Purple Valley Yoga, Assagao: What to Know Before You Book

For many Ashtanga practitioners, Goa means one place: Purple Valley. Set in tropical gardens in Assagao, North Goa, it has run residential Ashtanga yoga retreats for well over 15 years, with senior teachers from around the world leading courses through the season.

What it is

• Style: Ashtanga yoga, with pranayama, meditation and philosophy alongside.

• Format: residential retreats, usually one or two weeks, each led by a visiting senior teacher.

• Level: beginners and experienced students. Some teachers ask that you already know Sun Salutations A and B and the standing postures, so read each retreat's notes.

• Where: Bairo Alto, Assagao, about 15 minutes from Anjuna and Vagator beaches.

A typical day

Every retreat is a little different, but recent schedules follow a familiar rhythm:

• Early morning: Mysore-style self-practice, with one led class a week.

• Mid-morning: fruit and coffee, then a workshop with the retreat's teacher.

• Late morning: brunch.

• Afternoon: free time for the pool, a massage or a nap.

• Late afternoon: meditation, philosophy or pranayama with a guest teacher.

• Evening: dinner, and an early night.

Rooms and food

Accommodation is spread around the gardens, with rooms in the main house, garden cottages and a newer, more comfortable house. Rooms have their own bathrooms, and some have balconies or terraces. Meals are vegetarian, served twice a day, mixing Indian and international dishes. There's a pool, plus Ayurveda, massage and beauty treatments on site.

Who it suits

• Ashtanga students who want to deepen their practice with a specific teacher.

• Anyone wanting a structured yoga holiday with everything taken care of.

• Solo travellers. It's an easy place to arrive alone and leave with friends.

If you're after drop-in classes or a looser schedule, a studio in Assagao, Anjuna or Mandrem may suit you better.

Booking tips

• Popular teachers fill up months ahead, so check the calendar early.

• Prices depend on the teacher, the length of stay and your room type.

• Airport transfers can be arranged.

• Book directly on the official site, yogagoa.com.

Around Purple Valley

Assagao has some of North Goa's best restaurants, cafes and design stores, all within a short ride. See our Assagao guide for where to eat on your day off.

Details are from Purple Valley's published retreat information and may change. Check the official site before you book.