Arianna Rebeschini review 25 Apr 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was really nice overall, starting from the lodge, to the friends I met there, the beaches, cafes, etc.....a nice place to chill, to lay back, to restore and get some energy...
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be reminded that the sea is quite far away. The closest beach is only 10 minutes by car, but it is not the nicest. If you want to go to the more beautiful northern beaches it is about half an hour. Getting a scooter may be an alternative, but only if you feel confident about it! Driving in Goa can be dangerous!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
This is a good example of how environmentally friendly a 'hotel' can be. And this without getting the feeling that you're loosing out on something. On the contrary, it is a contrast to the rest of Goa and a good example to locals and non-locals.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It is an oasis of peace, a place to chill and relax, enjoying the quiet atmosphere in the middle of nature. The tents are great, the food is very good, owners and customers nice and interesting people. I would definitely recommend it.
Savina Wachter review 12 Dec 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were so many moments to choose from. It was beautiful, the staff were lovely, the yoga classes were incredible, and the teachers attentive and hands-on. I learnt more about yoga during this retreat than I have for years! Oh, and the food was amazing too!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring mosquito repellant!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes definitely. The tent, showers, toilets and food benefitted the local people and environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Incredible: Nourishment for mind, body and soul!
Mary Woodward review 6 Feb 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The location - the venue was absolutely amazing.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do it!!!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely - there were lots of local staff, and of course us being there spending money in the local markets etc helped local businesses. The venue was eco-friendly, with composting toilets, solar power, home grown food etc.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Bliss!
Anne-Marie Wright review 7 Apr 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The warmth and humility of the hosts. The fabulous vegetarian food. The glorious swimming pool. The great yoga teaching.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Buy natural mosquito repellent out there. The stuff you take from home doesn't work. Pack very little and very light. Take flip flops, the shinier the better.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely and in so many ways.
Anne Wycherley review 6 Apr 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Bathing in my outdoor bathroom under the full moon to the sound of tropical birds and haunting music from a nearby temple.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be aware that in the event of a freak tropical rainstorm (which was my experience), the tents are not waterproofed. We were told this weather was absolutely exceptional.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. The local staff at the hotel (who could not have been more wonderful) are extremely well cared for and treated with great dignity. I would say bravo to Phil and Juliet who have gone to great lengths in order to minimize the negative effects on the environment of having so many guests to stay in their beautiful hotel. The composting toilets were just fine and so easy to use. I personally opted to use the earthenware water pots to bathe in the evening to use less water and wouldn't have missed those experiences for the world. It was magical.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
If you are looking for peace and tranquillity coupled with a wish to feel closer to the earth this is the place for you. The concept is marvellous and the design of the tents and bathrooms is excellent. The food is delicious and you are liable to meet delightful and interesting people during your stay here.
Read the operator's response here:
It was unfortunate that we experienced freak weather conditions during her stay with us. The storms that came on 21st & 22nd March represented the first substantial rainfall outside monsoon season in Goa for over 40 years, so you can see the problem that we also experienced in coping with this unprecedented weather pattern. Because it so rarely rains during the dates we are open, we have not considered it necessary to waterproof the tents, rather taking steps to ensure that they stay as cool and as natural as possible for our guests. This has been the case since we opened five seasons ago. We have all apologised for the inconvenience, but we aren't in control of the weather, which seems to be on an unpredictable spiral everywhere in the world right now.
