Weekend wellness: Exploring India’s growing trend of quick retreats focused on yoga, therapy, and sound healing

Urban professionals in India are increasingly turning to weekend wellness retreats offering yoga, mindfulness therapy, and sound healing as a method of stress management. These short-duration getaways—ranging from two to three days—are being hosted at locations within close proximity to major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune.

The retreats focus on structured routines involving early morning yoga, guided therapy sessions, digital detox periods, and alternative practices like gong baths and Tibetan bowl sound healing. Unlike traditional wellness tourism, which often involves longer stays, these offerings are designed for time-constrained professionals seeking routine breaks without taking extended leave.

Hybrid of Traditional Practices and Contemporary Wellness Techniques

Operators of these retreats typically blend Indian wellness disciplines such as Hatha Yoga and Ayurveda with internationally recognised practices like cognitive behavioural group therapy and guided breathwork. Some venues include nutrition planning and physiotherapy consultations as part of the package.

Participants are not required to disconnect from all technology but are encouraged to reduce screen usage, particularly from social media and work-related apps. Accommodation is often minimalistic, aligning with the goal of removing external distractions.

Institutional Support and Commercial Growth

The segment has seen significant growth post-pandemic, as companies and start-ups in the wellness space adapt to rising demand. Online platforms now allow bookings for curated wellness itineraries based on themes such as “emotional resilience”, “energy alignment”, and “mental clarity”.

Retreat providers report a sharp increase in group bookings by corporate teams and peer networks. Programmes are also being included in workplace wellness benefits by a few private firms.

While scientific evaluations of short retreats are limited, feedback indicates temporary reduction in stress levels and increased awareness of mental wellbeing, prompting repeated participation.