Ahimsa, beyond the Yoga mat
For us, Ahimsa extends beyond the Yoga mat. It also influences the way we treat the land and the environment of which we are a part.
When we developed the retreat, we made a conscious decision not to cut any mature tree that was already growing on the property. The campus was planned around the existing trees, natural contours and vegetation of the hillside rather than clearing the land to create a conventional resort.
More than 60% of the materials used in the campus were sourced locally from recycled, reclaimed and upcycled materials. These choices were made to reduce unnecessary environmental impact and allow the buildings to sit naturally within their surroundings.
Today, the result is a spacious green campus that feels less like a resort and more like living within a large tropical garden.
The cottages, gardens, Yoga shalas and pathways are spread across the natural hillside, with plenty of space to walk, sit quietly, read, practise Yoga or simply be. The campus is landscaped in six tiers, each echoing a different stage of enlightenment from the gross to the subtle.
More nature. Less intrusion.
You do not come to SWAN simply to stay in a room.
SWAN is located in Assagao, North Goa, surrounded by tropical vegetation and the natural landscape of Goa.
The campus is spacious and green, with mature trees, gardens, vegetable and herb cultivation and open spaces between the cottages. Birds, insects, changing light, rain, wind and the sounds of the surrounding landscape are all part of everyday life here.
You come to live for a while in a natural environment that supports Yoga, Ayurveda, rest, reflection and a slower rhythm of life.
The cottages are comfortable while remaining closely connected to their surroundings. Natural ventilation, covered outdoor spaces, greenery and views of the landscape allow nature to remain part of everyday living.
Eco Friendly Cottages in Goa
Our cottages have been designed to be comfortable, spacious and in harmony with the natural setting.
They are spread across the hillside rather than concentrated into a single building, giving the campus a more open and residential character.
Every cottage has a private bathroom and hot water.
Accommodation is available in four categories:
The teaching, Yoga programme and care provided at SWAN remain the same whichever cottage you choose.
Deluxe Cottages
The Deluxe Cottages are located on the upper levels of the hillside and offer greater privacy, spacious interiors and beautiful views across the surrounding tropical greenery.
Each cottage has a king size bed, with one cottage offering twin beds, mosquito netting, ceiling fans, a large adjoining private bathroom and a covered private patio with lounge seating.
The elevated position allows you to experience the cooling breeze and changing light across the hillside. Depending on the position of the cottage, you may wake to views of the surrounding jungle and the morning sun. The cottage on the sixth tier is metaphorically aligned with the sixth and highest level of enlightenment.
Some Deluxe Cottages are positioned on the third tier, making them more convenient for guests who prefer less climbing while still offering the space and privacy associated with the Deluxe category.
AC Deluxe Cottages
AC Deluxe Cottages offer the same spacious accommodation and private outdoor space, with the additional comfort of air conditioning.
Hot water is available.
Standard Cottages
The Standard Cottages offer comfortable private accommodation surrounded by greenery and are designed for two guests. Each is named after one of the seven chakras.
Each cottage has two double beds with mosquito netting, ceiling fans, a private adjoining bathroom, curtained windows for natural light and ventilation, and a covered private patio with lounge seating.
The cottages are positioned with enough space between them to maintain privacy while still allowing guests to feel part of the residential community.
The setting looks towards the tropical landscape and sunrise, with views across the trees and parts of the Ayurveda and garden areas. They sit on the second tier, all facing east.
Standard Cottages are particularly suitable for couples, friends travelling together or two guests attending a Yoga or Ayurveda retreat together.
Hot water is available.
Budget Cottages
Our Budget Cottages are designed for guests looking for simpler accommodation while still wanting the experience of living on the SWAN campus. Every room is named after one of the four brothers of the Ramayana.
Each room has its own outdoor entrance and adjoining private bathroom, with two twin beds, mosquito netting, a ceiling fan and a large curtained window allowing natural light and ventilation.
The rooms share a covered outdoor patio with seating, creating an opportunity to sit outside and interact with other guests when you wish.
Budget refers to the price, not the care.
Every guest staying at SWAN participates in the same Yoga environment and receives the same attention from our teachers and residential team.
Hot water is available.
Accommodation in a Natural Setting
The difference between staying at SWAN and staying in a conventional hotel is difficult to describe through photographs alone.
There is greenery between the cottages. There are trees overhead. There are birds in the morning and the sounds of the tropical landscape throughout the day.
The breeze moves through the campus, and outdoor spaces naturally become places to sit, read, talk or simply be quiet.
The campus gives you both privacy and community. You can spend time alone on your patio, walk through the gardens, attend Yoga in the shala, visit the Ayurveda facilities, sit under a tree or meet other guests in the common areas.
For many guests, this simple relationship with nature becomes an important part of their Yoga and Ayurveda experience.
A Spacious Tropical Garden
The campus follows the natural slope of the land, creating different levels, pathways and pockets of greenery rather than one dense block of buildings.
There are two Yoga shalas, gardens, Ayurvedic treatment spaces, residential areas and quiet corners throughout the property.
The overall feeling is intentionally different from a conventional hotel or resort. You are surrounded by nature, while still having the comfort and privacy you need. The environment becomes part of the experience.
A quiet place to sleep. A green place to walk. A natural place to practise Yoga. A comfortable place to rest. And enough space to simply be.
Cottages at a Glance
Budget
Simple accommodation without compromising care
Standard
Spacious private cottages for two guests
Deluxe
Spacious · Private · Views of the tropical landscape
AC Deluxe
Spacious cottages with air conditioning
Accommodation prices vary according to the programme and cottage category. The exact accommodation price for your stay is shown on the relevant programme page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Around 30 guests in total across all the cottages. SWAN is a relatively small residential Yoga and Ayurveda retreat centre, allowing us to maintain a more personal environment rather than operating like a large resort.
Yes. Hot water is available in all accommodation categories. Every cottage has a geyser and its own bathroom.
Air conditioning is available in the AC Deluxe Cottage category. The other cottages use natural ventilation and ceiling fans.
Yes, subject to availability and the accommodation terms of your programme. Every programme is priced for both twin sharing and single occupancy, see the individual programme pages for rates.
Wi Fi availability can vary across the campus. If reliable internet access is important for your stay, please check with us before booking.
Yoga mats and practice requirements may vary according to the programme. We recommend checking with us before arrival. You can also buy a mat from the SWAN boutique; we do not loan mats.
Here, nature is not a backdrop. It is part of the retreat.
SWAN Yoga Retreat was created around a simple idea: Yoga, Ayurveda and nature can exist together. For a few days or several weeks, you can step away from the constant stimulation of modern life and live in a spacious tropical environment in Assagao, North Goa, India.
The campus gives you the opportunity to slow down, spend time outdoors, practise Yoga, experience Ayurveda and reconnect with a simpler rhythm of life.
The difference is simply the level of space, privacy and comfort you prefer.
Whether you choose a Budget, Standard, Deluxe or AC Deluxe Cottage, the heart of the SWAN experience remains the same. The same Yoga tradition. The same residential environment. The same Ayurveda team. The same natural campus. Tell us your programme and dates and we will let you know which accommodation options are available.