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?
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)
7am - 9am Asana Class; You will flow into a beautiful creative sequence, and your practice will work on a subtle and more personal level. We believe in letting your breath be your guide, to bring health and vitality to the body, peace of mind, and joy to heart and soul. It's a perfect setting for an opening on many levels.
With Chanting!!
9-10am Breakfast
This will include an Ayurvedic breakfast, including porridge, fresh fruit and traditional South Indian foods such as Dosa's and fresh fruit juices!
12-2pm Lunchtime
Delicious Ayurvedic food according to your constitution or choose from the array of local dishes offered on the menu!
Treatment slots will be:
9.30 - 11.00 AM
11.00 AM - 12.30 PM
1.30 - 3.00 PM
3.00 - 4.30 PM
5 - 6.30pm Yoga Practice
Another wonderfully led asana class outdoor's with an absolutely breathtaking scenary.
Classes include Meditation and Pranayama
6.30 - 9pm Dinner
The holiday includes:
airport transfers Trivandrum
all yoga classes - including meditation and pranayamas
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
