Aashica Khanna is a fourth-generation hotelier and a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration in New York. As Director of IHHR Hospitality, she has been at the forefront of the company’s strategic growth since 2008, leading the planning and execution of new projects and luxury hospitality ventures.
Drawing from her family’s rich legacy in the industry—her father, Ashok Khanna, is a pioneer in luxury wellness travel, and her great-grandfather, Mohan Singh Oberoi, was a visionary in Indian hospitality—Khanna combines deep industry insight with a forward-thinking approach. She has played a pivotal role in IHHR’s expansion, spearheading strategic growth across domains.
As the driving force behind Ananda in the Himalayas, Khanna oversees operations and business development, ensuring the brand’s continued leadership in luxury wellness. She is committed to expanding Ananda’s footprint selectively, curating exceptional hospitality experiences that integrate holistic wellbeing, sustainability, and mindful living. Under her leadership, Ananda has maintained its position as one of the world’s top destination wellness retreats, consistently earning international acclaim.
Founded by Ashok Khanna in 2000, Ananda in the Himalayas is a globally recognized, award-winning luxury destination wellness resort, set in the serene Himalayan foothills of Northern India. It seamlessly blends traditional Ayurvedic and international wellness practices with world-class hospitality, fitness programs, and organic cuisine, offering transformative experiences for guests worldwide. Here, Khanna shares her thoughts on wellness and how she maintains her personal wellbeing.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is the practice of cultivating daily habits that promote balance and fulfilment. It is about striving to be the best version of yourself while maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. The journey to wellness is deeply personal, with multiple pathways leading to a state of holistic wellbeing.
What are your favorite things to do to maintain your personal wellbeing?
I follow a structured routine that includes early wake and sleep times, daily exercise, a diet of fresh and seasonal foods, sauna sessions twice a week, and a full-body therapy once a week.
Is there a specific fitness activity that you love and why?
I prioritize my morning gym routine, as it enhances my focus, clarity, and attention; reduces lethargy; boosts metabolism; and improves sleep quality.
What is your favorite healthy food, and do you have a favorite way of preparing it?
My go-to healthy breakfast is Greek yogurt with fresh berries, granola, and honey, a simple yet nourishing start to the day.
What is your favorite healthy beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and do you have any insider tips for preparing it?
I love a well-made matcha latte. To elevate its benefits, I recommend using high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha and whisking it properly for a smooth and frothy texture.
What person in wellness do you most admire and why?
Swami A. Parthasarathy, whom I deeply admire, is a pre-eminent philosopher and a true promoter of spiritual wellbeing. Acclaimed as the greatest living exponent of Vedanta, the ancient philosophy of India, he has dedicated more than six decades to selfless service. His greatest contribution lies in translating profound philosophical concepts into practical techniques for daily life, an approach that has brought both mental solace and material prosperity to society.
What is the best piece of wellness advice you have ever received and from whom?
The best wellness advice I have ever received came from my father, Ashok Khanna: “True wellness comes from looking within. Every person’s path is unique, and self-reflection helps identify what to change or embrace.”
This philosophy, deeply rooted in Vedanta, has shaped not just my personal beliefs but also the foundation of Ananda in the Himalayas. My father always emphasized that true wellbeing is not just about physical health but about aligning the mind, body, and spirit. Vedanta teaches us that lasting wellness comes from self-awareness and inner balance, not external circumstances. This perspective has guided me in curating Ananda’s holistic approach—integrating Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, and emotional healing to help people embark on their own journey of self-discovery and transformation.
What do you think is the most exciting wellness innovation you have recently discovered?
Research into an ancient and almost lost study of an Ayurvedic branch called Vajikarna, which focuses on the purification of the reproductive seed. This can help not only those facing reproductive challenges but also expectant parents to ensure healthy progeny.
At Ananda, we go deeper into tradition to find the answers to modern-day lifestyle-related issues that people are facing, and it sometimes astounds me how they had all the answers—but they did. Through our Fertility Enhancement Program, we have integrated these principles with Ayurveda, yoga, traditional Chinese medicine, and transpersonal psychology to create a holistic path for natural conception. And today, with diagnostics and data, we are proving that these ancient practices actually work.
What is your idea of balanced healthy happiness?
For me, balanced, healthy happiness comes from harmonizing personal aspirations with family commitments. It’s not always easy to achieve, but I believe true wellbeing lies in this equilibrium. While success can often feel like the ultimate goal, I have come to understand that it is happiness that gives success its true meaning.
What do you think is the most overused word or words in wellness?
I believe the word wellness itself is overused to the point that it has lost its true intention. It has become a broad, catch-all term that is often diluted, instead of representing the deep, transformative journey it is meant to be.
Do you have a secret health or wellness tip you would like to share?
For many Indians, Ayurveda is naturally woven into daily life. A simple yet powerful way to bring balance into your routine is by following Dinacharya, the Ayurvedic daily regimen that aligns the body with nature’s rhythms. This includes practices like tongue scraping, oil pulling, regular exercise, having an early dinner, a light breakfast, a relaxing walk, and sleeping early. These small yet mindful habits create a foundation for long-term wellbeing, and many of them are a part of my own daily practice.
What is your favorite place for a healthy vacation or escape?
Ananda! This may sound contrived, but I truly enjoy spending time there. Following a healthy routine feels effortless in that environment—whether it’s practicing yoga at sunrise, eating nourishing meals, or simply being surrounded by nature. It’s a place that naturally encourages balance and wellbeing, making it my favorite escape.
What is your favorite self-care routine?
It is a sauna session followed by a massage. The combination of heat therapy and therapeutic touch helps release tension, improves circulation, and deeply relaxes both the body and mind. It’s a simple yet powerful way to reset and restore balance, allowing me to feel rejuvenated and refreshed.
What is your go-to for de-stressing?
My go-to for de-stressing is spending time in nature. Being surrounded by the mountains, walking barefoot on the earth, and simply breathing in fresh air has a deeply grounding effect. It’s a way to reconnect with the natural rhythms of life, bringing a sense of calm and clarity.
What wellness-related books or authors do you recommend, and why?
Philosophical Indian texts like the Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Sutras offer timeless wisdom through stories and dialogue, making them deeply insightful for personal growth and self-discovery. Additionally, Swami A. Parthasarathy’s numerous books on Vedanta provide practical interpretations of the Vedas, translating ancient teachings into guidance for modern life.
What brings you joy?
Spending time with my friends, family, and my dog brings me joy—it’s simple, effortless, and grounding. Being in nature does the same. It puts everything in perspective. And there’s nothing quite like reading a good book in the sunlight by the ocean. It’s peaceful, undisturbed, and makes me feel completely present.
