Deals of the day
Il Sereno Como
Il Sereno brings a new era of luxury to the banks of Italy’s iconic Lake Como. Awarded the title of “Most Anticipated New Luxury Hotel Opening in 2016” by Luxury Travel Advisor magazine, Il Sereno’s ethos of understated elegance presents a freshness to this well-established destination. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Wallpaper* Magazine Designer of The Year 2015, the all-suite hotel promises modern style and an authentic…
Villa Principe Leopoldo Lugano
Live in a fairy tale, surrounded by prestige and nature. Imagine contemplating Lugano’s beauty in a princely residence. The former private home of German Emperor Wilhelm’s brother in law, the Villa is located on a picturesque promontory called the Collina d’Oro (Golden Hill), whose views and location are the best kept secret in town. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in a legendary home, a stay…
Juma Amazon Lodge
With its prime location in one of the most remote and preserved regions of the Amazon Rainforest, Juma Amazon Lodge is an intimate and inviting property harmoniously nestled into the forest environment which defines it. Juma Amazon Lodge features 19 intimate bungalows seamlessly nestled into the lush surroundings of the Amazon Rainforest. In order to accommodate the water levels of the wet season…
Il San Pietro Di Positano
The San Pietro di Positano is more than a hotel. It is a journey within a journey, where memories are created and never forgotten. A haven of peace, immersed in nature, this elegant home harmonises old-world traditions of hospitality with contemporary, understated luxury. Escape to this small slice of paradise suspended between the sea and sky. Carved into the cliff overlooking the mediterranean Sea, our rooms are a…
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris, a 5-star hotel in the centre of Paris, offers you a unique stay in a typically Parisian atmosphere. The building was built in 1907 by the Hennessy family, during the enchanting interlude offered by the Paris of the “Belle Époque”. Reflecting this magical era, our luxury hotel in Paris embodies a certain French art de vivre. La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris enjoys an idyllic setting and immerses you in the…
Château de La Chèvre d’Or
Nature is everywhere at Château de la Chèvre d’Or. There are lots of different gardens filled with sculptures, fountains, waterfalls, flowers, herbs, trees and shrubs. The area is perfumed with the scents of jasmine, bougainvillea and roses. The magnificent colors create a framework that blends into the horizon and the sea…
Villa Belvedere Taormina
Hotel Villa Belvedere is a delightful and charming boutique hotel, located at just a few minutes from Taormina’s lively town centre and from the world-famous Greek-Roman Theatre, which are both reachable by walking through the inspiring and panoramic Duca di Cesarò Botanic Gardens. The hotel benefits of wonderful views over the sea, the bay of Naxos and Mount Etna. The hotel has always been…
Cliveden House
Cliveden House is a privately owned 5 Red Star award-winning hotel, and sister to the world-renowned Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in Hampshire. Our story is one of over 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs. Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of…
Aria Hotel Budapest
The Aria Hotel Budapest is a luxury boutique hotel with an exquisite design inspired by music. To compliment the musical concept, master designer Zoltan Varro’s vision was to simultaneously recreate the rich, lavish atmosphere of a historic Hungarian palace while also embracing visitors in the warmth and comfort of a private residence…
Boutique Hotel Die Alpbacherin
The history of DER ALPBACHERIN began in the former Angelika house. Some time ago, in the middle of Alpbach, at house number 405, stood the small bed and breakfast “Haus Angelika”. Georg and Lisa ran them with a lot of love. The success proved you right and so the desire for a new place for more guests was born. A dream came true. Together with daughter Valentina and her boyfriend Thomas, plans, dreams and…
Casa Casuarina Miami
Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman. Alden Freeman’s father, Joel Freeman was Treasurer of The Standard Oil Trust (also known as Rockefeller’s Company) and left Alden a fabulous wealth when he passed away. That gave the young and wealthy Alden the opportunity to retire at the age of 27 from being an architect and travel all over the world. Alden was also a descendent of the Mayflower on his mother’s side…
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Relais Borgo Santo Pietro was once a healing stopover for medieval pilgrims. Today it continues to provide a sanctuary for modern souls, merging a 5 star luxury hotel and spa concept with a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy on a 300-acre estate. A sumptuous feeling of home pervades the 800-year-old luxury farmhouse hotel, with its worn leather armchairs pulled up around open fires, fresh flower…
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
In search for unique places, sometimes you need to get off the main roads. However, let them lead you to Bale, Istria. Then slow down and follow the road that gets narrower with every mile, as nature draws closer. Slow down even more, and then make a turn into the white road. As the iron gates of the Meneghetti estate open up in front of you, stop for just one moment – and realize that the magic actually appears off the…
