SWAN Yoga Retreat in Goa

"SWAN yoga detox retreat was really peaceful and great getaway to live and eat healthier. Great staff and atmosphere! Amazing experience!"

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"Thank you for giving me the tools and experiences to finally being able to realize what unconditional love is all about. Through guided meditation, yoga and lovely food you gave me a sense of peace and stillness that I never felt before. Today, a few months after my stay, I still keep the love in my heart and I'm no longer afraid of sharing it with others."

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"This was my first time at a yoga retreat so I don't have a point of comparison but Swan Yoga was truly wonderful. In a middle of a beautiful jungle garden-like, the place is really an oasis of calm and peace. As a beginner in yoga, I was very worried about the Asana classes but the teachers were available and very helpful. Beyond this, the retreat offers an insight in less-known yoga practices in the west and yoga philosophy, all very interesting. The food was amazing and the accommodation cottage lovely. I was lucky enough to visit at the end of the season so we were only a handful of guests and the staff was amazing, available and very helpful. This was everything I expected from yoga retreat and more and I will sure go back. I didn't want to leave and I came back home relaxed and rejuvenated. Highly recommended!"

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"Thank you for your wonderful teaching the surrounding is awsome and looking forward to see you next year."

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"I was at Swan a year ago, and it was the best experience of my life! Changed me completely, I now practice yoga constantly and have a deeper understanding of what it is big thank you to everyone at Swan. Hari Om"

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"This place is heaven on earth! I came there, tired and tense, with no expectations just looking for some relief. I received an amazing holistic treatment by the lovely Swan family. I progressed physically and mentally and opened up to meditation and spirituality. Also I had tons of fun spending time with my group and exploring Goa. I'm dreaming to go back again next year."

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"Beyond a daily routine and structure, beyond care in service and attentiveness, beyond the delicious nourishing of the body by a devoted cuisine or the nourishing of the mind or of the intellect by dedicated teachers - spending time with SWAN is beyond a week of enjoyment of symbiosis of these and other different arrangements; the sincerity, the devotion and overall the heartiness of SWAN serves inspiration, affirmations and happiness. My gratitude and my best wishes to SWAN."

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"Amazing place, amazing people, amazing food, totally exceeded my expectations, go with an open mind and heart, and listen, because these guys know what they're talking about. Thanks again for sharing your wonderful home. I loved every second!"

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"At the end of last year I started my search for a place where I could do some yoga and rest for some time, as I wanted a break from my stressed lifestyle. Since I was going to travel on my own for the first time ever to India, I have to say I was a bit nervous... Swan yoga retreat was recommended to me by some friends who had stayed there, and I also did quite a lot of research online before I booked the two week package they offer. I was really happy that I chose to stay for two weeks, because pretty soon I realised one week would have been too short! About my experience at this yoga retreat in Goa, I can only say it has been fulfilling on all levels (and trust me I am not so easy to please!)Every day started with morning meditations while it was still dark, and by the time you finish the meditation and open the eyes you see the beautiful sunrise from the yoga shala located at the top level of the property. I am definitely not a morning person, but this experience made me get up early every day!The asana classes in were mostly led by a lovely Indian woman called Daya, and sometimes a really cool guy called Om (yes, that's his name!). They're both really sweet people; always helpful and with a lot of experience. My previous yoga experience was limited to attending some yoga classes back home, but here I realised what I had been missing out on... The yoga philosophy classes were very helpful & interesting, and the teachers made it all so simple and understandable. And at Swan I felt like teaching is not just happening in the classes but basically anywhere Like over dinner, at the juice bar or the fake beach, there could be a spontaneous discussion about some really deep spiritual topic. So cool.I really loved how they are all deeply rooted in tradition and yet free spirits embracing all the joys of life guilt freeAnd I have to mention one other thing I will never forget: the fire ceremonies they had every Saturday and Sunday evenings were really something magical! This was one of the reasons I chose Swan, because I think they would be the only retreat offering something of this kind in Goa. I later realised that they're free for everyone who wants to join, so people came from other yoga retreats as well (like Purple Valley, which is just down the road). These ceremonies are really worth joining, they were so special my mind was totally calm after the chanting of the mantras, and I experienced a sense of deep relaxation within.Anyways, I could go on and on about my experiences here at Swan yoga retreat, but to keep it short, I can only say I felt really safe as a woman travelling on my own, the yoga was of excellent quality (probably the best I have experienced so far), the food was just amazing (a good balance of tastes and variety), and the juice bar was also great as you could just chill out there and have some fresh juices or coconut water whenever you want. The accommodation is also nice, I was on a decent budget and wanted to pamper myself so I opted for a deluxe hut which was really good value for money, the location was also really amazing as it was on the top level of the property, where I could look down at the whole retreat.All in all, the atmosphere of the whole place is just great.Thank you Swan for everything I will be back!"

