7-Day Immersive Retreat for Men in Midlife in Goa, India
7-Day Immersive Retreat for Men in Midlife in Goa, India
Goa, India
Up to 10 in group
Sep 27 - Oct 3, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- Primal Movement: Martial arts and Qigong to sharpen instinct, restore strength, and reawaken the body.
- Elemental Immersion: Wild forests, open water, and laterite paths — nature as practice, not backdrop.
- Ceremony & Ritual: Cacao, breathwork, and sacred practice woven into the arc of the experience.
- Shadow Work: Meet what's been set aside. Reclaim what's yours.
- Voice & Expression: Speak, sing, reflect — find what's been waiting to surface.
- Embodied Inquiry: Mind-body practices that align thinking, feeling, and doing.
- Restorative Contrast: Cold plunge, heat, and rest — a nervous system reset.
- Nourishment: Locally sourced, nutrient-rich cuisine that feeds the work.
- Held Container: A men-only space — no performance required, no judgement.
- What awaits you: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVngMiMhdlx0KipoxkLI0s9FasuIiWtLb
- From the men themselves: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVngMiMhdlx1D80NtR22n7mkzhdXym2gc
- Learn more: https://inborderlands.com
About this Retreat
I offer therapeutic sessions focused on releasing trauma through mindful movement (Qigong, Feldenkrais, and yoga) and non-invasive touch (Craniosacral Therapy).
With a Master’s in Design from ArtCenter College of Design, I worked at Intel (US) researching technology’s role in the future of health. Over the past 25 years, I’ve studied, experimented
with, and taught what is broadly called Somatics. This includes a range of practices and therapies that prioritize the lived experience in the body.
Rooted in indigenous rituals and shamanic traditions, these practices have evolved and transformed over millennia, integrating insights and techniques from various spiritual, artistic, and therapeutic paths with learnings from neurobiology and modern imaging technologies.
This interest in lived experiences also extends into the interpersonal realm. I co-founded GATHR, an IRL social platform that produced unique events like surrealist slumber parties and intimacy hackathons—held in non-traditional venues. I’m really interested in the magic of authentic connections, with ourselves, others, and the environment around us.
I am a martial artist, storyteller, and musician based in Moira, Goa. I’ve spent the last 25 years training under various Indian and International masters.
After a lot of searching, I found myself in the Philippines to train under the legendary blade master of Pekiti Tirsia Kali, GrandTuhon Leo T. Gaje. I was lucky enough to become only the 2nd Indian to be accepted as his direct student and disciple.
In July 2020 GrandTuhon honoured me with the rank of Tuhon, the highest rank after GrandTuhon in the art of Pekiti Tirsia Kali. Fewer than 50 people hold this rank, and I’m currently the youngest Tuhon in the world.
A complete fighter is one who can strike, grapple, and use weapons. I already had a long relationship with the striking art of Muay Thai before going to the Philippines. To address the grappling aspect, I started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2016 and am now a blue belt under Professor Carlos Almeida.
In May 2017 I moved to Goa to set up my own martial arts school—LightHaven India. To me it is a temple to the martial arts and a place where I can work to fulfil tasks given to me by my teachers by spreading the arts of Pekiti Tirsia Kali, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
I use music as a tool to illuminate our inner landscape. With extensive travels across Asia and Europe, I have gathered unique and forgotten instruments and experiences, performing at music festivals, cultural centres, and meditation retreats. Exploring how regional ecosystems influence musical soundscapes, my work reflects a journey through diverse times, topographies, and philosophies.
I will attempt to guide you through the art of intuitive singing, fostering a space where you can explore and dream-journey, unearthing treasures from the dark, perhaps even discovering your hidden true voice.
They say you can take the Goan out of Goa but not the Goa out of the Goan. A Mass Communication graduate from Xavier’s, Mumbai, I handled communications strategy for top-tier brands at Ogilvy India. Later, I managed corporate communications and motorsports for Amaron Batteries. Drawn by an inner calling, I returned to Goa and founded The Local Beat in 2018.
The Local Beat was inspired by my desire to share the Goa I grew up in, that I know best. I didn’t realize I had knocked on the doors of Goa in the ’70s and '80s, and I had little idea it still existed in all its blitheness; an easy-going charm, as alluring as ever.
The great news—this Goa is very much alive. You just got to know where to find it and how to connect with it.
I find it extremely gratifying to connect and engage guests with our local community through stories, feni, and food. Recently, I received the Outlook Traveller Responsible Tourism award for our efforts to provide authentic, earthy, and heart-warming experiences despite Goa’s over-tourism.
I invite you to experience the unexplored parts of Goa and savor its beauty and richness.
Details of this retreat
Midlife isn't a crisis—it's a crossing.
Borderlands is a first-of-its-kind retreat in India:
* Crafted for men aged 35–60.
* Designed to address the real challenges of midlife.
* Integrating traditional wisdom and contemporary science—without dogma.
* Aligning thinking, feeling, and doing so you can live with clarity, compassion, and flow.
Life is shifting—career, relationships, identity, purpose. The 7-Day Borderlands Retreat is a deep-dive for men in transition. Seven days of structure, challenge, and honest reckoning to help you find what's next — with courage, clarity, and wonder.
Seven days held by forest, firelight, and something older than talk. Martial arts and Qigong, wild forests and serene beaches, contrast therapy and sacred ceremony—within tropical modern luxury.
