VEER SINGH
Founder, Vana Retreats
Born in 1983, Veer studied and grew up in New Delhi and then
went to England to complete school. A gap-year took him to
Spain where he mastered Spanish and discovered his love for
languages, music and art. He then returned to the UK to study
physics. Whilst in London, Veer spent much of his time being
politically active, learning about organic agriculture and ecology,
exposing himself to art, music and culture, learning languages,
while finding enough time for reflection and contemplation.
For Veer, his formal studies simply became a task to complete,
with real learning coming from all the experiences around him.
With a desire to live a more sustainable and conscious life,
he eventually decided to work towards becoming a self-sufficient
organic farmer. This pursuit led him to working on farms in Spain
and India. It was during this time at Finca Binifela in Spain where
some of his most transformative learning took place.
Confident with new skills and full of passion, Veer returned
to India to find a life in agriculture and to create an example
of a small but successful organic farming operation. His dream
was to create a model that could be an inspiration to anyone.
But this was not to be Veers path and several months later
he found himself in Dehradun in Malsi Estate. Inspired by the
sites natural beauty, adjacent Sal forest and a conviction that
came from his new perspective on life, a dream to create a
place of wellbeing was born.
The journey of Vana thus began with the intention of creating the
most iconic wellness retreat in the world.
After nearly five years of arduous work, Vana Malsi Estate opened
in January of 2014. A manifestation of Veers beliefs and journey
in life, it is a place of sincerity and higher purpose.
His love for architecture, agriculture, art, design, cuisine and
wellness are all expressed here.
Veer wishes for Vana to be a refuge where people can find a sense
of equilibrium with themselves, those around them and with
nature, as well as a place that provokes and inspires.
Vana is committed to deliver its vision: to be of service and
enhance wellbeing.
Veer belongs to a rare breed of people who do not blindly
conform and follow trends but carve out their own niche.
He is propelled by a desire to be of service and make a difference.
Veers uncompromising attention to detail means that every
element of Vana has been scrupulously planned and executed.
Design played an important role during Vanas conceptualisation
and careful attention was given to the Retreats landscaping,
with significant effort invested in ensuring preservation
of the sites natural topography, orchards and trees.
Once Vana matures, it should exist as if it has naturally arisen
from the earth as a living being, says Veer. Vana recently
achieved LEED Platinum Certification from the USGBC,
a standard not yet attained in India by any other place of its
size, scale and quality.
In addition to design, cuisine is an integral element of Vana.
Despite not having become a farmer, Veer has incorporated many
of his learnings at Vana. Including the use of organic produce,
fresh and seasonal ingredients, mindfulness towards nutrition and
seeing food as nourishment. Veer also hopes to make Vana
virtually self-sufficient by creating a mutually beneficial food
network and sourcing directly from farmers and producers.
The team at Vana is Veers family and his purpose is as rooted in
their wellbeing as it is in that of Vanas guests and society.
The Vana team already constitutes over 300 people,
and each member is chosen with considerable effort and thought.
Veer lives at Vana in his casa by the mango grove.