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"We loved this place! For us, my husband and I, it was the perfect introduction to yoga, not only the physical asanas part, but the real deal with meditation, the fire ceremonies and chanting, the yoga nidra, the yoga karma, the food, so much more than just the "workout". And located in quiet and charming Assagao. Away from the busy beaches, but close enough to go in the afternoons. We are planning another stay. Want more, and miss it already."

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"Swan is an absolutely wonderful place. I went to Swan needing to be rejuvenated and I got that along with so much more. The staff is kind and generous, the classes are incredible, the food is spectacular and the campus is beautiful. This was my first time to India and I didn't know what to expect. After my experience at Swan, I will now be returning to Goa almost certainly and hope to make Swan Yoga Retreat a part of my tradition. Thank you to the staff at Swan for all you do! Hope to see you again soon!"

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"I went to Swan Yoga retreat in April 2015. I had two criteria before selecting a place: closest to Mumbai and cheap. As this was my first, I dint wanted to spend a lot on the retreat. Swan Yoga was in Goa, which was the yoga closest yoga retreat from Mumbai and the cheapest. However, bear in mind, there is no A/C or swimming pool, hence it was cheap I guess. The day would typically start at 06:00 with meditation in yogshala (a place dedicated for practicing yoga) followed by fruits, then asanas (trained by Neha). Gyanmitra Neha was very dedicated teacher and amazing trainer. She would motivate each one to perform postures correctly. The food was average, but i lived it because it was home cooked food with less oil and spice. I lost ttwo kilograms in just three days of the retreats. There was small juice center at the retreat, however, the services were horrible there and the guy sitting at the counter was also very arrogant."

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"This was my first experience of a yoga retreat and am really happy that it was with Swan Yoga. After a few days there I felt like part of a family as did the other guests. As night turned into day we made our way up the path to the main yoga shala, nestled among the trees, for early meditation. Delicious fruit was served later in the dining area. An asana and prana yama class then brunch. Later in the afternoon an optional masterclass was available.Highlights were complete internal cleansing, fire ceremonies with chanting on Friday and Saturday evenings, walking meditation in the forest and the informal chats with Um, Shivendra and Gyan Midra. Highly recommend Swan Yoga to anyone who loves yoga at any level. Would definitely go back again. Excellent cooking."

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"Wow! I had such an amazing time with you guys, thank you for sharing yer home, knowledge and fake beach with me such a positive influence, i have taken so much with me, ye do such great work, and I'm privileged to have been a part of it,we'll meet again! Om shanti"

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"This was my first trip to India, after attending a work function in Mumbai thought will visit GOA for some yoga and meditation. To be honest I did not expect much as I choose this place because it fits my schedule. Turned out, I was totally impressed by Swan Yoga, from it's atmosphere, it's daily schedule, owner (we call him the holyman), staff, and other guests. It's a whole package. It's a wonderful experience and I will definitely go back.P.S. the food is delicious!!!"