Mnemba Island Lodge
Steeped in culture and history, Zanzibar enticed adventurers, seafarers and traders from far and wide. Known as the spice island, from the centuries old trade of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, today the Zanzibar Archipelago is still bathed in the heady scents of spices and traditional dhows still drift across the horizon. A romantic hideaway, Mnemba Island is an exclusive paradise featuring twelve rustically chic beachside…
Cocos Hotel Antigua
Perched on a lush green hillside, encircled by miles of heavenly blue sea and sandwiched between two gorgeous white sand beaches is COCOS Hotel, an all inclusive Antigua resort for couples and adults only. This rustic yet romantic and cozy boutique resort is located on the sunset side of the beautiful Caribbean Island of Antigua and comprises of a collection of 35 quaint wooden Cottages positioned on a pictoresque…
Laucala Island Fiji
A private island refuge in the South Pacific, Laucala unites dramatic rainforest-laced landscapes and white sandy beaches with unparalleled levels of luxury and privacy. No expense has been spared at the exclusive tropical hideaway, where 25 Fijian-styled villas are set amid coconut plantations, beside deserted beaches and atop the island’s volcanic mountains, overlooking fertile coral reefs and endless jungle. Style and…
Royal Mansour Marrakech
The Royal Mansour can be counted amongst the few establishments in the world that defy hotel excellence. Just a few steps away from the famous Jemaa El Fna square beats the heart of the Marrakesh Palace, offering travellers the unique concept of a medina within a medina.
Each area has been designed to intuitively take guests on a sensory journey. Take a step into the secret and sumptuous history of one of the…
Bawah Reserve
A gorgeous tropical paradise surrounded by a blue ocean, Bawah Reserve sits in sheltered seclusion 160 nautical miles (300km) northeast of Singapore in the remote Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia. This pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area is surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, which cater to outdoor adventurers looking to indulge as well as those looking to relax in paradise…
Gecko Hotel & Beach Club Formentera
In the beautiful and protected island of Formentera, Gecko Hotel & Beach Club was set out for like-minded individuals to unwind, connect with oneself and nature and above all celebrate life. Gecko brings to Formentera a new form of hospitality that unites our love for the island, the beach life and the elegance of a time in the past that continues to inspire us. Our clublike restaurant, in front of the Migjorn beach, offers a…
Piccolo Hotel Portofino
Hotel Piccolo Portofino, surrounded by the typical luxuriant vegetation of the Liguria Riviera, among the crystal clear water of Portofino and the blue sky, is a piece of art of the reception, unique of its kind. A hidden jewel, that has to be searched end discovered. Obtained from a refined period villa, today it is a boutique hotel, and from its generous terraces, a breathtaking view onto this exclusive stretch of coast…
Palazzo Navona Rome
The innovative Palazzo Navona Hotel fully deserved of its role as being amongst one of the most qualified 4 star Hotels within the city “centro”, capable of fulfilling its own lifestyle qualities to satisfy even the most demanding guest. The intimate and charming ambience emits a feeling of almost magic by creating a special atmosphere which pervades this residence surrounded by its historical-art and ancient Roman…
Kudadoo Private Island
Kudadoo’s renowned eco-consciousness and sleek design extend to the Maldives island’s 15 over-water residences where your uninterrupted enjoyment of the private island charm and the splendid natural surrounds are the norm….
Cavo Tagoo Santorini
The exclusive Cavo Tagoo Santorini, twin of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is located within walking distance from Fira and just a few kilometers from Oia, the resort offers luxurious suites, spectacular sunsets over the sea and a personalized service exceptional. All Suites are modern and feature a hot tub or private pool on the terrace style, design details, 43-inch LCD satellite TV, patio or terrace with stunning panoramic view…
Azulik Tulum
In the heart of the Mayan jungle, a revolutionary project is about to redefine human evolution. A new vision of the future that is guided by ancestral knowledge and creates community is beginning to shape up.The VILLAS of AZULIK Tulum are built in harmony with the Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea. With no electric light, A/C, or television, we present nature as our main amenity, setting the perfect mood for a…
Inspired by the first sound of creation, OM, the resort in Gokarana on Om Beach is a perfect setting to enable one to hear the ‘voice of the inner self’.
SwaSwara is cast in the colours of the earth and the ocean and is in harmony with the land and its culture. Its form and spirit celebrates simplicity and purity, in keeping with our ethos of health and well being.
SwaSwara goes beyond being a spa in the traditional sense. Neither is it an ashram. SwaSwara is a sanctuary for your Prakruti or the innermost nature of an individual – that special blend of qualities and features that grant it uniqueness!
