Coco Shambhala, Your Luxury Eco-Friendly Escape In The Lap of Nature

As the grand double doors of a traditional Indian haveli swung open, we stepped into a lush, verdant expanse, where a red Mandana stone pathway cut gently through the green. It may have felt like paradise, but this was Coco Shambhala—a serene luxury boutique villa tucked away in the untouched beauty of Sindhudurg, South Maharashtra. Just a 1-hour 40-minute drive from Goa’s Manohar International Airport (GOX), the four-villa retreat offers an escape into nature.

The brainchild behind this tranquil haven is Giles Knapton, a passionate Indophile whose early backpacking adventures through India inspired him to make Goa his home. His deep love for the country and its landscapes echoes through every corner of Coco Shambhala—a retreat designed not just to exist within nature but to thrive in harmony with it.

Designed as a retreat for nature lovers, the property is home to just four exclusive villas, each thoughtfully designed with an open-air lounge that flows into a private infinity pool. As we made our way to our villa, we were enveloped by the serene beauty of the landscape – lush greenery, vibrant native flora, and local fauna. The air was filled with birds chirping and the sound of the waves at the sea, while endless green stretched toward the horizon, blurring the line between earth and sky in a scene that felt nothing short of celestial.

What truly sets Coco Shambhala apart is the sense of privacy it offers. With no central reception, shared dining areas, or communal pool, every moment—whether a meal, a swim, or quiet reflection—is experienced entirely within the peaceful confines of your own villa.

The Villas: An Earthy Symphony

The villas at Coco Shambhala take inspiration from the local architectural language and are designed to celebrate the natural beauty of the region. Remarkably, the property has been created without changing the land.

As we walked along the stone pathway, it soon transitioned into wooden panelling, a subtle sign that we had arrived at our villa. We were greeted with a chilled glass of kaadi patta nimbu paani, a refreshing welcome drink to beat the heat.

Honouring Indian culture, each of the four villas is named after a Sanskrit word. Villa Arka celebrates the sun, Amaresha pays tribute to the sky, Inaya reflects grace and kindness, and the highest villa, Varenya, offers panoramic views of the sea and represents excellence and perseverance.

Staying true to the property’s open design philosophy, the villa doesn’t have traditional doors. Instead, a striking wooden wall marks the entryway. A simple rope tied at the entrance indicates the villa is occupied. If someone is at the door, they gently ring a bell with its soft sound, adding to the experience.

At the far end, an open-air living space overlooks a private infinity pool with uninterrupted views of the sea and lush greenery, allowing you to embrace the romance of tropical living. Inside, the design is intentionally minimal. The entire space evokes a sense of calm, like a meditative sanctuary. Adding to the soothing aura was the peace, which allowed you to hear the sound of the waves and the unique sounds of birds chirping.

Each villa features two bedrooms with attached bathrooms. While the open living area remains naturally ventilated, the bedrooms are comfortably air conditioned. The deliberate absence of stark white tones prevents the interiors from feeling too modern; instead, the rooms feel earthy, intimate, and connected to the outdoors, with private balconies offering views of the sea and abundant natural light. Furniture crafted from coconut wood pairs beautifully with modern comforts, creating a grounded yet luxurious atmosphere.

Inside the villa, the attention to detail is exceptional. Corks double as keychain holders, while terracotta plates and wooden serving spoons elevate in-villa dining with an artisanal touch. From the handcrafted furniture and textured entrance walls to soft linens, copper tumblers, and recycled lamps, every element of the space blends quiet luxury with a deep respect for nature. True to its eco-conscious philosophy, the property also uses solar panels, reinforcing founder Giles Knapton’s commitment to sustainable living woven through every corner of Coco Shambhala.

The Culinary Experience

Food at Coco Shambhala is a highlight in itself. Menus are personalised days in advance, designed around fresh, local, and organic ingredients. Meals are served in the privacy of your villa, where the housekeeping staff sets your table with warmth and care.

The in-villa dining concept lets you savour every bite without stepping out. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the experience is unhurried and designed to reflect the property's deep respect for nature. The menu offers a wide selection from vibrant mezze platters and Asian comfort dishes like ramen and gyoza, to traditional Maharashtrian fare, fresh seafood, and even Portuguese-inspired desserts.

Each dish oozed flavours, and the team in the kitchen went above and beyond to pack the dishes with flavour and give us a true local culinary experience. A few favourites for me were the Thali Peeth (a Maharashtrian classic), Misal Bhat, Coco Shambhala Soft Tacos served with rice tortillas, falafel, hummus, spicy sauce, Malwani Chili Chocolate Ganache the sweetest was balanced with soruness from the kokum sauce, Malwani chili and the crunch was added with local biscuit crumble and pomegranate.

Another favourite was the Bottle Gourd & Mustard Microgreens Soup with toasted sesame & asian sesame oil, which was as healthy as delicious.

