Ashiyana Yoga Retreat, North Goa
A review by Tanya Dalton
Ashiyana is well established on the yoga scene in North Goa, and as such I could not resist a visit at the closing of the year, in search of a little solitude, serenity and savasana. A true delight of terracotta cottages, tree houses and villas awaited me, all part hidden, in a magical tropical palm grove, tucked away behind a quiet creek. The beach is just a few minute’s walk away, and is considered one of Goa’s most unspoilt stretches, even offering up some pretty good surf.
This is a place for people in the know. As I settle into my beautiful suite of royal Jodhpur blue with its brushed concrete, inviting day bed, study, and pretty little terrace, I feel instantly at home. Most of the guests are single, western, ladies aged 35 to 60 and all carry knowing smiles – as though we are all in on the same secret.
There are many accommodation options to choose from, but the reason we are all mostly here is for the yoga. This is very much a Yoga retreat, not a retreat with yoga. Yoga takes centre stage, beginning daily from 8am – 10am and then again from 4pm- 5.30pm, with some evening meditation sessions as well.
There are several beautiful yoga shalas dotted throughout the grove and the locations and teachers rotate daily. There are optional evening activities ranging from sound healing, to visits to the weekend night market and of course one of Goa’s very best beaches is just a stone’s throw away, across a rickety bridge, with a handful of bars and restaurants should you wish to break the spell.
The yoga offered at Ashiyana ranges from gentle nourishing hatha style, through to dynamite Ashtanga, but each class and caring teacher caters to all the students simultaneously. Everyone feels included, everyone is encouraged.
Each day brings about new awakenings, old aches of the bones, or of the heart and each are soothed away by the magic this place holds. Many guests I encounter have been before and nearly all have come from recommendations. This place has a heart and soul, embodied by the lovely Brandon who knows everyone by name and is genuinely caring about your journey, not just your flight connection!
Meals are held around a long winding communal table, which gently encourages community amongst the guests. The food is nutritious, plentiful, and vegetarian, served twice a day at 10am and 7pm. Endless hot, honeyed lemon water and masala chai are on tap throughout the day, and somehow you never feel hungry.
There is a wonderful harmony to the retreat, with communal meals, just the right balance of yoga, down time and an encouraging majority of single guests, each on their own journey but very much, part of the whole. A truly nourishing sanctuary to step away from the world and put yourself back together again. Thank you, Ashiyana, I know I shall return.
