Sacred Stillness in the Dolomities: An Ayurvedic Retreat

There is a profound kind of peace that resides in the mountains—one that anchors the soul, stills the mind, and reminds us of what it means to simply be. After a month of travel through Europe, my journey concluded at Engel Ayurpura, a boutique Ayurvedic retreat nestled in the pristine peaks of South Tyrol. And as it turns out, I had saved the best for last.

A Sanctuary Like No Other

Opened in November 2023, Engel Ayurpura is the first authentic Ayurvedic hotel in the Dolomites—a serene, adults-only escape (ages 16+) designed not just to pamper, but to heal. With only 17 rooms, this intimate hideaway offers a unique blend of traditional Indian medicine and alpine tranquillity, creating an environment where rest is sacred and rejuvenation is science-backed.

The name is intentional and symbolic: Engel translates to “angel,” Ayur stands for Ayurveda, and Pura—from Sanskrit—means house, or more poetically, a pure, sacred place. Engel Ayurpura truly lives up to its name.

The retreat shares its lineage with its sister property, Hotel Engel, a family-run estate that began as a humble farm in 1830. Owned and operated by the Kohler family for nearly 200 years, the Engel name has grown from offering shelter to weary travellers into a world-class wellness legacy, boasting South Tyrol’s first indoor pool in the 1960s and a Michelin-starred restaurant since 2011. Engel Ayurpura is the family’s newest and most heartfelt chapter—a retreat born from personal healing and visionary ambition.

Arrival: A Warm Embrace

My journey to Engel Ayurpura took just 30 minutes from Bolzano Airport, winding through the jagged beauty of the Dolomite landscape. The hotel’s modern, timber-clad exterior harmonizes effortlessly with the mountain backdrop, designed to echo the rugged crags that surround it.

Stepping into the reception felt more like arriving at a friend’s alpine chalet than a luxury retreat. A calming living room-style space—complete with a fireplace, panoramic mountain views, a curated library, and a tea station—set the tone for the deeply restorative days ahead.

My Ayurvedic Immersion Begins

On arrival in my top-floor suite, the scent of reclaimed wood mingled with fresh alpine air as I stepped onto a wraparound balcony overlooking the forest. A detailed schedule of my tailored Ayurvedic journey was waiting: mealtimes, treatments, meditations, and consultations—all carefully designed for my personal wellness.

The heart of Engel Ayurpura is its medical lead, Dr. Parth Sudhir Mahajan—the only certified Ayurvedic physician in Italy and a globally respected pulse diagnostician. During my initial consultation, Dr. Parth gently took my pulse and, with uncanny accuracy, described my energetic state. “You are like a swan,” he smiled. “Calm above water, paddling furiously underneath.”

He identified patterns I’d never spoken aloud: stress manifesting in my digestion, inherited sensitivities, and emotional overdrive. From there, he prescribed a personalised plan to restore balance to my doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—and gently detoxify my system using a selection of time-honoured therapies.

Understanding Ayurveda: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Healing

Ayurveda, meaning “the science of life,” is one of the world’s oldest holistic medical systems. Originating over 3,000 years ago in India, it aims to harmonise the body, mind, and spirit by restoring balance to the doshas—our individual constitutions—and clearing energy blockages across the body’s chakras. It is not merely a health system but a way of life, rooted in prevention, mindfulness, and natural healing.

At Engel Ayurpura, this ancient knowledge is delivered with precision, authenticity, and deep reverence. Their approach is integrative but never diluted. The wellness team includes Ayurvedic chefs, yoga masters, and therapists from India and Sri Lanka, who bring generations of lineage into every treatment and meal.

A Culinary Ritual of Healing

Ayurveda holds digestion—Agni—as a pillar of health. Accordingly, every meal at Engel Ayurpura is dosha-specific and 100% vegetarian, designed to soothe, balance, and ignite one’s inner fire.

Lunch is the main meal of the day, served in beautifully arranged bento-style trays, each one unique to the guest. No beverages are served during meals to preserve digestive strength—a detail that speaks volumes about the retreat’s adherence to tradition. Meals are cooked mindfully, using locally sourced ingredients from South Tyrol farmers, and spiced according to Ayurvedic principles to nourish not just the body, but the spirit.

Breakfasts were light and warming, with porridge, cooked fruits, and herbal teas. One morning, Anna even prepared a special spelt porridge just for me, omitting nuts I now should avoid. That kind of attentive care is what sets Engel Ayurpura apart.

Therapies That Transform

My “Approaching Ayurveda” package included four key treatments over three days:

Abhyanga: A full-body oil massage that synchronises both sides of the body.

Shirodhara: A hypnotic stream of warm oil poured across the forehead—blissful, meditative, and deeply calming.

Pinda Sweda: A herbal compress massage designed to release physical tension and stimulate circulation.

Udvartana: A vigorous herbal powder massage that detoxifies the lymphatic system.

My therapists were experts, particularly Hettige Nilantha Kumar from Sri Lanka, whose masterful technique in Shirodhara left me floating in a dreamlike state.

Another highlight: early morning yoga with Sean Ryan Bosman. Our sessions began with breathwork—Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), Bhramari (humming bee breath), and Shitali (cooling breath)—before moving into gentle flows. Evening meditations with the mantra So Hum (“I am That”) became a ritual I now cherish back home.

Spaces Designed for Stillness

The wellness architecture of Engel Ayurpura is clean, elegant, and profoundly calming. Facilities include:

A saltwater infinity pool, open year-round.

A panoramic bio-sauna made from local pine.

Infrared loungers designed for muscular relief.

A meditation room with floor-to-ceiling views.

