Veda5 Wellbeing Retreat Goa Review: 48 Hours of Yoga and Ayurveda

An honest review of Veda5 in North Goa

Ayurveda, lake views & beach walks

Disclosure: I paid for this stay myself and the opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Stayed: April 2026. Last updated: 08/10/26

Personally Reviewed
(by Jenny)

Wellbeing places I’ve visited myself, with detailed personal insights and experiences.

While staying in Arambol, North Goa, I spent two nights at Veda5 Ayurvedic retreat.

This Veda5 review gives you an honest look at the 48 hours: the yoga, treatments, food, and rooms.

As a midlife women with chronic health issues I will also cover what it was like staying solo and whether I’d book a full ayurvedic programme.

myself walking along the path at Veda5 through banana leaves — walking around the lake at Veda5

The Orchids to Olives approach to reviews

As a midlife solo traveller with chronic health issues and variable energy, I consider practical things such as accessibility, comfort, safety, noise, food and how physically demanding a place is — as well as how easy it is to rest, recharge and feel at ease there.

My reviews are based on my own experience, so what works for me may not work for everyone. My aim is to give you enough information to decide whether a place might work for you too.

Learn more

Veda5 at a glance

Location: Arambol, North Goa, about a 10-minute walk from Arambol Beach
Type of stay: Small Ayurvedic and yoga retreat with 20 rooms facing a lake, part of a wider Veda5 group
The feeling of the place: peaceful and restorative
My stay: 2 nights in April 2026, solo, booked on Booking.com
What I paid per night: £53 room with breakfast & yoga
Restaurant: Yes – saatvik vegan buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Best for: anyone who would like to simply relax, do yoga and have ayurvedic treatments but also wants easy access to a beach and tourist attractions
Suitable for midlife solo women: Yes, very welcoming
Accessibility: the majority of rooms and treatment tooms are at ground level
Might not suit: Anyone wanting a strict, enclosed retreat or contemporary retreat
Would I return? Yes, for another short stay

Why I chose Veda5 in Goa for a short retreat

I wasn’t looking for a full 1-3 week Ayurvedic programme this time. I’d already done an Ayurvedic retreat in Sri Lanka, plus a naturopathy retreat and a breathwork retreat in India earlier in the year.

Instead, I just wanted a few days to completely relax, treat myself to some Ayurvedic treatments and maybe do some yoga.

I’d read about Veda5 and I was surprised to find you can simply book a few nights on Booking.com and add treatments once you arrive. So that’s what I did.

I was also curious whether Veda5 was somewhere I’d want to commit to a longer, structured programme, as I like to do an Ayurvedic retreat each year. Two nights was a good way to test the waters: a few treatments, some yoga, and time to chill.

the view across the lake at veda5 Goa — view across the lake to an accommodation block

About Veda5 Wellness Retreat in Arambol, North Goa

Veda5 in Arambol is part of a larger family of Veda5 retreats, with other locations in Rishikesh and Kerala. The Goa retreat has 20 rooms facing a lake and sits about a 10-minute walk from Arambol Beach.

→ Veda5 Rishikesh

→ Veda5 Kerala

→ Veda5 Goa

You can book a full Ayurvedic treatment plan, including detox, relaxation or Panchakarma programmes.

Alternatively, if you’d just like to sample what’s on offer, you can simply book a bed and breakfast stay, as I did, and then pick and choose treatments once you arrive. There’s also a full yoga programme included in this.

→ Learn more about full ayurvedic treatment plans at Veda5

→ Learn more about bed and breakfast stays

Getting to Veda5

The new Goa airport at Mopa is about a 53-minute drive away, and Veda5 can arrange a transfer for you. I was already staying nearby, so I just took a taxi.

Arrival at Veda5 and checking in

I was warmly welcomed on arrival and given a bhindi (coloured dot to the forehead) and mala beads.

After being greeted I was taken to my room, given the yoga schedule, which is comprehensive, a menu of treatments, the daily treatment offers and mealtimes.

The staff were particularly welcoming, which also makes arriving solo much easier.

a colourful bowl with colours for creating a bhindi and mala prayer beads — welcoming mala beads and bhindi

reception at Veda5, showing cosy seating area — Veda5 Goa reception

Veda5 treatment menu — the treatment menu

The Ayurvedic doctor consultation

Even though I’d only booked a two-night stay, I was offered a free consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor. It wasn’t as in-depth as it would be if you booked a full Panchakarma programme, but I appreciated it.

