Yovan Longevity & Health Resorts- A Catskills Ayurvedic Sanctuary
Tucked away in the Catskills and about two hours from New York City is Yovan Longevity & Health Resorts. This premier health resort offers an escape from the hustle of daily life while allowing you to seek solace at your own pace. Yovan Longevity & Health Resorts offers plenty of options for the weary, including focusing on amplifying health, de-stressing and unplugging, immersing in cardio, seeking Ayurvedic treatments, or simply practicing yoga and getting pampered.
Upon arrival, I was eager to learn more about the Ayurvedic services and see how I might benefit from a vegetarian diet, yoga classes, understanding my Dosha, and a few choice spa services. I was surprised at the immensity of the resort. Situated on multiple acres of trails alongside the picturesque Lake Bailey, it offers views of sunrises that were truly beautiful.
The property is founded on the principles of Ayurveda and the elements of nature: wood, earth, fire, air, and space. The resort aims to emphasize these energetic points. A brightly burning fire greeted me near the entrance. Gorgeous designs caught my attention throughout the building. Led by a desire to educate, a museum offers visitors a chance to explore and better understand the practice of yoga and Ayurvedic principles. There is even a fully equipped movie theater with shows available every night. Many of the 131 rooms at the resort have steam showers and adjunct rooms for more privacy.
Additionally, the property boasts two floors of treatment rooms, relaxation areas, locker rooms, and hydrotherapy rooms. I spent most of my time on the ground level taking in the mammoth “live wall.” Its stunning, lush greenery up-leveled the space. An activity room welcomes guests to decompress with pool, video games, foosball, and board games.
Elements of water throughout the property are soothing, such as a rain shower feature that stands two stories high. The pool area is beautifully lit and eclectic. The temperature of the water is set at a degree range most beneficial for healing muscles. I highly recommend the aqua bikes. After a few minutes of cycling, my legs felt vibrant and more ready for the day. The reflexology pools—hot, cold, hot, cold—was also a favorite pit stop, as they featured raised stones that pressed on the many pressure points on the soles of the feet. As far as the spa services, I enjoyed the Ayurveda Abhyanga (full-body massage done with medicated oil) and the Dead Sea Clay Treatment. Both were deeply relaxing! (Read more in detail here.)
I had my Dosha read by a seasoned professional named Haresh, which helped me better understand exactly what Ayurveda is, why it’s important, and how it can help guide individuals to pursue a healthier lifestyle. My primary Dosha was Vata (characterized as slim, energetic, and creative). Through this assessment, I was able to learn about the elements of my mind, body, and spirit in need of balance. I was informed about the categories of foods that contribute to keeping this equilibrium. As Haresh says, Ayurveda is a lifestyle, not a one-time fix. It’s practices that should be incorporated into your life, guiding you to be more aligned.
The cuisine at Yovan Longevity & Health Resorts is also influenced by the principles of Ayurveda. It’s completely vegetarian, and in most instances also vegan. Each meal is prepared with great detail by Chef John, who brings stoic enthusiasm to every dish served. Fresh vegetables, curries, soups, stews, and salads are savory and delicious. I was completely taken by the homemade, gluten-free, and vegan bread—hot assortments of rolls and specialty bread like banana and fruit served nightly with multi-course meals. Find further refreshments in their Juice Bar, offering freshly squeezed concoctions like Immunity and Green Juice.
As a yoga enthusiast, I went to most of the classes which are offered throughout the day. Offering a variety of styles like Hatha, sound healing, and meditation, the classes I took were taught by skilled, passionate instructors who added their flair to each class. The yoga room overlooked the lake and grounds. Often, geese passed by, adding an extra element of connection.
Hiking is a must at this property. Trails wind around woods and along the water, allowing you to let go of what doesn’t serve you and tune in to all that does. The walks, the views, and the wildlife of the Catskills were exactly what I needed.
Ultimately, my experience at Yovan Longevity & Health Resorts reminds me that there are many roads to wellness and this energetic space offers a few. Not only did I find the paths to healing that were right for me, but I discovered that living your best life begins with taking the first step. Namaste!
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