Swaswara
Swaswara is the inner voice of the Self, sounded on a fabled beach shapedlike an Om. In spaces marked by timeless aesthetics and contemporary harmony,here is a new vision, designed to give the practices of yoga and meditationtheir fullest expression. So come join us. And find the song within.
THE PLACE
Swa' is the Sanskrit prefix for the self. And 'Swara' refers to sound.We live unaware of the inner sound of our being, drowned out as it is by the din of daily life.
Only when everything else quiets down and we are at peace, can we hearit.
That's why we've made sure that the shouts of the modern world die downto whispers at SwaSwara.
Imagine a breeze-laden cliff top overlooking the legendary Om beach,not far from the ancient temple town of Gokarna.
(See map) Imagine too, 30 undulating acres of land, dotted with coconutgroves and paddy fields. Yet, playing host to a mere 27 secluded villas,tucked away between lawns and flowering shrubs.
There is little at SwaSwara, apart from the rhythm of rolling waves andthe meditative hum of birdsong, to disturb your inner explorations.
THE SPACE
Om Beach is aptly named. This Sanskrit letter, echoed faithfully in thesweep of the rocks and sand below you, is referred to in the ancient Hindu texts at the original sound of creation.
Other visitors to the beach need to take a winding trail around the bluffs,but from SwaSwara, you can use our own private path opening into a peacefulsection of waterfront.
Here, you can stretch a moment into a day, working on your tan, enjoyinga dip (the curve of the Om makes a perfect swimming cove!) and watchingthe sun lower behind the hills. If you strain your ears, you can sometimeshear the faint temple bells of Gokarna, wafting in on the breeze.
A 20 minute boat ride from Om will also fetch you up at a number of otherbeaches. Some bear romantic names (Half-moon Beach, Paradise Beach), mostare isolated and at some, you won't see a single soul at all.
ACCOMMODATION
Aswe've said, there are just 27 villa style accommodations at SwaSwara.
Each Villa, (and for that matter, the rest of the resort as well) isinspired by the traditional family estates that dot the Konkan coast,and if we've added aircon and modern fittings, they do little to disturbthe authenticity of your experiences here. Natural materials are usedthroughout, most of them sourced locally from the artisans of the area.
The centerpiece of SwaSwara is the blue meditation dome, at the head ofthe swimming pool. Its circular form and blue tiles form a mandala (orcosmic sphere) of harmony, echoing the temple architecture of nearby Gokarna.
YOGA & MEDITATION
At SwaSwara, you can expect personalized attention from Yoga experts belonging to several major schools.
If you're new to Yoga, you can just sample a bit of it all, practicingas the mood takes you.
For more serious Yoga lovers, as also for people with specific ailments,SwaSwara offers a whole range of options. If you like, we'll create atherapy program just for you, complete with Yoga postures and Pranayama(breath exercises), meditations, diet and Ayurvedic massage.
THE CUISINE OF SWASWARA
The food at SwaSwara is in keeping with the natural spirit that inspireseverything else here. The accent is on the fruits of the land and thesea. And the focus is on freshness, pure and simple.
We avoid meats, concentrating on the fresh catch of local shellfish andseafish.
Fresh produce from the farms surrounding SwaSwara provides the accompaniment.Hard liquor is avoided. Instead, we serve up a selection of fine wines,both imported and local (we highly recommend you try a few of the latter,specially the reds).
THINGS TO DO
There are, of course, extensive Yoga, Pranayama and meditation facilities,with individual attention from qualified yoga teachers.
SwaSwara has an Ayurvedic centre too, where you can try out a varietyof massages and other therapies.
Then there are the charms of Om beach, and a number of other beachesthat are a short boat ride away. The temple town of Gokarna and Gokarnabeach make for a fascinating days excursion.
SEASONS
Jan - Mar: These months are cool (well, 28-34 C) and dry.
Apr - May: Peak summer.
June - Aug: These are the Monsoon (rainy) months. In Ayurveda, this isconsidered especially good time for healing.
Sept - Dec: A pleasant and dry period, usually the main tourist season.
GETTING THERE
The nearest airport is Goa's Dabolim Airport (fairly well-connected internationally), which is 3.5 hours away.
Mangalore Airport is 4.5 hours drive.
The nearest rail station is Kumta, on the Konkan railway, a scenic trainride linking Mumbai (Bombay) to the major cities of Kerala, includingCochin and Trivandrum.
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