in homeopathy, who completed his training in integrative medicine in London and the USA. A lifelong believer in combining the best of modern medicine with ancient healing traditions, he conceived Soukya as a pioneering center for holistic health. At a time when the word “holistic” was still little used, he already imagined a place where every guest would benefit from personalized, multidimensional care, integrating body, mind and soul.

Soukya’s reputation has been built up over the years thanks to the results obtained with its patients. Whether for detoxification, stress management, preventive care or the treatment of chronic illnesses, the protocols implemented combine scientific rigor with natural efficacy. This approach has won over many international celebrities, from Sting to Emma Thompson and Deepak Chopra, not forgetting the British Royal Family, who have chosen Soukya as their preferred retreat in India.

Medical care and tailor-made programs

A stay at Soukya always begins with a thorough medical consultation. This can last up to an hour and a half, as the doctors are keen to understand each guest’s medical history, lifestyle habits and goals in detail. From there, a tailor-made program is devised, combining different therapeutic tools as required.

At the heart of ayurveda (Photo: Soukya)

The pillars of the approach are, of course, Ayurveda, with its traditional massages such as Abhyanga (a warm oil massage performed with four hands), Shirodhara (a flow of oil poured over the forehead to soothe the mind), or Pizhichil (a continuous warm oil massage to lubricate joints and strengthen the immune system). But Soukya doesn’t stop there: naturopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, reflexology and mud therapies complete the therapeutic arsenal. This integration of knowledge is one of the establishment’s great strengths.

Each day is punctuated by two or three treatments adapted to the guest’s profile. All this is supervised by a multidisciplinary medical team, attentive to both the physical and psychological dimensions of each patient.

Cuisine as the first form of medicine

At Soukya, vegetarian cuisine is an integral part of the treatment. Meals are designed according to the principles of Ayurveda, adapted to each individual’s doshas. Simple yet tasty, they feature vegetables from the garden, whole grains, legumes and medicinal spices. No excess, no superfluous: everything is designed to support detoxification and promote cellular regeneration.

Guests enjoy their meals in a bright pavilion, open to nature. Sharing a table with other travelers from all over the world creates an atmosphere of caring community, where conversations spontaneously turn to well-being and the art of living.

A typical day at Soukya

The rhythm of life is deliberately regular, as regularity is a key to balance according to Ayurveda. The day begins early, often with a sunrise yoga session, followed by meditation and breathing exercises. After a healthy breakfast, it’s time for the first treatments of the day.

Afternoons are often devoted to further treatments, interspersed with rest periods or walks in the gardens. The library and communal areas offer quiet retreats, while cultural activities, such as Ayurvedic cooking demonstrations or traditional music concerts, can be arranged.

Evenings are calm and peaceful, and generally end early to respect natural cycles and promote restful sleep.

A subtle spiritual dimension

Beyond the medical care and balanced meals, what strikes you at Soukya is the spiritual atmosphere that emanates from the place. Without being ostentatious or dogmatic, the Indian philosophy of respect for living beings and harmony with nature shines through at every turn. The gardens, filled with birdsong, the yoga and meditation rituals and the simplicity of the buildings all contribute to a return to the essentials.