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"Always wanted a right mix of everything in a trip and found the best at swan yoga retreat. Such a beautiful place with wonderful hospitality and the best ever ayurvedic treatments, we had a splendid time at swan. Thanks to the entire team of swan for giving us such wonderful memories and experience. Will go back for sure...."

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"I am 68, and I came to SWAN to get away from urbania, and perhaps, in the process, rediscover myself. And I did. Ambience, tranquility, and professionalism are the adjectives that separate Swan in Goa from the rest of yoga retreats.The thatched roof rooms ensconced within the gentle folds of the soft hillsides of the Western Ghats, the gentle bird calls early in the morning, and even the out-of-synch crowing of the crazy rooster who had confused sunrise with sunset, were ideal complements to the superb and professional yogic environment provided by the deeply knowledgeable Sivananda Ashram qualified staff.In particular, I loved the six am Havans and the chanting of the Gayatri mantra 108 times by the elegant lady trainer, which still reverberate in my memory, and in the process, set my whole day in balance. The ethnic vegetarian cuisine was simple, yet elegantly tailored to suit all palates, and the glorious lemon grass and tulsi tea could be imbibed by the gallon. Heaven!So what else can I say? I have always believed that any holiday I take must have a soul enlightening purpose, and in SWAN I discovered that--and much more.Ps. Add to that the welcome by three glorious Labradors, and little Ria, the cook's daughter and your happiness is guaranteed.OM SATYA SHANTI"

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"My girlfriend and I stayed in SWAN for two weeks. The staff was so amazing, talented and helpful. They showed us what yoga is really about. We were planning on staying one week, but the experience was so magnificent that we extended it to two. The food was amazing and so tasteful. The classes were great, as a beginner I was able to do all the classes. Thank you SWAN."

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"During a two-week yoga retreat at peaceful and lovely SWAN I had the most blissful time. The place is secluded located in the middle of nature, with many birds and monkeys in the surrounding forest. But still, it is only a 10-minute drive from the beaches. So if youre looking for combining a retreat feeling with sun-and-beach-vacation feeling, this is the place. The cottages are clean, well maintained and with all the conveniences you need; tiled bathroom with shower and towels, bed with canopy (mosquito net) and bed linen, cabinet or closet, rotating fan in the ceiling and your own little patio. The food served three times a day was wonderful, fresh, nutritious and very tasty. The fact that it is served as a buffet makes every meal a treat. There is also a little menu from which you can order snacks and drinks between the meals if you like to."

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"My partner and I arrived at Swan after three weeks of backpacking around India, more than ready to put our bags down for a week! And I didn't know just how relaxed I would be when I left. We stayed at Swan right at the beginning of the season, with just five other guests on the programme that week, which meant that by the end of the week we left as firm friends, and also allowed us to connect with Gyanmitra and Shivendra. I've said it a few times to friends who asked me how I found the retreat, but I really did learn a lot there; about life, Indian and Hindu culture and history, philosophy, and of course the entire discipline of yoga (I say entire because I was only really familiar with the asanas, as we tend to learn in Europe). It reminded me what life is really about, although the downside is that now I realised that my job in IT is absolutely pointless! The morning meditation and asana classes were a wonderful way to begin the day, with Fatima's optional Ashtanga/Vinyasa classes in the afternoon providing a more physical challenge for those who were ready for it! The Ayurvedic food served there is fantastic and exactly what you need whilst on the programme. The rooms were unfussy and comfortable, but be aware; if you don't like cleaning up after yourself, make sure you mention you would like your room cleaning as Swan practices karma yoga (fine for us!). We stayed in a budget terrace room but probably should have splashed out more for a detached cottage as the budget rooms only have single beds (I should add that we did know this before we arrived, but were keen to save a bit of cash as we were on a backpackers' budget). Despite this, even the terraced rooms have outdoor spaces to sit and read, which was appreciated! While Assagoa itself does not have much in the way of visitor attractions, the staff at Swan will rent a scooter (very reasonable at 300 rupees a day) out to you, which is a brilliant idea for getting around. Just make sure not to attract the attention of the local traffic police! From the retreat, it takes about 20 minutes to get to Anjuna with markets, good bars and the lovely beach, and maybe 45 minutes to head north to Arambol, which we did one day to go surfing. I'm not sure if it's a frequent occurrence, but Shivendra also organised a tour for us on the Friday which took us to the Bom Jesus cathedral at Old Goa, a Shiv temple and a spice plantation. If I ever get the chance to return to Swan I'd definitely stay for longer than a week! As it was, I left with some good contacts, great memories and a couple of techniques and practices that I still do every day. Thanks for a wonderful, relaxing time!"

