From Burnout to Breakthrough: Reaviva CEO Shalini Shhivdasani on Redefining Holistic Wellness in India

My journey from finance to wellness has been deeply personal. I began my professional life with American Express, and while I gained valuable insights into structure, discipline, and global business, I always felt a pull toward something more people-centric something transformational. The turning point came in the early 2000s when I faced both personal and professional burnout. That experience forced me to reassess what fulfilment meant for me.

In 2004, I founded Shalom Salon & Spa in Mumbai, and over the years, it became a space where I could combine my creative instincts with a passion for self-care. But I wanted to go beyond beauty I wanted to explore the root causes of well-being. After attending a transformative retreat at Viva Mayr in Austria five years ago, I experienced firsthand what true holistic healing could look like. That became the seed for Reaviva a space that marries the science of medicine with the soul of wellness. In 2024, that vision finally took form.

2. Reaviva blends medical science with holistic wellness. Can you explain what that means in practical terms for your clients?

In practical terms, it means we don’t treat symptoms we treat root causes. At Reaviva, our clients receive a comprehensive wellness roadmap that might include clinical aesthetics, genetic and DNA testing, gut microbiome profiling, nutritional interventions, hormone balancing & fitness coaching.

For example, someone coming in for fatigue won’t just get an energy booster they’ll undergo full-body diagnostics, from sleep quality analysis to micronutrient scans. Based on the results, we curate a protocol combining IV therapy, guided meditation, functional supplements, and body treatments. This blend of high science and high touch is what sets us apart.

3. How did your transformative wellness experience in Austria shape the vision for Reaviva?

My experience at Viva Mayr in Austria was truly transformative it was the first time I saw wellness being approached as a complete lifestyle, not just a spa retreat. The focus on gut health, detoxification, mindful living, and structured routines left a deep impact on me. It made me realise how powerful preventive care and holistic habits can be not just to heal, but to truly thrive. That experience planted the seed for Reaviva.

I envisioned a space back home in India that offered a similar sense of balance where cutting-edge technology meets nutrition, movement, recovery, and emotional well-being, all under one roof. Reaviva is that dream brought to life

4. Mumbai is a fast-paced city. How does Reaviva cater to the wellness needs of its urban clientele?

Mumbai is exhilarating but it’s also exhausting. Our clients come to us looking for more than quick fixes they want sustainable transformation that fits into their fast-paced lifestyles. Reaviva is designed as a sanctuary in the city, where high-functioning individuals can recharge without hitting pause on their careers or lives.

We offer precision diagnostics and targeted interventions that respect your time. A client can walk in for a gut cleanse session, attend a meditation breathwork class, consult our in-house functional doctor, and get a collagen-boosting facial all in one seamless visit. Reaviva is a true one-stop destination for holistic wellness, where clients can plan their schedules efficiently and address multiple needs from skin to stress, hormones to fitness all under one roof.

Every inch of our 5,000+ sq. ft. space has been designed to feel private, luxurious, and deeply restorative.

5. What makes Reaviva different from other wellness clinics in the city?

Reaviva isn’t a spa. It isn’t just a skin clinic. And it certainly isn’t a gym. We are India’s first truly integrative wellness destination one that is science-backed, doctor-led, and deeply personalized. What sets us apart is our diagnostic-first approach. Before we offer a solution, we investigate. This means gene-based screenings, hormonal mapping, body composition analysis, and consultations across disciplines.

We also bring everything under one roof nutritionists, aestheticians, fitness trainers, psychologists, and doctors collaborate in real time to create a unified plan for each client. It’s not a siloed experience. It’s a 360° recalibration of your lifestyle and health.

6. Can you walk us through some of the signature treatments or technologies that Reaviva offers?

One of our most popular offerings is the Genetic Wellness Blueprint, where we use advanced DNA and epigenetic testing to customize everything from diet and supplementation to skincare and fitness routines.

Then there’s the Gut Reset Protocol a 4-week integrative program that combines microbiome analysis, guided fasting, IV nutrition therapy, and targeted dietary changes to improve digestion, energy, and immunity.

We also offer medical-grade aesthetic solutions like Morpheus8 Pro, laser therapies (including Q-Switch and Tribeam), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for hair restoration and collagen renewal.

Our approach to aging is rooted in building resilience. That’s why we incorporate structured strength and mobility programs through Pilates, EMS muscle training, and functional yoga.

These aren’t just workouts they’re longevity tools designed to preserve balance, core strength, and independence as we age.

Every treatment and protocol at Reaviva are thoughtfully designed not just for short-term results, but for sustainable, long-term transformation.

7. How does your team personalize wellness journeys for each individual?

It begins with diagnostics always. Our intake process is one of the most comprehensive in India today. Clients undergo a detailed medical and lifestyle consultation followed by lab work, gene testing, and hormonal scans, depending on their goals.

Once we have the data, our team which includes a functional medicine doctor, clinical nutritionist, skin and hair specialists, fitness trainers, physiotherapist and therapists creates a bespoke plan. This plan evolves every few weeks based on progress. It’s iterative, dynamic, and collaborative. We track not just metrics like body fat percentage or skin elasticity, but also mental clarity, sleep quality, and energy levels.

8. What are the long-term lifestyle changes you hope clients walk away with after spending time at Reaviva?

We’re not here to give you a one-time glow or a quick detox. Our goal is to help clients build a new normal. That means better eating habits, regulated sleep, deeper self-awareness, hormone balance, and stress resilience.

For example, many of our clients leave with not just improved blood reports but a newfound relationship with their body. They learn to listen to its signals. They embrace proactive wellness instead of reactive treatments. Ultimately, we want our clients to feel empowered to maintain their health, not dependent on anyone including us.

9. As a woman entrepreneur redefining wellness in India, what has your journey been like and what advice would you give others looking to enter this space?

The journey has been equal parts challenging and rewarding. As a woman in wellness, I’ve had to fight the stereotype that beauty and wellness are “soft” domains. The truth is, building a science-backed wellness business in India requires grit, research, and an obsession with detail.

For anyone looking to enter this space especially women I would say: be purpose-led. Don’t just create a product or service because it’s trending. Build something because it solves a real problem. Stay authentic, stay educated, and build your tribe. India is evolving fast the wellness economy here is projected to cross ₹1.5 trillion by 2026*, with strong demand for personalized, tech-led solutions. But authenticity will always be your strongest differentiator.

*Source: FICCI-EY Wellness and Beauty Report, 2025

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