A Return to the Source
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About this Retreat
Goa sits at a point of repeated contact. Empires, maritime routes and successive cultural intervals have passed through the same geography without fully replacing what came before. What remains is a condition of overlap, where cultural systems continue in proximity.
Datu’s presence in Goa carries the joy of return. This act of ‘coming back to’ is continuous; a fundamental principle that lies at the core of Eastern traditions. Many of the ideas and practices that underpin our philosophy have their roots in this region and neighbouring traditions. To bring guests here is therefore an extension of that return, an invitation to step into the context from which the work originally draws. There is a particular hospitality in this gesture, grounded in familiarity, inclusion and responsibility. Guests are welcomed into a safe structure with the understanding that everything has been considered and that one may simply land.
The retreat unfolds at the Postcard Hideaway, where the coastline gives way to nature reserve and the elevated terrain of the Western Ghats. The monsoon arrives differently here, the surrounding hills tempering its intensity. The architecture blends unobtrusively with its environment; large windows and private terraces frame expansive views, while the interiors are designed for elegance and comfort from which to experience the serene landscape. Treatments, meals, surroundings and time begin to work in concert. A Return to Source emerges gradually from this continuity, as the body settles back into internal balance and responsiveness.
Location
Dates
Pricing
Book a room for a minimum of 3 nights during this period.
- 27th August - 13th September
What to Expect
Authenticity, integrity and individualised care
There are forms of restoration that deepen through proximity to place. Certain therapeutic traditions retain an atmospheric dimension that cannot be fully abstracted from their surroundings, no matter how faithfully their methods are reproduced elsewhere. Practitioners may travel internationally, techniques may circulate globally, yet something remains tied to the ecology from which the work first emerged. One encounters the difference instinctively. It is the difference between a tradition being practiced and a tradition still embedded within daily life. In India, these systems continue to exist as living structures of knowledge woven into the broader cultural fabric.
The monsoon, “Varsha Ritu” defines the context, the rains alter both atmosphere and physiology. Heat softens into humidity, movement slows and attention turns inward. Traditional medical frameworks regard this season as uniquely conducive to treatment because the body becomes more permeable and responsive; patterns of fatigue, tension and stagnation surface more clearly and can therefore be addressed with greater precision. The sound of rain, the softened light, the suspension of outward urgency together produce conditions that support withdrawal from habitual rhythms and entry into a more restorative state.
The therapeutic work is organised around this understanding. Datu’s distinctiveness lies in the breadth of traditions held together within a single coherent framework. Ayurveda, Sowa Rigpa, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chi Nei Tsang, Yoga and Western musculoskeletal practice are held in relation, each attending to a distinct register of the body: circulation, structure, visceral tension, breath, energetic flow and postural alignment. Considered together, they allow the organism to be understood more completely and treated with greater precision. Their arrangement is determined through assemblage, ensuring that intervention remains exact, responsive and effective.
For Indian guests, the retreat offers a return to familiar lineages of knowledge encountered again with renewed clarity and contemporary articulation. Traditional systems are approached with respect, allowing recognition to arise alongside renewed understanding. For international guests, the same framework is presented with careful guidance and support, allowing unfamiliar territory to become accessible without dilution. In both cases, the emphasis remains on direct experience.
Food follows Datu’s approach to nourishment, where cooking is akin to treatment. Seasonal ingredients, careful combinations and attention to digestion and metabolic process shape the kitchen’s rhythm. The aim is synergy, where meals support the healing process being established through the therapeutic work. Each preparation carries the chef’s love for the act of feeding others. The resulting dishes are composed, restrained and refined.
Rooms & Rates
Our room categories vary in size and views. Each is thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, offering privacy and sweeping vistas of the lush forest and the surrounding Western Ghats.
Our rates are quoted per person, per night for the full-board retreat, including daily treatments, Ayurvedic consultations with our Vaidyas, daily group classes (5+ per day), nutritious meals and cosy retreat wear.
We offer flexible retreat durations with a minimum of 3 nights as well as extended stays for those seeking a deeper experience.
In addition, we offer structured Ayurveda, TCM and Longevity programmes designed to provide a more focused therapeutic journey. Please contact us for further information.
Please note that each retreat has a minimum number of 10 participants.
Akasha Rooms
Our Akasha Rooms offer a little more space to unwind, while retaining the understated elegance and deep connection to nature that defines the retreat. Thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly into the lush surroundings, each room features calming interiors, a private terrace and sweeping views of the forested Western Ghats. Spacious yet intimate, the Akasha Rooms provide a serene sanctuary for rest, restoration and quiet reflection.
Jyoti Rooms
Our Jyoti Rooms offer all the comforts and thoughtful details needed for a restorative stay. These rooms feature a private terrace and beautiful views across the surrounding greenery and hills. Warm, understated interiors and a close connection to nature create a peaceful retreat experience immersed in the beauty of the Western Ghats.
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More guest reviews
I’m sure that the Datu team helped me crack open further my heart chakra. From the love given to the preparation and serving of the food, to the talented and caring practitioners and therapists. Thank you from my heart for helping me to reconnect with the most important part of myself. Suyash’s wisdom and humility touched my soul and gave me reminders that are so pertinent in this present life journey of mine. It felt visceral.