I explained the health issues I’d been having, and she carried out checks including my pulse, tongue, and eyes. I then selected the treatments I’d like to have.

Rooms at Veda5

Veda5 has just 20 rooms, and all of them face the lake. Some are small individual chalets, while others, including the one I stayed in, are simple rooms in a separate building.

My room was on the second floor. It was comfortable, clean, and spacious, with air conditioning, a kettle, a fridge and a balcony overlooking the lake.

However, what surprised me slightly was how dated it felt, as though it had been decorated in the 80s, even though the property was only built in 2017. It wasn’t a big deal, but it’s worth knowing if you’re expecting a boutique, modern look or even a more traditional rustic Indian style.

What made up for it was the view. Looking out over the lake from my balcony was lovely and incredibly peaceful, and watching the sunset from there was a highlight of my stay.

the bedroom at Veda5 Goa — my room at Veda5

balcony overlooking the lake at Veda5 Goa — lovely balcony with a lake view

Is Veda5 noisy?

Some guests in reviews I’d read on Booking.com had mentioned noise from nearby bars and whilst I wouldn’t say it was very noisy, I did hear some music in the evening.

Ayurvedic & Naturopathy treatments at Veda5

Veda5 has a large menu of treatments of both ayurvedic and naturopathy, plus special offers that change each day.

During my stay, acupuncture was on offer. I’d been having trouble with my knee following surgery for a meniscus tear, and I’d found acupuncture helpful at a naturopathy retreat I’d been on previously, so I decided to have some more. I also booked a full body massage and Shirodhara.

All of the treatments were excellent value for money.

board reading Oil Cupping 1200 R — Veda5 has different treatment offers each day (this was an offer for oil cupping approx. cost £9/$12)

Acupuncture in my room

The acupuncture took place in my room. The Ayurvedic doctor came with a box of needles and placed them in different areas of my legs while I lay on my bed. She then sat on the balcony while the needles did their work. It lasted about 30 minutes. I found it helpful for my knee, and it’s something I’d choose again.

Full body massage

The full body massage was a good, solid treatment that worked through each area of the body. It lasted an hour and was very good value for money. I’ve had a lot of Ayurvedic massages, some of them really excellent, so I’m a tough critic. I wouldn’t say this was up there with the best I’ve had, but it was a professional, deep treatment and one I’d happily recommend.

Shirodhara

On my second day I had Shirodhara, a classic Ayurvedic treatment in which a steady stream of warm oil is poured slowly over the forehead. It’s one of my favourite treatments, and I always find it incredibly relaxing. It’s a complete switch-off, and I always wish it would last longer. This one was no exception.

Discover Veda5

The treatment rooms

The treatment rooms are simple and practical. They’re a little dated in style, like the bedrooms, but they were clean and perfectly functional, and the treatments themselves were what mattered.

One practical tip: no treatment gowns were provided, so you need to bring your own, and it will get oily. This is quite unusual for an ayurvedic retreat as you are usually provided with them. Disposable underwear was provided.

shows Shanti Treatment Room at Veda5 Goa — one of the treatment rooms at Veda5

shows massage couch, small seat with a bowl for washing feet at Veda5 Goa — inside one of the treatment rooms

wooden steam box at Veda5 Goa — a traditional wooden steamer and chair for a foot massage

colourful image of a peacock and lotus flowers with candles at Veda5 Goa

Yoga at Veda5 Arambol: classes, teachers and what to expect

What surprised me most at Veda5 was how much yoga is available There’s a full programme every day, and you can pick and choose the sessions you want. All yoga was included in the cost of my room, which made the stay incredibly good value.

Classes take place in the yoga shala at the top of the lake, a short walk from the accommodation. It’s a large hall, but when I was there, classes tended to have only two to four people, and I noticed some guests having private lessons. The sessions on offer included early morning gentle yoga, Hatha, Yin, and Yoga Nidra, among others.

I really liked the feel of the yoga space. It was overlooking the lake and very calming.

yoga schedule at Veda5 Goa — Veda5 schedule including yoga

inside the yoga shala - buddha, chakra colours, yoga rolls an props at Veda5 Goa — yoga props

The teaching

I met two different teachers, and both gave clear instruction in English. They offered adjustments when needed, and props such as blocks and straps were used.

Is the yoga suitable for beginners or people with health conditions?

