Bhakti Kutir

Bhakti Kutir has stood in the same two acre coconut grove above Palolem beach since 1996, one of the first places in Goa to build this way and still one of the quietest. Cabanas are hand-built from bamboo, jute, rice straw and reclaimed wood, tucked in among the trees rather than cleared into rows. Each is around thirty square metres with a shaded porch, a big bed under a mosquito net, a private bathroom, handmade furniture and fans; there is no air conditioning, as the canopy does the cooling.

Yoga and Ayurveda have been the heart of the place from the start. Daily classes are open to everyone, visiting teachers run their own retreats in the shalas, and the Ayurveda centre offers traditional therapies. The kitchen is vegetarian, with vegan and gluten free options and plenty from the garden. Palolem beach and the rock pools at Colomb are both a short walk through the grove.