I have only felt this twice before on retreat in my almost twenty years in this industry.
Stella
So, last week, I decided to ditch the digital world for a bit. I went on a social media detox (cue dramatic music) and landed at Datu Wellness. Picture this: an Ayurvedic and yoga wellness retreat nestled in the serene Tuscan landscape. Little did I expect that steering clear of LinkedIn and Instagram would be the easy part…
Daisy
I warmly want to thank you with all my heart to have taken care of my parents with so much detail and love. My mother comes back filled with good memories and her heart shines bright. Both are extremely thankful for the experience they got to make with your lovely practitioners, yogis and doctors.
Catherine
What a magical thing you have created with Datu. It genuinely was a very special experience, and you have curated a really interesting and exceptional group of practitioners to offer something that not many people offer.
The set up was great, the food was delicious, the atmosphere was lovely. Nothing was ever too much to ask whatever it was, or from whomever. That really is remarkable to be able to be so calm and kind and present when you have so much going on and a hotel full of demanding guests.
Martha
I met some beautiful souls and am grateful to have had the opportunity to put a brief pause on life during which I was able to learn and to inwardly reflect. The programme was a perfect balance of yoga, meditation, chanting, and sound healing; the yoga was at a level where everyone felt they could participate without feeling uncomfortable. Your team was wonderful – authentic, kind, professional, experienced and clearly passionate. And I especially enjoyed the evening talks which were excellent – educational, interesting and thought-provoking. Overall, I had a truly transformative time, and have incorporated a large chunk of Ayurvedic food into my daily life – thank you.
Emma
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I book a retreat?
Please complete the booking form above and our reservations team will get right back to you. Please note that we offer our places on a first-come, first-served basis. We keep your room reserved for 48 hours to receive your deposit which is all that is required to secure your place.
Do I need any experience to join?
No prior experience of Ayurveda, Yoga or attending wellness retreats is necessary. Datu welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, from wellness beginners to advanced yogis. All we ask is that you arrive with an open heart and a commitment to your wellbeing journey.
Is there anything I need to prepare for my retreat?
There’s no specific preparation required. You become what you surround yourself with — so you may consider reflecting on your intentions or what might bother you, and bringing a book that promotes relaxation and positivity. Our female guests are welcome to join at any point of their cycle. We do however ask that you kindly contact us before booking if you are pregnant. If this is your first travel to India you may wish to consult your physician or government’s travel and health advice section for anything specifically applicable to you.
How long are the stays?
Our retreats are generally a minimum of one week as this duration allows you to experience the full effects of the retreat and a calm transition into your routine. For our Goa retreat, we offer more flexible durations acknowledging that some guests may wish to explore other parts of India during their stay. That said, many guests choose to stay longer for more comprehensive treatments or simply to gift yourself a longer rest. To create a bespoke stay for a group, special occasion or an off-site please contact us to discuss the best options for you.
How much does the retreat cost?
Retreats start from £330 per person per night in a double room. This includes your Ayurvedic consultations with our Vaidyas, 1 private sessions per night’s stay with our practitioners, daily group classes (5+/day), nutritious meals and retreat wear.
Should I come alone or may I come with someone?
Datu retreats offer an opportunity for both solo travellers and those coming with a companion. We also create tailor-made retreats for groups, off-sites or special occasions. It’s entirely up to you and your preferences. If you would like to come with a group or a companion animal, please contact us.
Are children allowed?
Children aged 16 and above are welcome to join the retreat when accompanied by an adult.
What about internet connectivity?
For a more immersive experience and to reap the maximum benefits, we recommend disconnecting from gadgets and enjoying a digital detox during your stay. Nonetheless, if you require WiFi access, it will be available to you so you can work from home whilst enjoying Datu.
Are drinking and smoking allowed during the retreat?
We encourage a healthy lifestyle and guests have found that abstinence from stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and nicotine vastly enhances their health benefits and overall experience.
Can the retreat accommodate dietary and/or medical requirements?
Our delicious sattvic fusion cuisine already incorporates many contemporary dietary preferences. But please do inform us in advance of any dietary or medical requirements. We will do our best to accommodate your needs. Please also bear in mind we are not a medical facility.
What is the weather like and what should I pack?
The weather in our retreat locations can vary, so it’s advisable to check the forecast before packing. We provide guests with comfortable retreat wear during their stay. Additionally, we recommend packing clothing suitable for wellness activities and outdoor exploration as well as something warm. Swimwear is required for our outdoor pools.
How do I get there?
What is your cancellation policy?
To secure your reservation, a 50% non-refundable payment is required with the booking. The remainder is due one month prior to the opening of the retreat. We understand that plans can change and, if necessary, date changes are possible, if we can accommodate them within the same retreat season. We recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance and reaching out to us directly if you have additional concerns or inquiries regarding cancellations, changes or payments.
Who made your beautiful photos and videos?
Our films were made by Emanuel Finckenstein who you can follow on Instagram or visit his website
Samuel Mansell at Drop All Words Media edited the Team and Guest films.
Photography and Social Media by Alexandra Oehl. Additional Photography by Hanru Marais Photography, Marco Diani and Tinko Czetwertynski
We are very grateful to have such talented friends.

































