Ashiyana Goa is a long-running yoga retreat set in a palm grove across the river from Mandrem Beach in North Goa. It suits people who want twice-daily yoga, good vegetarian-leaning food and a spa without a rigid schedule, plus anyone after Panchakarma or a teacher training.
What it's like
Ashiyana opened in December 2006 on a patch of palm grove across the Mandrem River from the sand dunes of North Goa. You reach it by crossing a small bridge, and the beach on the other side of the river is long and wide. The name means "home" in Hindi, and the whole place leans into that idea: gardens, shady corners, a restaurant looking out over paddy fields and hills, and a pace that doesn't ask much of you.
The old website we linked to years ago no longer loads. The centre now lives at ashiyana.com, alongside two newer Ashiyana centres in Brazil and Spain. This profile is about the original Goa site.
Rooms are a real mix. There are wooden tree houses, larger rooms with river views, and suites in the main villa furnished with antique Rajasthani pieces. Most rooms are shared, and single use is possible. The spa area has what Ashiyana calls Goa's first natural swimming pool, cleaned without chlorine, plus a hammam (a steam room) and 5 treatment rooms.
The programs
The classic Yoga Holiday has been the centre's most popular offer since it opened. It includes your room, 2 buffet meals a day and 2 yoga classes a day: a more dynamic morning session and a gentler class at 4 pm. Outside class times there's no group schedule, so you can read in the garden, walk the beach or join the evening sessions of kirtan, meditation or yoga nidra. The food is a fusion of Indian, Nepalese and Thai cooking with cold-pressed juices, raw dishes and healthy desserts.
The Deep Dive version adds a morning pranayama and meditation session and at least one massage every day, with private yoga, breathwork and coaching on top.
For something more clinical, the spa runs Panchakarma detox programs built around an assessment with the in-house Ayurvedic doctor. There are also structured yoga retreats, detox retreats and the signature Ashiyana Journey coaching program.
Ashiyana also runs 200-hour yoga teacher training, certified with Yoga Alliance. The calendar we checked lists a 3-week intensive in Goa from 29 March to 17 April 2027. Drop-in classes are based on traditional Hatha yoga and are open to beginners.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
It's a good fit if you want a soft landing in India: an English-speaking centre with a set rhythm of yoga and meals, but freedom to do as little as you like in between. Solo women often ask about safety, and the centre's FAQ calls Goa one of the more relaxed parts of India while giving sensible advice.
It's less suited to families. Children are allowed only by special request, and the spa, pool and restaurant are kept quiet. Wi-Fi is limited to reception and can be patchy, and guests are asked to keep calls short and use headphones. If you need to stay connected for work, that matters.
Getting there
Ashiyana is in Mandrem village in the far north of Goa, on the river side of the beach. Most foreign visitors need an Indian tourist visa or e-Visa, so sort that well before you fly. Check-in is from 3 pm and check-out is at 10 am, and you can leave bags at reception if you arrive early. The reception team can help plan excursions to spice farms, local markets and Dudhsagar Waterfall.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need yoga experience?
No. The centre says all classes are suitable for beginners, and you can book a private session first if you'd like more attention.
Is there a pool?
Yes. It's a chemical-free natural pool inside the spa area, which is open to guests who've booked a treatment or therapy.
Do I need malaria tablets in Goa?
Ashiyana says malaria isn't prevalent in the area, but suggests repellent and covered skin at dawn and dusk. Check your own government's health advice too.
Can I pay by card?
Yes. Major credit cards and tap-to-pay are accepted, with a small card fee.
