Question 1

Mode of transport?

Accepted Answer

As we are remotely located difficult to get here via public transport. Either you drive by yourself to enjoy the scenic route or take our usual cab service. 8000 to & from Mumbai international airport. Or anywhere in Mumbai.

Question 2

130, awata

Accepted Answer

130, awata is a remote farmstay by the Lake Vaitarna  in the middle of nowhere & trible belt of North west Maharashtra. It's a way of life which is sync with the local landscape and culture, built & operated with the local community.

Question 3

Do nothing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, do nothing. All this life you have done a lot, worked a lot, tried a lot, thought a lot, balanced many relations and wore many masks. Now, for a short time take a break, Do Nothing.

Question 4

Please elaborate

Accepted Answer

It's a silent detox retreat to do nothing. Yoga, meditation, workshops,  adventure, all of it is very much helpful &: fulfilling for a healthy life. But again like your work, relationship it either keeps you engaged or distracted from being with yourself in silence. We have been conditioned to always do something, to set targets and chase it. Which is not all wrong. But it is equally important to stop, observe and re look at your choices. The intention behind this retreat is simply to give you that time & space to get some insights. Not committing enlightenment, in case you do get it. Let us know how ;)
Stick to basic elements of life like eat, sleep, walk & breathe. Just try doing it almost awareness. Even if you have to think or plan your next step, be aware of it. It ain't easy to do nothing, trust me. Because you have never done it in awareness. You would be worthless, guilt, fear and several other emotions that would make you restless and a strong urge to take do something. And that's when you need to stay strong and hold on. Just breathe, observe to let it pass by and not react. By doing nothing you start a revolt a resistance to life long conditioning of reacting. Its just the first with relentless practice to make you feel at home, to be able to be nothing.

Question 5

Do I have to share the cottage?

Accepted Answer

That's absolutely up to you. You unnecessarily pay more. But even if you, doesn't mean you forget all the above preaching of maintaining silence, being with yourself, doing your thing or not doing.

Question 6

What are the charges?

Accepted Answer

5 nights (twin sharing basis) it would be 29500 
7 nights it would be 41300
5 nights ( single occupancy) it would be 37500
7 nights it would be  52500
Inclusive of all the meals.

Question 7

How long is the retreat?

Accepted Answer

We ideally recommend at least 5 -7 days. We have had participants for two weeks plus too. Because it take 2/3 days just to settle down and let you mind calm down. Post that you start observing and understanding what is happening and why and then comes the reaction in the form of boredom, restlessness as there are no distractions like yoga/meditation, do this or that. It's just you in the midst of nature in silence.

Question 8

What about food?

Accepted Answer

Trust us on that, it's well taken care of. Farm fresh meals that would take care of your stomach & tongues. Naturally, you can let us knw if you have any dietary requirements or restrictions.

Question 9

Why awata?

Accepted Answer

Awata retreat was consciously curated for the likes of mad nuts, misfits & black sheeps. Individual who love what they do & are passionate about it. For those who wish to share this experience with the rest of the community. 
The space and infrastructure has been specifically designed for artist, writers, architects & yogis and all those who wish to work for longer period of time in solitude while getting inspiration from nature. 
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Question 10

Does it mean I just come & sit in corner quietly?

Accepted Answer

Only if it was that easy. NO, you can walk by the lake, pick up farm activity, read a book, we have a pottery setup, do that. Paint, swim, watch stars at night, hike to the close by hills, connect with the local rural community. Just to that in awareness and hopefully alone. Slow down & take it easy. 
We are here to assist you with all the above. But we do not teach, train or preach. Did I say preach, sorry. Looks like I have already done a lot of that. But that's just to give you a clear picture before you end up in this remote place amidst raw nature surrounded by crazy nuts.

Question 11

When is the time?

Accepted Answer

We all go through that phase  in life when we face a creative block. Where we are standing at the edge & need to take a leap of faith or need a breakthrough or a fresh perspective. Or sometime just time to work on the idea.
All we need is quite space to ourselves; while we are not disturbed by day to day chores. Where we can brainstorm, get inspired by the raw nature and maybe collaborate with like minded people.

Question 12

I can simply do that at my home or book a hotel room?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely you can, will you? At home there is ALWAYS something to do with or without someone. At awata it's just easy for the basics are taken care of, ther is enough space to be by yourself and not get disturbed. Patching network beings in digital detox. And we never take more than 8 participants. Because not many can go through this ideotic idea, you would see 3/4 mad nuts like yourself apart from us who lost it long back ;)

Question 13

Who all attend this?

Accepted Answer

Homo sapiens and sometimes along with their four legged buddies.

Visual Arts: Painter, Sculptor, Illustrator, Print-maker, Photographer, Installation Artist
Digital and Media Arts: Graphic Designer, Digital Artist, Animator, Filmmaker, Game Designer, Virtual Reality Artist
Performing Arts: Actor, Dancer/Choreographer, Musician/Composer, Performance Artist
Literary Arts: Writer/Author, Poet, Screenwriter/Playwright, Journalist
Applied Arts and Design: Fashion Designer, Interior Designer, Product Designer, Furniture Designer, Architect
Community and Public Arts: Art Curator, Art Educator/Teacher, Community Arts Worker, Art Therapist

Question 14

What does the day look like?

Accepted Answer

If you are a early riser you can see the orange sun rise reflecting on the lake, enjoy the freshly prepared breakfast, spend some time reading or farming with us or learn soap making or pottery. Post farm fresh lunch you can cherish the afternoon nap and then be ready for evening walk to the nearby tribal hamlet, understand their way of life and observe calm fishermen on their tubes by the lake, play with your pets. Evenings are beautiful seeing the bird life returning home and then the stary stary night as the sky is crystal clear. If it's full moon then you see it reflecting on the lake and the landscape filled with thousand shades of grey. The day goes by with no white noise or that of any traffic or crowd. Simply listening to innumerable symphonies of nature.

Question 15

What are the benefits?

Accepted Answer

The moment you step out of the retreat, our tie with almighty will ensure to take care of all you emotional and financial needs & wants. ;) 
You would simply experience being with yourself without instantly reacting to the thoughts or emotions. With time you would let life happen and learn the art of being in sync with it.  It's a rabbit whole, a long & hard way to take charge and break the auto reaction pattern by bringing a shift in perspective. There is absolutely nothing romantic & poetic about. Hence with time you would not need any motivation or inspiration to lead your life. You would find a calm company within you.