Mojigao Eco Resort — Assagao, India

A jungle eco-resort of ten cottages, a nature spa and an open-air shala in Assagao, Goa

Mojigao sits in the tropical jungle of Assagao's heritage village in North Goa, at Bairo Alto. By its own account, its story is one of slow, organic growth: a small dream that, over time, became an eco village, built with care and patience and guided at every step by the land. The principle was to work with the jungle rather than alter it. Native trees were preserved, biodiversity was encouraged, and the ecosystem was left to shape the layout of the place. The ten cottages are made of wood, stone and earth-friendly finishes, and each has a veranda or patio facing the gardens. The Royal Deluxe Cottage has a private open-air courtyard with a rain shower and a handcrafted Rajasthani copper tub. Behind the scenes, grey water is recycled into the gardens, permaculture principles guide the planting, organic waste is composted, and plastic is kept to a minimum. The same thinking runs through the wellness grounds. The Eco Pool and Eco Pond work as one system. Aquatic plants and animals in the pond filter and balance the water, which then flows into the pool, with biological filtration in place of chemical treatment. The open-air Yoga Shala and Jungle Gym hold daily classes in yoga, Capoeira, Kalaripayattu, Mixed Martial Arts and functional fitness. The Nature Spa offers ayurvedic massage using ancient techniques, handmade herbal oils and botanicals. Weekends bring live music and fusion tapas, alongside art pop-ups, exhibitions and holistic workshops through the year. Between sets there is a botanical garden path, an open-air library with hammocks, an adventure area with a giant web, bird watching, and cycling tours of the heritage village. The restaurant cooks Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food and changes its menu through collaborations with visiting chefs. The team is largely local, and many of its members have been there since the beginning.

Traditions: Yoga, Ayurvedic Massage, Capoeira, Kalaripayattu, Mixed Martial Arts, Permaculture

Programs: Daily Yoga Classes, Capoeira, Kalaripayattu, Functional Fitness and MMA, Nature Spa Ayurvedic Massage, Holistic Workshops, Weekend Live Music, Cycling Tour of Assagao's Heritage Village