Goa Beach Yoga & Sound Retreat: Daily Practice, Massage & Indian Cuisine

You'll stay at a guesthouse on Ashvem Beach, a quieter stretch of North Goa known for its wide sand and beach shacks. Most days follow the same shape: an early yoga session before breakfast (around 90 minutes), a long break for swimming and lunch, then a second practice in the late afternoon (restorative or yin, with meditation). One day is left free for an excursion – previous groups have gone to the Saturday night market at Arpora or taken a boat trip on the Chapora River. The retreat also includes a sound session with Gerrit Nietsche, who records his own material and works with singing bowls and gongs; his free recorded sessions are on Exhale Yoga's site if you want a preview.

What separates this from a generic beach yoga week is the teacher. Isabelle Thill has taught for two decades and trained in vinyasa and sound meditation; she teaches in French, German and English, and classes are capped so she can actually watch what you're doing. The schedule is not bootcamp – there's no 6am cold plunge or mandatory silence – but if you want two strong classes a day, that's available. The guesthouse is simple and clean, with en-suite rooms and a shared terrace, a two-minute walk from the shala.

The food is a real part of the week. Breakfast and dinner are included daily, mostly vegetarian, with South Indian dishes (dosas, coconut curries, dal) and Goan fish options a few nights. Dietary requests – vegan, gluten-free – are handled if you flag them at booking.

Goa in late March and early April is hot and dry – expect 32°C and mostly clear skies, with the sea warm enough for long swims. Ashvem is far enough from the main party strips that you can sleep, but Anjuna and Vagator are a 15–20 minute scooter ride away if you want a night out. The retreat runs once, from 27 March to 4 April 2027; a deposit secures your spot and the balance is due 60 days before departure.

What's included

- 8 nights accommodation at a guesthouse on Ashvem Beach - Daily breakfast and dinner (vegetarian, with vegan/gluten-free options on request) - Two yoga classes per day (morning vinyasa, evening restorative/yin) except rest day - Daily guided meditation sessions - One sound meditation session with Gerrit Nietsche - One 60-minute massage per person - Yoga mats and props provided - Welcome meeting and opening circle - Free Wi-Fi in common areas

What's not included

- International flights to Goa - Airport transfers (can be arranged for an extra fee) - Lunches and snacks - Travel insurance - Visa fees (if applicable) - Optional cooking class (approx. €35) - Additional massages or spa treatments - Scooter rental - Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, tips)