OVERVIEW

FORM + FOCUS

We are so excited about another special collaboration with Julian Hyzler from EASEL&LENS to combine a look at creative focus with travel-journal creation classes throughout the week. Yoga and meditation classes will be held daily to prepare our bodies and minds to find the 'calm in the chaos' of the sensory-overload that is India - and then these creative projects will help us find new ways of seeing - both yoga and art working together to find FOCUS in the many layers of smells, sites, and sounds that abound in exotic Goa. *NO PREVIOUS ART OR YOGA BACKGROUND REQUIRED. All levels are welcome, and participation is voluntary. Projects and classes will be offered as a completely exploratory, non-intimidating and personal experience.

Also, this creative retreat features "design curation" by Rupi Sood, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of J'AIPUR, an East-meets-West arts and culture journal. In addition to creating and curating online content for the magazine, she publishes bi-annual print editions which are sold in select shops around the world. Rupi was born in India, raised in Canada and now lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband, two children and a Jack Russell Terrier named Sherlock Holmes. She is an EPM multiple time past guest and now helps to plan exciting new lifestyle additions to our India retreats. *EACH GUEST WILL RECEIVE A SIGNED COPY OF J'AIPUR JOURNAL DURING THE RETREAT* 

GIVE BACK RETREAT

This retreat is part of our GIVE BACK initiative, where EPM will donate at least 10% of profits to a humanitarian partner in the community where each retreat is held. Our partner in India is MAGIC BUS, who "steers children towards a better life with better awareness, better life skills, and better opportunities, in the journey from childhood to livelihood."

HOTELS

To give guests a varied experience of Goa, we'll be staying at 2 locations throughout the week. We begin the retreat at the southern end of Goa, not far from the airport, in the quiet beach setting where guests can relax after their journey. We'll be guests at the award-winning luxury hotel Alila Diwa Goa. Set amid lush paddy fields, Alila Diwa Goa blends the best of contemporary Goan architecture – high pitched roofs, wide verandahs and tranquil courtyards – with rich cultural traditions to fashion an extraordinary experience in luxury destination travel. 

Next we'll move north to stay at an award-winning private luxury boutique villa in Goa, Coco Shambhala (Voted in 2016 as "India's #1 Boutique Hotel"). Set in an amazing tropical garden with freeform jungle swimming pool and private jet plunge pools, these gorgeous villas are the finest in comfortable luxury. They have been designed in complete harmony with the landscape and cultural milieu, giving guests a glorious retreat from the bustle of India. The architectural balance offers the sophisticated international traveller a place of privacy and nurture where a sense of balance can be found. Named by Conde Nast Traveller as one the best villas in the world for small groups, where outstanding service is top.

CUISINE

Healthful, vegetarian food is part of the retreat experience, including breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, either hosted at our hotel or out and about in town. Some even come served on a banana leaf! The cuisine is simple, delicious and Indian, using fresh ingredients from local markets. We will take our tastebuds further by exploring Indian cuisine in a cooking class, where we'll learn a bit of how to bring the flavors of India back home with us!

SURROUNDING AREA

Guests will not only enjoy the grounds of the hotels, the outdoor areas including a lovely pool, patio and lounges, but the retreat includes some amazing day-trips to the surrounding sites. A guided day in and around Goa will lead guests through an introduction to this area, including the beaches, churches and other main sites. Other daytrips and experiences will include learning about Ayurveda and also enjoying a cooking class. The final full day entails a trip to a glorious spa, where guests can be pampered to their heart's content...what better way to wrap up a week of yoga than a day of pure relaxation.

YOGA

Daily meditation and yoga classes will be offered in a way to relax, stimulate, and help guests grow in their own personal practice. Classes are open to all levels, beginner to practiced, and can range from gentle, restorative, and more vigorous vinyasa flow and ashtanga styles.* Style and class levels will be determined and moulded to fit participating students' needs, and with a small intimate retreat class size, students will be able to get personalized attention and comfortability to deeply explore their practice. Depending on each retreat location, classes will be held in a dedicated indoor yoga space and some also offer outdoor options as well for us to use if the weather is agreeable.

Certified yoga instructor and EPM founder, Erin Lewis, will facilitate the classes, helping each student focus on improving their practice and gaining new insights into their bodies and movements. She's studied various types of yoga disciplines since 1998, concentrating on the Ashtanga discipline since 2008. She received her teacher certification in Florence, Italy and has continued her education with various specialty certifications throughout the years. She now combines powerful movements with more anatomical-based core vinyasa flow and restorative movement in her personal practice and teaching style.

* Participation in classes and activities is optional throughout the retreat. All levels welcome!

DETAILS / PRICING

• 7 days / 6 nights (March 17 - 23, 2017)
• Inclusive Retreat Price = $3,295 (shared room*), $3,895 (single room)
• Deposit to hold space = $950
• Max # Guests = 12
  * Guests traveling alone can choose the shared room and we match up based on guest profile. Rooms are spacious with separate beds and private bathrooms.
  ** Final balance due 45 days before retreat start date.
  Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.

VISAS ARE EASY. THEY ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRANCE TO INDIA, BUT IT IS SIMPLE FOR MOST VISITORS TO RECEIVE A VISA ONLINE. VISIT THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT WEBSITE HERE FOR DETAILS, AND CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS.

INCLUDED*:

• Villa accommodation (spacious bedrooms each with private bathrooms, linens)
• Breakfast daily
• Select dinners (at villas or in town)
• Select lunches on day-trips
• Transfer from airport on retreat start/end days
• Transportation to/from day trips
• Daily meditation and yoga classes
• Daily creative classes + supplies
• Use of estate premises (terraces, pool, etc.)
• Tour guide on various day trips
• Entrance fees during day trips
• Visits to local sites
• Spa day
• Wine/cuisine class
• Market Tour and Cooking Class
• Film night + dinner
• Beach day + sunset dinner
• Taxes

*airfare and staff tips not included ** all meals are vegetarian. special dietary restrictions can be accommodated

DAY TRIPS*:

• Visit to various sites in Goa
• Indian wine / cuisine class
• Beach days
• Spa day
• Ayurvedic treatment

*daytrips may vary based on weather or unforeseen circumstances

LOCATION:

• Alila hotel is 20m south of the airport in South Goa in the area of Majorda
• Coco Shambhala is located in the village of Nerul, Bardez in the southern part of North Goa
• Nearest major airports: Goa International Airport (GOI) We will arrange your transfers between the airport and the hotel. Full travel details will be given when you sign up. We can help with the details so you can find the best route for you!

SUGGESTED PACKING:

Besides the basic packing and travel needs, here are a few things to think about bringing with you. 

*YOGA MATS PROVIDED*
Bathing suit (pool, spa, beach) 
Yoga clothes
Personal yoga props (blocks, straps, etc.) 
Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
Bug spray
Hat
Plug adaptors / converters