Ayurveda FAQ

Not at all.

Many of our guests are complete beginners who have never attended a Yoga class before. Others have years of experience. Our programmes are designed to meet you where you are.

Yoga at SWAN is taught as a therapeutic practice that complements Ayurveda and Panchakarma, rather than as a performance or fitness activity. Classes are carefully guided by experienced resident teachers, with practices adapted to your individual ability, health condition, and treatment programme.

Whether you are attending for an Ayurveda retreat, Panchakarma, stress management, chronic health concerns, or simply to improve your wellbeing, you will receive personal guidance throughout your stay.

No.

SWAN is founded upon the classical principles of Ayurveda and Yoga, not on adherence to any particular religious belief or personality.

Our approach is inspired by the traditional Gurukul and Ashram system, where learning takes place through disciplined practice, simplicity, self-observation, and respectful guidance. The founders remain actively involved in teaching, while our resident physicians, therapists, and Yoga teachers work together as one integrated team.

What we share is the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda and Yoga as preserved through their classical traditions, presented in a practical and accessible way for modern life.

Every Panchakarma programme is tailored to the individual.

Following your initial consultation, our Ayurvedic physician will recommend the most appropriate duration based on your constitution (Prakriti), current imbalances (Vikriti), medical history, and health goals.

Our most comprehensive Panchakarma programmes are:

• 14 Days
• 21 Days
• 28 Days

We also offer shorter Ayurvedic treatment programmes for guests who wish to experience traditional therapies without undertaking a complete Panchakarma.

The Basic Course in Ayurveda is a 13-day residential programme designed for beginners with little or no previous knowledge of Ayurveda.

The course introduces the fundamental principles of this ancient system of medicine, including the Doshas, Ayurvedic anatomy and physiology, daily routines (Dinacharya), seasonal living, nutrition, herbs, lifestyle practices, and the foundations of Ayurvedic therapies.

Participants also gain practical experience through demonstrations and supervised hands-on sessions in traditional Ayurvedic massage and basic therapeutic procedures.

With only ten participants per course, the learning experience remains personal, interactive, and immersive. It provides an excellent foundation for anyone wishing to integrate Ayurveda into daily life or continue further studies.

Food is an essential part of every Ayurvedic treatment programme.

Our vegetarian kitchen prepares fresh meals daily using traditional Ayurvedic principles. Every meal is designed to support digestion, detoxification, and the body's natural healing processes.

Guests undergoing Panchakarma receive meals individually prescribed by the Ayurvedic physician according to their constitution, stage of treatment, and digestive capacity.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and every meal is prepared with the understanding that food is one of Ayurveda's most powerful medicines.

SWAN welcomes guests from across India and around the world, particularly Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia.

Our guests include professionals, entrepreneurs, healthcare practitioners, Yoga teachers, retirees, students, and individuals simply seeking to restore balance in their lives.

Some arrive for Panchakarma treatment, others for stress reduction, chronic health conditions, Yoga, meditation, or to learn the principles of Ayurveda.

Many travel alone, creating a welcoming and supportive community where conversations develop naturally over shared meals and daily practice. The atmosphere is informal, respectful, and refreshingly free from pretension.

If you are looking for an authentic Ayurveda and Yoga retreat in Goa focused on healing, learning, and personal transformation, you will feel at home at SWAN.

No.

SWAN is not a beach resort, and most guests do not come here for a conventional holiday.

Our retreat is located in the peaceful village of Assagao, surrounded by the tropical landscape of North Goa. The setting has been chosen specifically to support Ayurvedic healing, Panchakarma, Yoga, meditation, and deep rest.

While Goa is internationally known for its beaches, it is equally rich in forests, ancient temples, historic churches, spice plantations, traditional villages, vibrant markets, and a unique cultural heritage shaped over centuries.

Many guests choose to explore these quieter aspects of Goa before or after their retreat. Our team is always happy to recommend places that reflect the authentic character of the region.

For most guests, however, the retreat itself becomes the destination—a place to slow down, restore health, deepen understanding, and reconnect with themselves.

Reaching SWAN Ayurveda Retreat is simple.

Goa is served by two international airports: Manohar International Airport (GOX) in North Goa and Dabolim International Airport (GOI) in South Goa.

To make your arrival as comfortable as possible, we can arrange airport transfers for both your arrival and departure. A member of our team or our trusted driver will meet you at the airport and bring you directly to the retreat, allowing you to begin your Ayurveda and Yoga healing journey without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads or arranging local transport.

At the end of your stay, we will also arrange your transfer back to the airport according to your departure schedule.

From the moment you arrive in Goa until the moment you leave, we aim to make your journey smooth, comfortable, and worry-free, so you can focus entirely on your Panchakarma treatment, Ayurvedic healing, yoga practice, and wellbeing.

A deposit of normally 30% of the total fee confirms your place. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

The balance is due before you arrive; the exact date depends on the programme you book. The full terms are set out in our booking & cancellation policy.

Payment is by bank transfer (RTGS / NEFT / SWIFT) or by card through Razorpay. Card payments carry a surcharge of 3.5–3.9% depending on the programme. For a bank transfer, please email us a screenshot of the completed transfer.

Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable in all cases.

For the balance payment, the refund depends on when you cancel: more than 45 days before arrival, the balance is refunded in full; between 30 and 45 days before, half the balance is refunded; less than 30 days before, or after check-in, there is no refund. The deposit is always excluded.

One-time rescheduling is allowed, subject to availability and to written confirmation from us. Card refunds are processed within 5–7 business days. See the full booking & cancellation policy.

Panchakarma may be administered at any time of the year — the therapies are chosen for your constitution and condition, not for the calendar.

The Yoga season at SWAN runs from October to May, when the founders are in residence and teaching daily.

The classical texts do suggest which treatments suit which season, and the physician takes that into account when prescribing. You will find the seasonal table on the treatments page.

Loose, comfortable cotton clothing — including something you do not mind receiving oil on, since most therapies use warm medicated oil. Treatment linen is provided.

Any medication you are currently taking, together with prescriptions and recent reports or test results, so the physician can see them at your first consultation. Please do not stop or change any medication except on the advice of your own doctor.

Sandals that come off easily, a shawl or light layer for early mornings and evenings, and a notebook if you are joining the course. Laundry can be arranged at the retreat.