Ayurveda & Yoga retreat in Kerala
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Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat in a wonderful setting amongst coconut groves in Kerala, India
Date: 11th – 25th January 2008 (7, 10 or 14 days Option)
With Deepa Moodgal and Rachel Auburn

Photos by Andy Martinez. http://www.andymartinez.co.uk
 

Kerala

Considered to be one of the most healing and culturally rich areas in India, Kerala is known as ‘God’s own country’ with its rich lush green vegetation, rivers, lakes and beautiful beaches, it’s a perfect place to unwind. The retreat is open to all levels of yoga practitioners, whether you are a beginner or wish to deepen your existing practice. This is the perfect way to start your New Year; -combining Asana, Meditation and Pranayama, with soothing Ayurvedic massages and tasty healthy South Indian food at a relaxing hilltop Ayurvedic retreat centre, set on a dramatic cliff top overlooking the sea in Varkala, Kerala, South India!

 



Why the combination of Ayurveda and Yoga?

Ayurvedic Hot Oil Therapy

The science of Ayurveda like the science of Yoga, was inspired and developed by the great masters and seers of ancient India. The origins of Ayurveda and yoga have common roots and play a highly complimentary role in spiritual evolution and the maintenance of physical well-being and vitality.

Ayurveda addresses not only healing but also prevention and maintenance of the vitality so is crucial in the practice of yoga.

Ayur in Sanskrit means "life" and veda stands for "knowledge" or "wisdom". The "wisdom of life" describes what is appropriate or inappropriate, what brings happiness or misery, what is good or bad for your personal flow of energies and herewith your longevity.

Supporting the natural balance in your body system, to harmonise the flow of energies is the aim when preventing and healing through Ayurveda.

At the heart of Ayurveda is the belief that the human body is a microcosm of the universe. The universe is built up of the five elements of nature: earth, water, fire, air and ether. The biological constitution of each body is based on these five elements. The so called doshas (Indian term for body constitution): Vata, Pitta and Kapha categorise each body type. An imbalance of the doshas can provoke ailments. The "wisdom of life" describes the natural healing.

On your retreat you will have a qualified Ayurvedic doctor available for a consultation, your food will be adapted to your own dosha (body type) and rejuvenated Ayurvedic massages will encourage a more supple and loose body as well as helping out in the detoxification process.


Your daily schedule (at a glance)

  • 7.00am - 8.00am
    Morning pranayama, and meditations
    Cup of tea or and fruit before morning asana class. if needed!
     
  • 8.30am - 10.30am
    Asana class; each session will vary according to the teacher, from a more flowing 'Vinyasa' style of working with your fluid body and the natural elements of fire, earth, water, space and air; and working on a deeper, personal level, letting your breath be your guide, to bring health and vitality to the body, peace of mind, and joy to heart and soul.
    With Chanting!!
     
  • 11am - brunch
    This will be delicious South Indian food, vegetarian.
    The day is yours for lazing, swimming, reading, exploring, shopping, and eating.
    We have a small pool and our own sandy bay!
     
  • 5.30pm - 7.30pm
    Evening asana class followed by dinner; a healthy one to complement your asana classes and ayurvedic treatments.


The holiday includes:

  • return airport/hotel transfers
  • all yoga classes - including meditation and pranayamas
  • accommodation in clean and comfortable rooms
  • all Ayurvedic treatments and massages
  • including a consultation, and any treatments required from an Ayurvedic doctor
  • tasty healthy South Indian breakfasts and dinners
  • a special back water trip along the rivers!


About the Oceano Cliff Top Ayurvedic Beach Resort Hotel & Kerala

  • Open-air restaurant

    In the centre of the hotel you will find a nice and cosy open air restaurant. Food can also be served in the pavilions on the cliff.

    Breakfast is varied, e.g fresh bread from the "German Bakery", fruits, juices as well as typical Keralan morning delights to introduce you into the habit of a nice spicy morning meal.

    For lunch and dinner snacks are offered with daily specials freshly from the sea and market, plus Indian and western delights.
     
  • Beach life

    Many secluded bays surround the beach area of Oceano. Purest natural spring water seeps from the rocks - a perfect cool refreshment after a dash into the ocean. The small pond is also a nice spot to sit in and relax. Sun umbrellas or diving goggles, snorkel and flippers are available.
     
