As Europe gets colder and darker, 'the season' in Goa gets under way. This time last year, Inna Costantini spent last on a yoga teacher training course in Goa, India. Here she unearths some of the best places in the state for a yoga fix.
With warm, dry, sunny days and cool nights, Goa is one of the best places for an exotic winter break that won't necessarily break the bank.
And with a wide range of yoga centres dotted along the coast, it's easier than ever to throw in a spot of yoga and ayurveda - as much as you choose between the serious activity of tanning and relaxing.
For many years, Goa has been famous for its beautiful beaches and scenery, but also its bars, nightlife and incredible party scene, giving it the nickname of the Ibiza of India.
Although some areas (Baga or Candolim to name but a few) blatantly revolve around package tourism, Goa is still home to some hidden gems, some of which offer great yoga classes.
Anjuna, which was once a hippy hangout, is now very much a cool place for both tourists and long-term residents wanting a peaceful but inspiring escape.
A few hotels now offer their own yoga classes with either local or western teachers, but one name that stands out is the Brahmani Yoga centre, nestling on the grounds of Hotel Bougainvillea.
Formerly named Purple Valley Drop-In centre, Brahmani Yoga offers some of the most varied, fun classes and workshops in Goa, ranging from Open Self practice in the morning, Asthanga, Hatha and Scaravelli Yoga, to Pranayama & Meditation, Bhajans, Thai Massage and Yoga Dance Jams.
The centre relies on deeply experienced resident teachers as well as renowned guests, who approach yoga in a novel way. For instance Jo Cobbett from Los Angeles taught a week-long '5 Rhythms' workshop this November - an intuitive, spiritual approach to movement and dance.
The beauty with drop in centres like Brahmani is that you don't have to go on a full-on yoga retreat nor commit to daily yoga classes. You are totally free to do what you want: yoga, R&R on the beach; pamper yourself with some ayurvedic treatments.
You could, of course, just roll out your mat on the beach. But in case you do decide to dish out some rupees on a yoga class, we have unearthed some yoga centres to get you started.
- Brahmani Yoga Centre. Varied classes and workshops, plus a daily self-practice ashtanga class in the morning. Also watch out for Thai Massage and Yoga Dance Jams. www.brahmaniyoga.com
- Yoga Magic is an oasis of peace, just a few kilometres away from Anjuna beach, offering luxurious and yet eco-friendly Rajasthani tents and a scenic outdoor yoga shala. www.yogamagic.net
- The Purple Valley Yoga Centre is one of Goa's most well known Asthanga Yoga retreat centre, with world class teachers like David Swenson, Dena Kingsberg and Kino MacGregor teaching regular workshops. www.yogagoa.com
- Further north, on the stunning Ashvem beach and shaded by lush coconut trees, lies Yab Yum resorts, an eco-retreat haven with hobbit like domes, or ‘pods', made out of natural materials including cow dung and bamboo - a strikingly original sight. They also offer Yoga and Ayurvedic treatments on site. www.yabyumresorts.com
What are your favourite yoga haunts in Goa? Do log in and share.
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