And rightfully so, India’s connection to the spiritual center is as old as time itself. With a long history of Yoga and Ayurveda, India’s energetic core can be quite overwhelming in its diversity. But within this perhaps initially overwhelming energy, there exists a beautiful and calm spiritual center.A spiritual center one can easily tap into in a place such as Goa, India.

“Why Goa?”, you ask.

Here are 4 reasons why Goa is perfect for a yoga retreat

Goa, India

Contrary to popular belief, Goa is not just some ‘trance party scene’ on the beach where you might also find deliciously ‘lip smacking’ seafood. Goa boasts an amalgamation of modern yoga and alternative ways of healing. Such as ayurveda, pranic healing, dance healing, and meditation. Goa can also provide you with all sorts of spiritually based activity, filling you up with new energy and a heightened sense of zen. Throw in some amazing organic food and paradise like scenery, and Goa becomes the one place in India where the east truly meets the west.

If you’re looking for somewhere in India where you can not only practice yoga, but really tune in to your spiritual self, Goa is an absolute must.

Spirituality in Goa

“Tuning in to my spiritual self… okay, but what exactly does this mean?”

Well, I’m glad you asked!

Let us not be swayed by this sometimes appearing god like term of spirituality. Spirituality does not mean that you are to renounce the ‘real’ world for some month long meditation. No. Spirituality simply implies a state of mind where you allow yourself to block out all the societal noise and the resultant negative mind chatter.

It’s about connecting with your inner self, channeling your intrinsic energies, and becoming more adept at facing the challenges life is inevitably to throw your way.

Spirituality is a pursuit of balance, between your inner and outer realities.

If you are willing to gift yourself the opportunity to pursue such an endeavor, surely, the universe shall present many a gift in return. This all becomes a much more surreal experience when done out in the open air, truly connecting with mother nature. And while there are many spiritually significant locations across India, Goa remains the one most apt for allowing a true tuning in to mother nature. Amongst the swaying coconut trees and pristine blue waters, Goa will help not only heal you physically, but mentally as well.

The reasons why Goa is perfect for a yoga retreat are truly endless, but let’s go ahead and focus on our top four here today.

1. The Beaches

Certainly, there are a wide assortment of yoga retreats in Goa. Yet, most lack the one thing that can really make any retreat just that much more special.

The beaches!

Ideal for creating an all encompassing and soothing ambiance. You can find beautiful beaches in both North and South Goa. But, if you would also like to indulge in some extravagant street shopping, delicious seafood, and pursue making an assortment of amazing new friends. Then North Goa’s buzzing atmosphere of young spirit junkies is certainly the place to be!

Although, both North and South Goa provide an exuberant variety of perks that can be hard to find elsewhere. North Goa really gives it all, so to speak.

2. Not Just The Beaches

And the best part?

The beautiful nature of North Goa is far from restricted to the beaches alone. With lush rain-forest like greenery around every corner. Palm trees swaying in the wind, a cold breeze across your face, and sunsets that are sure to knock your socks off.

Sunrises too. Waking up early and catching a sunrise Vinyasa can be one of the most exhilaratingly energetic things one could do.

3. Yoga Everywhere

From Vinyasa to Hatha, Yin to Ashtanga, Goa offers yoga classes of all shapes and sizes.

Whether you wish to add some more variety to your already beautiful retreat, or you are simply in Goa looking for a one time drop in class, you will surely find what you are looking for here.

With long term courses, teachers’ training, workshops and various other certification courses Goa really does offer it all. Why not come get lost in this beautiful sea of yoga.

4. It’s Highly Affordable

Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a couple on vacation, or on a large family outing, Goa provides an incredibly reasonable accommodation for us all.

From extremely low budget, to over the top luxury, you’ll surely find a yoga retreat in Goa that fits your every desire. And for a reasonable price, nonetheless. The food is also incredibly affordable, and often organic. Healthy food, healthy company, all at one low price.

Your new home away from home, Goa India! Go ahead and book that plane ticket, and find out for yourself.

An Ultimate Yoga Week with #thehostelcrowd

So, pristine beaches with beautiful golden sand, swaying palm trees, and delicious organic food has peaked your interest, has it?

With a desire to meet beautiful souls from all across the globe and connect with not only them, but your true inner self as well?

And you wish to do all this at an affordable price with little to no stress involved.

