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Ashiyana is the ever-evolving realisation of our deep desire to support, inspire and empower our guests on their wellbeing journeys. From modest beginnings back in December 2006, as a small Yoga retreat centre in sleepy, North Goa, Ashiyana has grown into what we are today – a global wellbeing support system with far-reaching positive impact.

Your healing haven, your home away from home

Meaning ‘home’ in Hindi, Ashiyana is your healing haven, your home away from home. A magical space where time slows down, breath deepens, smiles widen and hearts expand. Ease your body, calm your mind and reawaken your spirit.

Today, our signature offer is BEST ME Journey, This is a transformative, deep dive into what you truly want in your life, plus a unique system of support and guidance enabling you to transcend the obstacles which block you.

What we're about

Our Philosophy

Our belief at Ashiyana is that when you relax deeply and truly nurture yourself, you realise your essential nature; your ‘home within’.

When you face the outer world from this place of inner calm, you are less likely to be troubled or disturbed. Joy then naturally follows from being at ease, and free of mental and physical tension.

Our Vision

Our intention is to hold you in a loving embrace, so that all your worldly troubles drop away, and you are left with the essence of you – the 100% vibrantly alive, happy and healthy version of you.

Our Mission

Our mission is to do all that we can to enable YOU to feel truly at home when you are with us at Ashiyana, as part of our family – accepted, embraced and cared for.

Founder’s story

Chris Nelson is a wellbeing coach, writer, speaker and entrepreneur. Before founding Ashiyana he had been involved in Yoga and natural healthcare for over fifteen years. Whilst running Yoga retreats around the world he was always on the lookout for an idyllic spot where he could realise his long-held dream of creating a deeply relaxing, tropical retreat centre by the sea. Chris’ vision was to create a sanctuary where guests would feel safe, supported, nourished and held in a loving embrace.

In the winter of 2004, he discovered the magical, little village of Mandrem in the north of Goa, which was serene, beautiful, and off the beaten path for travellers.

It was during an early morning fishing trip with the local fishermen that he first heard about the palm grove across the river from the sand dunes. Once on the land, it only took a few seconds for him to realise that this was where he would create his dream, and what was to become Ashiyana.

Ashiyana opened its bridge entrance to the world in December 2006, and year upon year it has grown and evolved into what is now one of the most acclaimed Yoga and healing retreat centres in India and the world.

In 2019 Ashiyana opened a second centre in Brazil, and then a third in Spain in 2024.

Chris' Books

Chris published his first book, ‘Wake Up and SOAR’, in April 2016 (Watkins).

His second book, BEST ME, offers a simple, yet potent model for being the best possible version of yourself, and is to be published in 2025.

Meet Our Teachers

The teachers for our drop-in classes will vary throughout the season according to who is with us at any particular time.

There are normally at least four teachers during any one week, and we frequently run workshops (often at short notice) focussing on different aspects of mindful movement, wellness and wellbeing.

Our Ashiyana Family

At Ashiyana we dine together, family style. We practice, chant and meditate together. We support each other, and we allow each other space when it’s needed. Together we create a sanctuary in each of our beautiful locations.

An ever-evolving family of like-minded souls, we flourish through feeling a part of a connected family unit, with shared, daily lives.

Sustainability

Sustainability is very much at the heart of how we operate our retreat centres. From beach cleaning in Goa, to the protection of our rivers and water sources in Brazil, multiple outreach programs in Goa and Brazil, and a carbon footrint project that’s just underway.

We believe that sustainability begins at the individual level, so aside from our preoccupation with our guests wellbeing, we also focus on supporting our staff in every way that we can, from plaenty of time off, to supporting them in ongoing training and furthering their careers.

Giving Back

It is key to our vision that we are not only supporting the wellbing of our guests, but also those around us whose wellbeing is impaired by poverty, lack of education or extreme circumstances. We collaborate, partner with, and/or support a number of incredible, local projects that are very close to our hearts.

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Your healing haven, your home away from home