SwaSwara Wellness

Style

Meditative coastal cure

Setting

Aptly-named Om Beach

Taking good care of yourself and your spiritual needs is at the centre of a holiday at boutique retreat SwaSwara Wellness in Karnataka. For starters, its simply dressed villas, fringed by untouched vegetation, are backdropped by lulling ocean views — and only a short walk from breathtaking beaches. Ayurvedic spa treatments, yoga and meditation are set to melt tensions away. And spells birdwatching or jungle-trekking are equally therapeutic.

Facilities

Rooms

Twenty-four thatched split-level villas.

Checkout

Normally 11am, but flexible depending on the season. Check-in, noon.

More Details

Rates at SwaSwara Wellness include breakfast, daily group yoga and meditation sessions, daily cooking classes, guided nature walks and birdwatching, art and pottery lessons led by the resident artist.

Also

SwaSwara aims to help guests on the road to self-discovery, so meditation, yoga and Ayurvedic therapies are central to its philosophy.

Spa

At the Hotel

There is Internet access in the rooms but otherwise you can enjoy the quiet in a TV- and music-free environment, air-con in the bedrooms, emperor-sized beds (plus extra pull-out bed), and a lounge area for making tea or coffee.

Our Favourite Rooms

All villas at SwaSwara Wellness are identical, built in the local Konkan style of clean, uncluttered spaces, using natural materials. Air-conditioning has been discreetly fitted without interfering with the authentic design. The lower level comprises a sitting area to unwind in the evenings, and the upper section contains a semi-open bathroom and calm bedroom area. Assume your favourite yoga position on the upper deck.

Poolside

Set outdoors to one side of the resort, a large, rectangular pool fringed by loungers is an enticing spot for cooling dips.

Spa

Yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic therapies are at the heart of any stay here.

Packing Tips

Comfortable clothes for yoga, good walking shoes (the main mode of transport here, and the terrain can be tricky), sun protection, and during monsoon you’ll need wet-weather gear. Should you forget anything, there’s a shop.

Children

Leave the little ones at home – grown-ups seek tranquility here.

Gallery

Food & Drink

Top Table

The beach grill is the most attractive option for those who just can’t tear themselves away from the sea.

Dress Code

This is not the place for your little black dress or suit. As with everything else, comfort is most important: a floaty tunic and your favourite flip-flops should do nicely.

Hotel Restaurant

The thatched terrace provides a tranquil setting for chilled dinners. Healthy is the keyword with the cuisine, so expect lots of fresh vegetables and fish.

Hotel Bar

There is no bar as such but guests can linger over a bottle of wine in the restaurant.

Last Orders

Lunch is available from 12.30–2.30pm; dinner, 8–10.30pm. No beer or liquor – embrace healthy living.

Planes

The nearest airport is Dabolim in Goa, which is 170 km away from the hotel; transfers with the hotel for can be arranged for up to three passengers for Rs.6,500 each way. Another option is to land at Mangalore Airport, 240 km away.

Trains

The closest station is Gokarna Road, on the Konkan Railway. The scenic ride links up Mumbai with Kerala’s big cities, including Cochin and Trivandrum.

Automobiles

The main road that spans the coast is the NH 17.

Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt

This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .