Mr & Mrs Smith

SwaSwara

Karnataka, India

Taking good care of yourself and your spiritual needs is at the centre of a holiday at boutique retreat SwaSwara in Karnataka: this eco-friendly, serene hideaway promises to make you emerge thoroughly relaxed. Surrounded by untouched vegetation and close to breathtaking beaches, you’ll find yourself removed from everyday stresses yet with all the comforts you crave. Simply furnished, although stylish, SwaSwara's villas look out over the ocean, boasting vast beds to sink into after a day of meditation or jungle trekking.

Need to know

• Rooms 24 thatched split-level villas.
• Rates Double rooms from $418.69 (€334), excluding tax at 12 per cent.
  Prices have been converted from the hotel's local currency (€334), via XE.com, using today's exchange rate.
• More details Rates include breakfast.
• Facilities There is internet access in the rooms but otherwise you can enjoy the quiet in a TV- and music-free environment, air-con in the bedrooms, emperor-sized beds (plus extra pull-out bed), and a lounge area for making tea or coffee.
• Check-out Normally 11am (midday check-in), but flexible depending on the season.
• Children The menu can be specifically tailored to the little ones. Butterfly-watching and special yoga classes should keep them more than happy. Baby-sitting can be arranged at no extra cost.
• Eco-friendly Extremely eco-friendly: packaging-reduced bathroom toiletries, reminders about water conservation, harvesting of rainwater, on-site bio-gas converter – ecological impact is minimised wherever possible.
• Also Idyllic locations like this come with mosquitoes, so be prepared, but there are emergency creams available. Smoking is not encouraged since the focus is on health and wellbeing, but it is permitted outdoors. Five-night minimum stay.

Food and drink at SwaSwara

• Hotel restaurant Three equally delightful dinner venues are used in rotation: the thatched terrace, poolside and beach grill each provide a tranquil setting for chilled dinners. Healthy is the keyword with the cuisine, so expect lots of fresh vegetables and fish.
• Dress code This is not the place for your little black dress or suit. As with everything else, comfort is most important: a floaty tunic and your favourite flip-flops should do nicely.
• Top table Each of the three settings has its own charm, but perhaps the beach grill is the most attractive option for those who just can’t tear themselves away from the sea.
• Last orders Lunch is available from 12.30–2.30pm; dinner, 8–10.30pm. No beer or liquor – embrace healthy living.
• Hotel bar There is no bar as such but guests are welcome to lounge in the library to enjoy a glass or two of local wine.

SwaSwara Donibhail, Om Beach, Gokarna, Uttara Kannada,, Karnataka, 581326