Ace-Spa-Retreats

Yoga Retreat: Down ‘Om’ the Beach

Looking for some inner peace and relaxation? Amanda Bown chills out at a yoga retreat on Om Beach

Looking for some inner peace and relaxation? Amanda Bown chills out at a yoga retreat on Om Beach
Your senses are in for a treat throughout the three-hour journey from Goa airport to SwaSwara. The hustle and bustle of Goa resounds with constant noise and activity, whilst overhead eagles and other birds of prey hover above the streets and buildings, (you can be sure you’ll see many more during your stay in India). Long winding roads give way to glorious scenery, from lush vegetation and waterways to small villages, where folk sell fresh fruit and fish on the roadside, while monkeys try to steal it.

My personal journey at SwaSwara allowed me to reflect on a recent move to a new town and the building of a new lifestyle. It’s the ideal location to free up some head space and gather (in my case much-needed) perspective. SwaSwara is set within acres of land, paying tribute to nature and the environment, and sits on the legendary Om beach. Much of the food you’ll eat during your stay is grown here, and once you orientate yourself, you’ll see people working hard all day long to ensure the fresh food is collected and the impressive green credentials run like clockwork.

SwaSwara aims to introduce its guests to the constant conversation and chatter between our own voices, and the realisation that the self is not something one finds, but rather something one creates. Although this is something you’ll discover as you attend daily classes it also comes about by simply observing the surroundings and wildlife, (there are literally no other sounds apart from the waves crashing on the shore every now and then and the local wildlife).

There are stunning views from the grounds and the upper mezzanine areas of the poolside illas. These look on to densely rich, forested areas teeming with wildlife – it’s hard not to hear their chatter, including the cries of the langur monkeys, as they love the gardens.

Classes run daily from 7am, with the general rule of thumb being that early morning classes are more suited to the experienced and advanced guests, while classes starting at 8.15am are suitable for those who are fairly flexible. All classes are on a drop-in-basis, but you can book one-to-one sessions should you wish to learn more about techniques and practices. I found this useful to go over key points and techniques used in the classes, in order to make them work better for me.

The Blue Dome and the Yoga Shala (shala means ‘house’ or ‘sacred space’ in Sanskrit) are used for classes. Be warned, however, the Yoga Shala gets extremely hot during the daytime as there’s no air conditioning and it’s made from large, glass windows). So, as a result, early morning classes tend to be located there. My personal favourites were the daily yoga nidra; (nidra means ‘sleep’ in Sanskrit) where focus is directed on various limbs and all parts of the body, encouraging relaxation. Powerful mantras are designed by you and set in motion so that you can bring in whatever you wish to your life. After a little practice, I was able to quieten noise in my head while focusing on my breath and the instructor’s words. I was continually amazed by the sheer amount of chatter my head contained! These classes also gave me fresh inspiration about where to put focus in my life and what to discard.

Chakra meditation aims to activate seven of the major energy centres, by focusing on their colours and location in the body. Use of deep breathing and chanting ‘om’ accelerates supplies of vital energy from all the chakras to the related body parts, leaving you feeling elevated and calm.

Villas are built in traditional Konkan style, and are spacious and open-planned. Toiletries in the bathroom are minimal, so you may want to bring your own, and the packaging is lowkey and in-keeping with the green ethos of SwaSwara. Beware – the bathrooms are partially covered, so expect visits from frogs, geckos and bugs! After supper, I sat on my balcony, reflecting on the day. As each day passed, I felt more relaxed – as if the stress was dropping off me. I often felt very tired, in a chilled-out way, leaving me content to stare up at the stars in a happy daze.

Om Shanti More spiritual wellbeing retreats in India

Shreyas, Bangalore

Situated in Bangalore, Shreyas is dedicated to promoting the authentic spiritual tradition of yoga in an environment which embodies the spiritual tradition of Atithi devo Bhava (serving the guest as an embodiment of the Divine). At Shreyas, you gain a unique insight into yoga, whether you are a beginner or at a more advanced stage, practising different facets of the tradition including postures and meditation. Guests also have the opportunity to interact with the local communities, participate in activities and gain an insight into their lives. Steppes Travel offers a five-night break until April 2011 from £1,208 per person. International flights can be arranged on request. For details call 01285 880 980 or visit steppestravel.co.uk

Purple Valley, Goa

Purple Valley Ashtanga Yoga Retreat is a peaceful haven situated in Goa, lined by white sandy beaches and the azure Arabian Sea. India is the home of yoga, and Purple Valley hosts some of the world’s leading Ashtanga yoga courses and teachers including David Swenson, John Scott and Clayton Horton in Goa’s most comfortable yoga accommodation. The usual yoga course is two weeks and offers six morning yoga classes and four afternoonclasses weekly of various content according to the teacher and session. Food is delicious vegetarian cuisine and there is a range of ayurvedic treatments on offer. Costs from £480 for a week (based on two people sharing) including meals and classes but excluding flights. Call 0091 (0) 832 226 8364 or visit yogagoa.com

Tree of Life, Jaipur

Located on the outskirts of Jaipur, looking out over the stunning Aravalli Hills, the Tree of Life Resort and Spa brings a new level of laidback luxury to the Pink City whilst at the same time supporting the local community by donating a percentage of their takings to various environmental initiatives. Nestled in seven acres of serene Indian landscape, the resort consists of 14 villas each complete with its own garden, private spa and some with their own pool. The immaculate grounds offer peace and serenity for guests in the form of meditation areas, a swimming pool, spa, tennis courts and a gym. Spend your days here learning to cook delicious organic food, visiting local communities, going on nature rides or having soothing spa treatments. For further details call 0091 960 209 1000 or visit the website: treeofliferesorts.com

Fact box:

Wellbeing Escapes offers a seven-night stay at SwaSwara from £1,440 per person. This includes return airport transfers and flights to Goa and is based on two people sharing a Garden Villa on a full-board basis, with complimentary yoga classes and holistic activities, cooking demonstrations, walks and treks. A six-day Ayurvedic treatment programme (two hours per day) is available at an extra cost from £500 per person. For details call 0845 602 6202 or go to wellbeingescapes.co.uk