US travel vlogger explains why she picks an Indian ashram over a luxury wellness retreat

A shift in wellness travel

When it comes to wellness vacations, many people picture high-end resorts with infinity pools and spa treatments. But for Carla Vianna, a US-based travel vlogger, the real deal lies far from those marble floors. She has openly stated that she would choose an Indian ashram over a five-star wellness retreat any day.

Vianna, who has travelled extensively across India, shared her thoughts in a recent interview. Her preference is not just about budget — it is about depth. She believes ashrams offer something luxury resorts often miss: raw, unfiltered transformation.

Why ashrams win over resorts

Vianna explained that ashrams provide a structured, disciplined environment. Mornings start with meditation, yoga, and simple meals. There are no distractions, no room service calls. This simplicity, she said, forces you to sit with yourself.

In contrast, she described five-star retreats as comfortable but shallow. The focus there, she argued, often stays on aesthetics — good food, nice rooms, curated activities. Ashrams, on the other hand, demand effort. And that effort, Vianna said, brings real change.

Cost is another factor. A week at a luxury retreat can run into several lakh rupees. Ashrams, even popular ones, charge a fraction of that. Many operate on a donation basis or have minimal fees for accommodation and food.

Growing interest in spiritual tourism

Vianna is not alone in her view. In recent years, more foreign travellers have been choosing ashrams over hotels. Yoga and meditation centres in Rishikesh, Kerala, and Dharamshala report rising bookings from the US and Europe.

This trend mirrors a broader shift. People are no longer satisfied with surface-level relaxation. They want experiences that challenge them mentally and spiritually. An ashram stay, though tough, offers exactly that.

Vianna recounted her own time at an ashram in Rishikesh. She said she had to wake up at 5 am, eat simple vegetarian meals, and follow a strict schedule. Initially, she struggled. But by the end of the week, she felt lighter and more focused than she ever had after any spa holiday.

Practical advice for potential visitors

For those interested, Vianna suggested starting with shorter stays — three to five days. She recommended researching ashrams online, reading reviews, and checking their rules. Some ashrams have strict codes about clothing, silence, and phone use.

She also warned against expecting luxury. Accommodation is basic. Rooms may have shared bathrooms and no air conditioning. But the trade-off, she said, is worth it. The sense of community and inner calm you gain cannot be bought at a hotel.

Vianna's message is straightforward: if you are serious about wellness, skip the fancy resort. Go to an ashram. You might just come back a different person.

As more travellers like Vianna share their stories, the appeal of Indian ashrams is likely to grow. The global wellness tourism industry, currently valued in crores, may see a quiet but steady shift towards simpler, more meaningful experiences.