South End Patnem Beach Patnem, Canacona, Goa 403702 India
https://www.bamboo-yoga-retreat.com/
All Levels
$-$$
Bamboo retreat center located in South Goa on the peach of Patnem. This area is the less developed, no large resort side of the coastal region of Goa, India. Upon arrival I was greeted by a friendly staff member of Bamboo who was there to carry my bags to the far end of the beach where Bamboo lives. There is no driveway or walkway to get there so make sure you wear comfortable clothing and don’t make the mistake I did by brining a suitcase with rollers. The open air lobby/restaurant has scattered tables, chairs and couches planted in the sand for plenty of space to lounge. All meals are included and are served in this common area. The layout is rustic but a perfect tropical getaway.
Bamboo has three different yoga shalas and a rotating resident teacher offering great Vinyasa style classes several times a day. They also rent space for private retreats which I was lucky enough to be staying during a time when that wasn’t happening, New Years Eve. The accommodations are beach huts with a porch and lovely outdoor bathrooms and showers. Some rooms have ocean views while others are tucked back amongst the garden that has various lunging couches and hamocks sprinkled around. The place is definitely geared toward relaxing and enjoying the peaceful environment.
The food was delicious! Most meals were Indian type cuisine – rice, salad and curries. Alcohol is allowed and sold – it is Goa after all.
I had a lovely time during my stay at Bamboo. The yoga was challenging enough to keep my attention plus the location and food was top knotch. It is also walkable to a host of other restaurants and yoga studios so it was great to explore. Wifi and cell service were not a problem. I would certainly go back to Bamboo and the beaches of goa. The only thing I felt was missing was the meditation and serenity but I managed to wake up early and capture the sunrise and go for long beach walks and ocean swims in order for me to find that needed silence in solitude. There was an afternoon where a group of very loud ladies decided to get drunk in the shared space which ruined the peaceful element but that was just one day of my entire stay.
If you are looking for an exotic location with vibrant options this is your spot. Oh and the fireworks on New Years Eve were awesome. I felt like they lasted for three days – a huge celebration in that town.
