Purple Valley Yoga Retreat, Goa

Purple Valley Yoga Retreat is located in a peaceful valley in Assagao, North Goa, between the Arabian Sea at Anjuna Beach and the small market town of Mapusa. Set in landscaped tropical gardens there are communal areas for eating and relaxing and private spaces for contemplation and meditation, it is quiet and safe, and the ideal place for a yoga retreat holiday.

The yoga is mainly of the Ashtanga yoga tradition. The morning walk to the shala (Sanskrit for yoga school) is through the tropical gardens of the yoga retreat with the scent of frangipani in the air, the sun rising over the field of palm trees and the birds and cicadas singing. The shala itself is an amazing space with a peaceful energy and the perfect place to deepen and explore your yoga practice.

Meals are vegetarian, served buffet style on the open-air terrace and enjoyed in the company of the other students. Many friendships are formed over the conversations and laughter that last long after the food is served, and indeed long after the yoga retreat holiday is over.

Breakfast is a feast of exotic tropical fruits, homemade breads with toppings, local nuts and porridge. Dinners are an imaginative mix of Indian and Western food and all ingredients are bought fresh daily at the local market, organic wherever possible and everything is prepared with love. One of the favourite features of the guests is the laundry service, items given in before noon will be returned by the next afternoon. Many students come to Purple Valley Yoga Retreat for its quiet location, away from the busy markets and tourist areas because it is safe and not too remote. Trips to the local spice plantation are organized.

Pic Creds: Yoga.in