SwaSwara

Kerala & South India

Rating: Deluxe

highlights

Magnificent ocean views
26 acres of gardens and hills
Wholesome organic food
Therapeutic yoga and meditation sessions
Spacious villas with open air bathrooms

SwaSwara overview

Situated on a remote cliff-top in Southern India, overlooking the sweeping bay of Om beach, SwaSwara is a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern India and listen to your inner voice - the literal translation of the Sanskrit phrase SwaSwara.

There are 24 self contained, air conditoned villas in the 26 acres of hills and gardens that make up SwaSwara. Each villa is self-contained and is constructed in the style of a Konkan house with an air conditioned bedroom, open veranda, bathroom half open to the sky and upstairs deck. The lush gardens are full of flowers, shrubs and spices, green lawns and coconut palms. Guests are welcome to explore at their leisure, soaking up the tranquil, soothing atmosphere far removed from the noise of the modern world.

Yoga & Meditation
Yoga is about union and at SwaSwara it finds a union with everything you do, be it eating freshly cooked organice meals, walking through the grounds or watching the sunset over the cliffs on Om beach. Each guests will receive personalised attention from Yoga gurus to perfect postures, chant or practise yogic breathing. Whether you are a novice just wanting an introductory course, or an experienced practitioner wishing to explore yoga with expert tuition, this quiet place is ideal. You will learn to recognise the needs of your body and how to respond to them. You will also be introuduced to the healing properties of Pranayama - breathing exercises.

Ayuverda Centre
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian science dating back some 5,000 years and one of the most revered branches of medicine across the world. It consists on external and internal treatments such as massage, cleansing, conditioning and diet and can be used to treat many conditions including blood pressure, arthritis and obesity. Relax and enjoy the rejuvenative properties of the treatments, supplemented by a customied diet suited to your body's bio energies,

Food is also considered a vital part of life at SwaSwara. Natural foods grown and ripened in harmony with nature bestow benefits on the eater. SwaSwara has its own vegetable garden and also sources produce from the local area, including fresh seafood. Meals are prepared to nourish the soul as well as the body. Meat is avoided, as is alcohol apart from Indian wines.

SwaSwara has a number of young artists in residence and guests are encouraged to watch and learn and also use art to express their inner thoughts and feelings.

SwaSwara is also a great spot to enjoy the sweeping beaches of the Karnataka coast. It is a short walk down a private path to the famous Om Beach, named for its resemblance to the Sanskrit letter.

details

Open: SwaSwara is open all year.

Location: SwaSwara is set on Om Beach in Karnataka, in an area of coconut groves and paddy fields. The nearest airport is Goa, 170kms away.

Rooms: There are 24 thatched villas built in the local Konkan style, each with an en-suite bathroom with a shower open to the sky and complimentary toiletries, sitting room and a yoga deck on the upper floor. Villas are air conditioned, spacious and simply furnished using local materials. Room service is available.

Activities: The emphasis at SwaSwara is on health and wellbeing and the activities available reflect this. Yoga sessions, pranayama, meditation, Ayurvedic treatments, art classes and healthy eating are prominent in a stay here and general sessions are included in the price. Private classes can also be arranged. Boat rides and excursions into the local area are also offered. Guests can relax on the beach, go swimming and walking in the gardens, explore other beaches and visit beach bars and cafes.

Facilities: The restaurant specialises in fresh seafood and vegetarian meals, complemented by Indian wines (the hotel does not serve beer or spirits). There are 3 dining locations – the terrace, the pool deck and the beach. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and sundeck, Ayurveda centre and a meditation dome. There is a library with a collection of books and Wi-Fi internet access, and an art gallery and an art studio where guests can paint, draw and sculpt. SwaSwara has an organic farm which guests are welcome to visit and several acres of grounds to be explored.

Dining: Meals can be taken at separate tables, or communally, as preferred.

Children: The hotel accepts children aged 15 years and over only.

Health: We recommend malaria prophylactics for travel to India.

Communication: There is Wi-Fi internet access in the library and in the guest villas.

Notes: The hotel has a minimum stay requirement of 5 nights.