What once was a small pilgrimage town is now known as the “New Goa.” Roughly 400 kilometres from Bengaluru, Gokarna is a popular yoga retreat destination in Karnataka. On a low-tide day, as you trawl through the Arabian waters around Om Beach, you will see many humpback dolphins frolicking in the waves. The bright blue waters stand like grand mirrors to the equally azure sky. The beaches are pristine and some of the cleanest in the country. While they receive a fair share of the bohemian crowd, they are not as crowded as Goa. Half Moon Beach, for instance, only gets a handful of crowds.

IAs tourism expands in Gokarna, the hospitality industry is reading the room and setting up several quaint retreats in the town. Unsurprisingly, Gokarna has some of the best luxury and wellness resorts, and here are our top picks.

Kahani Paradise 

This luxurious resort derives its name from the nearby Paradise Beach, a mere six-minute drive away. However, the story of the name doesn’t end there. Surrounded by an uncharted tropical haven, the resort offers stunning views of the Western Ghats’ cliffs meeting the Arabian Ocean’s picturesque coastline. This is the paradise view that Kahani boasts. A 20-acre Eden-like estate, the property is full of betelnut and banana trees. Take long walks around the garden as the sun sets on the Arabian waters. While you walk, watch out for the vibrant tropical flowers that beckon a look.

The resort offers open-top Jeep rides to the surrounding beaches, towns and temples. A boat ride to the hidden beaches is also a must-try. The yoga and open-air massage rooms are a bonus option.

Address: Kahani Paradise Estate, Gokarn, Belekan, Karnataka 581326

Visit their website to book a stay: https://kahaniparadise.com/

SwaSwara Gokarna 

Ranked among the best sustainable resorts in Gokarna, SwaSwara is a luxurious retreat that remains mindful of its surroundings. To empower the local communities, the resort actively hires staff from the areas in and around Gokarna. In fact, they fund many community-welfare programmes as a part of their initiative to support local communities. Moreover, with an environmentally conscious approach, SwaSwara recycles the water in the garden’s flower beds and converts kitchen waste into fuel through vermicomposting.

Located at Om Beach, SwaSara is about connecting with the individual’s “Prakruti,” or innermost nature. Stay at this wellness resort to reset your biological system with healthy cooking, meditative moods, Yoga Asana practices and rejuvenating Ayurveda therapies. The property offers programmes that start with one and go up to 28 nights.

Address: Om Beach, Donibhail, Gokarna, Karnataka 581326

Visit their website to book a stay: https://www.cghearth.com/swaswara

Red Earth  

With a choice of over a 100 hours of yoga courses, Red Earth offers tailor-made wellness experiences. It sits serenely on a cliff, just a short drive from the lively towns of Gokarna and Ankola. Imbued with the essence of the Konkan, a region stretching from Maharashtra in the North to the upper reaches of Malabar Kerala, the resort is a unique and intriguing escape at Honey Beach (Honnebail). Discover the extraordinary karst rock formations of the Yana caves as you meander in and around the property. Take a revitalising dip in the Vibhooti Falls and marvel at the architectural splendour of the Mirjan Fort. If you are fond of shopping, you can also visit the local markets and witness the culture of the indigenous people of Uttara Kannada.

The resort serves a special diet based on Ayurveda. One of the most unique features of the property is its architecture. Made of laterite rocks and covered over with grass mats, the Red Earth cottages are designed with a natural cooling system to beat the tropical heat.

Address: Honey Beach Rd, Belambar Post, Honnebail, Karnataka 581353

Visit their website to book a stay: https://redearth.in/destination/gokarna-resort/