Bhakti Kutir, Palolem, Goa

You’ll find Bhakti Kutir hidden away in a two-acre coconut grove on a quiet end of Palolem Beach. It’s an oasis of tranquillity, a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of Goa’s beaches. The property is the brainchild of Panta and Ute Ferrao who escaped corporate life in 1993 to build their “eco-dream”. It offers visitors a chance to rejuvenate mind, body, and soul through yoga and Ayurveda.

Each of the 22 cottages has an individual identity and is built with local materials such as coconut wood, rice straw, and bamboo. Several incorporate the resort’s trees into the architecture, and this natural canopy keeps the cottages cool without air conditioning. Low-level lighting further reduces power consumption (and light pollution). Heat generated by the fridges is used to dry foodstuff and linen. Toilets are linked to a compost system. The resort’s waste water is reused in the surrounding gardens, while leaf fall covers paths to reduce water run-off. Guests are not obliged to be vegetarian nor abstain from alcohol, but the restaurant offers healthy vegetarian and vegan options with the exception of organic chicken and local mackerel