Eco Luxury In Goa - Anahata Retreats
Located in North Goa, Anahata is the perfect retreat for those who want to reset their minds and bodies. Far from the raucous Vagator Beach but not too far from the hip joints, Anahata, is a sublime eco-resort on a secluded nook of Ashvem Beach. Anahata offers a range of activities for its guests including yoga, meditation, massages and cooking lessons! Located only about 90 minutes from the airport, Anahata promises breathtaking sunsets, incredible food, sand in your feet as you eat and friendly doggies for company.
The property is located on a very clean part of the beach, with the sea just steps away from each room. Anahata has 16 rooms, of the respective types - Beachfront Eco-cottages, Sea-view Eco-Cottages, Sea View Suites, and Garden Eco-cottages. The suites have been built keeping in mind Goan-Portuguese architecture while the octagonal cottages are made out of recycled wood and float on bamboo stilts! The entire resort is eco-conscious with a barefoot luxury vibe.
From the Beach Front Eco-cottages, you can watch the waves crash on the shore from your bed. Even though they don't have an AC, they are incredibly well-ventilated and a standing fan works just fine. The rooms have been designed for the sweltering Goan summer and the high-roof allows for a lot of cross ventilation- the cabin is made entirely out of palm-thatched mango wood. We absolutely loved the rain shower as it gave us a very tropical feel.
The Sea View Suites offer stunning views of the Arabian Sea from the private verandahs. Only the suites are air-conditioned while the remaining amenities are the same as the rest.
The Sea View Cottages are perhaps the most stunning option at Anahata. While these are not air-conditioned, they, too, are built to allow maximum cross ventilation. Just head to the website to see why we are gushing over these! The Garden Air cottages are the only ones without a sea-view but look out onto a lovely tropical oasis. These cottages are better suited for light sleepers or those who don't find the sound of the ocean hypnotic. You can opt for a king-size bed or two twin beds in any of the rooms. The best part about the rooms is that there are no TVs or phones- forcing one's mind to disconnect from the humdrum of daily life.
We highly recommend the beach yoga and meditation sessions every Thursday and Saturday at 7.30 am at a reasonable per session session, or, alternatively, you can buy a pass that offers a discounted rate. If you aren't an early riser, you can try the open air yoga and meditation sessions that aren't on the beach but are still conducted in a lush, tropical setting, Monday through Saturday, at 10 am and 4.30 pm. With each exhale, imagine yourself relaxing each part of your body, unclench your jaw, relax your shoulders, and watch your stress disappear. If you'd just like a meditation class, you can try one of those too at Rs. 500 a session. The Anahata philosophy is simple to allow a safe and inclusive space for young couples, families and solo travelers to look inward, enjoy good food and harness the curative properties of the sea.
One thing I have yet to try out at Anahata are the cooking classes. I would love to incorporate healthy Goan food to my very limited repertoire. Classes are 120 minutes long and are priced at Rs. 3000 per head. If you're keen on taking a cooking class, speak to the reception as they need a minimum of 2 people to conduct the class.
Anahata also organizes retreats, both wellness and spiritual, which are perfect for guests who want to immerse themselves in yoga and/or meditation but only get limited vacation days from work. The property also attracts healers, energy works and yoga practitioners from all over the world!
The food here, is pretty good as owners Angela and Rishal work painstakingly to curate menus that are both healthy and satisfying. Breakfasts are super exciting here because the resort preps lentil pancakes, eggs (any style), tofu scramble (if you are plant based) and you can choose from a wide variety of cereals, granola with nut milk. The dining area really comes alive at night with fairy lights, ambient music and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. The chefs are open to vegan, raw and vegetarian requests and ask for your your dietary preferences before you arrive to allow for a beautiful culinary journey for the length of your stay.
Yes, the internet is spotty at best, but that's what I've learnt to love about Goa and all it takes is a change in mindset to embrace the disconnect and allow yourself to be more present and more mindful. There is no swimming pool on site but you don't really need a pool when you are a few steps away from the sea.
All in all, Anahata is well-worth the money! It bridges the gap between rustic and luxurious perfectly and the cheerful demeanor of the staff made our stay even more memorable. If you are looking for a peaceful place to stay in North Goa but still want to be able to access the more happening spots, love yoga, and love eco-conscious resorts, this is the place for you! Don't forget to carry ample sunscreen and pack your swimmers for the sea is at your doorstep.
