12 Day "Yoga & Escapism" Retreat In Kerala, India

As you may already know, India is not a holiday destination but a life experience !

Come and experience Kerala from a different perspective.

This life changing retreat is all about you escaping your busy schedules to take time to look after yourself  & adopt a fresh outlook on your life, all in stunning surroundings.

The state of Kerala in Southern India, offers a wealth of natural beauty that will support your path to wellness and nourish your sense of adventure.

You will enjoy daily yoga sessions on a backdrop of breathtaking and unforgettable landscapes. 

Each morning will begin with a yoga and meditation class, aiming to open the body, attune the mind to the breath and set you up for the wonderful day ahead.

Late afternoon sessions will be more restorative and purposefully end the day on a quieter note.

We will start our journey on January 27 with 4 nights in Fort Kochi, the culturally rich capital city of Kerala state. Most afternoons will be spent exploring places of interest to include a cooking demonstration with famous chef Neema Veliyath.

We will also enjoy a dance show from the renowned Kathakali Troupe, among many other attractions.

We will take the scenic route to Tea Terrain Resort near Peermade.

A resort nestled among the lush greenery and picturesque hills of a misty tea plantations in Kuttikkanam, for the next 3 nights. Tea Terrain has its own Ayurvedic Spa where you can indulge in relaxing treatments.

More stunning lanscapes will be revealed as we wind our way down to the famous tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom. We will check-in at Abad Whispering Palms Resort for 2 nights.

A visit to Kumarakom wouldn't be complete without a stay on one of the iconic houseboats.

For us, it will be a full 24 hours of cruising through palm fringed waterways and coconut groves.

Peacefully drifting past lush paddy fields, villages and temples as we practice yoga on the top deck and enjoy authentic Keralan cuisine.

Our last night will be spent in a boutique hotel on Alappuzha Beach.

An entire afternoon and the following morning will give us time to explore the miles of golden sand streching before us.

We will hold our yoga and meditation sessions on the beach, enjoying the sunset.

On the last day, Friday 7 February, after brunch, we will enjoy a private interactive workshop with Dr. Ranjini Krishnan of BodyTree Naturals. We will learn to make a lip balm & massage oil, using traditional methods as well as local natural ingredients.

All venues have been meticulously selected to inspire and motivate you.

The days are organised around mindful activities that will help you switch off the "monkey chatter".

This retreat is packed with goodness for the body & soul.

We are all about human connections and always favour small groups so places are limited !

Rejuvenate • Yoga instructor Asha Jacob, a Kerala native, will hold morning and late afternoon sessions offering Hatha, Yin, and Restorative yoga, breath work and meditation - The yoga will be outdoors whenever possible, including beach sessions on Alappuzha Beach. 

Heal • There is free time scheduled most days, including a day of rest at Tea Terrain, a resort with a gorgeous Spa, where you can treat yourself to an Ayurvedic treatment. You can make the most of these moments of peace to press 'pause', dive into a good book, top up your tan by the swimming pool, get lost in thoughts, enjoy your own company and gently heal if that is what is needed.

Gratitude journaling • Florence Achery will guide you through a gratitude journaling session.

Explore • We have created a finely balanced mix of yoga sessions, meditation, workshops, cultural activities and downtime that will allow you to rest, look after yourself, enrich your soul, make meaningful connections, discover new horizons. Safely explore your feelings and enchanting surroundings. 

Yoga styles • Hatha • Nidra • Yin • Restorative - To suit all levels - There will be a brand new yoga mat in your goody bag but you are very welcome to bring your own.

Programme:

