Borderlands – Head.Heart.Guts

Father. Son. Partner.
Boss. Employee.

Feeling overwhelmed by the many hats you wear? Take a moment for self-reflection. Do your roles align with your core values and unique gifts? Discover how to forge deeper, more genuine connections with yourself, others, and the world around you.

 

Venture into the Borderlands. An alchemical journey that aligns the head, heart, and gut. Upgrade your OS, become antifragile, find flow.

Midlife bridges past and future into a transformative now. Channel the potential inherent in this pivotal moment. Reignite your adventurous spirit. Explore the rugged textures and unexplored territories of self.

Next retreats:

Corjuem, Goa

2024: Nov. 24-30

2025: Feb. 09-15

*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.

What you will
experience

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.

What sets us apart?

1. Crafted for men

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.

What sets us apart?

2. Science meets tradition

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.

What sets us apart?

3. Midlife connection

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.

What sets us apart?

4. Elemental engagement

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.

What sets us apart?

5. Play and effort

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.

What sets us apart?

6. Holistic growth

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.

Next retreats:

Corjuem, Goa

2024: Nov. 24-30

2025: Feb. 09-15

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.

Program design

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.

Program details

Arrival and grounding

Late afternoon
Arrival by 5 pm. Settle into accommodations, walk, swim.

Evening
Welcome dinner, orientation session introducing facilitators and participants.

Foundations of wellness

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.

Beach day

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.

Deepening and reflection

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.

Forest whispers and waterfall echoes

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.

Integration and celebration

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.

Farewell and forward

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.

Facilitators

Aditya Roy

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.

Facilitators

Carlos Almeida

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.

Facilitators

Qusai Kathawala

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.

Facilitators

Mack Barreto

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.

Facilitators

Vishesh Kalimero

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.

Home base: Avanilaya

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.

Our retreat menu blends contemporary Indian and global flavours, offering nourishing meals made with low glycemic, high prana ingredients. You can look forward to dishes prepared with minimally processed vegetables, local seasonal produce, and freshly caught seafood.

Booking options (early bird pricing – ends Oct. 6, 2024)

Single occupancy: ₹1,60,000 / $2000 (all inclusive)

Double occupancy: ₹1,30,000 / $1625 (all inclusive)

*Limited to 12 men – secure your spot before prices increase!

Booking options (early bird pricing – ends Oct. 6, 2024)

Single occupancy:
₹1,60,000 / $2000 (all inclusive)

Double occupancy:
₹1,30,000 / $1625 (all inclusive)

*Limited to 12 men – secure your spot before prices increase!

What’s included

  • Luxury accommodation
  • All transportation, including airport transfers
  • All meals
  • 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
  • Cacao and blue lotus ceremony
  • Enneagram workshop
  • Shadow work session
  • One therapeutic bodywork session
  • Pre- and post-retreat consultations
  • Group/individual Q&A with facilitators

What’s not included

  • Flights
  • One beach lunch
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Additional massages and other individual purchases

What you can expect from us

  • Thoughtfully curated mind-body experiences
  • Experienced, articulate facilitators with unique insights
  • Personalised attention
  • Liberating and mind-expanding adventures
  • Invigorating challenge and deep rest
  • Respect for your boundaries
  • A safe space that celebrates your uniqueness
  • A customised toolbox for the second half of your life
  • Unforgettable memories

What’s expected from you

  • A playful and experimental spirit
  • Being present, engaged, and vulnerable
  • A willingness to digitally detox
  • Commitment to personal growth and exploration
  • Respect for all participants and the space
  • Responsibility for your choices
  • Maturity to listen to your own body
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