I felt there were enough sessions on offer to suit all abilities. The guests were a mix of ages, and some clearly had very little experience. It felt like an open environment for everyone, with nothing pretentious about it.

When I struggled with certain postures, the teacher offered a prop or an alternative, so I never felt I had to push through.

With such small classes, I’d imagine that if you stayed longer, you’d settle into a routine of the sessions that work for you. The teachers would get to know you, and the classes could be tailored to your body.

myself and the teacher in namaste prayer hands — taking part in a yoga session

Food at Veda5

The food was traditional sattvic (vegan) and it was delicious, with plenty of variety. Breakfast, lunch, and evening meals were all buffet style, with a huge range of dishes, which surprised me given that this is an Ayurvedic retreat.

At other places I’ve stayed, portions were very controlled, but here you can eat as much as you like. I certainly appreciated the variety and thoroughly enjoyed it!

I asked the doctor whether guests on specific programmes follow a different diet plan, and she confirmed they do. I’ll admit that if I were on Panchakarma, which is usually quite strict, it would take some willpower not to eat from the buffet!

trays and small bowls for food — collect your tray and bowls for the buffet

image of buddha on the wall with food on front of it

my tray of food - plate with salad, and five bowls containing different dhals, paneer and vegetables — delicious!

The dining room

Meals are served in an enclosed, air-conditioned dining room with windows looking out to the lake. There was an outdoor space but nobody seemed to use it for eating, which I thought was a shame as I prefer to eat outside.

tables inside the dining room — the dining room

a single table and chair overlooking the lake — table for one?

The grounds and atmosphere at Veda5

The lake is lovely to walk around. It only takes about 15 minutes, so it’s an easy, gentle loop whatever your energy level. There are also areas around the property for relaxing, though personally I loved my balcony.

overlooking the lake at Veda5 Goa — peace and tranquillity throughout the day

shows little figures in the phases of sun salutation — how to do the sun salutation

The motivational quotes

Something I found quite amusing was the sheer number of motivational quotes. They’re literally everywhere: in your room, in the dining room, in the treatment rooms, and on the sides of walls. It’s as if someone took every motivational quote they could find and showered Veda5 in them. I found it more amusing than motivational, but it made me smile.

Location: Veda5, Arambol Beach and the wider area

Veda5 is about a 10-minute walk from Arambol Beach, which is lovely. It’s nice to be able to step out of the retreat environment, head to the beach and open space, and then come back to the calm of the property. It’s a beautiful beach, and you can walk for miles.

I personally think the proximity to the beach is a bonus if you’re planning a longer stay, as you wouldn’t feel confined to the retreat. When I’m on a retreat, I like having an open space to walk, whether it’s in nature or a beach. I feel it frees the mind and helps you process the emotions that can arise. I found this out about myself on a two week Indian naturopathy retreat, which had very beautiful gardens and accommodation, but I couldn’t leave the premises, and I found that restrictive.

However, it’s important to note that Arambol beach is a popular beach with tourists as opposed to a private retreat beach and thus if you don’t want to step out of that ‘retreat bubble’ it may not be for you.

It really depends on what you’re after. If you want a strict retreat with no outside distractions, being this close to the beach and the village might not be for you.

Arambol beach close to Veda5 Goa — Arambol Beach close by

myself sitting next to a boat on the beach looking into the distance — space for reflection

Ecstatic dance in Arambol

The wider Arambol area has plenty to offer, and it’s also well known for yoga and ecstatic dance. I heard of one guest combining her stay at Veda5 with ecstatic dance sessions, so it’s easy to pair the retreat with what else the area has to offer.

How suitable is Veda5 for people with chronic health conditions?

I only stayed two nights on a B&B booking, so I can’t speak for the full programme experience, but my impression of Veda5 as an Ayurvedic retreat for someone managing health issues was that it would offer a relaxing environment with personalised treatment plans and ayurvedic doctor consultations.

If you have a health condition, I’d recommend speaking to your own doctor before you go, and talking to the Veda5 doctor before you book.

→ Find out more about Veda5 wellbeing programmes here

How accessible is Veda5?

The majority of the accommodation is at ground level, as are the treatment rooms and the dining room. The grounds of Veda5 are flat and walkable.

There are some rooms on the second level, so please specify when you book that you would prefer a ground level room.

If you have serious mobility issues, please contact Veda5 directly to ask about specific accessibility.

flat walking surface at Veda5 Goa — Veda5 offers a very flat terrain

Is Veda5 suitable for midlife solo women?

