LOTUS YOGA RETREAT, SOUTH GOA, INDIA
"Spending a yoga holiday with Simon at Lotus Yoga leaves you with a heightened state of awareness that is enhanced by the powerful presence of the Arabian Sea, the vast open space of Goan beaches and the stunning sunrises and sunsets you can experience every morning and evening from the oceanfront yoga shala." Eija Tervonen VENUE – The Lotus Yoga Retreat is situated at the far southern end of Patnem beach (South Goa) and situated 50 m from the sea and next to a small, lush mountain. The huts are built very near the beach and all have a view of the sea. The surroundings of Patnem are stunning. At night-time it is perfectly silent apart from the sound of the waves and wild dolphins. There is always a gentle breeze, even in the hotter months. For swimming the ocean is warm but refreshing. Patnem is south of Palolem, South Goa. The nearest village is Chaudi (5-10 mins by rickshaw) and the nearest city is Margoa (1 hour by road.) LOCAL AREA – Goa is often called the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ and is full of surprises; charming villages with colourful churches; succulent rice fields next to Hindu temples; a 100 kilometre long coastline lined with coconut palm trees. ACCOMMODATION – Comfortable huts made out of palm leaves, bamboo and straw designed without infringing on the environment. Organic materials have been used to create a dreamy paradise. All huts have storage space for clothes and comfortable beds. Your balcony comes equipped with an Asian day-bed, which is the perfect spot for meditating, reading or just watching the sea. Most lodgings are built under the shade of pine trees. CLASSES – They will be held on either the Ocean deck. The ocean deck is right in front of the sea where there is always a refreshing breeze. There will be a class every morning, usually at 0800 and an afternoon class every other day at 1700. There is plenty of time available for visiting local areas of interest. CATERING – The food is healthy, tasty and where possible organic. A large brunch is included in the price with tropical fruit and a buffet of vegetarian dishes. Throughout the day you can order small snacks, vitamin and health-booster juices and fresh tropical fruit. In the evening the restaurant has an Indian and European chef to prepare local, seasonal produce. GENERAL ADVICE – Remember to get your visa before you travel to India. PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE – Flights, insurance, transfers, dinner. If you would like to arrive a day or so earlier or stay on after the yoga, contact the venue direct to check availability. We can organise day trips such as viewing the turtle nesting beach of Galibag, Cola beach with sweet water lagoon for swimming, wild dolphin spotting boat tours or trips to the spice farms and many more. Please note that there is an additional charge of £12 if the paypal service is used. (We charge this on at cost.) If you would prefer to send a cheque, please make it out to Simon Low, but post it to Mary Elliott, 9 Derwent Close, Tangmere, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 2FQ. Or we can give you our bank details if you would like to do a bank transfer. If you do this from a non-UK bank account, there is a £10 bank charge. TRAVEL - We recommend that you book your flights through our preferred travel agent Robinson Travel. Email kay@robinson-travel.com or telephone 01237 476798 Suggested route is arrival into Goa Dabolim airport, which is a 1-hour drive from the Lotus Yoga Retreat. Alternatively you can fly to Mumbai (Bombay) and get a connecting flight, train or bus to Goa. There is a return airport pick up charge of £20 The holiday schedule and internal transportation information will be sent to you approximately 6 weeks before departure. Any required ‘arrivals’ bus transfer bookings will be arranged well in advance of your arrival. Each student will need to carry Indian rupees for restaurant/cafe meals, shopping and bus / boat transfer charges, beverages, and personal expenditure. VISA INFORMATION – You will need a valid Tourist visa to enter India. To obtain this you will need to contact your local Indian High Commission, fill in the application form, which is usually available to download online, and take it to them or sent it in along with the required fee. This can take up to 10 days and your visa is activated from the day you get it rather than upon entry into the country. When stating your purpose on your visa form it is best to say Tourism rather than Yoga. On your visa application you will be asked to give a reference in India. You can use the following: Lotus G. H., Patnem beach, Canacona, Goa 403702, India. NB: It is a condition of this vacation that each person has personal travel insurance appropriate to activity and fitness centred holidays. |
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