In a world where the pace of life seems to accelerate with each passing day, the quest for tranquillity and rejuvenation is real, especially for older travellers seeking respite from the rigours of everyday life. With its sun-kissed sands, warm winter weather, fine food and plethora of wellness activities (India is the birthplace of yoga after all), there’s no place quite like Goa for a transformative escape.

Whether you’re recovering from an empty nest, seeking some quality alone time or want to return from holiday feeling even better than when you arrived, this coastal paradise presents an array of wellness modalities, harnessing ancient traditions and modern practices to promote harmony of mind, body, and spirit.

Best Wellness Retreats in Goa:

Ashiyana Goa

Popular with repeat customers, which is never a bad thing, Ashiyana Goa is a great option for those who prefer a more personalised approach to a wellness retreat. Opt for drop-in classes, one-to-one holistic yoga therapy or the Holistic Elixir Program, which combines yoga therapy, massage, meditation and pranayama (breath work). It has rooms on-site too – while beach huts are available, we suggest opting for its luxury suites, which are more suitable for a more mature clientele.

Purple Valley

One of the best places to practise Ashtanga yoga in Goa, you’ll rub shoulders with some of the most well-known names in the business (think Deepika Mehta, John and Julia Scott and Tim Feldman, to name a few) at Purple Valley, where you can sign up for one or two-week workshops, plus month-long immersive experiences. Nestled in Assagao, there’s also a pool plus beauty centre offering incredible Ayurvedic treatments.

Mercure Goa Devaaya Retreat

Located on Divar, otherwise known as the ‘island of love’, Mercure Goa Devaaya is the epitome of calm. Indulge in naturopathy sessions, yoga and Ayurveda sessions as well as jungle walks, cycling sessions and as much healthy Indian food as you can handle. What’s more, just 10 kilometres from Panaji, the state capital, you have easy access to every sort of amenity you might need.

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Best Luxury Hotels in Goa for a Wellness Break

MansionHaus, Anjuna

A luxury hotel formed from a restored 300-year-old ancestral home, we love this boutique bolthole for its slick interiors (which include Italian marble walls, high-vaulted ceilings and local art) as much as we do for its sustainability ethos. The plastic and paper-free property uses recyclable glass packaging and ethically sourced products and produce. It ticks all the right boxes when it comes to wellness too – not only is there a masseuse on hand, but you can also get involved in cooking classes, sound meditation, yoga and Pilates.

Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Candolim

The crème de la crème of luxury resorts in Goa, history abounds at Taj Fort Aguada – it was the state’s first luxury hotel to host dignitaries and celebrities, after all. While not small – it’s home to 143 rooms, suites and the impressive private Hermitage villa – you can find plenty of peace and relaxation at the nearby Sinquerim Beach or in its J Wellness Circle. Fusing Indian wellness philosophy and luxury British innovation, it offers massages, facials and the works.

The St. Regis Goa Resort, Cavelossim

Standing proud across 49 acres on Mobor Beach, Goa’s hottest star property is one for lovers of the finer things in life. Not only does it offer the spacious villas and suites the St Regis brand is famous for, the food here is spectacular (have a night off and head to The Riverside restaurant for cocktails with views of the beautiful Sal river). If you’re looking to relax with a good book, The Drawing Room is the place to be. Elsewhere you’ll find a spa for traditional Ayurvedic treatments and a 12-course golf hole.

Larisa Ashwem, Ashvewada

One of Goa’s newest properties, Larisa Ashwem is a great option for anyone looking to escape the crowds, sitting just 10 minutes away from the (almost) tourist-free sands of Ashwem. Housing a spa, multi-cuisine restaurant, pool and 20 rooms, including suites and luxury cottages, there’s even outdoor hot tubs for a soak at the end of a long day at the beach.

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Best Beaches in Goa:

Querim

While much of Goa has sadly been ruined by package tourism, you can still find bliss in undeveloped pockets. At the very north of the state, Querim, otherwise known as Keri Beach, is a blissful spot to wander down. Keep in mind that amenities are limited, though, so you can also try the more developed, but still calm, stretches of sand at Mandrem and Agonda.

Patnem Beach

Escaping the crowds can be tricky in Goa, but it can be done. Make a beeline for Patnem Beach, which comes lined with nothing but dinky palm-thatched shacks and an array of beach bars and restaurants, tables and chairs set directly in the sand. You eat well just about everywhere in Patnem, but do make time for one meal at Jaali Boutique and Café, which is our pick of the bunch.

Candolim

Looking to combine your beach break with a bit of culture? Head to Candolim. Here you’ll find Panaji, the cultural centre of Goa, home to museums, art galleries and historic churches, plus a plethora of restaurants and bars, which make for a refreshing break from an afternoon on the sand.

When is the best time to visit Goa?

The most popular time to visit Goa is during the dry season, which falls between October and May. Expect daily average temperatures of around 32°C, clear skies and very little rain.

We have many more travel articles here on Life/Redefined. Visit our Travel section to get more inspirational ideas about where to go next, including articles on Morocco and Lisbon.

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