*Limited to 12 men
Balance the dynamic yang of martial arts with the nurturing yin of somatics. Cultivate visceral self-awareness, build emotional intelligence. Ground in nature. Play! Enjoy warm hospitality at a beautiful tropical modern estate nestled on a tranquil backwater island.
Physical rigour
Test your limits with challenging physical activities.
Nature connection
Immerse in elemental outdoor experiences.
Holistic practices
Engage with integrative mind-body sessions.
Gourmet local food
Savour nutrient rich, locally sourced cuisine.
Personal insights
Gain depth through reflective workshops.
Community bonds
Forge connections in a diverse group.
Restorative spaces
Relax in luxurious, thoughtful environments.
Secure environment
Trust in a safe space for deeper exploration.
Men often hide behind stoicism and individualism, finding it difficult to express their need for support. Most retreats are designed with women in focus, but men thrive in environments that align with their strengths, like structured activities and shared challenges. Borderlands was created with these principles at its core.
We blend cutting-edge scientific approaches with time-honoured cultural practices. Our facilitators are experts—grounded, empathetic, passionate—who work together so that every session contributes to a multimodal journey that addresses the mind, body, and spirit.
Tailored for men in midlife transition, our retreats foster connections with peers facing similar life shifts. Discover supportive paths for growth and change in a community that understands the challenges and opportunities of this transformative period.
Rediscover nature’s fundamental teachings. Dive into elemental experiences—on land, in water, under the sky—to reawaken your instincts and reconnect with the earth’s natural rhythms.
Embrace both vigorous challenges and engaging play. This balanced approach pushes physical limits while fostering joy and clarity, leading to deeper fulfilment and a more profound understanding of oneself.
Our retreats challenge your body, stimulate your intellect, and delve into emotional depths. Through dynamic discussions, cooperative games, and meditative practices, participants break old patterns and embrace new opportunities for growth.
Balancing polarity is a central theme in many ancient practices including Taoism’s yin and yang and Hatha Yoga. Mirroring these concepts, the science behind self-regulation plays a similar role.
This dynamic serves as the foundation for our retreat’s structure: intense physical and mental challenges balanced by deep, nurturing relaxation.
Designed for men, our program starts with energising ‘yang’ activities, guiding participants to discover their ‘yin’—the serene, introspective aspects. This progression leads to a balanced state, fostering open, effortless social connections and a sense of flow.
For more information about the different modalities on offer and why we chose them, click here.
Late afternoon
Arrival by 5 pm. Settle into accommodations, walk, swim.
Evening
Welcome dinner, orientation session introducing facilitators and participants.
Early morning
Martial arts/self-defence session.
Mid-morning
Breakfast and personal time.
Afternoon
Bicycle to a local Goan thali lunch.
Late afternoon
Intuitive singing and music workshop.
Early evening
Qigong/Somatics session at sunset.
Evening
Dinner and relaxation.
Early morning
Martial arts/self-defence session.
Late morning
Depart for beach day 😎
Afternoon
Beach games, swimming, bodyboarding, with Qigong at sunset.
Evening
Sauna, ice bath, breathwork, shamanic rites.
Early morning
Martial arts/self-defence session.
Mid-morning
Breakfast and personal time.
Afternoon
Experiential Enneagram workshop: find yourself on this map of the ego, deep personality insights, and applied relational dynamics.
Early evening
Qigong/Somatics session at sunset.
Evening
Dinner and social revelatory games.
Morning
Depart for a day hike into the forest, culminating at a beautiful waterfall. Arts activity in nature. Jump off a cliff!
Afternoon
Local lunch and feni tasting in nature.
Late afternoon
Return to accommodations. Free time: relax, get a massage or explore property.
Evening
Sunset expressive arts. Dinner, reflection and relaxation.
Early morning
Martial arts/self-defence session.
Mid-morning
Breakfast and personal time.
Afternoon
Shadow work session to delve into personal growth and integration.
Late afternoon
Free time, reflection, and relaxation.
Evening
Cacao and blue lotus ceremony to celebrate the week’s journey. Live music. Sufi whirling.
Early morning
Closing circle Qigong and reflections on integration post-retreat.
Mid-morning
Breakfast—our final meal together.
Late morning
Farewells and departures by noon. Book your flights post 2:30 pm.
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 am a Brazilian former MMA pro athlete and a 4th-degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I am the current ADCC South Asia Division 2 Champion.
My martial arts journey began 25 years ago, and since then, I’ve travelled the world, sharing the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA.
In 2023, I moved to India, drawn by the intense hunger for quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training. This passion I saw here inspired me to dedicate myself fully to spreading the art I love—an art that has brought me immense joy and fulfilment.
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 prioritise 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.
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 motor sports 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 realise I had knocked on the doors of Goa of the 70’s and 80’s, 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 savour its beauty and richness.
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.
On the list of “most beautiful hotels in India” published by House and 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 and out. With two swimming pools and panoramic views, comfort melds seamlessly with the wilderness.
*Limited to 12 men – secure your spot before prices increase!
*Refer a friend to get an additional 10% discount
*Limited to 12 men – secure your spot before prices increase!
*Refer a friend to get an additional 10% discount