Its goal is to offer a life plan for the ‘reconstruction’ of mind and body to bring about balance and harmony within. Starting at 5 nights and going up to 21 nights, we offer programmes to transform yourself.
At the healing fount of silence
We live unaware of the nurturing inner voices of our being, drowned out as they are by the din of daily life. Only when everything else quiets down and we are at peace with ourselves in our surroundings can we hear it.
That’s why we made sure that the shouts and clamors of the world die down to whispers at SwaSwara so that you may be uplifted by clouds of enfolding tranquility.
SwaSwara is poetry in stone, painted with colours that symbolise the grounding energy of the earth, offset by the healing purity of white. The dwelling units at SwaSwara are villas that invite you to revel in the open and green spaces that have been created within the confines of your walls.
These afford privacy, yet open up to the skies and exposes nature in its full bounty to the senses. A yoga deck on the second level offers spectacular views of the countryside and ocean while also serving as a perfect nook for Yoga practices.
Earthy and simple as its design is, SwaSwara is not spartan or lacking in comforts. Its architecture pays homage to the terrain and its character while infusing your personal spaces with an abundance of nature that plays its own unseen hand in healing.
An ode to the earth
SwaSwara is of the earth in all respects. It is poetry in stone, an artistic expression in laterite, painted with colours that symbolise the grounding energy of the earth and offset by the healing purity of white.
Its architecture pays homage to the land, infusing your personal spaces with an abundance of nature that stimulates even as it heals.
An aura of healing
SwaSwara has a great profusion of healing plants and medicinal herbs that grow on the property in different spots including the courtyards of the guest villas.
We believe that their presence creates an aura of healing for all who enter here. These plants are also used by our therapists in their various formulations and preparations aimed at your wellness.
Hand woven for you
We try to introduce local elements into your stay wherever we can, to remind you of the customs in vogue at our locations. The towels that we place in our rooms at SwaSwara – Kara Thorthu – are an old tradition and made by local women weavers to this day.
They are known for their capacity to absorb moisture easily and to dry quickly as well. They are ideal for the climate of this region and have been used by the locals for a long time.
You Are What You Eat
The adage that ‘you are what you eat’ is a given truth at SwaSwara. Good food- planned and appropriate – is an intrinsic part of wellness. They are chosen made with care to hasten the process of wellness in you.
You are welcome to visit our interactive kitchen gallery to understand and partake of this intensive and complex culinary process dedicated to wellbeing. Much thought goes into the ingredients for the SwaSwara kitchen.
We prefer to make food that is grown in harmony with nature, ripened naturally on healthy soil and cooked with an air of mindfulness. Our fresh produce – from the organic vegetable farm at SwaSwara and the neighbourhood – consists of seasonal tropical fruits,vegetables and freshly caught seafood.
These are complemented with juices and herbal teas. Dairy and eggs are limited in their use as is the use of oils in our preparations. For those on the Swa Wellbeing, wine is offered. Our menu does not feature meats, hard liquor, refined sugar or refined flour.
AYURVEDA
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of healing, is unique in that it addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of our well being in an integrated and related way. Our therapies are designed around this holistic understanding of life and serve to heal your body, relax your mind and rekindle your soul.
Ayurveda dates back more than 2000 years originating in the Vedas, the ancient Hindu texts that contain practical information related to almost all aspects of life and is that branch of the Vedas which delves into the essence of right living and healing.
Literally meaning the ‘knowledge or Science (‘veda’) of life’ (‘ayur), Ayurveda is an amalgamation of different knowledge systems that combine to offer a right and healthy way of life that is disease free.
YOGA AND MEDITATION
At SwaSwara we offer classical Yoga and Meditation sessions mediated by qualified practitioners. The Yoga offered at SwaSwara is Hatha Yoga and it is a form that focuses on physical suppleness and flexibility.
It maintains that the basis for spiritual well-being lies in strengthening the body, which in turn benefits the mind. While food, Yoga and art take care of the body and mind. We have included Meditation to address the inner self and complete the unity.
The guided Meditation practices at SwaSwara instill serenity and peace in you, which in turn makes it easy for the body and mind to converge in a spirit of harmony and total wellbeing.
ART YOGA
Art is also a path to healing and self discovery. At SwaSwara you can take voyages of the imagination and the inner self through various art practices that enable you to find and lose yourself at the same time.
The art studio at SwaSwara invites you to experiment with a wide range of creative activities that include tribal Warli painting, water colours on handmade paper, origami and clay work on a traditional potter’s wheel. So roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty and let your right brain lead you where it will.
