Destinations
Yoga Retreats in Goa: North vs South, Seasons and Teacher Trainings
Every winter, Goa's beaches fill with shalas, sound baths and teacher trainings. Here's how to choose your corner of the coast.
By the Nestinga team · · 4 min read
Goa, on India's west coast, is best known for beaches, but from November to March it's also one of the world's busiest yoga destinations. Many teachers who spend the rest of the year in the Himalaya move to Goa for the winter, and the coast fills with open-air shalas, sound baths, Ayurvedic massages and teacher trainings. Here's how to choose where to go.
North Goa: Arambol, Mandrem, Ashwem and Morjim
The north is the yoga heartland. Arambol has a bohemian, creative community, drum circles at sunset and a huge choice of drop-in classes and trainings. Mandrem and Ashwem are quieter, with wide beaches and boutique retreat centres. Further south in the north, Anjuna and Vagator are livelier and better known for nightlife.
South Goa: Agonda, Palolem and Patnem
The south is calmer and greener. Agonda is long, quiet and turtle-friendly, with simple beach huts and several retreat centres. Palolem is a beautiful crescent bay, busier but still relaxed, and Patnem next door is a favourite for gentle, family-friendly retreats.
When to go
- November to March: the season. Warm, dry days and calm seas; December and January are the busiest and most expensive.
- April and May: hot and humid; many schools wind down.
- June to September: monsoon. Most beach shacks and seasonal retreat centres close, though the countryside is beautiful and some all-year centres run Ayurveda programmes.
Teacher trainings in Goa
Goa is one of India's most popular places for a winter 200-hour yoga teacher training, often by schools that teach in Rishikesh or Dharamshala the rest of the year. Expect beach mornings, hot afternoons and a relaxed atmosphere. Compare with training in Rishikesh.
What it costs
As a rough guide, a week-long yoga retreat in Goa costs around USD 500 to 1,500 per person, depending on the room and inclusions. A 200-hour residential training usually costs USD 1,200 to 2,500.
Getting there
Goa has two airports: Dabolim (GOI) in the centre and Manohar International Airport at Mopa (GOX) in the north, which is handy for Arambol and Mandrem: the northern beaches are often under an hour away by taxi, and the southern ones about an hour from Dabolim. Trains on the Konkan line reach Goa from Mumbai and Kerala. Scooters and taxis are the usual way to get around.
Tips
- Book December and January early: prices rise quickly around Christmas and New Year.
- Respect local customs away from the beach, and cover up in villages and temples.
- Carry cash for small shops and shacks; card acceptance varies.
A day on a Goa retreat
Mornings start early to beat the heat: meditation, then a long yoga class while the air is still cool. Breakfast is followed by free time on the beach or in a hammock, perhaps an Ayurvedic massage or a workshop. As the sun drops, there's a gentler class, often Yin or a sound healing session, before dinner and the famous Goan sunset.
Kinds of retreats
- Beach yoga retreats for all levels, from a long weekend to two weeks.
- Teacher trainings through the winter season.
- [Ayurveda](/retreats/ayurveda) and detox programmes, some open all year.
- Sound, breathwork and personal growth retreats, especially in the north.
Staying healthy
Drink bottled or filtered water, use sun protection and repellent, and go easy on spicy food and the midday sun in your first days. Swim only where locals do and lifeguards are on duty: currents can be strong, especially at the start and end of the season. Scooter accidents are common, so wear a helmet or use taxis.
Questions to ask the host
- Is the venue on the beach, or a walk or scooter ride away?
- Which months are you open, and is the programme the same all season?
- Are rooms air-conditioned or fan-cooled, and is there hot water?
- What's included: meals, airport transfers, massages?
- How big are the classes, and are they mixed-level?
Find a retreat in Goa
Browse yoga retreats, Yin yoga and sound healing, or everything on Nestinga in India. Exploring further? Read the best places for a yoga retreat in India.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a yoga retreat in Goa?
November to March, when days are warm and dry and seas are calm. December and January are the busiest. Most seasonal retreats close for the monsoon from June to September.
Is North or South Goa better for yoga?
North Goa, around Arambol, Mandrem and Ashwem, has the most yoga schools and trainings. South Goa, around Agonda, Palolem and Patnem, is calmer and greener.
How much does a yoga retreat in Goa cost?
As a rough guide, around USD 500 to 1,500 per person for a week, and USD 1,200 to 2,500 for a 200-hour residential teacher training.
Are yoga retreats in Goa open during the monsoon?
Most seasonal retreats close from June to September. Some centres stay open all year, especially for Ayurveda programmes, when the countryside is green and quiet.
