Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat in Kerala, South India
An authentic journey by the ocean in India. Next retreats :
March 2027 · from 11th to 20th
☼ 10 days / ☽ 9 nights
Discover my indian paradise : tropical jungle, ocean and ayurvedic healing traditions.
THE LOCATION >
Kerala, the birthplace of yoga and Ayurveda. Just a few minutes’ walk from the Arabian Sea, the yoga shala where we’ll be staying is a place filled with vibrant energy. The most beautiful beaches are just an 8- to 15-minute walk away, along a lovely street lined with small cafés and local shops, where you can stroll at your own pace.
Here, life unfolds to the slow and joyful rhythm of South India. The days flow between yoga sessions led by experienced Indian teachers, personalised Ayurvedic treatments, swims in the warm sea, and delicious vegetarian meals.
Surrounded by the ocean, lush jungle and striking red laterite cliffs. This place, perched on a majestic cliff overlooking the sea, radiates a rare kind of energy. Travellers come here to reconnect with themselves, with nature and with others. Dolphins swimming offshore, golden light dancing on the sea, conversations with local residents, little shops and cafés overlooking the ocean… Everything seems perfectly aligned to help you release tension in both body and mind.
I chose this yoga shala because it was here, almost ten years ago, that I first discovered what I consider to be the true essence of yoga. Yogis who know this place return whenever they can. It’s an experience that is better lived than described.
Run by a caring Indian family. This is a place that touches us deeply and brings us closer to ourselves and to one another. In this neighbourhood, everyone knows everyone, and you quickly feel at home. It’s a little world of its own, a small paradise perched above the sea, a hidden gem you carry in your heart for a lifetime.
Here, life follows the relaxed rhythm of South India (shanti shanti, as the locals often say) with no need to rush. Time seems to slow down here.
THE SEASONS IN KERALA >
Kerala is beautiful all year round, with each season offering a different experience.
October to March is the high season, with warm, mostly sunny days, clear skies and pleasant evenings. It’s the ideal time for yoga, swimming, exploring and enjoying the outdoors.
June to September is the monsoon season. There is more rain, but also incredibly lush nature, fresh air and a peaceful, intimate atmosphere. The rain often comes in beautiful showers rather than lasting all day. It’s a quieter and very special time to experience Kerala.
(April & May are the warmest and more humid months, just before the monsoon)
Yoga teachings and classes
THE YOGA MASTERS >
Discover a blend of traditionnal classes taught by 2/3 indian masters and Sepideh herself. Spoken language(s) : Mainly English. Translation in French is possible.
THE YOGA LEVEL >
Level 1 : Gentle to moderate practice
This retreat welcomes everyone, from complete beginners to regular practitioners. No prior experience is necessary.
The pace is moderate in the mornings, with a more active practice to get us moving, and gentler in the evenings with Yin Yoga. A lovely balance between movement and relaxation, without pushing ourselves too hard.
If you haven’t practised yoga in a while, or if this is your very first time, don’t worry: you’ll naturally find your place here. We take our time, move at our own pace and share meaningful, restorative moments together.
THE YOGA STYLES >
We will practice together two complementary approaches to harmonize active energy and relaxation:
— Haṭha हठ, a pillar of traditional yoga (morning): an energizing and structured practice. It begins with sun salutations, a fluid sequence of postures (āsanas) that awaken the body like a conscious dance. This is followed by static postures held for about ten breaths each. In India, Hatha is considered one of the most powerful forms of yoga.
— Meditation, mantra chanting, pranayama, philosophy, mudras, ayurveda (workshops): these practices complement the physical work by focusing on the breath, understanding of yoga, and inner calm. Meditation invites you to dive into self-awareness, while pranayama acts as a subtle regulator of vital energy (prāṇa), bringing mental clarity and soothing.
— Yin yoga and Yoga Nidra (evening): a gentle practice to release tension and promote relaxation. Stretching prepares the body for Yoga Nidra, also called yogic sleep. It is a deep relaxation practiced lying on the back, guiding you into a state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep, ideal for letting go and inner regeneration.
The program: soaking up the sun, yoga, and back to simplicity.
ARRIVAL DAY >
Flexible arrival — Welcome & Check-in (Day Off)
Arrive at the villa anytime and settle into your room at your preferred time (overnight or during the day).
