“True wellness is a balance of body, mind, and spirit, so I create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where guests can explore their journey at their own pace.”
-Dr. Jitendra Pokhriyal
In today’s fast-paced world, wellness has evolved into a deeply personalised journey, one that recognizes the uniqueness of each individual. As Dr. Jitendra Pokhriyal, Wellness Ambassador at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali, understands, the path to well-being is not a one-size-fits-all approach. He believes in meeting people, where they are embracing their diverse backgrounds, abilities, and comfort levels, and guiding them toward a healthier, more balanced life. With a holistic approach that blends practices like yoga, mindful nutrition, Ayurveda, and traditional medicine, Dr. Jitendra empowers each guest to embark on their own wellness journey. Through his compassionate guidance, he creates a nurturing space where individuals feel supported, inspired, and motivated to discover the practices that resonate with their mind, body, and spirit.
Here, HighEnd-Traveller.com have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Jitendra to gain a deeper understanding of his recent work and how he is transforming lives through personalised wellness solutions.
What is your background, and how did you end up as Wellness Ambassador at The Westin Resort & Spa Nusa Dua?
I was born and raised in the Himalayan region, in a family with a long-standing tradition of practicing wellness and spirituality. From an early age, I began my studies in wellness, with a particular focus on Yoga, Meditation, human psychology, and holistic healing methods. After completing my formal education, I joined Ananda in the Himalayas, one of the most esteemed wellness resorts in the region, where I played a pivotal role in guiding guests on their wellness journeys.
In December 2014, I relocated to Bali to join the Westin Resort Nusa Dua as a Wellness Specialist, where I contributed to the resort’s renowned wellness offerings until 2020, before stepping away to pursue advanced studies. This diverse experience has not only deepened my understanding of holistic health but also enhanced my ability to merge traditional wisdom with contemporary wellness practices to support individuals in achieving profound balance and well-being.
Guests all have different backgrounds with lifestyle, different abilities and different comfort levels. How do you reach them to best suit their needs?
As a wellness ambassador, I approach each guest’s needs with a personalised, holistic mindset. By first listening to their goals, challenges, and comfort levels, I tailor wellness practices, such as yoga, meditation, mindful nutrition, Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine, to suit their unique lifestyle and abilities. I believe that true wellness is a balance of body, mind, and spirit, so I create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where guests can explore their journey at their own pace, empowering them to find what works best for them.
What unique blend of skills and knowledge did you acquire during your educational journey, and how does your recent Ph.D. in Clinical Nutrition and Human Metabolism enhance your expertise?
During my recent educational journey, I not only deepened my understanding of human metabolism but also immersed myself in the practice of regional and traditional forms of holistic and alternative medicine. This experience proved to be incredibly enriching, offering me the opportunity to explore and practice disciplines such as Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, and a comprehensive study of human anatomy and physiology.
I also gained a profound understanding of nutrients, hormones, and the intricate processes of metabolism. Collectively, these learnings have significantly enhanced my confidence and provided me with a well-rounded skill set for understanding and addressing human health. Through applying these diverse approaches, I have come to realise that the human body possesses immense potential for self-healing, and that treating ailments holistically offers a risk-free, effective, and deeply beneficial path to wellness.
Dr. Jitendra, is there a particular success story or inspiring figure that has had a significant influence on you?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to work at a wellness center in Thailand, where I encountered a variety of patients dealing with multiple ailments, such as obesity, stress, trauma, anxiety, overeating, lung issues, and hormonal imbalances. Through my work with these individuals, I realized that many of these health challenges could be addressed through simple adjustments in lifestyle and fostering a positive mindset.
I began implementing targeted changes in their daily routines, focusing on diet, physical activity, and mental well-being. Within just a month, I witnessed remarkable improvements in their health. Patients struggling with obesity began losing body fat, those with high blood pressure saw their levels normalize, lung conditions showed significant improvement, and overall well-being improved for many of them.
This experience was a defining success for me during the pandemic and continues to inspire and motivate me to further enhance my approach to wellness. It reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of holistic health practices and the profound impact they can have on people’s lives.
What led you to yoga and eventually to becoming a wellness expertise?
Yoga was the first chapter of my life, a path I was introduced to through my family’s tradition. In many ways, I can say that yoga chose me. I began practicing it at a very young age, and over time, I realized the profound impact it had on my mind, body, and spirit. This sparked a desire to explore other paths of wellness alongside yoga.
Driven by curiosity and a commitment to holistic health, I began reading, learning, and practicing various other wellness modalities. This journey of exploration and self-discovery ultimately led me to become a wellness expert, blending the wisdom of yoga with diverse holistic approaches to support the well-being of others
Living a lifestyle that benefits both our health, spirit and the environment is becoming increasingly popular. So, how can we live in a way that’s kinder to ourselves and the planet? What would your answer be?
Living in a way that benefits both our health and the planet is deeply rooted in the holistic practices I’ve embraced throughout my life. To live kinder to ourselves and the environment, it starts with mindful choices. This includes nourishing our bodies with plant-based or sustainably sourced foods, staying active through practices like yoga, and fostering a deeper connection to nature through simple acts like walking outdoors. In addition, adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, using eco-friendly products, and supporting renewable energy, ensures our lifestyle is in harmony with the planet. Finally, cultivating a positive and compassionate mindset helps us make decisions that not only benefit our well-being but also extend kindness to the world around us. In essence, it’s about aligning our personal health with the planet’s health, creating a life of balance, intention, and sustainability.
As we’ve explored, wellness is not a destination, but a continuous journey—one that is uniquely our own. Through Dr. Jitendra’s holistic approach, he inspires others to embrace their own path toward balance, healing, and personal growth. By blending ancient traditions with modern insights, he empowers individuals to nurture not just their bodies, but their minds and spirits as well. In a world that constantly challenges us, Dr. Jitendra reminds us that true wellness comes from within, and it begins with the courage to listen to our own needs, make intentional choices, and live in harmony with ourselves and the world around us. Let his work inspire us to approach our own lives with compassion, purpose, and the belief that we have the power to create lasting, positive change.
Written by: Gaby Nareswari