I stayed on my own and felt comfortable throughout. I didn’t notice other solo women while I was there, but the guests were a mix of ages, and it never felt awkward to be on my own, though I’m very used to it.

If you settle into the routine of yoga, treatments, and meals, you get into the flow, and I think solitude can work well for that. I also think if I’d stayed longer, I’d no doubt have met other people to chat to.

myself sitting cross legged next to the lake at Veda5 Goa — enjoying the moment

Veda5 pros and cons: what I loved and what I wasn’t so keen on

What I loved

All the yoga was included in the room rate, with a daily programme to pick and choose from. Great value.
A free consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor, even on a two-night booking, and a doctor who felt easy to talk to
Being able to book a room and add treatments once I arrived
Acupuncture in my room, and Shirodhara, which I always find incredibly relaxing
A buffet with a huge variety of saatvik vegan food, and eat as much as you like
A peaceful lake view from my balcony, especially at sunset
A 10-minute walk to Arambol Beach
The grounds were easy to walk around and on one level
Warm, welcoming staff

What I wasn’t so keen on

The rooms and treatment rooms felt a little dated, though they were clean and functional
The dining room is enclosed
No treatment gowns provided, so you need to bring your own

Who Veda5 suits

During my stay, there were guests like me who were there for just a few nights, and others on a full 1-3 week Ayurvedic programme. Guests were of all ages, both men and women, and a range of nationalities.

From what I saw, Veda5 would suit you if you want a structured Ayurvedic programme alongside plenty of yoga, in a small, relaxed place where the doctor is easy to talk to. The beach a short walk away is a bonus for a longer stay.

It may not be for you if you want a strict, enclosed retreat with no outside distractions, or a very traditional Ayurvedic approach to food. I found the abundance of food a little unusual compared with other Ayurvedic retreats I’ve been on, though I enjoyed it.

Is booking B&B at Veda5 worth it?

Definitely. I paid £107 for two nights, which included breakfast and access to the comprehensive yoga schedule.

Treatments were good value for money, and the buffet lunch and dinner were also very good value. I can’t remember the exact price, but I remember thinking it was great for what you get.

→ Book a short stay here.

Would I go back? Would I book a full programme at Veda5?

I’d happily go back to Veda5 in Arambol for a short stay. The yoga, the value, the lake views, and the easy walk to the beach made it a really good two nights. But would I book a full Ayurvedic programme here? Probably not, and it comes down to personal preference.

I didn’t love the accommodation. It was neither traditional and rustic nor contemporary, and it felt like it needed a revamp. I liked the balcony, but it was exposed in the sun, and I’d prefer a shadier environment. I also found the abundance of food a little at odds with an Ayurvedic programme. There were small practical things too, like no treatment gowns.

That said, I’d like to try the other Veda5 retreats in Rishikesh and Kerala, and I’m curious to see how they compare.

If you want a flexible, yoga-focused stay in a relaxed, friendly place close to the beach, the Arambol retreat could suit you very well.

Veda5 FAQs

Is a 2-night stay enough? It was enough for a good taste of the yoga, treatments and food, though it doesn’t replicate a full Ayurvedic programme which can last 1-3 weeks,

Does Veda5 offer full ayurvedic programmes? Yes, you need to contact the retreat directly and they will discuss the best programme to suit your needs.

Can I just book B&B and not have treatments or do yoga? Yes, it’s you choice. Some guests just book their room and don’t have treatments, do yoga or even eat at the retreat. They just want a peaceful environment.

Is the yoga suitable for beginners? There were enough sessions to suit all abilities, and the teachers offered props or alternatives.

Is Veda5 okay for solo travellers? Yes, I felt comfortable on my own, and the routine of yoga, treatments, and meals made it easy. I think a longer stay would also give you the chance to meet other guests.

Is Veda5 suitable if I have a health condition? I felt it was a good fit during my short stay, but check with your own doctor first and talk to the Veda5 ayurvedic doctor before booking.

Do I need to bring my own treatment gown? Yes. No treatment gowns were provided when I stayed.

Discover Veda5

About the Orchids to Olives Wellbeing Collection

Wellbeing Places on Orchids to Olives highlights destinations and retreats that feel particularly supportive for midlife women — especially those seeking calm, nature, and space to rest.

Many readers are navigating menopause, chronic health conditions or life transitions, so these places are chosen for their gentle pace, safety for solo travellers, and environments that allow the nervous system to soften.

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