Take your time to explore the surroundings, unpack your bags, and breathe in the tropical air. This is a rest day for you to relax and get comfortable.
6:00 PM — Opening Ceremony in the Hindu Tradition (1:30 hour)
Together, we will open the sacred space of the retreat: a fire purification ritual (havan हवन), setting intentions (sankalpa संकल्प), and chanting mantras, led by a Hindu priest. This ceremony sets the foundation for your inner journey.
8:00 PM — First dinner together
FOLLOWING DAYS >
7:00 AM — Golden Silence & Ayurvedic Herbal Tea
Begin the day in stillness, without speaking. Enjoy a warm herbal drink, listen to the birds, feel the morning sun and meditate on your mat… A gentle awakening for the body and mind.
7:30 AM — Energising Hatha Yoga & Yogic Awakening (1h15)
A morning practice combining mantra chanting, pranayama (conscious breathing) and Hatha Flow to awaken vital energy. A moment to release physical tension, calm the mind and cultivate mindful yoga, beyond performance.
From 9:00 AM — Ayurvedic Treatments (1–1.5 hours)
Enjoy personalised treatments inspired by Ayurvedic principles and tailored to your individual needs and dosha.
10:00 AM — Nourishing Kerala Brunch
A colourful and generous vegetarian brunch inspired by Kerala’s sattvic cuisine. Ayurvedic-inspired dishes designed to nourish the body gently and bring a mindful approach to eating.
Afternoon — Free Time & Exploration
Rest, swim in the sea, enjoy a massage, discover small boutiques and cafés overlooking the waters, have clothes made by a local tailor or explore the neighbourhood on foot. There is plenty to discover nearby.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace, with time for rest, exploration and reconnection.
4:00 PM — Workshops: Meditation, Pranayama, Ayurveda & Yoga Philosophy (1–1.5 hours)
Each day, a new theme invites us to explore the philosophy of yoga and its teachings. Through shared reflection and group discussions, we deepen our practice, explore a simpler and more conscious way of living, and discover how to integrate these teachings into everyday life.
Different teachers will guide the sessions, offering a variety of approaches, practical tools and enriching experiences. Sepideh will lead the yoga philosophy sessions in both French and English.
6:00 PM — Gentle & Traditional Evening Hatha Yoga (1 hour)
A gentle practice combining deep stretches to release tension, followed by Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation traditionally practised while lying down. A moment of grounding, deep relaxation and integration.
7:00 PM — Vegetarian Dinner with Local Flavours
Nourishing and balanced dishes, lovingly prepared with fresh ingredients from the village. Enjoy comforting Indian cuisine infused with coconut, rice, cardamom and other culinary treasures of Kerala… A true journey for the senses.
LAST EVENING >
Day off, integration and rest until dinner time.
8:00 PM — Traditional Dinner Together
We’ll end the day with a traditional Kerala dinner shared as a group.
9:00 PM — Closing Ceremony
We will close the retreat as we began it: in a circle, with open hearts and eyes slightly glistening. A powerful, intimate, and symbolic moment that honors what each participant has experienced, felt, released, or discovered during the week of practice. It is also a moment of gratitude; for the place, the group, and oneself. A gentle way to close a chapter that will stay alive within us long after we return.
DEPARTURE DAY >
8:00 AM — Gentle Hatha Yoga & Closure Meditation (1 hour)
A final mindful practice to anchor the benefits of the retreat in body and heart.
9:00 AM — Farewell Breakfast
One last gentle meal together, under the warm sun of South India.
11:00 AM — Departure from the Venue
You can leave your luggage at the shala and enjoy your last day exploring the surrounding area. Many yogis leave during the day, while others have late-night departures, sometimes after midnight.
Curated experiences in Kerala, by the shala
The shala offers a selection of local experiences, allowing you to discover Kerala beyond the yoga practice :
HINDU CEREMONIES & OTHER SURPRISES >
Meaningful cultural experiences and traditional ceremonies, lovingly and thoughtfully organised by the shala to introduce us to the culture of South India in an intimate and authentic way. These special moments will be woven throughout the retreat, making it an unforgettable experience.
