King Charles III and Queen Camilla recently embarked on a quiet retreat to the Soukya International Holistic Health Centre on the outskirts of Bengaluru. This private wellness visit, lasting four days, marked the couple’s first trip to India since Charles assumed the throne.
Their stay at Soukya focused on holistic rejuvenation and underscored the king’s longstanding interest in integrative medicine practices, which blend Eastern and Western approaches for a comprehensive approach to health.
A Quiet Arrival for Wellness
The royal couple King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Bengaluru on October 27 after attending the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. Their wellness-focused retreat at Soukya was chosen for its emphasis on natural healing practices, an aspect close to King Charles’s heart.
Known for his preference for integrative medicine, the king’s interest in this field is well-documented and extends over several decades. His visit to Soukya, however, was particularly significant, as it was reportedly his first international journey since his diagnosis with a serious health condition.
The decision to seek holistic health treatments rather than opting for conventional approaches demonstrates his commitment to natural, non-invasive therapies.
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Soukya International Holistic Health Centre (SIHHC) has hosted many influential figures and celebrities, and the royal couple’s visit is just one among several over the past decade. Established by Dr. Issac Mathai in 2011, the center offers integrative healing practices that include ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga, and homeopathy.
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It caters to clients seeking health balance, detoxification, stress relief, and overall rejuvenation. Dr. Mathai, who has served as King Charles’s holistic physician for years and even attended his coronation, personally supervised the king’s wellness sessions. This longstanding connection may have influenced the king’s decision to visit SIHHC for his first overseas trip as monarch.
The Soukya Experience: A Blend of Holistic Healing
At Soukya, each day of the royal visit was organized to include a balance of physical and mental wellness therapies. King Charles and Queen Camilla’s mornings started with yoga sessions, a foundational element of Soukya’s regimen aimed at enhancing flexibility, calming the mind, and promoting overall vitality.
Following yoga, the couple enjoyed breakfast before starting their rejuvenation treatments, which were tailored to meet their unique needs. These sessions likely included an assortment of massages, reflexology, and treatments like Panchakarma—a detoxification procedure that seeks to balance the body’s doshas, or energies, according to ayurvedic principles.
As the day progressed, more therapeutic treatments were introduced, each one targeted at maintaining physical health and mental equilibrium. Afternoon treatments included traditional Indian practices like ayurvedic massage and naturopathy therapies. Soukya is particularly renowned for its use of acupuncture, reflexology, and various massages designed to promote relaxation and help relieve tension.
By evening, the couple attended meditation sessions, a gentle practice that allowed them to calm their minds before retiring for the night. The day ended with an early dinner, in line with Soukya’s emphasis on aligning lifestyle habits with the body’s natural rhythms. The couple retired early to maximize their rest, a critical element in the center’s philosophy of health restoration.
Soukya is unique not only for its integrative treatments but also for the personalized wellness programs it offers. Each visitor’s schedule is crafted to address their specific health needs, incorporating treatments and practices that can lead to long-lasting benefits.
This flexibility in tailoring programs has attracted other high-profile guests over the years, from Archbishop Desmond Tutu to celebrities like actress Emma Thompson and members of various royal families.
The setting of Soukya, complete with serene spaces such as a yoga hall, library, and private rooms, allows guests to immerse themselves fully in their healing journey without distraction.
King Charles’s Journey with Integrative Medicine
King Charles has been an advocate for holistic and alternative medicine since long before his coronation. His dedication to exploring alternative healing methods has shaped his public life and continues to influence his private pursuits.
This commitment is evident in his repeated visits to Soukya, which he has frequented nine times over the past decade, including occasions where he celebrated Deepavali at the center.
His visit in 2019 marked a particularly personal milestone when he celebrated his 71st birthday there. His return to Soukya this October suggests that he views the center not just as a healthcare retreat but as a sanctuary for deep personal wellness.
The king’s approach to health reflects a broader belief in the effectiveness of natural therapies. The holistic practices at Soukya align with Charles’s philosophy, which posits that health is not just about treating symptoms but about achieving balance across the body, mind, and spirit.
This belief has been one of the motivating factors behind his charitable work, particularly through the Prince’s Foundation, which advocates sustainable farming, architecture, and alternative medicine. King Charles’s preference for holistic health practices has also shaped his stance on environmental conservation, promoting the concept that human health and environmental well-being are inherently interconnected.
His advocacy for alternative medicine has been met with both support and criticism over the years, yet his unwavering commitment is clear.
King Charles has consistently emphasized the importance of preventative health measures, a perspective he has shared through various public platforms. His choice to continue with these treatments, particularly following a recent health diagnosis, indicates a lifelong dedication to exploring diverse approaches to wellness.
Soukya: A Unique Health Destination for Global Figures
Since its founding, Soukya has developed a reputation as a world-renowned destination for those seeking holistic health. Its appeal stems from its unique blend of ancient healing practices and modern wellness techniques.
The center offers a comprehensive array of services that span ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, and homeopathy, each aimed at treating the body as an interconnected system. Dr. Issac Mathai and his wife established Soukya with the vision of creating an integrative health destination, attracting clients who are not just interested in temporary relief but in long-term health improvement.
Soukya’s holistic treatment programs focus on personalized wellness plans. For example, the Panchakarma treatment, derived from ayurvedic tradition, is a detoxification process that seeks to purify the body’s energy channels, helping patients manage stress and achieve inner balance.
Reflexology, acupuncture, and massage therapy are also incorporated to address physical symptoms such as pain, tension, or fatigue. Dr. Mathai, who has worked with King Charles for years, carefully curates each treatment plan, a fact that may contribute to the facility’s appeal among high-profile guests.
The sprawling grounds, quiet environment, and attention to detail have made Soukya a unique retreat for those seeking to rejuvenate both physically and mentally.
The presence of diverse figures, from the Duchess of York to Middle Eastern royals and global icons like Mallika Sarabhai, reflects Soukya’s international acclaim.
The center’s ethos emphasizes the integration of multiple disciplines, which appeals to those who view health as a lifelong journey rather than a quick fix. Soukya’s approach is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, where stress-related ailments are on the rise, making it a destination that promotes not only healing but also preventive health.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s visit to Bengaluru reflects their personal commitment to holistic health. Their stay at Soukya represents not just a health retreat but a reaffirmation of their belief in integrative wellness.
As King Charles navigates his responsibilities as monarch, his preference for traditional healing methods underscores a desire to balance his public duties with personal well-being.
Soukya’s mission resonates with his long-held beliefs about health, sustainability, and the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. For the king and queen, this retreat is not only a period of rest but a continuation of a deeply personal health journey that has long shaped their lives and remains central to their wellness philosophy.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