  • Library, Bookshop, Phone, Internet Access

    The library and bookshop contains useful and entertaining literature in different languages. Internet and international phone facilities are also available. Please be aware of that Indian lines are not as stable as your fast Internet lines at home.
     
  • "Artist colony"

    India inspires. The nature, cities, people etc. let your fantasy fly. Just bring your own material, abundant space is available for your creativity. Feel free to find the right spot for you in our gardens.
     
  • Click here for more information on Kerala courtesy of WikipediaTour arrangements

    Kerala's nick name is "God's own country" - for a good reason. Don't miss the sights and cultural highlights. We are happy to consult and assist with tour bookings throughout Kerala.

    Boat trips to the backwaters
    Rent of a private houseboat in Allappy/Kollam
    Food markets in Trivandrum
    Temples and Palaces
    Trips to the tea plantations at the foothills of the Western Ghats
    Visits of the spice gardens e.g. Cardamon Hills
    Hiking trips to the evergreen forests e.g. Munnar Area
    A stay in the wildlife sanctuaries, e.g. Thekkadi
    Stays in ashrams, meditation 'camps'
    Through us you can rent bikes, motos or a car driver to explore the nearby area.
     

Duration

With a choice of staying for 7, 10 or 14 nights, this is the perfect place to relax, recharge your system for the year ahead and simply just be.
 

Visas

You will require a tourist visa to enter India, please contact the Indian Embassy, http://www.indianembassy.co.uk


Vaccinations

There is no compulsory vaccination for travel to India however you may want to visit your GP for further information or a Homeopath, for further information on Homeopathic remedies for travel please visit, Nelsons at http://www.nelsonshp.com or Ainsworths at http://www.ainsworths.com


Weather

Kerala has a beautiful tropical climate, with a maximum temperature of 33.c, sea levels stay at around 20.c.

We also have a small pool and our own sandy bay!


Culture & Ambience


What to Bring

  • Yoga Mat
  • Meditation Shawl
  • Simple & light clothing - including long sleeve tops
  • Sun cream & block
  • Sun hat
  • Insect repellent
  • Journal & pens
  • Torch
  • Alarm Clock
  • Sandals
  • Beach wear
  • A good sense of humour!

From experience it’s best to travel lightly. Most things can be bought in India at a cheaper rate, so if you forget something, don’t worry!!! ... There are lots of convenient stores around the town of Varkarla where you will be staying


International Flights to India

In addition to the above various agents and airlines travel to Trivandrum, try Yunnus at Crystal travel (020) 76120501


Domestic Flights in India

If you are already in India and need to get to Trivandrum, domestic internal flights are a cheap and safe option (see below)


Your accommodation

Accommodation at the Oceano Cliff top Ayurvedic beach resort
will be a choice of four types of rooms:

Standard room, Deluxe room, Suite and Deluxe Suite

Room Type Size 7 nights 10 nights 14 nights
Standard Single £450 £599 £650
Double £400 £550 £600

Deluxe Single £475 £615 £710 SOLD OUT
Double £425 £580 £680 SOLD OUT
Suite Single £520 £675 £760
Double £450 £600 £700
Deluxe Suite Single £600 £725 £820 SOLD OUT
Double £500 £625 £780 SOLD OUT

Standard rooms are ground floor clean and basic rooms with attached bath.

Deluxe rooms are ground floor rooms with attached bath, view to seafront and a veranda in front of the room.

Suites are two room studios with attached bathroom, shared balcony, and sea view.

Deluxe Suites are luxury furnished two room studios with luxury bathroom, private balcony and sea view.


Notes:

  • A non-refundable deposit of £75 is required to secure your place on the retreat.
  • The full balance is due 1 month before departure.

  • For late bookings 100% of the total cost is required.

 

Please always make sure you travel with insurance and contact the foreign office,
know before you go http://www.fco.gov.uk


Booking Form

A downloadable PDF booking form is available by clicking here

For more information, please contact Deepa on 07779 240985
or Rachel on 07914802512 or e-mail us at info@deepaspirit.com



email deepa
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