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"Of all the yoga retreats my wife and I could have joined, I'm glad we chose SWAN Yoga. It is an extremely well run establishment with knowledgeable and experienced teachers. I first expected SWAN Yoga to be focused on the physical parts of the lifestyle, but I was pleasantly surprised to experience the deep spiritual and emotional aspect of their teachings. I have learned plenty from each teacher and know I will continue to practice on my own time.However, the best part of being in the SWAN Yoga Retreat culture was to relax with the teachers themselves. It was so refreshing to meet such passionate and loving people with which we could laugh about cultural differences, share delicacies from our home countries and speak openly about our views on any topic without judgement. SWAN Yoga is a beautiful place, but even more importantly, it is filled with beautiful people. This retreat is the best I have seen, and is undoubtedly one of the best I will ever encounter. Thank you for making our first experience of India so memorable."

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"SWAN Yoga Retreat is the best-suited synonym to the word Peace. Away from the hustle and bustle of the daily life, I found myself in a place so blissful that I could understand what message every heart of mine conveyed,and I wrote. Being a writer you need all you senses sync so that the words would flow."

"Loved the ambience that Swan Yoga Retreat offers, the rooms were cozy and comfortable. Sound sleep was more like redefined. The food was stomach friendly especially when you are travelling and tasted yum! From the yoga sessions in the morning sun to the vibes of the Vedic enchantments in the evening, even a young blood like me drowned in the serenity of motionless contentment. Regards to Gyanmitra whose valuable words still echo in my subconscious, you are an inspiration. Can't wait to be back."

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"I arrived at Swan Yoga Retreat in the beginning of April and is now leaving it as a different person. When I came to Swan I was a restless soul. I was stressed out from school and work and I knew cutting most of it off was going to help me tremendously. I had no idea, though, I was going to change as a person. The place is located in beautiful Assagao just a few minutes by car from the coast of Goa. It is very quiet and really feels like you've walked into the heaven on earth. Every morning, except Sundays, there is a morning meditation, followed by a pranayama and asana class. Saturdays and Sundays has Kriya (cleansing) in the mornings and in the evenings there is a lovely fire ceremony. To have experienced all these things have been a bliss for my soul and has done so much great things for my body, spiritually and physically. I really wished I would have stayed longer, because it has absolutely blown my mind. 10 days has just not been enough. I know for a fact, though, that this isn't the last time I'll be stepping my feet on the grounds of Swan."

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"This place is filled with magic. I ưill mention two things that changed everything for me. The meditation in the mornings before the sun came up, and then.The massage are experienced with Anand. For me, it became a life-changing experience in itself. His calm, his respect, his touch,the energy that runs though you ưhile you are in the room with him. He healed me in so many ways, both mentally and some serious physical imbalances! I'm very grateful. Namaste"

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" Swan is just a great place for a yoga retreat. The place is beautiful and natural. It is a little bit outside the "touristic Goa", but you can easily reach the famous beaches and places by scooter or taxi. The cottages are spacious and the surrounding is just perfect. When you do your practices in one of the open yoga halls you hear birds singing and see the sun rising behind the old teak trees. The food is nice, fresh and plenty and the service cannot be better. I can highly recommend that place and I hope I will come back many times. "

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"Great! amazing experience. Spiritual and deep transforming experience. Meet a lot of like-minded people and develop an inner peace and clarity that is difficult to get in our western lives! We should all go!"

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