First Time in Goa? Explore Its Hidden Spiritual & Yoga Retreats
Goa for a very long period of time has upheld the image of being popular for Cultural festivals. It’s music carnivals, vibrant nightlife and a happening vibe attracts tourists and travellers from various corners of the globe.
But over the last decade Goa has become a global favourite as Wellness destination that caters to both physical wellness and spiritual wellbeing. Today Goa has become a safe haven that offers spiritual retreats along with traditional yoga schools, holistic retreats and meditation spaces along with the already existing outgoing side of Goa. If you are a first-time visitor in Goa who is looking for hidden spiritual and yoga retreats, this guide will offer you deep insights to reconnect with yourself.
What makes Goa a spiritual favourite?
It is the way about Goa that makes one to pause, look around and introspect. The spiritual charm about Goa comes from the various elements that constitute Goa. This place becomes a spiritual favourite that invites seekers to enjoy solitude, understand themselves better, establish a mind body connection and grow spirituality. Spirituality in Goa is not forced but it comes naturally. The natural elements of Goa that invite spirituality are –
· The mystical energy of the ocean.
· The serene calmness of the tropical forests of Goa.
· The slow paced community lifestyle.
· The multicultural yoga community.
· Simple, sustainable and holistic way of life in Goa.
What do the Goan retreats offer?
· Community experiences – Goa is popular for its amazing community experiences.
· Personal guidance – Whether you are looking for personalized guidance in terms of yoga lessons or meditation classes, Goa offers it all.
· Natural immersion – You can enjoy healing retreats in the arms of nature.
· Ytt courses – Whether it is the Yoga teacher training in Goa, drop in yoga classes or simple Yoga retreats, Goa has everything that you can pick from.
· Yoga + ayurveda offerings – Expect to thrive in the combined benefits of yoga and Ayurveda offerings which cater to holistic healing.
The hidden Spiritual places in Goa
Arambol
Arambol is one of the most beautiful places of North Goa that attracts travellers and yoga practitioners. Whether it is the beauty of the Sweetwater Lake that invites introspection. Or the Reiki and sound healing energy sessions or ecstatic cacao dance ceremonies or even the simple Yoga practise and meditation with sunrise on the beaches. Arambol offers healing experiences for travellers, women tourists and yoga practitioners alike.
Mandarem
Beaches like Mandrem as well as Ashwem are excellent places that offer a quieter and peaceful retreat. You can find ayurvedic healing centres and meditation retreats that focus on Pranayama along with beach side yoga places that are usually uncrowded and invite discipline, introspection and curated practice.
South Goa beaches
The South Goan beaches are perhaps one of the most inward and meditative areas of Goa. It is in this part of Goa that you will find palm forests and serene coastlines that have deep detox and Panchkarma treatments, yin yoga centres, meditation retreats and residential yoga programmes. It is best for people who want to truly enjoy the bliss of solitude with a deep emotional reset.
What can you expect from your experience while in Goa?
Satvik meals that become a part of the transformation
Most of the yoga schools and spiritual retreats in Goa cater to offering the guests satvik meals. The reason being that yoga is understood to be a sister science with Ayurveda that focuses on the natural way of being. And food becomes not just a source of replenishment but a medicine for the soul.
Therefore you will be offered well balanced satvik meals which are prepared from locally available ingredients and are easy and light for the body to digest. This will allow you to practise your yoga sessions with full vigour. And also sit for long hours of meditation with lightness in your body and refreshment in your mind.
Digital detox that sets you free
The retreats of Goa Not only cultivate but also encourage digital detox by limiting the use of screens and phones.
Initially this will feel different, uncomfortable and it might also make you agitated. But with time and practise you will realise that you cutting away from noise and digital distractions will allow you a moment to sit with yourself and truly observe things around you.
It will help you notice your emotions – how you feel and react to certain things, what triggers you and what sets you free. This experience will not only put things in place, but also free you from everything unnecessary.
How to finalize the right retreat?
· Go for North Goa if you are someone who wants to experience community living first hand. If social interactions are what sets your vibe and indulging in various experiences such as Kirtans, earthy cafes, cacao dance ceremonies etc. sound fun, N Goa is your place.
· Pick South Goa if you are someone who wants to spend time with yourself and enjoy solitude. Often people run away from being alone but South Goa will teach you the beauty in just simply being with yourself. So enjoying long moments of silence, deep introspection and long term immersion will be available in South Goa.
· Go for the Mandrem or Ashwem beaches if you are someone who wants to experience both engaged yoga practice along with comfort, infrastructure and modern day conveniences.
Come with curiosity, go back with a way of life
The beauty about attempting anything for the first time is the curiosity accompanied by it. Be an active learner and embrace curiosity because only when you want to explore things and have curiosity within, will you be able to truly enjoy everything that it has to offer.
So as a beginner come to Goa with a long list of experiences you want to indulge in. And let Goa happen to you. Be assured that when you return back, you will not only go with memorable moments, but also with lifestyle habits that become a way of life.