The Art of Healing: How Anjeli Ayurveda Brings Ancient Wisdom to Sarasota

I never planned to stumble upon a little piece of India in the heart of Sarasota, but the universe has a funny way of aligning things when you need them most.

After spending most of my adult life in India, I've developed a sharp radar for authenticity. I soaked up its deep-rooted traditions, mesmerizing chaos, and spiritual wisdom that feels almost woven into the air. When something feels honest, it's a wellness trend wrapped in a pretty package.

So when I walked into Anjeli Ayurveda, I knew immediately—this was the real thing.

It is pure bliss, a sanctuary of healing infused with centuries of Ayurvedic knowledge, meticulously crafted treatments, and warmth that makes you exhale when you step inside. And behind it all?

Meet Rekha Chiroli: A Lifelong Journey into Healing

Rekha Chiroli isn’t just an Ayurvedic therapist—she carries the wisdom of healing in her hands, a gift passed down through generations. Her love for natural healing began in childhood, shaped by firsthand experiences with her grandmother.

Born and raised in the small village of Sukna, at the foothills of Darjeeling in North India, Rekha grew up in the heart of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Life there was intertwined with nature—encounters with elephants and monkeys were part of daily life. In her childhood home, healing wasn’t a profession but a way of living. She watched her grandmother tend to her garden, care for animals, and gather medicinal herbs from the jungle. Rekha vividly remembers how her grandmother knew the forest so well that she could even recognize the scent of a tiger’s urine. Deeply rooted in nature’s intelligence, these early lessons unknowingly shaped Rekha’s path.

From a young age, Rekha was drawn to beauty and skincare. As a teenager, she eagerly collected beauty tips, jotting them down in a notebook she still treasures today. What started as a youthful curiosity has become the foundation of her Ayurvedic practice.

A Journey Destined by Fate

Despite being born in a remote village, Rekha’s path was never meant to be confined there. She believes her journey to the West was karmically destined—each step, no matter how unexpected, felt divinely orchestrated.

From breaking free of a traditional arranged marriage to teaching in Nepal and Haiti, she eventually arrived in Miami, where she felt welcomed upon being hired by the beautiful City of Coral Gables. Soon after, she landed her dream job as a flight crew member, where she met the love of her life—her husband—and enjoyed traveling extensively across the U.S. and its territories.

Finally, she found her true home in Sarasota, a city undergoing a rapid spiritual evolution. She has lived here with her family since 2006. It was in Sarasota that life came full circle, leading her back to Ayurveda—the very tradition she revered long before realizing it would become her calling.

India Artisans: A Prelude to Ayurveda

In downtown Sarasota, Rekha opened India Artisans, a boutique specializing in handcrafted imports from India. Among the beautiful textiles and art, she was drawn to spiritual items, deepening her connection to India’s rich cultural traditions.

Through India Artisans, she curated collections, hosted Diwali and Holi celebrations, and shared a piece of her homeland with Florida. But as online shopping surged, she had to close the store. Then, just days later, the world shut down.

A Blessing in Disguise

Quarantine, though challenging, became a profound blessing. Forced to slow down, Rekha delved deep into spiritual studies and reconnected with Ayurveda—not as a distant childhood memory but as her true life’s purpose.

A pivotal moment came when she visited an Ayurvedic doctor in Clearwater. In just one session, he saw beyond the surface, recognizing deep-rooted physical and emotional imbalances. That encounter awakened something within her.

Determined to learn Ayurveda authentically, she traveled to Kerala, the birthplace of this ancient science. There, she connected with a family of lineage holders—guardians of Ayurvedic wisdom passed down for generations—who guided her on her path. With their help, she enrolled in Kerala Ayurveda Academy in Aluva, where she earned her certification in Ayurvedic Beauty and Wellness. More than just learning Ayurveda, Rekha embodied it.

Bringing Authentic Ayurveda to Sarasota

Rekha returned to Sarasota with a depth of knowledge that can’t be gained from a weekend course or a Google search. She knew exactly what she needed to do.

She opened Anjeli Ayurveda—a sanctuary where authentic Ayurveda thrives, untouched by trends and rooted in tradition.

Today, Rekha continues her grandmother's legacy through her practice, blending ancient wisdom with modern understanding. Her journey—from a small village in India to the heart of Sarasota—has been anything but ordinary. Through Anjeli Ayurveda, she invites others to embark on their path to healing, just as she did.

Photos from Rekha's archive.

Why Anjeli Ayurveda is Unlike Any Other Wellness Center

Let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t a spa.

Every treatment at Anjeli Ayurveda is rooted in ancient healing science. Rekha doesn’t just pick up a product bottle and apply it to your skin—she custom-blends every formulation based on your dosha, imbalances, and unique needs.

• Ayurvedic Beauty Rituals – Transformative and restorative skin and hair care treatments using freshly prepared formulations.

• Traditional Ayurvedic Head and Foot Massages with Medicated Oils—These treatments promote deep cellular healing more than relaxation.

• Shirodhara – A steady stream of warm herbal oil poured over the forehead, melting stress and inducing a meditative state.

A Sanctuary in the Heart of Sarasota

There’s something about Anjeli Ayurveda that transports you.

The center is nestled in a beautiful cottage, radiating an inviting and deeply relaxing warmth. When you step inside, you leave the outside world behind and enter a space of wisdom, kindness, and rejuvenation.

Maybe it’s the subtle scent of sandalwood lingering in the air. Perhaps it’s the soft flicker of Diya light, the rich Indian textiles, or the earthy tones that embrace you. Or maybe it’s simply Rekha herself—the way she greets you as if she already knows you, the way she listens, the way her treatments feel more like rituals than services.

Whatever it is, one thing is sure—this is more than self-care. This is transformation.

If you’re searching for more than just another spa treatment—if you crave deep healing, authentic Ayurveda, and a place where ancient wisdom is honored—Anjeli Ayurveda is waiting.

 Anjeli Ayurveda – A hidden retreat in Downtown Sarasota.

Book a session with Rekha: anjeliayurveda.com

Photos: iruphotos.com