Goa Yoga Holidays

As an introduction to the Indian subcontinent, Goa is a perfect point to taste the exotic and magical nature of India. Goa Yoga Holidays are a wonderful way of experiencing yoga in one of the most beautiful settings.

Popular with teachers and ashrams dedicated to yoga and meditation, it is possible to find great retreats an training for yoga ayurveda and meditation.

Many Europeans and US based teachers have been able to set up jointly or inderpendently, their own schools and training retreat centres in Goa, making the availabiltiy of Goa Yoga Holidays a reality for many tourists and spiritual seekers.

The Ashiyana Centre is the on-going realization of the desire to create a spiritual home. In its highest expression this is an opportunity to meet others in the heart, beyond fear and thought. It is a retreat centre that brings guests from all over the world and a group of local staff and foreign helpers who together make up the Ashiyana community.

It allows a Goa yoga holiday to be taken at the centre and benefit from the classes and drop in facility.

The Brahmani Yoga Centre in Goa runs retreats and holistic holidays and a range of excellent teachers, based there and visiting. Set amongst tropical gardens in Anjuna, North Goa Brahmani Yoga offers classes in a variety of styles and levels with highly experienced teachers from around the globe. They also have Yoga Alliance registered Teacher Training courses, Massage Training and Weekend Workshops.

SImon Low Goa Yoga retreat at the Lotus Yoga retreat is a must for the calendar - read more here

Goa, India
More info and booking here

for Heather Elton Goa yoga holidays

26 February– 4 March, 2009; £495 pp / 7 days
26 February– 8 March, 2009; £695 pp / 10 days

WHEN YOU PRACTICE YOGA IN INDIA IT SEEMS like the universe supports you! Goa is spiritual and fun. Purify and cleanse with organic food and ayurvedic massage. Sleep in a luxurious eco-lodge and listen to the sound of the ocean. Stroll along white-sand beaches with swaying coconut palms. Shop at the famous Anjuna market. Sip Chai at a beach shack and chill to Goan trance while the sun sets over the Arabian sea. Hire a scooter and explore colorful seaside villages, Portuguese mansions, Hindu temples, and lush spice plantations. Have a yoga adventure in the mystical land of its birth.

The Venue:
Ashiyana Retreat Centre is a well-designed yoga destination in Mandrem, North Goa. Surrounded by coconut palms this tranquil spot is bordered by the Mandrem River and the Arabian Sea. Luxury eco-lodges, tree-houses and stone-built dwellings are set in lush tropical gardens. The rooms are spacious with great views and are decorated with Rajistani antiques and beautiful textiles. Ashiyana’s Organic Restaurant serves an excellent fusion of freshly-prepared Indian and Western vegetarian cuisine. Fresh fish and chicken dishes are served twice a week.

VENUE – The Lotus Yoga Retreat is situated at the far southern end of Patnem beach (South Goa) and situated 50 m from the sea and next to a small, lush mountain. The huts are built right on the beach and the surroundings of Patnem are stunning. At night-time it is perfectly silent apart from the sound of the waves and wild dolphins. There is always a gentle breeze, even in the hotter months. For swimming the ocean is warm but refreshing. Patnem is south of Palolem, South Goa. The nearest village is Chaudi (5-10 mins by rickshaw) and the nearest city is Margoa (1 hour by road.)

LOCAL AREA – Goa is often called the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ and is full of surprises; charming villages with colourful churches; succulent rice fields next to Hindu temples; a 100 kilometre long coastline lined with coconut palm trees.

ACCOMMODATION – Comfortable huts made out of palm leaves, bamboo and straw designed for necessary luxury without infringing on the environment. Organic materials have been used to create a dreamy paradise. All huts have washbasins, storage space for clothes and comfortable beds. Your balcony comes equipped with a hammock and Asian day-bed, which is the perfect spot for meditating, reading or just watching the sea. Most lodgings are built under the shade of pine trees.

CLASSES – They will be held on either the Ocean or Mountain decks. The ocean deck is right in front of the sea where there is always a refreshing breeze or on the mountain deck which is just as breezy and close to the lush, green mountain separating Patnem beach from Rajbag beach.

There will be a class every morning, usually at 0800 and an afternoon class every other day at 1700. There is plenty of time available for visiting local areas of interest.

CATERING – The food is healthy, tasty and where possible organic. A large brunch is included in the price with tropical fruit and a buffet of vegetarian dishes. Throughout the day you can order small snacks, vitamin and health-booster juices and fresh tropical fruit. In the evening the restaurant has an Indian and European chef to prepare local, seasonal produce.