Anahata Retreat is named after the heart chakra, associated with balance, calmness and serenity. All three can be found in abundance here, tucked away in a beachside coconut grove. Daily yoga classes, seasonal menus and thatched eco-cottages with frills in all the right places make this a rustic seaside stay on the Ashvem beach.
Ashvem Beach is a hidden gem of North Goa, India with stunning scenery and range of nice spots. You can stroll along 1.5 kilometres of fine sand and listen to the soothing sounds of the lapping waves and the rustle of the palm leaves. It has a lot of fashionable bohemian cafes and shops thou. Despite it all, the beach remains remarkably empty and undisturbed which makes it just perfect for a relaxed seaside stay.
Anahata Retreat is a place to chill out rather than follow action-packed agendas. Its philosophy is simple to allow a safe and inclusive space for young couples, families and solo travelers to look inward, enjoy good food and harness the curative properties of the sea.
Very welcoming owners Rishal and Angela run this relaxed rustic retreat – think laid-back yet luxurious. A niche resort with something as «castaway» feel about it, with bamboo cottages and a beautiful yoga deck dotted between tropical gardens, plus several hammocks to plonk yourself in for an afternoon nap.
The property is located on a very clean part of the beach, with the sea just steps away from each room. Anahata has 16 rooms, of the respective types – Beachfront Eco-cottages, Sea-view Eco-Cottages, Sea View Suites, and Garden Eco-cottages. The suites have been built keeping in mind Goan-Portuguese architecture while the octagonal cottages are made out of recycled wood and float on bamboo stilts! The entire resort is eco-conscious with a barefoot luxury vibe.
All the cottages, suites and villas have a seating area outside so you can enjoy close-up views of the sea or the surrounding tropical garden. The furniture varies from eco-friendly bamboo to vintage. We loved the open-plan bathrooms in cottages that create a sense of space greater than their size. Wood-clad, with bamboo ladder towel rails, distressed copper sinks and wind lantern light fittings, they are rustic yet functional.
We personally recommend the Sea View Cottages among the rest. While there are air-conditioners in all the cottages, they are built to allow maximum cross ventilation so you don’t actually need them. From the Beach Front Eco-cottages, you can watch the waves crash on the shore from your bed. Isn’t it the best getaway option?
Expect friendly and attentive service here. Anahata Retreat offers a range of activities for its guests including yoga, meditation, massages and cooking lessons! The hosts are knowledgeable about the area and can guide you on village walks, cycle rides or help you explore Goa with tours to popular markets, forts and churches. They can also arrange scuba diving or river rafting.
We highly recommend the beach yoga and meditation sessions in the early morning. If you aren’t an early riser, you can try the open air yoga and meditation sessions that aren’t on the beach but are still conducted in a lush, tropical setting. With each exhale, imagine yourself relaxing each part of your body, unclench your jaw, relax your shoulders, and watch your stress disappear.
We really loved a relaxing yet orthopaedic sunset massage session with a stunning sea view. Incredibly talented masseur transported us to a world of indulgence and serenity. Just a perfect way to finish your day in Anahata! All massages are available in bamboo massage cabins or in the comfort of your room for a more private experience.
The food here, is pretty good as owners Angela and Rishal work painstakingly to curate menus that are both healthy and satisfying. L’Atelier restaurant is an all day café in Anahata, serving global gourmet food. Minimal and raw wood furniture punctuate the beachside alfresco dining area that also houses an open kitchen. The highlight is the private dining area that overlooks the Arabian Sea on an elevated deck, decked out in soothing turquoise accents on an otherwise white theme.
The kitchen dishes out flavours from around the world sits and sits below the wooden deck. The tantalising menu is carefully designed to take guests on a culinary journey set amidst a stunning ambiance. They serve a stunning breakfast spread, wood fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, Cubanos, seafood and meat grills with local and international flavours. Meanwhile, the bar whips up some high spirited cocktails, fresh juices, smoothies and shakes.
All in all, Anahata is well-worth your time! It bridges the gap between rustic and luxurious perfectly and the cheerful demeanor of the staff made our stay even more memorable. If you are looking for a peaceful place to stay in North Goa but still want to be able to access the more happening spots, love yoga, and love eco-conscious resorts, this is the place for you!
