The Goa Devotion Retreat 2028

a pilgrimage into the source

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Sunday 6th - Sunday 13th February 2028

There is a moment in every true seeker’s life when the call to return to the source becomes too loud to ignore. India is the birthplace of the ancient traditions that saved my life, and Goa carries a unique, high-vibrational medicine where the lush canopy of the jungle melts directly into the vastness of the Arabian Sea.

Following the potent alignment of our winter intentions, I am opening the doors to The Goa Devotion Retreat. This is a deeply sacred, immersive 8-day pilgrimage designed for the dedicated practitioner who is ready to step out of Westernised, diluted fitness trends and dive straight into the unbroken roots of the Eastern tradition.


February in Goa offers the perfect climate – endless golden light, warm tropical breezes and a soft, healing humidity that allows the physical body and the spine to completely unravel and open up to something new.

At Ashiyana, let the serenity of nature and their dedicated team take care of your needs, while you embrace the essence of yoga, relaxation, and wellbeing. We look forward to welcoming you to our sanctuary of transformation and rejuvenation.

The Spiritual Alignment

Our days will be structured to support a profound, multi-dimensional shift across all levels of your being, beginning with a morning yoga class followed by brunch, free time during the day, and another yoga class and dinner in the evening.

During the day, you might like to go on excursions, do some sightseeing or shopping, enjoy a treatment in the spa or simply relax by the pool.

For the group sessions, we will gather in one of Ashiyana's private yoga shalas. Overlooking the river, palm trees and exquisite gardens, these inspiring spaces are fully equipped with altars, mats, bolsters, blocks, straps, cushions and blankets.

We will weave together a rich tapestry of traditional modalities:

  • Twice-Daily Somatic & Intuitive Yoga: Gentle, intuitive movement honouring gravity and breath to shift unhelpful movement patterns and free the spine.

  • Daily Vedic Chanting & Kirtan: Harnessing the precise science of sacred sound to stimulate the vagus nerve, soothe the nervous system, and clear your internal river.

  • Subconscious Healing: Restorative guided relaxations, deep meditation, and the deep-dive psychic sleep of Yoga Nidra to process hidden emotional blocks.

Enhance your retreat experience

During your free time outside of the retreat schedule, you may like to include the following extras:

  • Spa & Wellness: Rejuvenating massages, Ayurvedic health consultations, and holistic treatments via the Ashiyana Spa (pre-booked at elsa@ashiyana.com).

  • Day Trips & Excursions: Breathtaking sunrise dolphin boat trips, vibrant Friday/Saturday night markets, the famous Wednesday Anjuna Flea Market, visits to Old Goa, a local Spice Farm & waterfall, or Paradise Beach in neighbouring Maharashtra.

  • Water Sports & Resort Services: Thrilling activities like kite surfing and stand-up paddleboarding, convenient laundry service, and traditional henna rituals.

  • Resort Incidentals & On-Site Payments: Direct cash payments on-site are accepted up to €250. Credit cards can be used for spa treatments or extra items but will incur a 3.25% transaction fee.

Ashiyana Eco Retreat Sanctuary

Accommodation

Indulge in the serene ambiance of Ashiyana’s lush tropical gardens. The Team provide a range of fully air-conditioned accommodation options to suit every budget and occupancy requirement. Each thoughtfully designed room features: 

  • A private bathroom and a charming private balcony

  • Comfortable beds with fresh linens and bath towels (flexible double or twin bed arrangements available)

  • Ample storage space and a refreshing ceiling fan

  • Regular housekeeping services and hand soap

  • Warm and attentive support throughout your journey, from inquiry to check-out

  • Full access to all resort amenities, including the chemical-free natural swimming pool, tranquil relaxation areas and vibrant gardens

  • Spa & wellness facilities offering rejuvenating massages, Ayurvedic health consultations and holistic treatments available for an additional cost via the Ashiyana Spa

  • Solo Female Travellers - Ashiyana is highly regarded as an exceptionally safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment for solo female travellers

Nourishment

The Ashiyana centre will provide hearty, pranic meals twice a day in the on-site restaurant

These two delectable buffet meals serve a tantalising mix of fresh, healthy and flavoursome vegetarian cuisine aligned with Ayurvedic lifestyle principles (with gluten-free and dairy-free options available)

Breakfast is served at 9am - 11am and a sumptuous dinner is available at 7pm to 8:30pm

Filtered drinking water and a variety of hot beverages, such as invigorating lemon ginger tea and soothing chai, are available throughout the day

Logistics

Check-In: From 2:00 PM on Sunday, 6th February 2028.

Check-Out: By 10:00 AM on Sunday, 13th February 2028.

Conditions

Bad weather

As mentioned earlier, due to tides and weather conditions, there is absolutely no certainty with the boat so flexibility is absolutely required on both the outward and return journey. Please note that if the retreat is unable to proceed due to bad weather then your bookings will be transferred to a future retreat. Please ensure that you have travel insurance in place. 

Pandemic

Please note that if the retreat is unable to go ahead due to further pandemics, then it will be rescheduled and bookings transferred to the new date (and with the possible option of transferring to another one of our retreats). Refunds will not be available.

Terms and Conditions

We ask that you please read and agree to the terms and conditions here, and please honour these if an unexpected situation arises, regardless of your relationship to Emma.

  • You can fly into Manohar International Airport (MOPA) in Mopa, Goa, or Goa International Airport (GOI) in Dabolim. Mopa is significantly closer to Mandrem Beach, taking approximately 45–60 minutes by taxi. Dabolim is located further south and requires a 1.5 to 2-hour taxi drive. Airport transfer bookings can be seamlessly arranged directly through Ashiyana. 

  • Yes, most international travellers require a visa to enter India. For tourism and retreats, an e-Tourist Visa (e-Visa) is the most convenient option. You can apply online through the official Indian government portal. We highly recommend applying at least 30 days before departure, ensuring your passport has at least 6 months of validity left from your date of arrival and two blank pages.

  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in India and must contain at least two blank pages for the entry and exit stamps.

  • We recommend booking your flights as soon as you can. Plan to arrive in Goa on the morning of Sunday, 6th February 2028. Official check-in begins at 2:00 PM. 

  • February is widely considered the peak, ideal time to visit Goa. Expect endless golden light, clear skies, and warm tropical breezes. Temperatures hover comfortably around 30°C (86°F) during the day and drop to a pleasant 20°C (68°F) at night, with a soft humidity that helps the physical body open up safely during somatic movement. 

    • Lightweight, breathable yoga and movement clothing

    • A shawl or light sweater for cooler mornings or evening Kirtan

    • Swimwear and beach footwear

    • Reef-safe sunscreen and eco-friendly insect repellent

    • A reusable water bottle (filtered water stations are available all day)

    • Slip-on shoes or sandals (shoes are removed before entering the Shalas) 

How do I book?

Click below to a book a space on this retreat!

A non-refundable deposit will be required by the end of January 2027 to secure your space, payable via bank transfer to:
Name: E C Despres
Sort code: 20-35-32
Account number: 73230457

Book here