Anahata Retreat

Rooms

The accommodation is split between various categories of cottage and suite, each with different views.

The cottages have a luxurious desert-island feel, with exposed bamboo, thatched roofs, hanging lanterns and mirrors made from flotsam and jetsam. Light and airy, they open onto a private terrace area - book a Beachfront Cottage for uninterrupted sea views. Kingsize or twin beds have beautiful carved wooden headboards, and fans keep things cool. Walk-in wardrobes and open-plan shower bathrooms make good use of the curved space.

If you value function over form, the suites, set in colourful Portuguese-style houses, are more practical. Air-conditioned and closest to the restaurant, they have charming terraces and simple white-on-white interiors.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Beach towels
• Candles
• Coffee / tea making
• Coffee maker
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• Minibar/fridge
• Mosquito net
• Mosquito repellent
• Safe box
• Terrace
• Toiletries

Eating

The L'Atelier fusion restaurant is the heart of Anahata. Whitewashed tables are dotted around a sandy dining area, covered by the shade of palm trees by day and lit by twinkling lanterns by night. Insisting on an open-plan kitchen, Angela is pedantic about the food. Everything, from the sauces to the pickles, is made from scratch, and the meat and fish are sourced from the best local suppliers.

Over cocktails as the sun went down, we chose from a dinner menu of simple, hearty dishes. My peri-peri kingfish was a succulent homage to Goa’s traditional Portuguese flavours. Breakfast showcases Anahata’s ethos of 'balance'. I chose the healthy option - a tangy Bircher muesli with spirulina and toasted cashew nuts - but they're just as happy to serve a Full English with all the trimmings.

Features include:

• Bar
• Coffee / tea making
• Coffee maker
• Minibar/fridge
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Vegetarian menu

Activities

• Do morning and sunset beach yoga and meditation; utterly rejuvenating ways to begin and end the day
  
• Or try something more adventurous. There's an ever-changing roster of workshops, from martial arts to 5-rhythms dance
  
• Ashvem Beach is quiet with calm waves, ideal for learning to surf. Book a lesson with the trusted instructor
  
• Visit the atmospheric Saturday Night Market in Arpora. Local artisans pedal handmade clothing and jewellery, and it's a great place for local food and live music
  
• Day trip to Old Goa and explore the quaint, colourful Latin Quarter. On the way back, hike up to the lesser-known Church of Our Lady of the Mount; best done in the afternoon for cooler weather and stunning sunset views

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Historical sites
• Martial arts
• Private guided tours
• Shopping / markets
• Surfing
• Well being
• Yoga

Kids

Anahata welcomes families though the vibe is very peaceful. There are no kids' programmes in particular, but children will enjoy playing on the beach, paddling in the sea and learning to ride the waves on a boogie board. Babysitting services are available for a small cost and all rooms can fit an extra bed. Families of 4+ will need 2 rooms.

Family friendly accommodation:

The suites have air con and are closest to the restaurant.

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Anahata Retreat is set on Ashvem (Ashwem) Beach, an hour’s drive from Goa's international airport.

By Air:
Dabolim International (52km away) is Goa's main airport, with flights from other Indian cities, Europe and beyond - click on the links below for a list of airlines.

From the Airport
Ask for a transfer in advance or pick up a taxi at the airport.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

More on getting to Goa and getting around