DIET
The dining experience at SwaSwara is highlighted as a true culinary treat of what is gourmet healthy. Everyday our guests can savour a truly unique flavourful creation that is also healthy.
The SwaSwara kitchen gets most of its produce from the organic farm within the property and from local markets. They use almost no oil, no refined sugar, no dairy and no refined flour.
Our diets are tailor made to each individual programme at SwaSwara. Those on the Swa Wellbeing is served a healthy diet of vegetarian and seafood. We do offer wine to the guests on the Swa Wellbeing program.
Those on the 7 and 14 nights Ayurveda programmes would follow the satvic diet where the doctor would prescribe a personalised diet for each individual based on their Doshas.
NATURE
Tranquil holidays can be restorative even when coupled to some stimulating activities that exercise both body and mind.
You can choose to start your day with a bout of yoga or go birdwatching on a Prakruthi walk around our 30-acre property that is green and welcoming. It will uplift your senses, expanding them to take in the beauty of the natural surroundings that will also add to your sense of wellbeing.
Swimming Pool
Our large oxidised swimming pool is always holding out a welcome to you to jump in and swim. Depending on the programme you are on, the doctor will advise on the use of the swimming pool.
Meditation Deck on the Cliff
Meditation hill with a coconut thatch roof and wide, terraced, mud packed steps on which participants sit for guided sunrise meditation. This space commands a 180 degrees view of the Om beach and the ocean below.
Yoga Shala
A dedicated center for Asana classes (1600sq.ft). This space is very well ventilated with glass windows on all four sides and a tiled floor. It can be fan cooled.
Library with Wifi Connectivity
A circular, well lit space that is open all day and has an eclectic collection of books. The library can be air-conditioned if you wish, and is the only wi-fi enabled area in SwaSwara
Yoga and Meditation Hut
An iconic circular, thatch roofed Meditation Hut (765sq.ft) for Meditation and Chanting sessions. The space can be air-conditioned.
Art Studio
SwaSwara’s art studio is a space for creative and mindful expression. Under the guidance of the resident artist, guests can explore and express their creative thoughts through painting, clay modeling or sculpting. The space is adorned with works of art expressed by our guests over the years.
Nature Trails and Bird Watching
What better way to start your day than with a sighting of Hornbills or the White bellied Sea Eagle that nests in our property! With a protected patch of forest and the rainwater lakes, SwaSwara plays host to a wide variety of migratory and resident birds, with occasional visits from endangered species too.
Experience all this and more on our guided bird watching walks offered every Wednesday morning. You could also hike across Om Beach, up the cliffs through the scrub jungle and acacia plantation to Half-moon beach and trek back uphill along a mud road to the resort.
Boat Ride
You can contact our front desk for Boat Rides to Mirjan Fort, Long Beach and Tadadi Harbour. A very interesting cruise to the historic Mirjan Fort, takes you through the sea up the Aganashini river.
A tuk tuk ride will get you from the boat jetty to the fort. Return by boat to OM Beach. Cruise by the pristine long beach where you can explore a relatively un touristy beach and fishermans village and a typical Konkan style temple.
Cruise to the busy fishing harbour to experience the local flavor of a bustling fish market. Return by Tuk Tuk.
Visit The Temple Town
Meander around and find yourself back in time at Gokarna’s 2 streets amid the sacred cows; visit its famous Shiva temple; or tour the inland temples and forts.
Interactive Cooking
Learn to cook healthy South Indian Cuisine with our chefs in the Kitchen. Everyday, our chefs offer interactive classes for healthy cooking. The guests are encouraged to go into the kitchen and cook with our chefs to learn how to cook healthy and improve our food habits.
They give you recipes to try at home and healthy alternatives you can find in your city. With the skill to cook with almost no oil, no refined sugar or flour , our guests have been able to successfully change their own and their family members’ lifestyle at home.
Gokarna, South of Goa
Ayurveda and Yoga on Om Beach
A serene abode for your body, mind and soul, just 3.5 hours away from Goa airport. Located on the fabled Om beach on the west coast of India in Karnataka and set amidst 26 acres of green lawns and gardens surrounded by pristine beaches , Swaswara is truly an abode of peace far removed from the distractions of urban centers.
Situated a little away from the village of Gokarna, nestling amidst rolling hills and lined by serene coconut palms are 24 villas inspired by the traditional homesteads and crafts of the Uttara Karnataka region of the state.
SwaSwara is not just an earthly destination. It is the gateway to a more profound place that abides within you. Get there and you will meet both.