LUNCH ON THE WATER & PRIVATE BACKWATERS CRUISE >
Spend a peaceful, contemplative half-day aboard a traditional houseboat, exploring Kerala’s famous backwaters. Discover palm-lined canals, mangroves and riverside villages. It’s a world of its own: slow-paced, immersed in water and almost suspended in time, where life follows the gentle rhythm of the water and the silence.
Glide peacefully through lush vegetation, past rice paddies and coconut palms. Lunch is freshly prepared on board and features simple, homemade vegetarian Keralan cuisine, served in the local tradition.
On board, everyone is free to enjoy the moment in their own way: meditate, read, chat in a quiet corner, take a nap or simply watch the scenery drift by. It’s an invitation to slow down, let yourself be carried along and savour the present moment. A day without expectations, without stress and without a rigid schedule. Just water, light and the feeling of being exactly where you’re meant to be.
VISIT TO HISTORIC HINDU TEMPLES >
Discover several temples, including one of Varkala’s most iconic temples, accompanied by the owner of the shala. He will introduce us to the rituals, symbols and traditions as a local would, offering an authentic insight into Kerala’s spiritual heritage. There may also be an opportunity to receive a prayer or blessing from the priests.
Ayurvedic massages & treatments
You can choose between the two Ayurvedic massages included in your retreat or opt for a more immersive Ayurvedic experience with eight treatments :
AYURVEDIC MASSAGES: 2 TREATMENTS (INCLUDED) >
Enjoy two traditional Ayurvedic oil massages, offered by the shala and included in your retreat.
Having experienced these massages myself many times over the years, I can tell you they’re one of my favourite parts of being in Kerala. There’s something deeply relaxing about the warm herbal oils, the traditional techniques and the feeling of being truly taken care of. I always love coming back to them, and I’m happy to share this little ritual with you.
THE AYURVEDIC CURE: 8 TREATMENTS (OPTIONAL) >
If you’d like to go a little deeper, you can opt for a personalised programme of eight Ayurvedic treatments over the course of your retreat, at an additional cost.
Depending on your programme, treatments may include:
- Abhyanga: a traditional full-body massage with warm herbal oils.
- Shirodhara: a gentle stream of warm oil poured over the forehead.
- Kizhi: a treatment using warm herbal poultices.
- Udvartana: a traditional massage using herbal powders.
- Other traditional Ayurvedic treatments using herbal oils and plant-based preparations.
Your programme begins with a consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner, who will recommend suitable treatments according to your individual needs.
If you feel drawn to explore Ayurveda beyond the two massages included in our retreat, this is a lovely opportunity to immerse yourself more deeply in these ancient traditions, with dedicated time for yourself, your wellbeing and a slower rhythm of life.
The optional programme is arranged directly with the shala upon arrival.
The accomodation
- Private room
- Shared room for two, with two separate single beds.
We’ll be staying in a traditional yoga shala run by an Indian family, where simplicity and a gentle pace of life are at the heart of everything.
There’s no unnecessary luxury here: just comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, windows overlooking the garden and the sound of birdsong. It’s a chance to return to the essentials, in an authentic place where life follows the rhythm of Kerala.
A warm, family-like atmosphere fills this special place, where you’ll feel at home from the moment you arrive… and find yourself wanting to return again and again.
Flights & Transfers
Once the retreat is confirmed, you can go ahead and book your flights :
AIRPORT >
Destination: Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), in South India.
TRANSFER TO THE SHALA >
The airport airport is approximately one hour’s drive from our retreat location. A private taxi can be arranged by the shala for around €30–40 per journey. You may also share the cost with other participants.
VISA FOR INDIA >
A visa is required to travel to India : official link here. Please apply well in advance via the official Indian visa website. Flights, visa fees and transfers are at each participant’s own expense.
The cost
The total cost of the retreat is €1,990 per person.
Booking and payment steps:
- Reserve your place: a non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your booking.
- Retreat confirmation: once the minimum number of participants has been reached, you’ll receive an email inviting you to pay the remaining balance of the retreat.
- One month before departure: you’ll pay for your accommodation directly to the shala.
Flights and visas are not included. Please wait for official confirmation of the retreat before booking your flights. I’m always happy to answer your questions by email and help you organise your stay.
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