Samata

My yoga teacher, Banyan Gallagher, was hosting a Yoga Teacher Training at Samata. This training was the primary reason for my visit.

Rustic shala vibes, with a high wooden-shafted ceiling, mosquito nets draping over the beds and a granite stone-based ensuite with a full bathtub.

Samata offers private, twin-share and larger rooms for up to four guests. Another Yogi and I opted for a twin-share room, the layout was simple with two double beds draped with mosquito nets (very necessary), wooden cabinets and space to store luggage and hang clothing beside both beds. There was more than enough space for our luggage, and sufficient floor space for us both to lay out our Yoga mats and do some private practice outside the retreat schedule.

For me, the highlight of the room was its ensuite, with the granite stone basin, bathtub and earthy shower set-up. I spent a lot of downtime soaking it all in with a book and a cup of tea in the bathtub. Our bathroom was inside, but some rooms had outdoor ensuites (the added luxury of bathing in nature, with the potential downside of exposure to critters and the elements).

Samata is a genuine retreat – clean, tranquil, and rustic. The epitome of shoestring luxury. Samata is beautiful without being overstated and leads by example with a strong sense of environmental and social responsibility.

The architecture is open and the whole experience at Samata is very connected to nature**. I especially loved the early morning practice in the Yoga Shala, breathing the crisp air, hearing the birds chirp and experiencing the dawn shift into daylight.

In between the retreat schedule, I would laze on one of the daybeds or soak up the sun and swim in the luxurious pool.

The communal dining space at Samata is much more than just a place to eat. In the ancient healing science of Ayurveda, what you eat and how you eat is fundamental to overall health. The kitchen at Samata is founded on Ayurveda, and each plant-based meal is consciously curated to harness balance in the body and nourish the soul. Each meal specifically incorporates the six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent), which create exceptionally delicious and satiating meals. I found my cravings for coffee or post-dinner sweets significantly lessened!

Aside from the flavour sensations, my favourite thing about mealtime was how the local female chefs would describe (in English) the health rationale behind the herbs and ingredient combinations in each meal. Samata is genuinely committed to sharing the wisdom to empower its guests to integrate this into their lives beyond the retreat.

** Note: Samata exists deep in nature and is designed to provide guests an opportunity to experience the elements. While this is especially appealing to some, the rawness and exposure to all that nature brings can be challenging for some guests.

If you’re ready to get closer to nature, my top tips for staying comfortable include using the mosquito nets, burning coils, applying insect repellent and being careful not to leave any food or rubbish in the room. Bring an open mind – Samata is in India, and while it is definitely luxury it’s not a 5-star western hotel experience.

Goa is a hotspot in India for local beach-goers, global tourists and western hippies. There are mirco-groups of tourist and expat communities that cluster along the stretch of the Goan beaches. Samata is close to Arombol Beach, which is in North Goa and considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Arbombol hosts a spiritual, hippie crowd with delights including Yoga, cacao, ecstatic dance, vegan food and kombucha. Many Western soul-seekers have landed here and never left, and this is reflective of the businesses, cafes and parties that operate along this section of the Goan coastline.

Cool yogis, young and old, from around the world, (but mostly from Canada, USA and Australia). I also met a number of resident practitioners, world class therapists and experts in Acupuncture, Massage and Ayurvedic Health.