Shesha Veda Gozo

Shesha Veda Gozo is an Ayurveda retreat in San Lawrenz, a quiet village on the west coast of Gozo, the smaller sister island that lies a short ferry ride north of Malta. The idea behind it is simple: a calm place to slow down, with traditional treatments, yoga and unhurried meals, open to anyone whether they want a full inner reset or just a peaceful break from the pace of home.

On VisitMalta.co.uk the retreat is listed with our meditation centres in Malta, alongside spas in Malta and yoga studios in Malta. If you are planning the wider trip, our Gozo guide covers getting across and what else the island offers.

Who runs it and why it exists

The retreat was founded by a couple, Kristin and Christian, who came to Ayurveda through their own search for a more mindful, natural way of living. A Panchakarma treatment in India, a traditional course of cleansing and rest, left a strong impression on them, and they went on to discover Shesha, a Kerala-based Ayurvedic company whose products became part of their daily lives. The retreat on Gozo grew out of that experience.

Their approach goes beyond classical Ayurveda. Alongside treatments they offer ways to practise healthy living, yoga, and gentle support for emotional balance. If you are weighing up a trip to the islands, our guide to things to do in Malta helps you fit a retreat day around sightseeing.

Ayurvedic treatments and massage

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of wellbeing built around balancing body, mind and spirit, and the treatment list here is organised along those lines. Signature therapies include Abhyangam, a full-body oil massage, and Marma therapy, a massage working on vital energy points, both from €59. Dhara, a continuous flow of warm herbal oil, starts from €39, while Elakizhi, a massage with warm herbal leaf bundles, starts from €69.

Other therapies include Pizhichil, the so-called royal oil bath, from €99, Kativasti, a spine-care treatment, from €39, and Indian head massage and Nasyam, a nasal cleansing and rejuvenation treatment, both from €29. For something more familiar there are Western-style options: deep tissue, lymphatic, aroma and hot stone massage, facials, and short back, neck and shoulder or leg and foot massages, from €29 upwards.

Treatments are given by experienced therapists. Maya has more than 20 years of practice and has offered Ayurveda in Malta and Gozo for over two decades, and Arun, trained in Kerala, has practised here since 2011. A senior Ayurvedic physician, Dinesh Kumar, also forms part of the team. This is a wellbeing service; it does not replace advice from your own doctor, so raise any health questions with the team when you enquire.

Yoga, Qi Gong and the retreat stay

Movement classes are taught by several guides. Michelle teaches Vinyasa, Kundalini and Restorative yoga with meditation and breathing practice, while Wendy offers Hatha, Vinyasa and Restorative yoga in a gentle, personal style. Sasha leads a Qi Gong class built on flowing movements that stretch, tone and ground the body.

The retreat has six guest rooms, each with a double or queen-size bed, a private bathroom and Wi-Fi, some looking over the garden, the sea or towards Għarb. Bernadette de Souza, who has more than two decades in hospitality and Ayurveda, looks after guests from check-in onwards. For other places to base yourself across the islands, see our guide to where to stay in Malta.

Ayurvedic skincare and gifts

The retreat also runs an online shop for the Shesha Ayurveda range, made in Kerala to classical Ayurvedic formulations. It includes rose water, shampoo and conditioner, hair oils, face and body creams, soaps, herbal powders, massage oils, plant-based hair colour and even bamboo toothbrushes. The range sources ingredients mainly from the Western Ghats of Kerala. A treatment day paired with a product to take home makes a considered gift.

Planning your visit

Gozo is reached by ferry from Malta, and flights from the UK land at Malta International Airport, so see our flights to Malta guide to start planning. The west of the island is at its best between spring and autumn, and our Malta weather guide shows what to expect month by month.

If you want a day on the water after a retreat, the Blue Lagoon on Comino is a short boat trip away, and our list of the best beaches in Malta includes Gozo options. For a wider overview, our Malta holidays overview pulls everything together. To ask about treatments, classes or a stay, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to the retreat.