Proffering ‘an escape from the daily rigours of life’, Swa Swara Resort is a relaxation and rejuvenation sanctuary in Southern India. ‘Swa Swara’ refers to your inner voice, and through their ayurvedic and yoga programmes, the resort focuses on recalibration and reconnection of the self. The beachside resort exudes a harmonious aura, ready to give guests a taste of Indian culture and holistic transformation.
See also: 5 Yoga Retreats In India To Find Your Inner Peace
Location
Located on the western ‘Konkan’ coast beside the peaceful Om Beach, Swa Swara Resort is situated in Karnataka in South India. Set close to the village of Gokarna 3 hours from Goa’s Dabolim Airport, the retreat is set amidst 26 acres of green lawns, gardens and rolling hills. Lined by tropical coconut palms and surrounded by pristine beaches, it’s an idyllic retreat setting.
Accommodation
Inspired by the traditional homesteads of the Uttara Karnataka region, Swa Swara’s eco-friendly accommodation comprises 24 stone villas. Private, yet open to the elements, each two-level, thatch-roofed dwelling is surrounded by green foliage and has a yoga/meditation deck on the second floor with views of the countryside and nearby ocean. Bathrooms are open air, so you can bathe in the moonlight, while lounge areas look out onto the resort’s central swimming pool. Most villas have king size beds, while some have twin sets and pull-out beds. Handmade soft furnishings including local textiles and rattan chairs add a homely feel to all living spaces. The general vibe is one of earthy simplicity. The focus of Swa Swara is to unplug, so there are no televisions in the rooms.
Food Programme
Borrowing from the local Southern Indian dining traditions, the cuisine at Swa Swara Resort focuses on locally-sourced vegetables (picked from the retreat’s organic farm) and fresh seafood (no red meat is served). Mediterranean and Pan-Asian influences can be seen in various meals and staple dishes include dahl, paneer curry, and cumin potatoes, along with other classic Indian favourites such as ‘thali’ (vegetable curry with chapatti and rice) and ‘idli’ (lentil cakes). Fresh herbs and spices come from Swa Swara’s garden, while healthy desserts are made with low sugar and salt. Dairy and eggs are rarely used and refined foods, coffee and hard liquor don’t feature on the menu.
Treatment Programme
Guiding guests on a ‘journey to rebirth’, Swa Swara’s treatment programme is designed to bring the mind, body and spirit back into balance and harmony. Taking its name from the local word for ‘inner voice’, the retreat encourages guests to ‘go within’ by participating in daily yoga, pranayama (yogic breathing) and meditation classes (which are offered in both ‘gentle’ and ‘progressive’ levels). Ayurvedic therapy sessions are a key aspect of the ‘Swa Holiday’ programme and the resort’s qualified Ayurvedic doctors prescribe treatments ranging from ‘panchakarma’ therapy to hot oil massages and herbal pummeling. Detox and de-stress therapies such as salt glow massages and reflexology sessions play centre stage, and the resort also uses naturopathy to support internal cleansing. If you’re opting for an Ayurvedic programme, the minimum stay is seven nights and can be extended up to 21 days.
Results
Expect to feel… stress-free and purified when you walk out the retreat’s peaceful doors.
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