In the know
- Our favourite rooms
- All villas are identical, built in the local Konkan style of clean, uncluttered spaces, using natural materials. Air-conditioning has been discreetly fitted without interfering with the authentic design. The lower level comprises a sitting area to unwind in the evenings, and the upper section contains a semi-open bathroom and calm bedroom area. Assume your favourite yoga position on the upper deck.
- Packing tips
- Comfortable clothes for yoga, good walking shoes (the main mode of transport here, and the terrain can be tricky), sun protection, and during monsoon you’ll need wet-weather gear. Should you forget anything, there’s a shop.
- Also
- SwaSwara aims to help guests on the road to self-discovery, so meditation, yoga and Ayurvedic therapies are central to its philosophy.
Current offers
- Smith card offer
SwaSwara
Karnataka, India [view map]
- Style
- Luxury yoga eco-haven
- Setting
- Karnataka's aptly-named Om Beach
Taking good care of yourself and your spiritual needs is at the centre of a holiday at SwaSwara: 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 across Karnataka.
Need to know
- Rooms
- 27 thatched split-level villas.
- Rates
- €900 a person for a seven-night stay (half-price during June–July monsoon season), including breakfast; excludes 12 per cent tax.
- Check-out
- Normally 11h (midday check-in), but flexible depending on the season.
- 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.
- 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 & drink
- 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 12.30–14.30; dinner, 20–22.30. 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.
Smith card offer
If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).
Click here to become a Mr & Mrs Smith member
Smith concierge
If you’d prefer to talk to someone, or you’re having trouble booking online, ring our travel team on 0845 034 0700 (+44 20 8987 4312 from outside the UK). We guarantee you’ll get the best available rates, and we don’t charge a booking fee.
SwaSwara
Donibhail
Om Beach
Gokarna
Uttara Kannada
Karnataka
Check availability