For those of you who would like to take time out from our somewhat stressful festive season, here's a chance for you to do your own thing this xmas. Fly out to the warmth and beauty of North Goa to soak up some Indian sunshine and relax into a week of daily yoga practise with Pete Roussel and Jodi Boone.

This years' first Simply Yoga Retreat at the idyllic Satasanga Centre will combine asana, pranayama and meditation, in two classes a day with plenty of time spare to take in the beautiful beaches, colourful markets or just relax by the pool.

There will be two yoga classes each day offering up to four hours of practice, technique and guidance from experienced and compassionate yoga teachers Pete Roussel and Jodi Boone.

The asana will start off slow and restorative at the beginning of the week, developing into a more challenging practice as the week progresses. The challenge will not be in the severity of the poses, but the way in which we approach them with clarity, precision and technique.

During the week, in the sitting practice of meditation and pranayama, as well as in asana, you will be encouraged and educated in the use of props to make the posture more conducive to inner states of awareness.

The morning classes will be followed by a beautiful breakfast of sweet tropical fruits, yoghurt, muesli, and freshly baked breads. You'll have the day to relax and read by the pool, take in Goa's beautiful beaches or explore the colourful bazaars.

Classes will focus on the application of techniques that hold the body in stability without force, creating a fluid sense of wholeness through the action of the asana. The challenge will lie in keeping an attentive focus without losing a broader vision, whilst maintaining a steady deep breath without over breathing or losing sight of the techniques in the asana. Thus producing a sharp attentive and focused mind alongside a strong focused and precise body.

We will be refining the techniques of asana and pranayama to bring about the best possible circumstances for beautiful, spacious non-dual meditation. These morning meditations will be guided and as the week progresses there will be more and more silence.

There will be an enthusiastic and non-competitive approach to the practice and the week will be open to guests of all abilities. The focus will be more about 'how can I make this work for me' rather than 'what do I have to do?'. It will be about finding the relevance of the practice in helping us to understand and love ourselves better.

There will be plenty of opportunity for you to explore the beaches of Goa to swim in the warm ocean, sunbathe with a good book and fresh coconut milk and visit the bustling colourful markets of Mapsa and Anjuna with their hundreds of stalls, selling everything from clothes to statues, jewellery to cd's. The Saturday Night Bizarre is one of our favourite nights out, with it's live music, great food and wide array of stalls. (One of the largest markets in Asia).

There are plenty of places to eat out and plenty of places to enjoy being entertained with live music and performance. It's best to hire a scooter to get around (drive slowly and safely!) which can be organised at Satsanga. Many people however enjoy the quiet and relaxing nature of the retreat centre and spend their time hanging out by the pool in hammocks, drinking Mani's fabulous fruit juices and basically chilling out.

Please note that this holiday is mainly for twin rooms - there is some single accommodation but we cannot guarantee this.

The Satsanga Retreat is situated in Verla Canca, a small village located between Anjuna Beach and Mapusa. It really is a little paradise and we are blessed to be able to retreat in such a beautiful place!! The centre features an exquisite yoga shala (gorgeous soft wooden floor), a beautiful swimming pool with jacuzzi, shady terraces, hanging chairs and hammocks and a sunny courtyard for hanging out and eating fabulous vegetarian food.

Many guests say it feels like a "home-away-from-home" offering a relaxed community feel, one of the best yoga shala's in Goa and in close proximity to fabulous beaches and markets (5 - 10 mins on a scooter).