My friends, perfect! Look no further than booking your next yoga retreat in Goa, India with us here at The Hostel Crowd. Now offering the Ultimate Yoga Week with 8 days of comfortable accommodation, daily yoga and meditation, shuttles and transportation included, an on site photographer, and a whole slew of other daily activities offered.

You need not look any further!

As we also offer healthy vegan cuisine, and are located a walking distance to the beach, you’ll surely find everything you are looking for embarking on this beautiful journey with us.

From all of us here at The Hostel Crowd, and from everyone else here in Goa, we look forward to seeing you soon!

Namaste!

Yoga in Goa

Whether, you’re wondering how a yoga retreat in Goa will be different from your weekly after work class, back home. Or, you’ve already tried many different yoga classes, and you’re actually just interested in seriously deepening your practice. A fully immersive yoga experience with integrated time for rest and rejuvenation, is exactly what you need! An Ultimate Yoga Week, where you will not only learn all the varying yoga asanas (the word we ‘yogis’ use for the physical aspect of the practice), but also learn how to use yoga, to develop your mind and body awareness in everyday life.

Yoga is so much more than exercise. Yoga is a way of life, that millions of people around the world are now taking part in. It is an essential self-care respite from the classic and busy city life. A perfect getaway for people of all levels and abilities. Whether you want to learn more about the lunar combination of Hatha Yoga, or the 8 limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, a retreat to India, the birthplace of yoga, is exactly where you should be heading.

We’ll take you on a journey towards your inner consciousness, and present an opportunity for you to focus your energies. Taking a short time away from your day to day life, and releasing all those unwanted stresses. A dedicated yoga retreat is an amalgamation of both the spiritual journey, and the holiday escape. While it won’t necessarily enable you to do the splits, sit in the Lotus Position, or get your legs behind your ears straight away, you will certainly learn how to begin working towards these accomplishments. And isn’t the journey itself, where all the fun lies anyhow?

What to Expect from a Yoga Retreat in Goa

Sounds enticing, right? Perfect, because we agree! Actually, we want to take a moment  here and congratulate you! What lies ahead is a truly life changing experience, and something you’ll quite possibly look back on years from now, with tears of joy. As you’ll soon learn, Goa, India, boasts a wide assortment of varying yoga retreats, with far ranging accommodations and retreat packages alike.

Swan Yoga Retreat showcases a beautiful 7 day package at 49,000 Rupees ($680 USD). Offering a wide assortment of amenities:

• Yogic techniques
• Morning meditations
• Buffet style vegetarian meals

With an inviting accommodation, beautiful energy, and positive and healthy minded instructors.

Purple Valley Yoga hosts an extravagant 14 day package starting at 76,500 Rupees ($1,061 USD), including:

• Guided meditations
• Daily morning and afternoon ashtanga yoga classes
• 3 vegetarian meals daily

And more, at a rather comfortable and relaxing location.

The Beach House also promotes a wonderful six day package at 131,000 Rupees ($1,815 USD), with :

• Private room
• Luxury accommodation
• Twice daily holistic treatments

All very beautiful retreats, hosted by some just as beautiful and bright souls. But what about all the other activities that coincide with your dream vacation, and is it possible to do it any cheaper? The answer is yes, and not to worry! thehostelcrowd has put together the Ultimate Yoga Week in our pursuit of providing you with exactly this.

The Hostel Crowd’s Ultimate Yoga Week

At an affordable price of $599 USD (43,000 Rupees), we offer an amazing 8 day/7 nights stay in beautiful private rooms with AC and free fast WiFi. The Ultimate Yoga Week extends our love for yoga into an all encompassing, fun, and interactive week of friendship, adventure, and positive energy! Not only do we offer:

• Daily guided meditation and yoga practice
• Two nutritious vegetarian and vegan meals daily
• Access to pool, gym, bar, and all common areas

But we will also be taking you on some incredibly exciting adventures, allowing us to all fully experience everything that Goa has to offer! Expect:

• Camping
• Kayaking
• Indian cooking lessons
• Professional yoga photoshoots

And so, so much more! More over, outside of all these ‘face value’ amenities, we also encourage a deeper internal connection to the self. We’re here to help you find that zen, harness its intrinsic power, and move forward in life, a more peacefully centered and generally happier individual!