A yoga studio overlooking the forest.

Twelve Ayurvedic treatment rooms with warm, minimalistic interiors.

There is even an Atelier—a creative space for mindful activities like painting, flower arranging, and lectures.

Sacred Rituals, Lasting Impact

One morning began with a ritual dose of warm ghee, followed by a lemon wedge and gentle liver compress—a traditional practice in Panchakarma detox designed to stimulate digestion and emotional release. Lying in bed with a hot water bottle on my liver, I found an unexpected joy in doing nothing at all.

Each day was a balance of gentle structure and intuitive freedom. Between treatments, I wandered into the surrounding garden, napped in the relaxation room, or lounged with a book in the relaxation room beneath the watchful gaze of a stone Buddha.

On our final day, Anna and Federico led us through an Ayurvedic cooking class, empowering us to integrate this ancient wisdom into our daily lives. We learned not just recipes, but the why behind each ingredient—their energetic effects, digestive properties, and how to use the spices.

A Personal Vision, A Universal Offering

Throughout the stay, co-owner Carmen Kohler was a visible presence—warm, gracious, and passionate. She led us on a scenic hike to Lake Carezza and shared her journey: after overcoming her own health challenges through Ayurveda, she vowed to bring this healing modality to her ancestral home. Together with Dr. Parth, she has created a space where modern luxury and ancient wisdom coexist in harmony.

Dr. Parth himself is a rare gem—a physician with international experience, from Caribbean resorts to community outreach in India. His depth of knowledge is matched only by his compassion.

Final Reflections

I hadn’t expected to enjoy a prescriptive holiday. As a woman constantly navigating decisions—work, family, meals, responsibilities—the idea of having everything decided for me felt surprisingly liberating. At Engel Ayurpura, I surrendered to the schedule, and in doing so, rediscovered the freedom of stillness.

Would I return? Without hesitation. Engel Ayurpura is not just a hotel; it is a place of deep transformation. For anyone feeling the weight of modern life, this is where you go to remember who you are.

DISCOVER ayurpura.hotel-engel.com

Ayurveda Programmes at Engel Ayurpura: A Guide to Holistic Healing

All Ayurveda programmes at Engel Ayurpura are individually tailored following a personal consultation with the in-house Ayurvedic physician. Programmes are charged separately from room rates and include full-board Ayurvedic meals, daily yoga and meditation, access to the spa and wellness facilities (including infinity pool, saunas, and relaxation rooms), and participation in the weekly activity schedule—from Ayurvedic cookery classes and art therapy to educational talks and forest bathing.

1. Approaching Ayurveda

A gentle introduction to Ayurvedic principles, ideal for those new to this ancient healing science.

2-Day Programme 

 Includes 2 nights’ accommodation and 3 personalised treatments:

 • Abhyanga (full-body oil massage)

 • Pinda Sweda (herbal pouch massage)

 • Udvartana (herbal powder massage)

3-Day Programme – 

 Includes 3 nights’ accommodation and 4 personalised treatments:

 • Abhyanga (full-body oil massage)

 • Shirodhara (forehead oil stream with Abhyanga)

 • Pinda Sweda (herbal pouch massage)

 • Udvartana (herbal powder massage)

2. Rasayana – The Fountain of Youth

A deeply nourishing programme designed to slow the signs of ageing, boost vitality, and strengthen the immune system. Specialised treatments and herbal oils support cellular regeneration, mental clarity, and radiant skin.

5-Day Programme and 7-Day Programme –

Includes consultation and pulse diagnosis, plus 12 personalised treatments such as:

 • Abhyanga

 • Vishesh (energy massage)

 • Mukabhyanga (head and facial massage)

 • Udvartana

 • Padabhyanga (foot massage)

 • Shirodhara

 • Pristabhyanga (back massage)

 • Marmabhyanga (vital energy point therapy)

 • Herbal stamp massages

3. Panchakarma Classic – The Ultimate Detox

The most profound of all Ayurvedic treatments, Panchakarma is a multi-phase cleansing process to eliminate deep-seated toxins, rebalance the doshas, and restore both physical and emotional equilibrium. Especially effective for lifestyle fatigue, autoimmune issues, and chronic imbalance.

7-Day Programme – 

 (Extended stays of 14 or 21 days also available upon request)

For a complete list of package options, personalised programmes and availability, visit: ayurpura.hotel-engel.com

A Flight That Feels Like a Secret: Arriving in Style with SkyAlps

Before I even arrived at Engel Ayurpura, the journey itself began to feel like part of the retreat. Flying with SkyAlps from London Gatwick to Bolzano was one of the most peaceful and pleasurable travel experiences I’ve ever had. Operating three times weekly during the high summer and winter seasons, SkyAlps offers a rare kind of air travel—unhurried, personal, and unexpectedly delightful.

Forget the chaos of long queues and airport hustle. SkyAlps uses a small turboprop aircraft, and the boarding experience felt more like stepping onto a private jet than a commercial flight. With no crowding or waiting, the transition from airport lounge to airborne serenity was seamless.

What truly set the experience apart was the sensation of flying low enough to feel connected to the earth. Cruising at a lower altitude than traditional jets, the landscape below remained in view for much of the journey—rolling hills, mountain ridges, and patchworked countryside unfolding like a living map. Watching the terrain shift gradually toward the dramatic peaks of South Tyrol gave the flight a meditative rhythm, and before I knew it, we were landing in Bolzano.

Children under two fly free, making it both accessible and family-friendly. But most importantly, it set the tone for what Engel Ayurpura would become—a journey not rushed, but cherished, from the very first moment.

DISCOVER: www.skyalps.com