ANDREW HILLAM
2023 All Inclusive Ashtanga Yoga Retreat Content
After four long years we are returning to the beautiful SwaSwara Resort
A few minutes walk from the Ocean, SwaSwara is nestled in lush forest filled with many beautiful birds and butterflies as well as the shy and reclusive Hanuman Langur. The coastal forest air is clean and pure and the water is natural rain water harvested and filtered. SwaSwara specialises in holistic Ayurvedic treatments helping you to return yourself to a state of perfect balance. The staff are among the sweetest, most welcoming and gentle souls anywhere in the world. It is an ideal place to deepen all aspects of yoga practice and to reconstruct body, mind and spirit, creating balance and harmony within.
Yoga practice is the process by which we bring about a change in perspective, away from identification with the ever busy mind, toward identification as the observer or Self. Even a little of this practice is extremely valuable and can have a long lasting effect. The peaceful environment of SwaSwara, abounding in natural beauty, allows the mind to become quiet and is perfect to support our yogic journey of going more deeply within.
During the retreat daily morning chanting is followed by Ashtanga Led and Mysore Classes and complimented by satsanga in the afternoons, delving into discussions on yoga philosophy, asana and pranayama techniques. During the day schedule Ayurvedic massage and naturopathic treatments, Ayurvedic cooking classes, meditative art classes or go on a guided nature walk with SwaSwara’s in house naturalist. There will also be plenty of time to enjoy the beach or the pool or visit nearby Gokarna, a timeless and traditional South Indian village home to the famous Mahabaleshwara Shiva Temple.
As part of the Ayurveda component of the retreat, SwaSwara's in-house Ayurvedic physician, Doctor Firoz Varun, will give the group a special presentation on the science and practical application of Ayurveda in daily life. Students will also have the opportunity to take part in interactive cooking sessions on Ayurvedic cuisine.
The moon day (Oct 13) begins with a morning satsanga followed by an excursion to visit an ancient Vishnu temple, Shri Venkataramana Temple, Manjuguni, in the heart of the forest approximately 90 minutes from SwaSwara.
Partners of Retreat Attendees: You are welcome to bring your 'non-yoga' partner to share your villa and to relax and enjoy SwaSwara while you sweat it out in the yoga room. Partners will be able to access all the same benefits offered by SwaSwara including ayurveda and naturopathy treatments as outlined below. Please contact us directly for partner rates and more information.
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This is an all inclusive Ashtanga Yoga Retreat that includes all the following except your air ticket, insurance and personal incidentals at SwaSwara.
Check out the full pricing & sample daily schedule!
Ashtanga Yoga
6 x Morning chanting & Asana Sessions:
Inclusive of Guided Group Class & Mysore Style Practice
6 x Satsanga Sessions:
Inclusive of Yoga Philosophy, Pranayama, Asana Technique & Q&A
Ayuverda
1 x Ayuverda Consultation:
A detailed consultation with the Ayurveda doctor on arrival followed by check-ups & interaction with the doctors prior to each Ayurveda treatment.
4 x full body Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massages per person during your stay
Round Trip Limousine Car Transfer
The closest international airport is Dabolim Airport in Goa. Fly into Dabolim and you will be picked up in a limousine and brought directly to SwaSwara. You can also choose to be picked up at the nearest train station.
Retreaters will be connected to SwaSwara directly for date & time & pax number arrangements.
Luxurious Private Villa
The package includes 7 nights of a single or twin shared individual villa with private outdoor shower, courtyard garden and upstairs meditation area overlooking the natural forest of SwaSwara. Each villa is a sanctuary in its own right.
Set on Om Beach, Gokarna, on the Western Coast of Karnataka, the grounds are surrounded by the serenity of nature and only a few minutes walk to the unspoiled beaches and ocean.
Organic Ayuverdic Meals
2 x main vegetarian meals per day (Brunch & Dinner).
Additional fruits & Juices are served early morning; mid morning & evening herbal tea served with healthy cookies
Delicious Ayurvedic vegetarian organic meals are created from scratch every day from seasonal produce sourced from the local farming community and from the SwaSwara organic garden.
*SwaSwara is capable of accommodating to Vegan & Gluten Free diet.
Optional Activities
Cooking Classes / Demonstrations, Art Classes and Nature Walks with SwaSwara staff are also available as part of your stay upon request. You can also take time to visit the local temples and markets in the famous village of Gokarna and take the boat ride on the Aganashini River to visit nearby Mirjan Fort.