Yoga in Goa, India
A ten-day retreat from February 25th through March 6th, 2010
Beachfront rooms at Doña Florina, a charming, rustic beach resort. Tropical breakfast included
- $800 for Double Occupancy
- $1,000 for a Single Room
A deposit of $300 required to secure your place.
We will practice two hours of yoga before breakfast and an hour and a half of restorative yoga/pranayama before dinner on the rooftop overlooking the ocean and watching the sunset.
There will be plenty of spare time for you to relax on the beach and visit the famous flea markets, spice farms, bird sanctuaries and much more.
On the coast of the Arabian Sea, Goa is called the “Hawaii of India”. Goa is famous for its Portuguese past and for being a mecca for hippies in the sixties. It is also known for its fleamarkets and stunning beaches.
Dona Florina is a rustic, very clean resort located on the beach overlooking the Arabian Sea. It is owned by Jesse, a lovely Goan woman, who will also join us in our yoga practice. An Ayurvedic clinic, located in a beautiful colonial building, is five minutes away.
FAQs
Where and what is Goa? What is it like?
Goa is a coastal state on the Arabian Sea and the smallest state of India. It is about 500 miles south of Mumbai (Bombay).
A participant last year called Goa “India light” — an easy way to get into the “Indian flow”. It is a good introduction to the “real” India, if you are planning to travel on.
Do I need a visa?
Yes. American citizens need a visa issued by the Indian consulate, here in San Francisco.
Do I need any shots or vaccinations?
No, you are not required to get shots but it’s a good idea to check with the department of public health to see what they recommend.
How do I get there? Can you recommend a travel agent?
As of June, Jet Airways will offer a direct flight from San Francisco to Mumbai (Bombay). You then take a one hour flight to Goa. If you want to go through an agent, Sabine recommends Atul Thaper, with Trips and Travel. His number is 408-737-7000.
It’s about a one-hour taxi ride to Dona Florina from the Goa airport. Email Sabine and let her know your arrival time. She’ll arrange for a taxi to pick you up at the airport. Taxi fare runs around $20-$30.
When should I arrive?
Arrive in Goa at least one day before the retreat begins. If you want to come earlier, contact Sabine and let her know when you’ll be there so she can reserve a room.
What will the weather be like?
Temperatures will be in the eighties. Bring a bathing suit, the water is so warm you can spend hours in it.
What should I bring?
For yoga, you’ll need a belt and two blocks. You'll also need a yoga mat, which you can bring with you or buy in India. A flashlight is nice to have since there are only a few street lights around the resort and the place is not accessible by road.
What’s the water situation? Will I need a purifier?
Good bottled water is available around the resort. We encourage you to buy 2.5 liter recyclable bottles, which are available at the restaurant next door, and use your own smaller bottle to carry some with you.
How much money should I bring?
There are plenty of ATMs around the resort, so you don’t need to bring a lot of cash. Exchange some dollars into rupees at the Mumbai airport so you have some for the first days.
Where do I eat?
A wonderful tropical breakfast is included with lodging. Everyone eats together after the morning yoga session. Everyone is free to do what they want for other meals. The group usually ends up getting dinner together, most times on the beach. Dinner runs from $5-$10.
How can I contact you in India?
You can reach Sabine by email. Her cell phone number in India is 976 627 5197.
The resort’s address is:
Doña Florina
Monteiro’s Road
Candolim, Goa 403 515
Tel: 91(india) 8322275052/2277398
For other questions, contact Susan Becker.
Anything else?
Keep practicing!
Pictures from the 2008 retreat
Susan Becker’s page on flickr.
Pictures from the 2007 retreat
Click on thumbnails to see photo gallery
