Goa
Day One: Welcome to Paradise
Upon arrival at Goa International Airport, you’ll be greeted and driven to Swaswara (3.5 hours). Once there, check-in and savour the incredible surroundings – 30 acres of jungly rainforest and rainwater lakes. You’ll be briefed on your stay and shown to your home for the next few days; a private villa with courtyard garden, yoga deck and bathroom that’s partially open to the stunning south Indian sky. You will also have a detailed consultation with one of the resort’s fully-qualified yoga instructors.
Overnight at Swaswara, Gokarna
Meals included: Lunch; dinner
Days Two-Five: Health and Happiness
Over the course of the new few days, you’ll settle into a series of treatments, classes and experiences geared to your wellbeing. The resort puts on daily sessions of yoga, pranayama (control of the breath), yoga nidra (guided sleep meditation), laughter yoga and guided meditation, and your instructor will recommend the classes and levels for you (don’t miss the chance to savour a sunrise meditation overlooking Om Beach from the resort’s open-air hilltop pavilion). After a consultation with the onsite ayurvedic or naturopathy doctor, you will also be prescribed a series of treatments, including therapeutic massages, reflexology and salt scrubs.* In addition, you can choose from a varied programme of events and activities: every day, the resort’s chefs provide interactive cookery classes which teach guests how to recreate delicious and healthy local dishes. You can also set off through the dense forest on morning or evening guided walks, savouring the sound of bird song and the smell of blossom and salt from the nearby ocean. Swaswara has its own art studio, where resident artists will guide you as you make pottery, paint on handmade paper or take part in daily art meditations. You’ll have plenty of time to relax by a pool shaded by blossoms or in the resort’s lush gardens. At meal times, you’ll eat a pescetarian take on the delicious local cuisine, made with organic fruit and vegetables from the gardens and nearby farms, and fish straight from the sea.
Optional extras
1) Weekly boat cruise
The resort’s boat cruises the calm Arabian Sea to Town Beach once a week, from where guests can take a guided walk through Gokarna village, visiting its vibrant temples and farmers’ market (the cruise is free, but pre-book on arrival in the resort).
2) Weekly bird-watching walk
Wander the resort’s protected forest on Wednesday mornings, on a guided search for Hornbills and White-bellied Sea Eagles (free, but pre-book on arrival in resort).
3) Boat trips to Mirjan Fort, Long Beach or Tadadi Harbour
Trips by boat to local destinations can be booked at extra cost. Cruise over the Arabian Sea and along the jungle-hemmed Aghanashini river towards grand old Mirjan Fort, or journey to the pristine sand of Long Beach. Alternatively, head for the busy harbour at Tadadi to explore its bustling fish market, returning to the resort by tuk-tuk. Ask on arrival for costs and further details.
4) Private yoga sessions
One hour-long private yoga session per room is included in the price of your stay. Further sessions are available at extra cost and bookable locally.
Overnight at Swaswara, Gokarna
Meals included: All
Day Six: Back to Reality
After a final breakfast, you’ll check-out in time for your private transfer back to Goa International Airport for your return flight, feeling wonderfully refreshed. Guests wishing to prolong their stay in India can continue to Alila Diwa Resort in south Goa, for a final night of five-star luxury just 20 minutes from the airport. Set in beautifully landscaped gardens surrounded by lush fields, the resort has a stunning infinity pool, four restaurants and a large spa. Please see the Extras tab for this add-on’s related costs and details.
(Optional overnight at Alila Diwa Resort)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day Seven: Extension
Those who have booked the Alila Diwa extension at extra cost will check out after breakfast, in time for the private transfer back to Goa International Airport for their onward flight.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation
SwaSwara, Gokarna by CGH Hearth
Overall meals included: Full board (soft drinks ordered outside meal times and wine are extra). Swaswara serves pescetarian food.
What's included:
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Private transfers unless stated otherwise
- Meals as listed
- Mandatory taxes and service fees
- Personally-tailored programme of yoga and relaxation
What's not included:
- International flights to/from the start/end point of our experiences
- Optional extras listed
- Tips for guides, drivers, hotel and restaurant staff
- Any visa, customs, airport taxes or similar charges before or after the tour
- We cannot guarantee the included hotel breakfast for early departures
- Drinks during meals unless stated otherwise
- Personal expenses, such as laundry
Be sure to bring: Hiking boots/trainers
For Home Office travel advice to this country, read more here
If you intend to travel solo, please click here
Children: This experience is not suitable for children.
*Massage treatments vary in accordance with ayurvedic principles. Please discuss your specific treatment programme on arrival.
*Yoga clothes will be provided for the duration of your stay
GETTING THERE
Typical return Economy flights from London cost around £500 per person and take approximately 13 hours depending on exact flight configurations and layover times.
Experience start point: Dabolim (GOI). Arrive any time.
End point: Dabolim (GOI). Depart after 1pm.