Hey, Leopards! We're always on the lookout for super cool, unique places to visit and we couldn't be more excited to share with you our find, all the way in India... Wigwam
So, Wigwam is a boutique homestay in Mandrem, North Goa. A beautifully serene oasis in a jungle location with fully furnished luxury Tipis.
Inside the super cool Tipi huts - sleeping under the stars
We caught up with Leopard babe Tanya - the co- founder of this magical place and here's what she had to say about our bucket list essential, Wigwam Goa.
So Tanya, tell us what Wigwam Goa is all about...
My partner and I wanted to create a unique experience in India, bringing like-minded, health-conscious people together to live in harmony with nature and enjoy a relaxed, fun vibe - a home away from home. So we created WIGWAM - a tipi retreat off the beaten track in a rustic Goan village, surrounded by jungle. We offer a range of accommodation, including 1 and 2 bedroom luxury modern apartments, daily yoga classes with different teachers each day, healing therapists on site (including me!), an organic cafe and various events running most evenings. We use organic and local food wherever possible and have a nourishing menu of smoothies, fresh juices, freshly baked breads, salads and loads more.
Amazing wall art by the talented Mikey Brain
Shower in the openness of the jungle surroundings and feel completely free with nature
What would a typical day look like for you at the moment?
Mornings are my favourite part of the day. I wake up and feed our pets Mango, Disco and Chicken (cats) I grab a herbal tea and head to the yoga platform, either for my own personal practice or a class with one of our teachers here. Then I begin work! There is always lots to do here, and we have a busy schedule over the season. Looking after guests is always my main focus. Then depending on the day, I'll either pop into the village for some shopping or meet a friend for lunch/dinner. Every day is different and that's one of the things I love most about living here!
What is the best thing about living at Wigwam Goa?
This sounds cheesy but it has to be our guests! Seeing people enjoying themselves and getting to know the magic of Goa is so rewarding for us. Also, understanding that the fruits of our garden provide so much for our daily routine - palm leaves over our head for shade, coconuts on our table for food and wildlife all around us to lift our souls, we really feel it is a special place.
You must meet people from all walks of life who come and stay at Wigwam Goa - are any two days the same?
We love that every day is different, guests arrive from all corners of the world. Goa is a very diverse place and we get some colourful and interesting guests making each day different. We have many creative, artistic people visiting Wigwam wanting to collaborate. It is such a gift to be able to host events at our space and offer people something fresh and exciting! Last year we had a friend from Mexico here who built a sweat lodge, which was a fantastic new experience for us all, and this year we have all sorts of exciting events happening in our gardens. We also have themed evenings and special guests lined up, so watch this space!
Wigwam Cafe serves delicious smoothie bowls and other healthy treats that are all from local and grown produce
What is your day-to-day style? Do you think it has been impacted by living in Goa?
I've been visiting Goa for the last 12 years and it has definitely influenced my wardrobe. Decent boots are a must in Goa because of all the dirt and riding a motorbike. People always laugh when I tell them to bring a leather jacket but it gets very chilly at night. And of course, Dancing Leopard dresses are always a great option!
Wigwam founder Tanya rocking DL at Wigwam Goa
If you had to give one top tip - what would it be!?
Our coconut man sells fresh coconut oil and I use it for everything!! Body, hair, mouth pulling, I even cover the animals with it to make their fur soft. Everything becomes more simple when living in a hot country - I don’t use as many beauty products as I used to.
Not only is Tanya a total boss babe, she's also super creative and has designed the Indigo Disco Jackets with unique, embroidered patchwork available at her on-site Dancing Leopard boutique!
What is your favourite thing to do when you get some down-time? How do you relax?
Go to the beach of course! We live close to my favourite beach in Goa - Mandrem, and I love to jog along the sand barefoot and jump in the ocean - looking back at the beautiful view is the best.
We loved chatting to Tanya and hearing all about her life in Goa and her Wigwam experiences. If you would like to know more about Wigwam or book your dreamy stay, get in touch with them here:
Book your stay: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/23408528
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wigwamgoa/?hl=en
Don't forget to let us know if you add Wigwam to your bucket list, we would love to hear from you!
Boss babe Tanya wears our Mae dress in Purple Daisy
The lovely Tanya in our Samba dress
FUN FACT: Not only is India close to our hearts and where we have found much inspiration for Dancing Leopard - did you know that the very first Dancing Leopard stall was at the Saturday Night Bazaar in Goa?