Full retreat details: https://inborderlands.com/7-day-mens-retreat
Borderlands is a first-of-its-kind retreat in India:
* Crafted for men aged 35–60.
* Designed to address the real challenges of midlife.
* Integrating traditional wisdom and contemporary science—without dogma.
* Aligning thinking, feeling, and doing so you can live with clarity, compassion, and flow.
Life is shifting—career, relationships, identity, purpose. The 7-Day Borderlands Retreat is a deep-dive for men in transition. Seven days of structure, challenge, and honest reckoning to help you find what's next — with courage, clarity, and wonder.
Seven days held by forest, firelight, and something older than talk. Martial arts and Qigong, wild forests and serene beaches, contrast therapy and sacred ceremony—within tropical modern luxury.
Full retreat details: https://inborderlands.com/7-day-mens-retreat
Schedule
Explore primal martial arts and Qigong, wander through wild forests and serene beaches, and rejuvenate with contrast therapy and shamanic rituals, all set within tropical modern luxury.
Day 1: Arrival and Grounding
Welcome dinner, orientation session, introducing facilitators and participants.
Day 2: Foundations of Wellness
Martial arts/self-defense session. Bicycle to a local Goan thali lunch. Intuitive singing and music workshop. Qigong/Somatics session at sunset.
Day 3: Beach Day
Martial arts/self-defense session. Beach games, swimming, bodyboarding, with Qigong at sunset. Sauna, ice bath, breathwork, shamanic rites.
Day 4: Deepening and Reflection
Martial arts/self-defense session. Experiential Enneagram workshop. Qigong/Somatics session at sunset.
Day 5: Forest Whispers and Waterfall Echoes
Depart for a day hike into the forest, culminating at a beautiful waterfall. Arts activity in nature. Jump off a cliff! Sunset expressive arts. Dinner, reflection, and relaxation.
Day 6: Integration and Celebration
Martial arts/self-defense session. Shadow work session to delve into personal growth and integration. Cacao and blue lotus ceremony to celebrate the week’s journey. Live music. Sufi whirling.
Day 7: Farewell and Forward
Closing circle Qigong and reflections on integration post-retreat. Farewell and departures.
Day 1: Arrival and Grounding
Welcome dinner, orientation session, introducing facilitators and participants.
Day 2: Foundations of Wellness
Martial arts/self-defense session. Bicycle to a local Goan thali lunch. Intuitive singing and music workshop. Qigong/Somatics session at sunset.
Day 3: Beach Day
Martial arts/self-defense session. Beach games, swimming, bodyboarding, with Qigong at sunset. Sauna, ice bath, breathwork, shamanic rites.
Day 4: Deepening and Reflection
Martial arts/self-defense session. Experiential Enneagram workshop. Qigong/Somatics session at sunset.
Day 5: Forest Whispers and Waterfall Echoes
Depart for a day hike into the forest, culminating at a beautiful waterfall. Arts activity in nature. Jump off a cliff! Sunset expressive arts. Dinner, reflection, and relaxation.
Day 6: Integration and Celebration
Martial arts/self-defense session. Shadow work session to delve into personal growth and integration. Cacao and blue lotus ceremony to celebrate the week’s journey. Live music. Sufi whirling.
Day 7: Farewell and Forward
Closing circle Qigong and reflections on integration post-retreat. Farewell and departures.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Borderlands, Goa, India
Directions
Book your flight to MOPA International Airport (GOX) or Dabolim Airport (GOI) in Goa, India. GOX is ~40 min from the venue; GOI is ~1 hr 15 min.
Round-trip airport transfers are included in the retreat price—you don't need to arrange your own transport.
Round-trip airport transfers are included in the retreat price—you don't need to arrange your own transport.
Accommodation
The rooms feature king-sized beds, or the option of twin beds or an extra bed for shared occupancy. They include comfortable bedding, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, complimentary Wi-Fi, an in-room tea station, clothes rack, seating area, power outlets, and a private bathroom with shower, bathrobes, and housekeeping.
Private Single Occupancy Room
Shared Double Occupancy Room
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
On the list of 'most beautiful hotels in India' published by House & Garden UK and featured in the book '50 Glorious Hotels of India' published by Roli Books; our tropical modern accommodations serve as the perfect complement to the dynamic intensity of our program.
Nestled within expansive gardens and old trees, the estate offers spacious verandas and courtyards that blur the line between indoors & out. With two swimming pools and panoramic views, comfort melds seamlessly with the wilderness.
Nestled within expansive gardens and old trees, the estate offers spacious verandas and courtyards that blur the line between indoors & out. With two swimming pools and panoramic views, comfort melds seamlessly with the wilderness.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Our menu blends Indian and global flavours, with nourishing meals made from low glycemic, high prana ingredients. Dishes use minimally processed vegetables, local produce, and fresh seafood.
What's Included
- 6 nights luxury accommodation
- 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- All transportation during the retreat
- Martial arts program
- Qigong and Somatics sessions
- Beach activities with equipment rental
- A day deep in the forest with the elements
- Ice bath and sauna session led by a shaman
- Intuitive singing and music workshop
- Dream journey and guided subconscious exploration
- Cacao and blue lotus ceremony
- Shadow work and psychological integration sessions
- One therapeutic bodywork session
- Pre- and post-retreat consultations
- Group/individual Q&A with facilitators
- Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day
- Welcome drink
- Luggage storage
- Parking
- Wifi connection
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Any personal expenses or additional services beyond the program
- Visa fees
- Alcoholic drinks
- One beach lunch
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