If you like to eat healthy, their salads are delicious and full of freshness. From the zesty Raw Papaya and Bottle Mango Salad with tamarind and crushed peanuts, to the vibrant Turmeric Boiled Peanut Salad, and the unique Ridge Gourd & Gram Salad with smoky sesame-lemon dressing—each one is light yet flavourful. If you’re in the mood for something global, try the Chicken Gyoza, Clams and Drumstick Soup, Satay Paneer with pineapple, or the Curry Leaf Prawns with garlic and peanuts. The Prawn Ramen Bowl was filling, but the best dish for us was the Pan-Fried Barramundi Fish—served with burnt butter, capers, mashed potatoes, and green beans. It was cooked just right and melted in the mouth.

For those who want to learn more about local food, don’t miss the Malwani cooking class. The dishes are simple and use only a few ingredients with very little oil. We savoured the Rawa Fried Fish, Kothimbir Vadi (a delicious snack savory crisp, with besan, coriander leaves, sesame seeds & spices served with coriander mint chutney), Ambotik Curry with Prawns a sour, delicious & spicy laced with local sichuan peppercorns, Crab Sukha which can also be made with chicken, Varan; lentils cooked with coconut and turmeric had with Bhaat (local rice) and topped with ghee. If you love the paav and non-veg, we highly recommend the chorizo paav (one that needs to be ordered a few days prior).

To end your meal on a sweet note, we highly recommend the Serradura—a creamy Portuguese pudding with a hint of orange. The Coconut and Jaggery Crepes with orange marmalade and sweet potato puree were equally good. And for a local treat, the Modak—a traditional sweet dumpling filled with coconut and jaggery—is served with coconut sauce and feels truly comforting.

And don’t forget the drinks! Coco Shambhala serves lovely handcrafted cocktails and local beer. Try the Kokum Rum Cocktail for a fruity twist, or the White Rum with Jalapeño and Malwani Chili if you like something spicy. If you’re avoiding alcohol, the Kokum Sherbat is refreshing and perfect for a hot day.

Experiences Within Nature

At Coco Shambhala, the connection to nature goes far beyond the villas. For those who crave adventure, the team has carefully curated a variety of experiences that bring you closer to the region’s wild, untouched beauty. From the Ayca Spa, nestled among trees and lush greenery, to spotting dolphins, whales, leopards, and countless species of birds—both native and migratory—there’s something magical to discover at every turn.

Step outside your villa, and the experiences only get better. Whether you're looking for a thrill or just want to unwind, the options are plenty. Think private beach dinners, canoe rides, scuba diving, dolphin watching, cultural village walks, and more. During peak season, the calm sea, clear skies, and golden sun create the perfect setting for outdoor adventures like snorkelling, island visits, barbecues on the beach, and tours of the historic Sindhudurg Fort.

When the monsoon arrives, everything around Coco Shambhala turns green and beautiful. One of the best things to do during this season is to hike up to Nivati Fort. The path takes you through a thick forest and gets a little steep, but if you enjoy walking and being active, you’ll love it. And if you go with a fun group, even the hard parts feel exciting. Once you reach the top, you’ll see wide open green spaces and stunning views of the sea. It’s totally worth the effort. On your way back down, take a walk along the beach. The waves gently touch your feet, the breeze is cool, and the sound of the sea is so calming. It’s the perfect way to end the trek before heading into the nearby village to experience a bit of the local culture.

But our favourite part? The hidden waterfall. In a quiet part of Sindhudurg, there’s a beautiful waterfall tucked between the trees. You’ll hear it before you see it, and when you finally do, it takes your breath away. Surrounded by natural rock formations and tall trees, the sight is magical. You can’t help but jump in. The water is cool and clear, the pressure feels like nature’s own massage, and tiny fish nibble at your feet. With the mist in the air and views all around, it’s more than just refreshing—it feels like therapy for the body and soul.

Water lovers can head to Bhogwe Beach to soak in stunning sunset views or enjoy a peaceful morning stroll at Nivati Beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at deep-sea fishing (you might catch Giant Perch, Barracuda, or Rock Cod). Guests can also gather edible seaweed and sea urchins, then return to the villa and learn how to turn the day’s catch into a delicious coastal meal.

Don’t miss a boat ride to Nivati Cove—a picture-perfect escape where the coastline unveils its hidden charm. Glide over clear waters, relax on a picnic surrounded by nature, and explore the quiet, untouched pockets of this beautiful region. For a taste of local culture, attend a traditional Chitrakathi art class led by skilled artisans, watch a puppetry performance, or take a scenic boat ride down the Walawal River, where you’ll spot rare birds and uncover ancient temples tucked away in the forest.

In a world that rarely slows down, Coco Shambhala offers exactly what we all crave—a peaceful escape into nature. Whether you're floating in an infinity pool with views of the sea, listening to birdsong and the soothing sound of waves, or simply doing nothing at all, this is luxury at its purest. Coco Shambhala delivers the ultimate luxury.