Wellness comes in different forms. It could be hitting the gym, brisk walking, intense yoga practice, mindful meditation or taking holistic therapies. Yovan Longevity & Health Resorts (YO1) offers a luxurious setting for all these health wellness activities. Nestled in the scenic Catskill mountains of New York, YO1 was born out of a larger vision – where comfort meets cure and ancient wisdom meets modern technique and ambience.
The name and intent of the resort is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yovan’, meaning youthful, and representing the human quest to attain eternal youth through a complete rejuvenation of mind, body, and spirit.
YO1 is spearheaded by its CEO Harish Goyal, who doubles as CEO of Zee TV Americas and has handled many big projects successfully for YO1’s parent, Essel Group of multipreneur Subhash Chandra.
In an extensive interview while giving me a tour recently of the 131 rooms and suites facility with five-star ambience, he said that the resort’s journey began when it was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the International Day of Yoga in 2018. Covid-19, however, delayed its full development till 2021. “It’s been five years now since we opened,” Goyal says. “And every year we have been growing stronger by rebuilding and redefining.
YO1 treats a wide range of modern lifestyle concerns such as insomnia, anxiety, weight gain, chronic pain, diabetes and cholesterol. The specialized wellness programs also include infertility and metabolic health management conducted by skilled practitioners in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and Yoga. Guests can choose the package that best suits them — from a day program to a month-long transformation. Prices range from $250 a night, comparable to the tariff at a middle level hotel in America, and $1,500 package for a couple. Treatment costs are separate. A health seeker can take a day pass and avail all facilities including the pool and gym and a pick of therapies including massage.
A wellness sanctuary, not five-star hotel
YO1’s ultra-modern 6-story building raised from scratch is captivating enough. More impressive is the fact that it is set in over 1,500 acres of pristine landscape, including the historic Kutsher property and two lakes.
The resort is accessible to millions of individuals, but not for walk-ins.
Explains Goyal, “Our property is not like the usual hotel or casino. We envisaged it as a true health and wellness destination within driving distance from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. We are very much drivable from Manhattan too.”
“Most of our guests drive, but we also have provision for a chopper to land,” he adds.
All guests can behold the scenic beauty of the area as every room is lake facing. Scenic walking and biking trails in the vicinity tempt you for more nature immersion.
Goyal gives more details of the lay of their land in Monticello, NY. “We have a 300-acre golf course, acquired as part of the 1,500 acres. Besides Bailey’s Lake you see right from every room, there is the bigger Anawana Lake. That is how the road you take to enter the resort is named as Anawana Lake Road.”
Focus on holistic healing techniques
One of the highlights of YO1 is healing through ancient healing sciences – Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, acupuncture and hydrotherapy. Personal consultation is the first step. Before starting on healing therapies, you get a free session with expert counselors, who advise a customized program for you.
Nature cure or naturopathy, Goyal explains, involves healing your body through five natural elements – water, fire, earth, ether, and air. “Our Ayurveda and naturopathy counselors advise on Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (water) balance after checking the pulse,” he shares.
The multi-pronged wellness center boasts a 68,000 sq. ft. spa, offering 32 therapies across 66 treatment rooms along with 13 saunas, multiple steam rooms, 7 yoga studios, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an Olympic-size indoor pool.
Their gourmet food menu is plant based with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. The healing program is designed in such a way so that clients follow a 12-hour intermittent fasting that starts at 8 p.m. and ends at 8 a.m. No food, drinks, or snacks are served in that period.
The post-pandemic shift
While Covid delayed the opening of YO1, it has changed the attitudes of people who have become more conscious of physical and mental health. Goyal says that they have noticed a significant shift in the demographic of their guests. “Initially the property catered to the 40-60 age group. But in the last five years I have noticed that a lot of younger people are coming in and they are more health and wellness conscious. Our clientele is now in the age bracket of 28 years to 70.” Seventy percent of their customers are female.
Goyal does not want to divulge names of the rich and famous who have stayed at Yo1, for reasons of privacy. But he does name a movie shot here. Yes, one scene in ‘Smile 2’, starring British actress Naomi Scott and released for Halloween in 2024, was shot in the wellness atrium featuring the unique 2-story waterfall and massive green wall/vertical garden facing the juice bar.
YO1 is open to group bookings for conferences and spiritual retreats. YO1 is open to group bookings for conferences and spiritual retreats. Goyal felt privileged that 38 Pujya Swamis heading all BAPS Swaminarayan temples in America had a wellness retreat here last year.
The region sees four seasons, and Goyal points out that their client flow is good in spring, summer, and fall, the last when people visit to see the beautiful fall colors in the area.
While YO1 is not yet on insurance panels, you may be able to use your Health Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), or other tax-favored health plans, to obtain reimbursement for certain wellness therapies here.
Having stayed at Yo1, tasted its hospitality and tried a couple of therapies, I can safely say that this resort is unique to America. It is luxurious like a world class spa, but it is also a serious place to treat ailments like at an ayurveda/nature cure hospital in India.
Contact: Ph: 845-237-9100; email: yo1info@yo1.com; website: yo1.com
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