18 December 2026 – 1 January 2027
Celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year through Yoga and Ayurveda.
Our Christmas and New Year retreat in Goa, India brings together two complementary traditions of wellbeing: traditional Yoga and Ayurveda. Alongside daily asana, pranayama, meditation and yogic practices, the programme includes Ayurvedic consultation, Ayurveda detox and rejuvenative treatments, healthy vegetarian food and time for rest and reflection.
Christmas in Goa becomes an opportunity to celebrate with greater awareness and inner connection. Through meditation, mantra, kirtan and contemplation, we explore the deeper spiritual meaning of Christmas and the qualities traditionally associated with the life and teachings of Christ. In the spirit of Christ consciousness and Christ the Yogi, the emphasis is on love, compassion, selflessness, service and the awakening of inner awareness.
This Christmas and New Year Yoga Retreat offers a meaningful way to close one year and begin another, combining the cleansing and restorative principles of Ayurveda with the practices and philosophy of Yoga. Rather than simply making a New Year resolution, the retreat provides time and space to establish healthier rhythms of practice, food, rest and daily living.
Guest arrival is on 18 December 2026. The retreat programme begins early on 19 December and continues through the Christmas period and New Year celebrations, concluding after dinner and the New Year’s Eve celebrations on 31 December. Guests may check out after brunch on 1 January 2027. If you would like to stay longer, write to us in advance for availability and cost.
Daily schedule
At SWAN Yoga Retreat in Assagao, Goa, we follow yogic philosophy in daily life and live according to a traditional yogic rhythm. The programme is an immersive introduction to that rhythm, with dedicated practice throughout the day and plenty of free time in the afternoon for rest and self reflection.
| Time | Saturday | Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 – 6:45 | Meditation | Meditation | Meditation | Meditation | Meditation | Meditation | Day off |
| 7:00 – 7:20 | Tea & fruit | Tea & fruit | Tea & fruit | Yogic Kriya | Tea & fruit | Tea & fruit | Tea & fruit |
| 7:30 – 9:00 | Asana | Asana | Asana | Yogic Kriya | Asana | Asana | Day off |
| 10:00 – 11:00 | Brunch | Brunch | Brunch | Brunch | Brunch | Brunch | Brunch |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | Yoga philosophy | Yoga philosophy | Yoga Nidra | Yoga Nidra | Yoga Nidra | Happiness Analysis | Day off |
| 16:00 – 17:30 | Asana | Asana | Asana | Asana | Asana | Asana | Day off |
| 18:00 – 19:00 | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner |
| 19:00 – 20:00 | Havan & Kirtan | Havan & Kirtan | Trataka, Kirtan | Movie |
Havan and Kirtan are on Saturday and Sunday evenings only, not every day.
Happiness Analysis is a class on the Vedic understanding of happiness.
Prices
Pricing for this programme depends on the dates and the cottage you choose. Write to us with your dates and we will send you the current rate and confirm availability. To reserve your place we ask for a 30% non-refundable deposit by bank transfer or card. The balance is payable on arrival at SWAN.
What is included
Included
- Cottage accommodation for the full stay
- All meals, sattvic Ayurvedic vegetarian, herbal teas and fruit
- All yoga, meditation, pranayama and philosophy sessions
- Yoga Nidra, yogic kriya and special technique classes
- Evening havan, kirtan and satsang
- Free time each afternoon for rest and self-reflection
Not included
- Flights, visa and travel insurance
- Airport transfers (approx. ₹2,200 each way, air-conditioned)
- Ayurvedic consultations, treatments and medicines
- Juice bar and SWAN boutique purchases
- Excursions, taxis and personal expenses
Programme highlights
- Detox, and an introduction to Ayurveda
- Daily yoga asana classes and pranayama
- Yoga Nidra deep relaxation as per the schedule, and yogic techniques
- Consultation with our Ayurvedic doctor, and Ayurvedic treatments
- Yoga philosophy sessions
- Ayurvedic meals throughout, and a cooking class
- Kirtan, karma yoga, workshops and festive celebrations
The festive schedule shifts around Christmas Day and New Year's Eve and is confirmed closer to the dates. The table above shows a typical day outside the celebrations.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you are welcome to join on any day of the week. Friday is our weekly day off from the scheduled programme, so if it suits your travel plans, arriving on a Friday is ideal.
Yes. The programme is designed for beginners as well as more experienced practitioners wanting to deepen their practice. Classes are taught so that everyone can work at their own level.
Sattvic, Ayurvedic and vegetarian, cooked fresh in our kitchen with a good deal of the produce grown in our own garden. Brunch is at 10 am and dinner at 6 pm, with herbal tea and fruit early in the morning. Vegan and specific dietary needs can be met, tell us when you book.
To reserve your place we ask for a 30% non-refundable deposit by bank transfer or card. The balance is payable on arrival at SWAN. Send us an enquiry with your dates and preferred cottage and we will confirm availability and send payment details.
Cottages in the garden, each with a private bathroom. Budget rooms are simple rows; standard, deluxe and AC deluxe cottages are private, with their own sit-out area. See all cottages.
SWAN is open from October through May each year.
What people say after staying.
Written reviews from past guests, and video reviews from our YouTube channel and Instagram.
“If you’re looking for an authentic ashram experience without too strict rules Swan is the place! Nestled in the lush Goan jungle, this place is like Mother Nature decided to create the ultimate chillout zone. The setting alone does half the relaxation work for you – think green canopy, bird song, blossom - the kind of peace that makes you forget your western busy life. My cottage was ridiculously spacious with a firm mattress that I personally loved. The food? Vegetarian buffet style that somehow makes you excited about eating healthy. I’m talking properly delicious, not just “good for ashram food” – genuinely YUM. Upon arrival, you meet with an Ayurvedic doctor who doesn’t just hand you a generic treatment plan – they actually figure out your dosha and customize your treatments. The massages and treatments that followed were excellent. The daily schedule flows beautifully: 6am meditation ( the best way to start a day!) , hatha yoga, yoga philosophy sessions, yoga nidra and fire ceremonies Saturday and Sunday in the evening. It’s structured but never rigid – there’s space to breathe and be. I was lucky enough to spend Christmas and New Year’s here (3.5 week in total ) with a lovely international crew. Long dinners filled with stories, deep conversations, and bonding over the slightly intense (but weirdly fun?) kriya cleanse experience. The staff are absolute sweethearts. Time moves differently here – days pass slowly in the best possible way, you sink deeper into relaxation without even trying. This is authentic ashram life with a gentle touch. No harsh rules, no judgment, just genuine yogic wisdom wrapped in warmth and hospitality. I left feeling true bliss and calm – honestly, what better way to start a new year? If you’re craving a reset that actually works, Swan is the place!”
The season on the campus.
Come and stay.
Tell us your dates and which cottage you would like. We will confirm availability and send you everything you need to travel.