Open skies bring flood of enquiries from overseas to luxury retreats

Ananda in the Himalayas, a destination spa resort in the foothills close to Rishikesh, has witnessed an all-time high interest from foreigners

Two years ago, this week, the reality of a pandemic sneaked up on India as it shut its doors for overseas visitors and the country went into lockdown.

As elsewhere, Covid-19 went on to wreck tourism and hospitality in India. But while the restaurant industry reported degrowth in the first pandemic year, the fear of the virus triggered a renewed interest in wellness. And luxury retreats have not only held off challenges faced by a pandemic-crippled industry, but are anticipating a rise in demand with the resum­ption of regular international flights, come Sunday.

Ananda in the Himalayas, a destination spa resort in