Words by Joanna Lobo
The sun is a warm glow on the horizon; the cool sea breeze rustles through my hair. The only sound I hear is the crashing of waves on the shore, and I can feel the sand beneath the yoga mat I am on. My eyes are closed – my instructor, Pravesh Gaonkar, is guiding me through a sunset meditation and it is going well, until I feel a cold wet nose on my arms. One of the indies on the beach has decided to join my meditation on the beach. When I open my eyes, one hour later, she is seated right by me on the mat; two of her friends are also around. At Villa Raag, yoga and meditation are par for the course. If you’re lucky, you will also get to pet a dog, or three.
A new luxury resort situated close to Agonda beach in South Goa, the two acre property comes from the home of the Kairali Ayurvedic Group, who also run a property called Kairali – The Ayurvedic Healing Village, in Kerala.
Hotel
Though technically a villa, Villa Raag functions like a small, boutique hotel. A wide courtyard leads to the all-white single-storey building. As you step inside, you are immediately enveloped by cool air, and can gladly shed the heat and humidity of the Goan monsoon.
The interior, designed by Durga Sarath Architects, flows seamlessly in an open area. A central section is open to the sky, allowing for natural light to illuminate the area. The emphasis on white is contrasted with some standout pieces in colour – brightly upholstered sofas, a magnificent sea green chandelier hanging above the dining area, and paintings on the wall.
This open space contains a dining area, a small corner bar, a mezzanine TV/ media room, and an entrance lounge. This flows into a long passage leading to the different rooms, ending at the outdoor, partly shaded pool.
The heated salt-water pool is the hotel’s only additional amenity, but a true delight – clean, warm and overlooking lush greenery. A swim at sunset will be accompanied by birds singing in the sky.
Room
The villa has six rooms: four Serenity Suites, and two Harmony Haven rooms – the latter of which comes with an attached sauna. The rooms are compact, with full length mirrors, a large screen TV, a comfortable sofa and an open wardrobe and the décor and upholstery are done up in muted tones. The bathrooms have products – shampoo, lotion and soap, made by Kairali Ayurveda.
Food and drink
The food at Villa Raag is a standout. As all meals are inclusive, you can curate your entire culinary experience even before arrival. Don’t expect fine dine, fancy gourmet meals but simple, wholesome, homely food, cooked and presented with care. They have an attached beachside shack (which will soon be converted into an extension of the villa), which is ideal for evening meals. Here too, ask for the meals to come from the villa and not the shack kitchen.
To do
Villa Raag’s emphasis is on yoga – something the founding company takes very seriously. They offer yoga programmes: metabolic reset, joint revival, and min renewal. You can also customise your own programme, and your yoga guide will pace his movements according to you.
One of the welcome procedures is a session with a yoga teacher. A short conversation about your health and flexibility later, he curates a yoga and meditation based on your needs.
The hotel’s proximity to the beach means evenings or mornings can be spent taking long leisurely strolls, enjoying the crisp air and finding healing by the sea. If you wish, some of the yoga sessions can be done on the beach or inside the villa.
Villa Raag also conducts personalised trips to nearby locations, from the turtle nesting site that is the nearby Galgibaga beach to the beautiful ruins of Cabo De Rama fort.
In a nutshell
Villa Raag is a quiet, minimalist space offering yoga, good food, and close access to the beach. And some dogs.
Factbox
Rooms start at £350 per night.
Address: 310, Agonda Beach Rd, Dawalkhazen, Agonda, Canacona, Goa 403702
Phone: +91 9555156156
Website: villaraag.com