Time to Focus on your breathing

Pranayama means controlling our vital life sources, essentially, our breath. It is something we all take for granted, but is the key to living a long and happy life. Did you know, that a mouse has a heart rate of around 600 bpm, but that tortoises’ heart only beats at 6 times per minute, and that the tortoise lives up to 100 times longer?! So it would seem, the slower and calmer your heart rate, the longer you will live!

When you stay with us, we help you initiate a path towards achieving just this. You will partake in a two hour class focused primarily on posture and breathing techniques. As we’ll likewise encourage you to apply these tactics through every moment of your life, moving forward.

Self-Awareness and Mindfulness

Speaking of moving forward in life, let us help you find an increase in your self awareness. How often have you driven to work, arriving only to realize that you can’t actually remember how any of the journey there unfolded? We perform hundreds of activities in our daily lives, moment by moment, but we rarely take the time to focus on each activity individually.

Being aware of the present moment is the essence of mindfulness. This is why almost all yoga retreats will include some time for meditation. This is your opportunity to focus on your breath, becoming more self-aware, and learning how you can use this tact when you head back home. Look forward to a daily meditation practice with us!

Healthy Food, and Natural Tranquility

Believe it or not, with an enhanced appreciation of mindfulness, you’ll also find yourself encouraged to turn off your phone, and switch off the TV. You’ll begin to take time out of your day, everyday, to properly nourish your body. You’ll find yourself wanting to understand how the foods we eat affect us, and what you should be avoiding in this fast-food world of ours.

As part of your Ultimate Yoga Week  package, you will find yourself surrounded by delicious, healthy and filling foods. Created to help your body and mind grow in an uplifting fashion. We’ll even offer you the opportunity to learn how to cook some delectable and healthy dishes. Heading home empowered in body, mind, and spirit.

Did we mention, you’ll be doing all this with 20 of your newest best friends, as well?!

Meeting International Travelers and Like-Minded Friends

Yes, a yoga retreat in North Goa is the perfect place to come and get away from that arduous and mundane city life of yours. It’s also a perfect place to ‘hit that restart button’ on a lifestyle that is perhaps in dire need. But don’t forget, amongst all this, rest assured that you will be making many new friends, and friends from all over the world at that. As each retreat hosts 20 guests, catering to all yoga skill sets, and aspirations alike. With inspirational Gurus, and motivating teachers, you’ll find yourself in an environment that is sure to help in making memories that will last a lifetime!

In the Ancient Yogic texts, there are said to be up to 8.4 million asanas (physical yoga positions), one to represent each species on planet earth. In Goa, there is a beautiful blend of beaches, cliffs, jungles and backwaters for you to initiate your asana journey. Meditate on Vagator beach, take a walk through the jungle around Sweet Water Lake, or swim in the fresh water rivers, getting away from the capital Panjim’s city life.

There is so much one can learn from a dedicated yoga retreat in Goa, and we are here to provide this experience for you. Follow our journey on Instagram or Facebook. Or maybe you’re already in the area and want to just stop by and share a daily drop in call with us. Either way guys, lets get this ball rolling, shall we? We have so much beautiful energy we wish to share with you!

We’ll see you soon!

Namaste

Pampering…

Sereno Spa

One of the first things I’d recommend doing in Goa is checking out one of the many spas around. This is one of those things that you rarely (if ever) do at home thanks to the costly price tag attached to pampering in most parts of the world. In Goa however, you’ll find some of the most impressive and luxurious spas for less money than you’d normally spend on a bottle of wine. There are countless spas to choose from in Goa and the majority of them are pretty good. There are a few that stand out however, and you’ll be sure to find one that suits both your preferences and your budget. My first choice would be SNIP, located in both Candolim and Panjim. They offer a range of treatments including waxing, facials, body scrubs and massages which start from around Rs600. I recently treated myself to a Balinese Deep Tissue massage which set me back Rs2000 for an hour of complete and utter bliss. The spa itself is calm, soothing and clean whilst the staff and extremely professional and full of beauty tips and words of wisdom. I was slightly dubious about getting waxed in India, but for Rs300 I got better service than I ever have in London, as well as a good giggle with my beauty therapist.  If I were really planning on treating myself and could afford to then I’d definitely head to Sereno Spa, which is part of The Park Hyatt Hotel, Arossim Beach. This gorgeous oasis of calm and tranquility has been voted India’s best spa several times over the past few years and offers massages from just under Rs4000. The spa sits in beautiful gardens overlooking the ocean and really is the definition of tranquility and luxury. I realise that this is a pretty pricey pampering session, but I really think that it’s worth it!