• Day 1 - Monday 27 January: Pick up from Kochi Airport •  Transfer to the hotel • Free time to settle  • Yoga • Dinner
• Day 2 - Tuesday 28 January: Hatha Yoga & guided meditation • Breakfast • Free time • Lunch in Fort Kochi • Guided visit of Fort Kochi/ Vasco de Gamma square/ Chinese fishing nets/ St Francis Church • Restorative Yoga • Dinner 
• Day 3 - Wednesday 29 January: Hatha Yoga & guided meditation • Breakfast • Free time • Guided visit of Dhobi Khan • Lunch • Visit spice & fruit markets • Mattancherry Palace • Jew Town • Cooking demo and dinner at Neema's Kitchen 
• Day 4 - Thursday 30 January: Hatha Yoga & guided meditation • Breakfast • Free time • Visit to Tripunithara Palace • Sadhya lunch • Kathakali troupe show • Dinner • Talking circle
• Day 5 - Friday 31 January: Hatha Yoga & guided meditation • Breakfast • Drive to Tea Terrain Spa Resort • En route, Lunch • Visit Vagamon Glass bridge + option of Zip lining • Check-in resort • Free time • Yoga • Dinner
• Day 6 - Saturday 1 February: Yin Yoga • Breakfast • Day of rest/ Spa • Lunch • Free time/ Cycling/ Walk around the estate • Restorative Yoga • Dinner • Gratitude journaling session
• Day 7 - Sunday 2 February: Hatha Yoga & guided meditation • Breakfast • Optional day out to Periyar Tiger Reserve • Trekking and Bamboo Rafting • Dinner • Yoga Nidra
• Day 8 - Monday 3 February: Hatha Yoga & guided meditation • Breakfast • Scenic drive to Kuramakon • Lunch on the way • Check in hotel • Free time • Restorative Yoga • Dinner
• Day 9 - Tuesday 4 February: Hatha Yoga & guided meditation • Breakfast • Free time • Lunch • Visit Bay Island Driftwood Museum • Yoga • Dinner
• Day 10 - Wednesday 5 February: Hatha Yoga & guided meditation • Breakfast • Drive to backwaters and board houseboat • Lunch • Afternoon cruise • Sunset yoga on top deck • Dinner 
• Day 11 - Thursday 6 February: Breakfast • Leave houseboat • Check-in hotel • Lunch • Free time/ Afternoon at the beach • Sunset yoga • Dinner
• Day 12 - Friday 7 February: Hatha Yoga & guided meditation on the beach • Swim/ walk • Brunch • Afternoon workshop at BodyTree Naturals  - Interactive workshop/ Learn to make a massage oil & lip balm using natural local ingredients with Dr. Ranjini Krishnan • Dinner • End of retreat/ Drop off at Kochi Airport 

• What’s Included • Pick-up from Kochi Airport • 11 nights luxury accommodation • Yoga / meditation/ breath work sessions with Asha Jacob • A brand new yoga mat • Gratitude journaling session • Guided visit of Fort Kochi • Tripunithara Palace visit • Mattancherry Palace visit • Kathakali Troupe Dance Show  • Cooking demonstration & dinner at Neema's Kitchen • Massage oil & lip balm making workshop with Dr. Ranjini Krishnan • Vagamon Glass bridge visit • Bay Island Driftwood Museum visit • All transportation • Assistance & guidance with flights booking and visa application • Drop off at Kochi Airport
• What’s not included • Flights to and from Kochi airport (Assistance and advice will be given on booking flights if required) • Visa (Assistance given if required) • Travel insurance •  Beverages (Non alcoholic/ alcoholic) • Some meals will be à la carte • Gratuities
• Optional excursions/ activities • Zip lining in Vagamon Park • Day out at Periyar Tiger Reserve which includes a 3 hour trek and 1 hour bamboo rafting.

Meet the team:

* Florence Achery will be your host and holding space during the retreat.

She will assist you with flights booking and visa application.

Florence will hold talking circles and a gratitude journaling session.

** Asha Jacob will be your yoga instructor.

Asha has over 13 years experience.

Asha fell in love with yoga because of what it taught her about herself and her life. It is a very gentle journey of discovery. Infinite possibilities and also that nothing stays the same !

The classes are not strictly structured. Like various poses, there is a constant flow and plenty of time to find stillness and calm.

Asha will offer guided meditation during the morning sessions then an energising class to set you up for the day ahead.

The evening sessions will be about a gentle restorative practice as we all deserve that essential rest for the mind and body.

Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced practitioner, Asha's classes will speak to you. Each class is unique and Asha is able to tailor classes to suit all levels.

Charity giving: 

£25 from every booking will be donated to a local charity.

Partner charity to be announced.

Costs:

• £1649 per person in a shared double room with en-suite bathroom - King size or twin beds - 2 people booking together (£3298 for 2)
• £1895 for single occupancy of double room with en-suite bathroom.

Reserve your place with £400 deposit - Balance due by end of December 2024.

To take advantage of paying by monthly installments, please WhatsApp, call or email Florence to discuss.

florence@yogaretreatsandmore.com

Phone +447517702266