More than the main programme
A residential Yoga and Ayurveda retreat is about more than the main programme. At SWAN in Assagao, North Goa, guests can explore traditional Indian practices and experiences alongside their Yoga or Ayurveda retreat.
Join an Ayurvedic cooking class, participate in Havan and Kirtan, explore meditation and Tantra related practices, or arrange a personal Vedic astrology consultation. Some activities are part of the regular SWAN programme, while others are available by arrangement during your stay.
Learn Traditional Ayurvedic Cooking
Our Ayurvedic cooking classes offer a practical introduction to traditional Indian cooking and the Ayurvedic principles behind the food served at SWAN.
The classes are hands on and take place in our own kitchen. You will learn about spices, food combinations, seasonal ingredients and traditional methods of preparing vegetarian food. We also explore how food can be adapted according to individual constitution and the principles of Ayurveda.
It is a chance to take something practical home with you from your Ayurveda retreat in Goa. And yes, there is a very good chance you will finally learn how to make chapatis properly.
“This food is so delicious. Beats any restaurant I’ve been to in Goa. The food is also so healing, so I shall certainly be looking to cook what I have learnt back home…”
Sonia Rana
The Sacred Fire Ceremony
Havan is a traditional Vedic fire ceremony performed at the SWAN temple. Offerings are made into the sacred fire while Vedic mantras are chanted.
At SWAN, Havan is part of our traditional Yoga and spiritual programme and takes place on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Havan is open to everyone and free to attend. You do not need to be staying at SWAN or participating in a Yoga retreat or Ayurveda programme. Visitors from outside the retreat are welcome to join.
Havan and Dinner
Visitors who would also like to experience dinner at SWAN can combine the evening Havan with our freshly prepared vegetarian dinner.
Dinner requires advance booking. Havan is free and open to all.
Mantra, Music and Devotion
Kirtan is a traditional practice of devotional chanting using mantra, rhythm and music. It has an important place within many Indian spiritual traditions and can be a simple and accessible way to experience the devotional aspect of Yoga.
At SWAN, Kirtan forms part of the evening programme at the temple on Saturday and Sunday evenings, alongside Havan.
No previous experience of chanting or meditation is required. You can participate, listen or simply sit quietly and experience the atmosphere.
Explore Jyotisha
Jyotisha, traditionally known as the Vedic science of light, is one of the six Vedangas, the auxiliary disciplines associated with the Vedas. Like Ayurveda and Yoga, it forms part of the wider knowledge traditions of India.
A Vedic astrology consultation at SWAN explores your birth chart through the traditional Jyotisha approach, including tendencies, life patterns, timing and traditional remedial practices.
Consultations are available during your stay in Goa and may also be arranged online if you are unable to travel to SWAN.
Yoga, Ayurveda, Meditation and Tantra
Throughout the season, SWAN occasionally offers additional workshops, talks and experiences connected with traditional Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, Yoga philosophy, Tantra and other Indian knowledge traditions.
These may include meditation workshops, Yoga philosophy sessions, introductory Ayurveda experiences, Tantra related study and visiting teacher programmes.
Activities vary according to the season, visiting teachers and the residential programmes taking place at SWAN. You can also explore Yoga retreats or explore Ayurveda retreats.
Other things you can do.
Tulsi Puja
A small daily offering to the holy basil, made by the whole household together.
Yogic Kriya
The traditional cleansing practices of Hatha Yoga, taught and supervised, usually on Tuesdays.
Ayurvedic treatments
Massage, Shirodhara and other therapies can be booked during any stay. See treatments.
The beaches
Anjuna, Vagator and the rest are 20–25 minutes away. Scooters can be hired through reception.
The SWAN boutique
Yoga mats, cotton clothing made locally in Mapusa, and a few things worth taking home.
The Fake Beach
Sand, loungers, umbrellas and fresh juices. See the grounds.
Everything here runs alongside your programme.
Cooking classes, treatments and astrology consultations can be arranged once you arrive, just ask at reception.