If you really are on a budget then you can always enjoy a manicure, pedicure, threading or a massage from one of the lovely ladies selling things on the beach. If you’re anything like me and don’t bother so much with plucking your eyebrows or shaving your legs very often then you’ll find them extremely willing to get to work or any excess hair whilst they jokingly compare you to Ali Baba or an ape… Depending on your bargaining skills you can have your legs threaded for around Rs200 and enjoy a friendly chat without having to leave your sunbathing spot. They’ll also do you some beautiful henna designs if you fancy it, although most of them work with orange henna so make sure you ask first if you’re after the less traditional (but prettier) darker henna.

Black Henna

Shopping…

There are so many options when it comes adding to your wardrobe in Goa that it’s hard to know where to start. You can find so many bargains that you’ll regret not bringing an extra suitcase to carry all of your new things back home in, but don’t worry, you’ll be able to pick up a new one somewhere along the way. One of my favourite places to shop is the Saturday Night Market in Arpora. Each week seemingly the entirety of Goa turns up to drink, dance, eat and shop in this maze of colourful stalls selling a huge variety of beautiful things. You’ll find local goodies for extremely cheap prices, as well as more expensive jewellry and clothing made by expats and the hippie residents of Goa. The market is quite the night out, everyone dresses up and prepares for an evening of partying. There are two main bars with fun dance floors, as well as a stage hosting live bands from various parts of the world. You’ll be sure to see some of the most wonderful (and most questionable) outfits that you’ve seen in Goa, which will provide you with some handy inspiration whilst you’re browsing the stalls.

Saturday Night Market

Another great spot for shopping is the Mapusa Friday Market, which is a far less touristy affair selling everyday items and food as well as colourful souvenirs and plenty of jewellery . It’s best to head here in the mornings to avoid the midday heat and enjoy wandering around without being drenched in sweat.

Mapusa Market

Goa’s beaches and towns are full of stalls and shops selling most things you will need during your stay, you can pick up beautiful beach dresses, funky hippie trousers and questionable slogan t-shirts all for next to nothing. There is also another side to shopping in Goa with some seriously cool boutique shops popping up every now and then. One of my favourite places to go if I have some spare cash is Le Souk, just behind La Plage restaurant on Ashvem beach, where you’ll find a selection of cute boutique shops selling some of the most beautiful and high quality items which I’ve found in Goa. However, as you might have guessed, the price tags here match the quality of the clothes and are not suitable for anyone sticking to a small budget, but there’s no harm in a little window shopping right? Ashwem Beach is the place to go if you’re looking for authentic designer gear as just a few metres from La Plage, you’ll find Jade Jagger’s beachside boutique, which I’ve had to ban myself from due to my total lack of self control when it comes down to such beautiful clothes and jewellery (oh my god, the jewellery!).

Goa’s a great place to do some strategic shopping, as there are plenty of things you can buy here cheaply which tend to be pretty expensive back at home. One of the things which I always stock up on during my stay is essential oils, which are available in plenty of places in Goa. If you take a trip to a spice plantation one day then you will learn all of their health benefits and be able to make an educated choice as to which one you need in your life the most.For example, did you know that tea tree oil is great for getting rid of unwanted spots or that peppermint oil can soothe feelings of nausea? You’ll find also that plenty of the shops stock natural beauty products, such as organic moisturiser, natural soaps and cheap vitamin tablets.

And finally, no shopping trip in Goa would be complete without a visit to Fabindia, one of India’s most popular shops. Now, I know it’s a little bit sad to get excited about bed linen, but seriously, Fabindia’s bed linen is to die for. Every time I leave Goa I end up giving a load of stuff away just so that I can fit several bedsheets and pillowcases into my suitcase, and my mum is currently stuck with more bed sheets than The Savoy would know what to do with. They also have a great range of colourful clothing, all of which are made from great quality fabrics and fit beautifully, and gorgeous jewellery, stationery and scrumptious lotions and potions for beautiful skin. There are a few stores around Goa, including one in Candolim, Panjim and Margao, so find the nearest one to you and enjoy browsing through their beautiful stock which is surprisingly reasonably priced.

