Going to Goa and … studying? Is that what we’re suggesting? Seriously?

Seriously. But before you divorce us forever, wait to hear the rest: if you choose to visit Art Escape, Goa, you get to stay in bamboo huts with colourful porches, take classes by the sea, swill mojitos with arty types at a mosaic-floored bar. And the lessons themselves? Workshops in djembe and beer-making, photography and tai chi, design and experimental theatre (schedule for the season opens on November 9). Movie buffs can also check out film screenings and supper theatres.

Most importantly – you can participate in all these fun-yet-uber-productive activities and still find time to grab a beer and chill on the beach, doing absolutely nothing. Hatch – 22!

I Like Big Huts and I Cannot Lie

The property is located a couple of minutes away from Trinity Beach in South Goa, and consists of a restaurant/lounge that serves a bunch of different cuisines (and fun drinks), leafy art studio, and 12 bamboo cottages that are cute but mostly rudimentary, keeping with the back-to-nature theme of Art Escape. We suppose you’ll have to cramp someone’s style.

Wave Reviews

Run by a collective of freewheeling artists, Art Escape features all the activities of a self-respecting modern day commune: art classes, recycling and sustainability drives, wine-making workshops and (hopefully) some free love. They also organise open mike nights and the Goa Wall Project along with book clubs, fishing expeditions, bonfires, concerts and other interesting activities.

On the schedule this week (November 3 – 7) are pottery, art and painting workshops, steak night with live music, and a Friday night barbeque. Rah!

Getting there: Art Escape, Goa, Trinity Beach, South Benaulim, South Goa, call Darryl at 9881568756 or visit the Facebook page here, starts at Rs 1,400 for a night, breakfast included.