GOA: LOCATION, ACCOMMODATIONS & ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

The location we have chosen for the workshops is in Colomb, right between the 2 better known beaches, Palolem and Patnem.

ACCOMMODATIONS

One of the reasons Goa is so charming is that they are not permitted to build permanent structures close to the beach, and they get dismantled every year for the monsoon season (May until October). The resultant "beach-huts" range between super cheap and simple to blissful and beautiful, and completely luxurious in a rustic kind of way. However very close to the workshop venue is the only 5-Star hotel on that coast-line, the Intercontinental.

Because of the great variance in our attendees' needs, expectations and financial situations, we have scouted out several different accommodation options.

* Bhakti Kutir This magical spot is where we will actually hold the workshops, and our group has been allotted a certain number of rooms at a special rate. These rooms will be given on a 1st come basis, shared occupancy. Most are beautiful huts, no two alike, all fashioned from local materials like rice straw, bamboo and mud. Each hut is 100% eco friendly and built entirely of natural materials, (and there is one beautiful wooden house), and each and every one is in a beautiful garden setting. There is no running hot water (there are showers), but on demand huge buckets of steaming hot water are brought to your room.

Participants staying on the Bhakti Kutir shared occupancy option, will have a fully inclusive package with accommodation, 2 meals a day, plus all of the afternoon additional activities. We only have 16 of these places, and they will be given on a 1st come, 1st serve basis, and participants will be allowed to choose their rooms upon signing up. For these reasons we highly recommend early sign-ups.

*** There is also a wonderful school at Bhakti Kutir, for anyone wishing to bring their children. Please contact the hotel directly for details on the costs, etc.

*For those who are happier with all western amenities (and concrete walls!), the Intercontinental is a mere 6 minute drive away, and a lovely 20 minute walk along the beach (except at high tide). I checked it out personally and it is very beautiful, with all modern amenities and a golf course, I have no qualms about sending even my most environment - sensitive participants there. The prices are on a par with the west, with several different standards of room. Please check the website for more information. We will easily be able to arrange daily transportation to and from the workshop venue.

* And at a "western sensitivity" standard between Bhakti Kutir and the Intercontinental is the Marron Beach Resort, literally a 2 minute walk from the workshop venue, this luxury beach hut (all wooden with glass windows), is right on the beach at the far south (quieter) end of Palolem Beach. Easy access to all that Palolem has to offer, restaurants, bars, swimming, and the best people watching on the planet. This may be the perfect spot for those looking for something slightly more western than Bhakti Kutir, and much more in the central hub of Goan beach-life.

This is also where we will send the overflow when Bhakti Kutir has filled, although the price will be out of necessity somewhat higher.

ACTIVITIES

We have tailored this trip so there is plenty of free time for relaxation, contemplation and personal exploration. Besides what we offer in the packages, there are several other reasonably priced side trips available for those seeking more activities during their time in Goa.

Dolphin Watching Boat Trips - right off the beach at Palolem

The Churches of Old Goa - If you are an architectural/history buff it is just over an hour car drive from Palolem to view these beautiful old colonial era Portuguese churches.

Cabo de Rama Fort- An old Portuguese fortress, well worth an afternoon's visit. About 15km from Palolem.

Turtle Beach - About a 15 minute drive south of Palolem is this exquisite pristine white sand beach, beautifully preserved because of the rare turtles nesting there. There are a couple of fabulous, cheap beach restaurants and very few people. Another lovely spot to spend an afternoon.

More travel opportunities close to our location in Palolem

An added bonus in this particular area of India are the Ayurvedic treatments available, and there is an excellent center in Bhakti Khutir. This is a sample of the treatments they currently offer, although prices (and exchange rates!) are subject to change.

Sample Ayurvedic Packages

Each session is 2 hrs where you get one massage and an additional treatment of your choice (different treatments include Shirodhara, Pizhichil, Najavarakizhi, Shirobasti and others).

3 day – 6,000/- approx $122 USD

5 day - 10,000/-approx $203 USD

7 day - 12,500/-approx $253 USD

GOA WORKSHOP PAGE

Registration, Information and Prices