Fabindia

Indulging…

Ok, so once you’ve been beautified and have a whole new wardrobe to show off, then it’s most certainly time to head out on the town. Goa has so many wonderful bars and restaurants, but there are a few which truly stand out from the rest. One of my absolute favourite places is La Plage in Ashvem, here they serve up amazing French cuisine from a subtly stylish beach restaurant. The food is delicious, the wine is incredible, the staff are amazing, the ambience is perfect and there is a particularly handsome French man working there, whose presence encourages plenty of blushing, drooling and embarrassing attempts at flirting from all of the ladies in the restaurant. Again, if you are keeping an eye on your rupees then this place isn’t ideal, but it’s the perfect place to head to for a special occasion, such as a sunny Sunday lunchtime… La Plage is also one of Goa’s only beach shacks which tends to fill up, so if you want to guarantee yourself a table then booking is advisable, especially during peak season.

La Plage, Ashvem

A close second in my mind is A Reverie in Candolim, another charming restaurant which has an extensive menu of delicious fusion cuisine. Their cocktail menu is really good fun and has added some delicious Indian twists on classic cocktails, such as ‘The Great Indian Mojito’ which I really couldn’t get enough of last time I visited resulting in a slight headache the next day, totally worth it though! You can really feel the love that’s gone into both the food and the booze in this place, the menu is fun and light hearted and the staff are wonderful, it’s the perfect place to head to for a fun dinner with friends or a romantic date with the tall, handsome man staying in the dorm opposite you.

As well as treating yourself to a few delicious meals during your time in Goa, you absolutely must let your hair down and head out to one of its many nightclubs. One of the few times that being a woman in Goa is actually beneficial is on Ladies Night at Club Cubana in Arpora. Each Wednesday evening ladies can enter this gorgeous club for free and then continue to drink for free until the early hours of the morning, I tend to treat this as my reward for putting up with pervy men on a daily basis and really make the most of it!

Relaxing…

After a few nights out on the town you’ll be sure to be in need of a little recovery time, which is the perfect excuse to make the most of what Goa does best; chilling.

There are countless idyllic beaches to explore and enjoy, Palolem and Patnem in South Goa are particularly beautiful and peaceful and will really help towards chasing away that hangover and working on your tan.

Palolem Beach

All over Goa you’ll find gorgeous spots to relax from and activities to soothe both your body and mind. One of the most popular ways of connecting a little with Goa’s calming way of life is to do a spot of yoga or meditation during your stay. There are an abundance of yoga instructors all over Goa and you’ll have no trouble finding one near to where you’re staying, just ask at reception or if you’re staying at Jungle Hostel then keep an eye on the whiteboard in the common room for yoga timings.

Another great way to unwind and enjoy a little peace and quiet is to check out one of Goa’s fancy hotels for the day. Most of them allow you to  pay to use their facilities for the day, whether you fancy enjoying a state of the art gym or a refreshing dip in one of their stunning swimming pools. The Marriott in Panjim is a great place to spend the day and will set you back around Rs1,000 for a day of enjoying their beautiful pool overlooking the river, there are cheaper places to head which will be more convenient also, depending on where you’re staying. Don’t hesitate to turn up at fancy hotels and enquire about their prices as they mostly tend to be very welcoming and friendly.

Marriott, Panjim

Healthy Living…

Coconut water

Goa is the ideal place to get into a healthy lifestyle, with the sunshine, cheap fruit and veg, yoga and plenty of health conscious restaurants. In almost every restaurant you go into you’ll find that they offer a range of fresh fruit juices which are the perfect way to ensure that you’re getting plenty of goodness and vitamins. The fresh coconut water is so cheap, so readily available and so incredibly good for you. Not only is it extremely low in fat but it is also packed full of nutrients, it’s great for hangovers and energy thanks to the electrolytes it contains and it also has high levels of zinc, selenium, iodine, sulfur and manganese. It’s great for your skin and can help to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol. So really, make the most of the fact that you can enjoy fresh coconut water here on a daily basis, and it tastes even better to me when I remember just how expensive it is at home.

The hippie influence on Goa has meant that there are plenty of cafes and restaurants catering to people who enjoy living a healthier lifestyle. One of my favourites is Bean Me Up in Anjuna, which serves delicious veggie and vegan food, fresh juices and mouthwatering desserts.

Goa has so much to offer for us girls and you’ll soon discover that it’s easy to treat yourself no matter what your budget might be, so don’t be afraid to over indulge during your stay, afterall, you are on holiday right?